I absolutely love the old-school romanticism of carrying a flask. Flasks filled with spirits rose to popularity during the Victorian era, when they would be carried to keep one warm on the hunt.
But I’m not much of a hunter. Or much of an out-of-doors person at all. So for me, it’s like I have a little secret in my purse! I went to a gala this past weekend, & maybe, just maybe, I might have had a purse-secret!
Remember, however, that a flask isn’t about getting hammered. Most only hold between three & five ounces anyway, which should be just enough to keep you warm.
There’s a fine, fine line between being the saucy minx who carries a flask, & just being on the sauce. So I do feel like there are some rules & regulations to follow when you’re flasking it.
Sharing is caring. If you pull your flask out in front of people, you have to share. Remember, though, that sharing a flask is a sacred act of friendship, so don’t pull it out in front of someone you don’t want to have that bond with. But sharers beware! If you’re at a place where a flask would be a good idea, & you don’t have one, you are at the mercy of those with flasks. (S)he who has the flask is In Charge. As the owner of the flask, you have some rights though–the first & last nips always belong to you. However if you choose to offer the first pull to your fella or lady, that’s a nice touch which should be appreciated.
Use your flask only for good. Put your foot in it? Offer a pull. The lubrication of a little whiskey or bourbon can smooth over all but the most brutal of faux pas. Speaking of using it only for good, remember that a flask is considered an open container if you’re going to be in a car! Don’t break those laws.
Take good care of your flask. Don’t leave liquids in it more than three days, since you don’t want it to rust. Clean it out by running hot water in it, & letting it dry out overnight with the cap off. Every few uses of your flask, or every time you use a different alcohol in it, add a few drops of lemon juice to your hot water rinse to really clean it. No matter what you do, never use soap in your flask! It’s impossible to rinse away, & you’ll ruin it for future use.
Personalize it. Engraving your flask is only a few extra bucks & well worth it as a conversation piece. Don’t overlook giving a personalized flask as a gift—it doesn’t have to just be a monogram, why not engrave an inside joke on it for your best friend? Do make sure you don’t give a flask empty; fill it with the recipient’s favourite libation.
Discretion is key. To that end, don’t use overly smelly booze in your flask, because everyone will know what you’re up to. Vodka, bourbon, & whiskey are all good choices, & schnapps are acceptable if you’re going to be out in the cold. Don’t get too hung up on people “catching” you with your flask, but be nonchalant & rogueish about the whole affair. There’s a cool that comes with flasking which should never be taken lightly.
Bring it to the right places. If you’re going somewhere there’s going to be a bar, I would recommend not bringing your flask there. It just looks cheap, & makes you look like a rummy. Remember also that Saturday night is very different from Monday morning, & you’re not Don Draper. Maybe don’t bring that bad boy to work.
Good places to flask:
- Outdoor sporting events
- The movies
- Golfing
- Whilst doing anything outdoorsy: mountain biking, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing
- On picnics
- At the beach
- Around a campfire
- On train rides
Take a moment. After a nip from your flask, take a breath. Appreciate where you are. Really notice who you’re with. A flask is not about showing off; using a flask is about softening the edges of a hard world with stolen moments shared with those you care about the most.
How about you? Do you carry a flask? What do you put in it? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Photo source.
