Fun drinks are just that, fun! The problem is that they often take planning, and let’s face it… planning isn’t any college students’ strong suit. So here are some fun drinks for different tastes and seasons that can work at any budget. Take your pick.
Jello Shots
You may ask yourself, why are jello shots on this list? Everyone knows how to make those. Well, most people make them too strong, don’t let them sit long enough, or pick the worst flavors imaginable. So here’s how to do it right.
Don’t use water. What? Not water? That’s right, there are two different ways to go about not using water. First, use white grape juice in its place. Many times, people use less alcohol if they want to make the shots less strong. With white grape juice, that’s not the case. The juice makes the shot sweeter without killing the alcohol content. However, keep in mind that by using juice in water’s place, the shots take longer to set up. Plan accordingly.
Another alternative to water is to choose a different juice that works with a mixed drink. For example, use vodka, grapefruit jello, and cranberry juice– voila, a Sea Breeze jello shot. I just blew your mind didn’t I? There are several variations you can do with this method. Another is blending peach and orange jello mixes, then adding vodka and cranberry juice. The end result is a Sex on the Beach jello shot. It tastes like heaven.
Tip: When making jello shots, or any mass mixed drink, buy cheap liquor. Make sure it’s at least 70 proof, but you don’t need Belvedere or Ciroc. Frugality is a virtue.
Photo Credit: j-shots.com
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Fall Themed Drinks
Most people have had a Washington Apple shot, but have you ever had an Apple Pie shot? A lot of people have heard of spiked cider, but never actually tried it themselves.
Cider is the key here–it’s an awesome mixer. With spiked cider, the ratio is about 3/5 cider to 2/5 spiced rum. It’s delicious and gets a decent buzz going. In this recipe, warm cider is actually not always the best idea. It can be hard on your stomach. Your ratios can differ according to personal taste, but cider is a strong flavor and generally will compliment any alcohol very nicely.
The apple pie shot is a personal favorite of many people I’ve hosted. It’s super simple to make–except that it can’t be premixed like many shots. The recipe is this: half a shot of Goldshlagger and half apple cider. More than 50% alcohol will kill the drink, so don’t get pour happy. It’s easy to take and tastes great and since it’s half as strong, you can have double the normal amount! What’s better than that?
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Birthday Shots
This section could be a book really. Some people believe that a birthday shot should just be straight (insert liquor here). I think it should be strong but taste better than straight liquor. If you’re a Tequila drinker, or at least a Tequila buyer for a birthday girl/boy, make the shot with ¾ Tequila and ¼ Cranberry juice. The cranberry lends very little to the liquor itself, but takes away that strange warm kick from a plain Tequila shot.
Another is a La Cucaracha shot. This one varies though: it’s made of half FourHorsemen and half Amaretto, with a 151 floater. You light that sucker on fire and then drink it through a straw. It’s strong, but the amaretto keeps it drinkable. And it’s ON FIRE.
Hot Shots
The final shot I will leave you with is another of the on-fire variety. This is the Flaming Dr. Pepper. Some classier bars will serve this if you ask for it, but rarely do people think to make one for themselves. It’s relatively simple as well: fill a shot glass with amaretto and a 151 floater. Use a match or a long lighter to light the shot, and then drop it into a half glass of beer and chug it. I know, I know. This sounds horrendous. But it literally tastes just like Dr. Pepper. And ladies: this is also a tasty way to show the boys that you can drink with the best of them!