Buzz button, anyone? 

It's that time of year where we all sit around an elaborate meal fielding questions, like "Why don't you get married?", "Why don't you buy a house?", or "Why don't you visit home more often?". For others, it's an exercise in self-control as we try to refrain from saying anything political—or, shall we say, "generational". Regardless, the truth is that as much as we may try civility, sometimes we fail to bite our tongues, let a comment slip, or dig ourselves into a hole. If that should happen, we at OCN have found the perfect change of subject: Tingala.

Whether you love it or don’t get the whole mouth buzzing thing, chemesthetic adult beverages—or drinks that add a tingly mouth-numbing sensation—are quickly growing in popularity. According to Forbes, the most popular drink at the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas is just that, and it generates over $9.4 million in sales per year. Why? The executive chef at the hotel says that the "buzz button" flower they use not only provides a novel new mouthfeel, but it also excites your tastebuds and takes you on a flavor journey that's completely unique. 

But you don't have to go to Vegas to try it.

In Denver, a large number of bars are experimenting with Colorado-based Tingala—an all-natural, gluten-free, high-proof liqueur infused with the "buzz button" flowers that electrify otherwise ordinary cocktails. It's also quietly making its way into many of the state's large liquor retailers.

We've tried it, and it's definitely unlike any other spirit on the shelf, which is a very, very good thing. Its cinnamon base isn't overly sweet and its floral, citrusy finish is an exercise in balance that has us wanting to add it everything, especially this year's holiday cocktails. 

We're not the only ones who feel that way, too. Tingala joins other Colorado spirits producers, like A.D. Laws, Golden Moon, Marble Distilling, and Stranahan's, as medal winners at this year's San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 

“They are an intense experience for the palate,” writes California reviewer Chris Tunstall. “The flowers take the palate on a “crazy journey that can last a few minutes."

How's that for a party trick? So, the next time things get a little political, heated, or somebody says something in poor taste, bust out the Tingala and quickly get back to something "in good taste"–it might just save your holiday party.

What are your thoughts? Have you tried Tingala in a cocktail? If so, what did you think? Log in and let us know in the comments section.