Nothing says summer, summer, summertime quite like a refreshing cocktail (or a Will Smith song), but we all know that sippin’ our calories away poolside leads to a not-so-cute looking backside (or all-around side). Many of our favorite friendly cocktails come along with a heaping helping of calories. And with all those hidden, tempting, pink and fruity calories, it sure gives a WHOLE new meaning to drinking responsibly.

But who says you can’t have your Sangria and sip it too?! Not I. Because this weeks body blog is all about finding the healthy balance between keeping cool with fun refreshments and looking bootylicious in your bikini.

Here are a few of my favorite healthier summer cocktails and bevvy’s! Including a delicious sans-alcohol option for a super low cal iced tea!

Sangria

Sangria can normally be made with lots of sugar- but swap that with a can of fresca (or lemon flavored stevia for those of you like me who don’t use artificial sweetners) and you have yourself a delicious and guilt-free treat!

Red Sangria:

Just slice up 4 apples and 3 oranges. Combine fruit with 1 pound red grapes, halved; 3 bottles light-to medium-bodied red wine; 1 can Fresca (or any diet lemon soda); and 1 can club soda. Chill mixture, and serve over ice for 16 servings of scrumptiousness.

Each serving has only 173 calories—that’s 125 calories saved per glass!!

White Sangria:

Combine 8 peaches and 4 white plums pitted and sliced with 1 pound of green grapes cut in half. Mix in with 3 bottles of Prosecco, a 12 ounce can of diet lemon/lime soda (or lemon flavored stevia drops!) and a 12 ounce can of club soda. Toss all the ingredients together and chill for at least 1 hour. Serve over ice.

Blackberry Vodka and Lemonade:

Vodka and Lemonade go together like MK & Ash Olsen- A fabulous pairing! But not when you think about the sugar that usually comes in the store-bought lemonade you dump into your vodka. Here is a lighter and healthier version- and I love the blackberry twist! Yummy!

• 2 ounce yuzu juice

• 1 ounce lime juice

• 1 ounce lemon juice

• 1 ounce agave nectar

• 3 ounce vodka

• 1 handful of muddled blackberries

ICED MINT GREEN TEA:

We all know how great green tea is for us- and because of that, I’m standing by this bevvy even though it has a li’l sumthin’ sumthin’ to spruce it up!

• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

• 3 green tea bags

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 4 cups boiling water

• 2 cups sake, divided

• 4 stalks lemongrass, for garnish

Combine mint leaves, tea bags, honey and boiling water. Let steep for 5 minutes; remove tea bags. Refrigerate until chilled. Divide among 4 large ice-filled glasses. Add 1/2 cup sake to each glass. Garnish with a stalk of lemongrass. To keep it PG and lower in cals, omit the sake!

This bad boy only has 76 cals per drink and if you go the sans sake route- a measly 36! I’ll take thirds please!

Slushy Watermelon Mojitos:

• 5 cups cubed seeded watermelon

• 1 cup sparkling water, chilled

• 3/4 cup white rum

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

• 1 (6-ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate, undiluted

• Mint sprigs (optional)

• Lime slices (optional)

Arrange watermelon in a single layer on a baking sheet; freeze 2 hours or until completely frozen. Combine frozen watermelon, sparkling water, rum, mint, and limeade in a blender; process until smooth. Garnish with mint sprigs and lime slices, if desired. Serve immediately. At only 119 calories per serving, feel free to indulge in two!

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An all star interview with Allstar Weekend

How do I tell my boyfriend to lose weight?

Oprah makes HOW MUCH an hour??

The new song everyone is talking about

How to make cocktails like a pro

FINALLY. Some good news from LiLO

Woooow…..bold statement from R. Patz

Can all these celebs just grow up???

Remember Freshman year when every upper-classman you knew s aid “ treasure the next four years, they go by so fast . “  Well not to sound li ke a broken record…but they kind of do.

