I, like many of you, just turned 21, but with the age seems to come an added responsibility. Turning 21 opens up the doors to the bars and endless alcohol, but it also forces you out of the dive bars where you have been served since college started and the parties where bad jungle juice is the only option. It’s totally normal not to know what fancy drinks are or what’s even in them.
With the new sophistication of bars that regularly serve things other than bottled beer and other drinks, I have found that my experiences of working in a bar have really come in handy. I am here to share that knowledge with you.
Here’s a guide on some great drinks you can order that won’t break your wallet. You can still order them with vodka (or other liquor), but I do highly recommend Kettle One.
Let’s start with some for the new birthday girl:
Birthday Cake shots. These are simply Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur) and citron vodka. You can chase them with a sugar coated lemon, but they really don’t need it. They taste exactly like birthday cake.
Royal Flush Shots. These are a perfect shot to do with your guy friends who are into dark liquor because it’s a happy medium between that and something sweet. This shot is Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey, Peach Schnapps, Chambord, and cranberry juice. Most bars will know this shot by name and the recipe is pretty standard.
Now onto the standard mixed drinks..
My absolute favorite drink does not have a name. It’s vodka, sprite, cranberry juice, and a splash of lemonade or sours. It’s a little bit of a pain to describe to the bartender every time (it needs a name) but, I promise, it’s worth it.
Sweettart. You’ll find many different recipes for the drink with this name, including some at home versions that contain Everclear and Kool-Aid, so if you order it at a bar, be specific on what you’d like in it. Otherwise, expect to get something different, although it may be just as good. This drink is made with grape vodka, sours, and a splash of cranberry juice.
Vodka and Soda/Sprite. The next drink is the easiest, but definitely the most useful to know. You can order this one with no problem when the bar is packed on a Friday night. Pick your favorite flavored vodka (grape, cherry, mandarin, or my personal favorite raspberry) and mix it with Soda, for a more bland taste that accentuates the flavor of the vodka, or Sprite for a more tangy taste that hides the vodka a little better. This can also be done with a flavored rum, such as Bacardi Dragon Berry.
Breezes. For a Melon Breeze, mix Malibu coconut rum and pineapple juice topped with Midori melon liqueur. For a slightly different taste, substitute the Midori for grenadine. That is called a Malibu Breeze.
Lastly, we have a couple martini style drinks that are perfect for a girls night out. As an added tip, order these when the bar isn’t busy or be sure to tip extra well.
Cosmopolitan. This is a standard drink that tastes awesome when the bar makes it right. Do not order these at a bar with inexperienced bartenders and beware, the alcohol content is higher than you think. This drink is citron vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
Raspberry Cosmopolitan. For an even better Cosmo, try this one. It is raspberry vodka, Grand Marnier orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Nakama in Southside also makes a great version of this drink called the Nakama Cosmo.
Blueberry Martini. This is one of those drinks that will change depending on where you order it. Typically, this drink is blueberry vodka, Chambord raspberry liqueur, and triple sec. Pittsburgh Cafe, on campus, however, makes an awesome one that may be slightly different than the recipe above.
And to finish off, if you’re not sure what you want, ask the bartender to make you something. Bartenders spend a lot of time behind the bar and they all have a few fun drinks up their sleeves. Some of them are drinks that they’ve just made up, which often turn out to be the best. And, always remember to drink responsibly and tip your bartender.