Vodka and tonic bores the sh*t out of me.

I’m sorry but it does, and so does Jack and Coke, Rum and Coke and all of those other awful college drinks that I can taste in my mouth when I simply speak their name. My point is: I’M SICK OF THE NASTINESS. I’m ready to spend an extra buck or two to feel fancy instead of feeling like I’m drinking to get drunk. I’m all about my drinks tasting like dessert rather than gasoline…plus a little sophistication is always a good thing.

What happened to creativity?! Here are some fun recipes that you can ask for at the bar or share with your girlfriends over gossip and Chinese food.

Melontini

3 cups honeydew melon cut in cubes, plus melon balls, for garnish

3 cups lemon soda, cold

1 cup club soda, cold

1/2 cup melon liqueur

8 ounces vodka, chilled

In a blender puree the honeydew melon. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze, about 3 hours. In a pitcher combine lemon soda, club soda, and melon liqueur. Drop a frozen melon cube into a martini glass and top with 2 tablespoons (1-ounce) vodka per drink. Garnish with skewered melon balls.

Courtesy of: Ingrid Hoffman Read More »

Days as a Freshman: 152

Mood: trying to remember

“Grace, you came.”

Justin managed to push himself into our little encased corner, his eyes falling to the plastic cups in our hands.

“I was invited, wasn’t I?” I smiled up at him, trying to loosen the stern expression that had taken over his features. “Want a sip?”

“What’s in that?” Justin’s eyes flickered from my glass to Rebecca’s. “Did you make that yourself?”

“Sasha made it for us.” Rachel took another sip of the dark liquid, her glass already halfway drained. Obviously, she had some practice in the fine art of drinking liquor with ease. “Jack and coke. Want a sip?”

The bass on the stereo began to thump louder, the packed bodies in the room moving and swaying to the new beat. I took a small sip from my glass, doing my best to keep my mouth from curling in beginner’s disgust. The liquor was strong, cutting through the soda with a smoky, hard taste.

“Sasha made those?!” Justin had to yell. “Where is he now?” Read More »

Days as a Freshman: 148

Mood: Unsteady

“I can’t believe I actually came with you!”

Rebecca slammed the front door behind us and yelled, doing her best to be heard over the loud, pumping music coming from the living room.

“I’m glad you did!” I screamed, “I would never have come by myself!”

The soccer house was already crammed full of people, everyone who was on campus during January break, it seemed, so it took us a few minutes to maneuver ourselves towards the epicenter of the party. I did my best to lead the way, grasping Rebecca’s hand tightly and pushing through people as inconspicuously as possible. It was past ten thirty, so most of the partygoers were too drunk to even notice Rebecca and I squeezing by them. Politeness is always wasted on the wasted.

As we pushed our way into the living room, I scanned the place for Sasha or Justin.

Do you see them?” Rebecca yelled into my ear and pulled her t-shirt down uncomfortably. Parties weren’t her thing, especially parties like this one. I made a mental note to buy her cupcakes someday soon. She deserved cupcakes. Read More »