I’m barreling through my last semester of college and this huge list of things I had planned on doing before graduating has kind of, well, not been tackled at all. Instead it’s been sitting in my documents, staring me down every time I go to write an essay.

It might seem a little too late to tackle this long list, but after a night of some Franzia and mounds of Oreos (the classy best friends on a night in) I’ve decided why wait any longer! Plus could I really get away with doing any of these after college?

Take yourself out to a fancy dinner (by yourself…no books/laptops/turn the cell phone off!): Remember that scene in Sex in the City when Carrie finally goes out to lunch by herself? She made a point of having no distractions so she could enjoy her own company. I’ve always felt so empowered by how she didn’t care what anyone thought.

Start a food fight: You stand up from the table with your fistful of spaghetti raised and just as you are about to throw it at your roommate from freshman year, you scream “FOOD FIGHT.” And the entire cafeteria breaks into the most epic battle of food flinging ever seen.

Go on a road trip: I always start planning one, but then change my mind and decide it’s too unrealistic. I would love to  live on the road and just worry about where I’m getting my next meal..not bills, three meals from now, a job. Just me and the open road. Well, and the best friends.

Take a picture every day(I’m a little late to start, and I had good intentions back in September…but maybe I’ll be able to keep up with it now): So originally I was going to start this Freshman year, then after not doing it for four years I figured I would start in September…but that didn’t work out too well. So here’s to hoping I’ll be able to stick with it this semester!

Run through the campus fountains (as soon as they are turned on): I see people every September (when it’s still hot enough) running through them. And I’ve always wanted to be them…but then I worry about walking all the way back to my dorms soaking wet…or will it ruin my shoes/shirt/pants? It’s all about throwing care to the wind.

Watch every episode of Sex and the City without stopping: I started watching Sex in the City a few seasons too late. So now I’m in the awkward stage where I’ve watched some episodes from some seasons. So I’d like to watch the full show from season 1 to whatever the last season was.

Play man-hunt in the library: Yes please! Think of all the good hiding spots! Plus after close all of those people who live in the library and hate “trouble makers” will be gone! So the real fun can begin.

Learn how to make one dinner meal: Breakfast and lunch I have covered …Special K and a sandwich. But dinner…I feel like maybe I should have something that isn’t cereal/toast/or a piece of chocolate I found at the bottom of my purse.

Go home with a freshman: I know what you are thinking…freshman guys are gross. Well college guys are kind of gross in general. Plus, wouldn’t it be nice to go back and visit your Freshman dorm?

Have a rooftop party on one of the dorms  (maybe without alcohol…safety reasons people!): You’ve seen them in all of the romantic comedies; the ones you watch with a bowl of Ben and Jerry’s. They always have the outdoor lights perfectly placed — and the cute guy from down the hall who sweeps you off into the quiet corner and tells you how much he loves you. Is there a more perfect way to end your four years of writing essays and doing keg stands? I don’t think so.

Learn how to make a fancy cocktail…and make it: I’m mainly a beer girl, or margarita in a bucket (best invention ever?) girl, but that is only because I’ve never taken the time to learn how to make a Lemon Drop or A Bitter Canadian. So why not learn how to make at least one before entering the real world…where you should know what’s in a drink and/or at least how to order it.

Win the mega millions: One way to make sure all debts are taken care of and I would have enough money to move out.

Have a drink with your cute professor: You know your young Sociology professor who is the only guy that can pull of a sweater vest (except for Ryan Reynolds…he can pull off anything). Why not try? I mean, you do see him at the bar every so often. Throw some back, and talk about the study and classification of human societies.

Participate in Karaoke: No surprise here, but I’m usually the one in the corner mocking the herds of people who drunkenly sing along to “Don’t Stop Believing” (I still don’t understand why that seems to be the Massachusetts anthem!) But I would love to have the guts and get up there (with my girls in tow) and belt something out.

