Quick backstory before we start pouring, mixing, and drinking:
This past summer I worked as a bartender at a modern-italian restaurant, Vespa, which prided itself on not only its food but its bar offerings of craft and classic cocktails with high-end liquor. We made everything in-house, from infused syrups to Bloody Mary mix, and juiced our own citrus. But this is college, we’re on a budget, and we’re lazy. Now back at school I can use (and share) what I learned over those three months to try and escape all the classic (and, let’s face it, shitty) college drinks. Before we begin:
The measurements indicate part ratios, but it can be whatever amount you want. I do 1 part = 1 oz/1 full shot glass. So if it’s 2 part vodka 1 part OJ, that can also be 3 oz vodka 1.5 oz OJ, or 1 oz vodka .5 oz OJ, etc. All that matters is the ratio stays the same.
No pressure, measurements don’t have to be perfect. You’re making it for yourself, after all, and not paying $13 for it.
Never pour over ice, add it after mixing ingredients together.
HOLD UP: first you gotta make (or buy) your simple syrup, AKA liquid sugar. It’s easier than making mac and cheese, which we're masters at.
All you need is equal parts white granulated sugar and boiling water. Let’s start with a half cup of each, mix em together in a heat-resistant bowl until sugar is completely dissolved. Let it cool and done; called “simple” syrup for a reason, just like “blackout” bucket.
Note: since you are making it for yourself (and/or friends), the measurements are flexible; like it strong? Add .25-.5 liquor to taste. Like it sweet? Add .25 to taste.
Now get your shot glass, cup, and spoon. Let’s do it.
1. Mojito
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/mojito-242527
What you probably already have:
White rum, lime juice, seltzer/club soda
What you might need to buy:
Mint
How:
Muddle* mint in .75 of simple syrup, add 1.5 rum and .75 lime, top with ~4 seltzer/club soda. Add a cute lil mint leaf on top if you're feelin' extra fancy. Hint: Want a blueberry mojito? Maybe grapefruit? Muddle up a small hand full of fresh blueberries or 2-3 grapefruit wedges with the mint for a nice twist.
2. Moscow Mule
What you probably already have:
Vodka, lime juice
What you might need to buy:
Ginger beer
How:
Mix 2 vodka with 1 lime; top with ~3 ginger beer
3. Dark & Stormy
http://josephcphillips.com/2015/05/dark-and-stormy...
What you probably already have:
Dark rum
What you might need to buy:
Ginger beer
How:
Top 1.5 rum with ~3 ginger beer
4. Daiquiri
What you probably already have:
White rum, lime juice
What you might need to buy:
Any flavoring you want: raspberries, strawberries, mango, coconut
How:
If adding flavors, muddle* your fruit in .5 simple. Add 1.5 rum and .75 lime juice. Hint: want it frozen? Blend it up with some ice
5. Margarita
http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2015/04/classic...
What you probably already have:
Tequila, lime juice
What you might need to buy:
Triple Sec
How:
2 tequila, 1 lime, .75 triple, .25 simple
Hint: want a salt/sugar rim on your cup? Just slide a lime wedge around the brim and then dip it in 1:1 salt:sugar mix that's laid out on a plate.
6. Whiskey Sour
What you probably already have:
Bourbon or rye whiskey, lemon juice
What you might need to buy:
Nada
How:
2 whiskey, .75 lemon, .75 simple
7. Tequila Sunrise
What you probably already have:
Tequila, orange juice
What you might need to buy:
Grenadine (reduced/sweetened cranberry juice)
How:
2 orange, 1 tequila. Add ice, then slowly pour in .5 grenadine and watch the pretty colors separate.
8. Long Island Iced Tea
For when it's just one of those weekends
What you probably already have:
A bunch of different alcohol, lemon juice, coke
What you might need to buy:
Triple sec (could probably sub orange juice)
How:
Combine 1 of every alcohol in your freezer/closet/pantry with .5 lemon, .5 triple sec. Top with ~2 coke.
**Muddle: rip up and crush the leaves with a spoon/fork/spatula in the cup
