Cocktails for college: A guide for better drinking

Written by Ben Macaluso in Entertainment, Food and Dining, Lifestyle, Uncategorized on Oct 14, 2011 3:19 / comments

Keystone Light makes me want to choke more than when our previous president had an incident with a pretzel. When this “beverage” is served at college outings, it sends the message that the host or hostess enjoys torturing their guests. Even Miller High Life would be a better choice. It might not be the best option, but with its “Champagne of Beers” slogan, at least it is pretending not to taste like… well you can fill in the rest.

College is expensive. But on the occasion of good company and good food, treat yourself and your friends. Whether you are at a party, the bars or a restaurant, here are some suggestions for alternative drinks for the college lifestyle:

BEER

Mothership Wit – New Belgium Brewing

What a concept. A light beer you can feel proud to drink. It’s an organic beer so Boulderites can rejoice, and for the rest of us, the combination of citrus and sour flavors offers crisp refreshment no matter the weather.

The second best light beer in Boulder also happens to be a Belgian-style wheat ale: Avery Brewing’s White Rascal.

Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale from Blue Moon is a great compliment to the changing seasons.(CU Independent/Ben Macaluso)

Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale – Blue Moon

Is there a better way to bring in fall than with more beer? This doesn’t taste like the pumpkin paste your mother plopped out of the can. The hint of pumpkin is not overwhelming and gives a nice spiced finish. The beer is full and heavier, warming you up despite the new weather. While the original Blue Moon is great garnished with an orange slice, please stay away from a wedge of pumpkin.

THE HARDER STUFF

Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

2 oz of rye or bourbon whiskey (Jack Daniels, Jameson, Wild Turkey)
3 dashes of bitters (Angostura bitters is a good bet)
splash of water or club soda
Maraschino cherries
Slice of lemon or orange

Who cares if it has Shirley Temple cherries? If it is good enough for Donald Draper from Mad Men, it’s good enough for everyone.

A Venetian Cosmopolitan from The Mediterranean Restaurant. (CU Independent/Ben Macaluso)

Venetian Cosmopolitan

Ingredients:

Vodka
Triple sec (Cointreau)
Cranberry liqueur (Leopolds)
Italian white wine (Blood Orange Prosecco)

This variety of Cosmo is offered at the Mediterranean restaurant in Boulder. The possibilities are endless when you make one at home. Just change the juice liqueur.

Ladies: This looks like pink lemonade and it probably tastes better and goes down easier.

Gentlemen: You probably won’t drink this, but damn is it good. Besides it’s about the equivalent to three drinks.

A Moscow Mule from The Mediterranean Restaurant. (CU Independent/Ben Macaluso)

Moscow Mule

Ingredients:

Vodka
Lime juice
Ginger beer (Goslings)
Simple syrup

This cocktail is also served at the Med and is a good mix up from a standard mojito. While keeping a lime-minty taste, the drink starts smooth and then the ginger beer takes over to tantalize your tongue.

White Russian

2 oz Vodka
1 oz Kahlua (Has to be Kahlua!)
1 oz milk or heavy cream

If the cannolis weren’t enough, try this one for dessert.

SIP THIS STUFF STRAIGHT

Ordering a scotch whisky neat can help you stand out in a crowd of college students. (Courtesy Sudhamshu Hebbar via flickr.com)

Glenlivet

The next time you’re with a group of friends and they are all ordering wine and beer, order this scotch whiskey neat. You’ll stand out by looking quite sophisticated.

This is simply the best single-malt scotch you can buy. When it hits the palate of your mouth, it bites but lingers making your face glow. Stick to the 12-year variety. Any older and more student loans will be soon to follow. Johnnie Walker Red or Black (more affordable) is a great alternative.

This strong amaretto should be enjoyed slowly. (Courtesy Nate Marsh via flickr.com)

Disaronno

This amaretto deserves some rocks. Its cherry almond flavor is resilient and the thick texture makes the taste resonate. Stress is on the word sip, as this cocktail is nearly 30 percent alcohol by volume.

Menage a Trois is both inexpensive and enjoyable according to the CUI's Ben Macaluso. (Courtesy Ron Bieber via flickr.com)

WINE

When it comes to wine there are so many choices that it is okay to ask for advice at a restaurant. At home pick up a bottle of Menage a Trois. It is a good inexpensive wine at $11. Let’s be honest, this wine is listed probably because I heard it in a hip-hop song.

Contact CU Independent Copy Editor Ben Macaluso at Ben.macaluso@colorado.edu.

About Ben Macaluso

Ben is a senior news-editorial and history major at CU. This is his second semester with the CU Independent. Last semester he reported on music, film and local breweries for the entertainment section. Ben is very passionate about writing and applied for the copy editing position to ensure he didn’t forget how to spell. When he is not dancing to Michael Jackson or Prince, Ben is either reading, trying on bow ties, or digging through his record collection.

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