Graduate: And say goodbye to all my friends, and find a job, and start all of that other post-graduation horror. Maybe I could just stay another semester?

College is a time to experiment and really find yourself.  And sometimes making a bucket list of all the things that make you uncomfortable is the best way to find out what you’re really made of. So let’s do it. What’s on your Senioritis Bucket List?

[We ladies spend a lot of time wondering what guys are thinking, most often over stiff drinks or soupy ice cream. Unfortunately, besides The Dude, we don't often get the chance to really find out. So we continue speculating, wondering and growing more and more self-conscious by the minute. Not anymore. CollegeCandy's got a new guy in town who is going to open up his man brain and enlighten us as to what exactly goes on in there. Prepare yourselves, girls; I have a feeling this is going to be an interesting ride.]

Just like a psychic that can tell your future with Tarot cards or your palm, guys can tell a lot about a woman by the kind of drink she is having at a bar. And just like those crappy psychics with crystal balls, guys are often full of sh*t too, but here goes.

Note: I am using the bar as a setting rather than a house or frat party because it offers up more variety. The only variety you get at college parties is not what you’re drinking, but how you’re downing that Natty Light: upside down, through a funnel, or the traditional red cup. At your local bar, however, you can see everything from your down-to-earth non-light beer drinkers to the seemingly high-maintenance Cosmopolitan drinkers. Can both of these women be the same person on different nights? Sure, but not likely.

Guys know what they like also, but we’re a little shaky on our drink convictions. We pretty much drink what’s available or what everyone else is drinking. We like being part of the (wolf) pack. Primal instinct, I guess. And with this primal instinct comes the ability for men to predict certain kinds of personality traits based on the type of drink a women is having.

Now, there are way too many drinks and concoctions to go over all of them, so I will choose the most popular based on a recent Friday night research session at a local bar.

What follows is a gateway into the part of the male brain that is dedicated to women and bad decisions: the penis. OK, OK – I’m kidding. We do use our real brains (just not to their full potential at times), but we are wired differently so have an open mind and don’t get mad if the stiletto fits.

Cosmopolitans
When a guy sees a girl drinking a cosmo, the first thing that will come to his mind is, “uh oh, this girl is a prissy brat looking for someone to buy her drinks for the rest of the night.” Before you get your panties in a bunch, let me explain. Cosmos are sweet, pricey, and usually watered-down. The phrase “you are what you eat” (in this case drink) obviously comes to mind. Men think you are probably sweet, but pricey and with a watered-down personality. I don’t mean pricey like a hooker, but more like you appreciate nice things, material things. There isn’t anything wrong with that, but know beforehand that the cosmo in your hands is a sign that reads, “Sex and the City princess without the sex.”

Vodka Tonic
One part vodka, one part tonic water. Throw in a splash of lime if you’re feeling frisky and you have a simple, no frills drink that is tasty, but strong. It is no surprise that the description of a drink can also describe the drinker. With this drink in a woman’s hand, you can be sure of one thing: she’s not going to hold anything back. When I asked a 21-year-old woman what she thought about her vodka tonic, she replied, “it’s a little more rude than a cosmo, but straight up. Not fancy, just plain with a kick.” You can expect a woman with this drink to be more approachable and receptive to a guy’s opening line, but she will be quick to tell you whether or not she is interested. She is laid back and mature, but likes to have a good time. She gives the impression that she is also into health and her figure (this is the lowest calorie cocktail out there). Also, the type of vodka she chooses can reveal even more: If she chose the house vodka, she might not be as picky about her style of men; she’s attracted to whoever catches her eye. With premium vodka, she knows exactly what she wants and never settles for less.

Beer
When all else fails, the girl drinking beer will probably never let you down. This is the girl who you can party with and then hit Taco Bell with at 3 in the morning. She isn’t offended by the multitude of sexual innuendos and jokes that are inevitable when guys get together and drink. Guys are so comfortable with these types of women because they know they can expect a drama-free night, unlike with the quiet, cosmo drinkers huddled around a table in the corner. When guys think of a girl who drinks beer, the following descriptions come to mind: cool, down-to-earth, and one of the guys.

There is only one problem – guys say they want date someone like that, but they hardly ever do. These women are very likeable and easy to be around, but they have the tendency of falling into the dangerous friend zone. This slippery slope can wreak havoc on your dating life because while you’re puking your guts out from all that fun beer pong, the guy you secretly like is trying to pick up the hot, girly cosmo drinker during last call (smart fellow waited until it was last call so he wouldn’t have to spend money on all those damn expensive cocktails).

Shots
This is probably the most controversial description for two reasons. The first one is because women hate it when men judge them based on the superficial. (Women call it superficial, we call it deductive reasoning.) Second, women don’t want to admit to being that girl dancing on the bar in her bra with guys throwing dollar bills at her (the same girl you and your girlfriends will gossip about on Monday morning). No woman wants to be called a slut. Not even sluts like being called sluts. It is important that you know what men are thinking, though, so I will have to be the one to break the news to you:

Tequila, Jager, Kamikazes, Fuzzy Navels, and the vastly offensive yet tasty Red-Headed Slut – all great shots that lead to bad decisions and great morning-after stories. If you’re a woman taking shots like a champ, you might as well wear a bullseye on your back. Men think you’re a slut. Girls taking shots at a bar makes a girl with a tramp stamp look more prude than Taylor Swift. For you it might just mean that you are celebrating or had a really long day, which is fine. But celebrating and that really long day ended around shot #7. Men, on the other hand, are thinking one thing: this is a woman looking to do something or someone crazy and not remember it the next day.

Wine
Red or white, wine will always mean sophistication, maturity, and a low tolerance for bullshit. Men tread lightly around a women drinking wine at a bar. The glass of wine tells men that she knows how to pace herself, but with the right company, the glasses will keep coming and alcohol will do what it does best. The wine-drinker enjoys a good conversation, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be about something deep like existentialism. As long as it’s engaging, she will stay along for the ride.

Could I be completely off on these descriptions? Of course. If you’re a female beer drinker, you might be reading this and saying to yourself, “I hook up plenty with my guy friends and just because I like to drink beer doesn’t mean I’m not feminine enough.” You’re right, it doesn’t. But, like with all the other drink types, there might be women out there who have consistently thought they were sending a different message or no message at all with their drink.

This isn’t a scientific approach to personality profiling. It is, however, a blunt assessment of how most guys think when it comes to women and their drink of choice. Men are lazy. We use anything in our brains that helps us cut corners and make decisions quicker (things like past experiences, movies, stupid sh*t our friends say, and even superficial things like drinks). Have some fun with this and use it on guys. Next time you go out with your girlfriends to a bar, play around with this and see what kind of guy each drink attracts.

It’s worth a shot.

No, Smirnoff shots don’t count, people.

Here’s how to order a fun, fresh type of cocktail. Sure they might rack up your bill a bit more than those Dollar Pitchers, but they’re guaranteed to slow you down from slugging back shots and pounding brews. And, most importantly, they taste good. Like, really, really good.

Leave your favorites (and least favorites!) in the comments. Oh, and I obviously left off Cosmopolitans. They are just so creepy Sex and the City cougarific.

10. Long Island Iced Tea
Trying to get the most bang for your buck? The Long Island Iced Tea is the way to go! Sure, it may not be the tastiest, nor the smartest option, but it’ll sure give you the most for your money with tequila, rum, gin and triple sec all in one glass.

9. Margaritas (Pomegranate, Raspberry, Strawberry, oooh!)
Spice up your routine by asking for a fun flavor. I’m partial to raspberry, but some bars can even make banana or mango margs. Yumm!

8. Mai Tais
Almond amazingness. Sip these by the pool all day and skip the Cuervo.

7. Mojito
An absolute necessity to perfect if you want to impress your guests. This fantastic minty, sugary drink goes down easy and is one of the best summertime treats.

6. Woo Woo!
Sick of Sex on the Beaches? Simplify with a woo woo and drink up!

5. Cape Codder (simply: vodka cran)
Not a big fan of carbonation? Me either. This is why I stick with the Vodka-Cranberry-Slice o lime classic.

4. Peartini
Seriously, I didn’t even know they made Pear vodka... amazing plus amazing.

3. Passion Pop Rocks Martini
Sounds crazy? Well check out this entire bevy of bizzare beverages! From Ham and Cheese (ew) to Chocolate Truffle (yum), this article lists some of the most nutty drinks ever.

2. Espresso Martini
Mmm Godiva liquer and espresso-y drinks? If you can’t get enough of a caffeine fix from your Starbucks run in the morning, afternoon and, okay, in the afternoon again, bring your love of the coffee bean to the bar and sip on these lovely martinis.

1. Lindsay Lohan
Okay, so I made an exception. This is a shot, but it’s too good not to share. Ask your bartender for a Lindsay Lohan. If he asks what it is, just say, “I need a red headed slut shot with a little bit of coke.” Disco.

However, sometimes I actually pay attention to outside advice on what I should “Write a top ten about.” So I can write the Weekly Ten about it. Or rather, why their ideas are miserable. Below are some of the suggestions I’ve gotten. Honestly, I wish I could make this up.

10. “Top 10 Best Calculator Words”
“You know like if you type in 1134 it spells hell when you flip it upside down. That’s funny, right?”
No. No it’s not. Also, I doubt that you can make any more than 5.

9. “Top 10 Best Footwear”
Wait, really? Best brands? Best type of shoe? Flats, high heels? I don’t even understand this one.

8. “Top 10 Reasons Why I’m Not Upset I Don’t Live in Somalia”
Double negative and unappealing to the CollegeCandy demographic, for the most part. Also, I’m not touching other countries ever again.

7. “Top 10 ‘Guy Movies’ That Girls Like Too!”
I don’t know what exactly a “guy movie” entails and judging by the title itself, I wouldn’t expect anything less than scathing “you’re being stereotypical!” comments full hatred and internet rage.

6. “Top 10 Awesome Summer Jobs”
Let’s be serious, the only thing good about working in the summer is the clothing discount. But really, there’s nothing that’s good about slaving in retail or an office while all your friends are at the beach. Next!

5. “Top 10 Worst Sexual Experiences”
Oh, please. I would never exploit my exes/flings like that. Plus, I’m saving all of that content for my book anyway.

4. “Top 10 Best Cocktails”
Really, you want me to write ‘shot of Patron’ 10 times in a row?

3. “Top 10 Reasons Why You Will Never Be as Charming as That Southern Gentleman on YouTube Who’s Dog Poops in the Ocean.”
I have no words. I think my friend was being facetious, but I can never tell with her.

2. “Top 10 Reasons Why I Loooove Taylor Lautner”
This would be great if I actually saw New Moon, cared about the Twilight “saga” in any form or could even come up with any reason other than his dreamy abs.

1. “Top 10 Reasons Why Canada Sucks”
The last time I ever take a suggestion from anyone. Thanks Mike!

Got any suggestions for the Weekly 10 that don’t suck? Maybe some that do? Leave them in the comments and I’ll credit you in my next post if one really strikes a chord in the spot where my heart is supposed to be.

Mmmm holiday cookies.

I could eat my own weight in Grandma’s “Won’t Fail Fudge,” but do I really want to carry around an extra me in 2010? Not exactly. Spring comes quick here in Santa Barbara, so bikinis and spring runs are just around the corner. If you’re located somewhere where you’ll be wearing large sweaters for the next four months – lucky you! (I guess?) But even if you will be bundled up for a few more months, that doesn’t mean you want to have to trade your skinny jeans for your dad’s sweatpants thanks to a few weeks of indulging.

So, here ere are some tips for navigating holiday parties and rounds at the bar so you can enjoy yourself and still look damn good in the new year.

Surviving Those Holiday Gatherings
Food can seem like the main event at holiday parties, but isn’t the point to mingle and mix with one another?

1. Don’t Go Hungry! Pretty self-explanatory, but don’t do it! Eat sensibly throughout the day, and maybe skip a snack if you want to bank a few extra hundred calories for later.

2. Choose foods that are “worth” it to you. Choosing to have a little taste of the things that you’re really craving, say Christmas cookies or some mini-quiches, while holding back on the other hors d’oeuvres at the buffet line can save you hundreds of calories without making you feel deprived. Pick to have a small portion of your favorite one or two dishes, and load the rest of your plate up with veggies and low-fat dips. Some great options are salsa, guacamole, and other vegetable-based dips.

3. Protein, protein, protein! Choosing foods that are high in protein will help to keep you fuller for longer, and help you to combat bloat in your party dress because you will be fuller from eating less! Choose items such as cheese, nuts, small sausages, shrimp, or slices of meat. Just don’t go overboard! Stick to recommended serving sizes: 1 oz of cheese is about the size of four dice, 3 oz of meat is about the size of a deck of cards, and one serving of nuts fits in the palm of your cupped hand.

4. Keep a drink handy. Keeping a low-calorie drink or cocktail in your hand while socializing means that you can’t eat at the same time! Also, you won’t have to worry about talking with food in your mouth.

5. When all else fails, wear something slinky. You’ll attract attention and feel good. If you feel more confident, you’re more likely to make good choices about food and less likely to feel like binging on the nearest plate of sugar cookies. Think about it: wearing a big sweater means room for cookies! A slinky dress means one or two, but not the whole plate.

Bring on the Bar!
These days, I’d gladly take my vodka and tonic over a sugar cookie. But can’t I have both? Please?

1. Mix and mingle with something light. Substitute diet soda or diet tonic water when possible in your favorite mixed drinks. Juices are great to mix with, especially if the bar offers lower-sugar or sugar-free versions. Lime or lemon, and even a cherry, can flavor your drink for only a few calories. OR try flavored liquor on the rocks.

2. Choose wisely and lightly. Choose a lower calorie cocktail (especially if you’re having more than one – New Year’s Eve anyone?) Some good options include:

Wine Spritzer – Wine spritzers are half wine and half club soda. With three ounces of wine and three ounces of club soda, wine spritzers top out at about 60 calories and zero grams of fat.

Red wine or white wine (5 ounce serving)
Calories: 120

Champagne (5 ounce serving)
Calories: 120

Vodka tonic
Calories: 200 (or order it with diet tonic and lime for only about 100 calories!)

Regular beer (12-ounce serving)
Calories: 150

Light beer (12 ounce serving)
Calories: 100

Vodka Cranberry with just a splash of cranberry and mostly diet tonic
Calories: Under 150

Halloween parties are freakin’ awesome. And it’s a known fact that us college kids will be running rampant all over the country come Halloween night. What other chance do we get to play beer pong as Kanye West and Taylor Swift (stopping the game mid-toss with a “Imma let you finish…” before snatching the pong ball from each other)?

But dressing up as a slutty ____ (insert anything here….no really, anything), isn’t the only way to celebrate.

If you’re going to throw a party or be a guest at one (and that covers pretty much everyone) why not go all out and make one of these awesome Halloween cocktails? We’re all suckers for themed parties, so why not do it up big? After we graduate, its not going to be acceptable anymore (not that that means we won’t still do it).

So ditch the wine coolers and the beer keg (mmm perhaps that can stay…) and get creative for the holiday. [Click on the images to get the ghoulishly tasty recipes!]

Fun Extras:
Okay, so us girls obviously appreciate cute little extras to help make a party festive. Here’s some easy ways to up the authenticity factor of your Halloween bash this year!

Eyeball Ice Cubes

Also, try freezing your ice cubes with fake bugs, severed fingers or tiny plastic babies inside! (Yea, we know it’s super creepy, but, come on, it’s Halloween!)

Syringe Jello Shots

So much more fun then the traditional jello shot! Plus you know everything hits you quicker when injected! (Note: do not actually inject the shot into your arm. Just makin’ sure….)

Glowing Swizzle Sticks

Use them for stir sticks to make the cocktails glow!

Bloody/Slime Rimmed Glasses

It’s disgusting, yes, but also totally tasty!

Who doesn’t love having a few shots of tequila? This writer doesn’t.  I can usually manage with the lime and salt included, but still; there are tons of things I’d rather experience than the burn of tequila as it runs down my throat followed immediately by my stomach trying to send it back.

BUT, it is National Tequila Day, so the Goose (or the cheap Burnetts vodka that I normally drink) is gonna have to wait until tomorrow night. I can’t let a momentous day like this pass me by without partaking in some “festivities.” And by festivities, I clearly mean a little one tequila, two tequila, three tequila…. well, you know the ending.

And I don’t even have to do it in shot form, because there are some mighty fine lookin’ tequila cocktails out there. These badboys give you all the tequila goodness without the pain/regurgitation.

I’ll drink (tequila) to that!

Personally, I think a good night of irresponsible drinking and partying is sometimes necessary. And by “sometimes,” I mean “college.” While you might regret it the next morning when you can’t roll over out of fear you will barf on that not-so-hot lad lying next to you, it’s always fun. But what if it could be more fun? I know you don’t think that’s possible, but I know for a fact that playing beer pong 7 nights in a row can get old. And those cups get mighty sticky.

Why not spice up a night of drinking with a few new toys? I’ve rounded up some of the coolest drinking toys on the market that every girl needs. You accessorize your clothes, so why not do the same with your booze?

Cocktail parties are always a good time. Everyone’s being all classy and mingling and chit-chatting with their cocktail o’ choice. Now imagine, in the center of your perfectly themed soiree, a fountain of the night’s leading cocktail flowing into party-goer’s glasses. Or, once the night really gets going, right into their mouths. Could you think of anything better?

So, you opened a bottle of 2 Buck Chuck with a friend but, despite how hard you try, you can’t finish it. But you also can’t get that stupid cork back in there. You don’t want to let that bottle go to waste, so what are you supposed to do? You need a bottle stopper, friend, namely this bottle stopper. Just stick that little guy in there and you’re good to go (that’s what she said).

Nobody likes a warm shot. That’s just…. ew, I threw up a little in my mouth just thinking about it. So what better way to ensure that your shot goes down smooth as ice than to serve your liquor of choice in a shot glass made of ice! These awesome ice trays allow you to make ice shot glasses with anything: water, soda, or even alcohol itself! You can take the shot then chase it with the glass! Mama likey.

One of the worst party fouls is losing your drink. (OK, maybe it’s puking in your hand, but losing your drink really blows.) Granted, you aren’t supposed to leave your drinks unattended at the risk of being drugged, but that’s not the point. Let’s just say you are enjoying a cold beverage while lounging by yourself, your buzz is kicking in, you venture/stumble your way into the kitchen for munchies and on your way back, you can’t seem to locate your beer (or wine cooler, for those averse to all things beer). That’s when this genius inventions steps in and saves the day! A remote control beer pager…need I say more?

Have you ever tried making an ice luge? No? Well, it’s hard, time consuming and never comes out as pretty as you’d like. But they are so fun! And with this little guy from the guys at IceBooze.com, you can take shots off a luge whenever you want! (Yes, even if it’s for breakfast.) Just fill the mold, stick this it in your freezer (and it will fit!), then bring out the bottles for some icy shot deliciousness. Gift from God, I tell you.