When you started college four (okay, maybe five) years ago, you were just a kid. You had to adjust to wearing flip flops in the shower, and probably learned the hard way that your professors didn’t really care about your lame excuses for missing assignments. Craziest of all? You couldn’t legally drink.
Well, Mr./Ms. College Graduate, you’re likely 21+ now – unless you’re a child genius – and that means you can hold your diploma in one hand and a nice cold cocktail in the other. But don’t reach for a red solo cup of crappy jungle juice; you’re a grown up now and you need to expand your horizons a little bit. Step away from the keg and embrace a good cocktail/ Try one of these recipes – they’re probably slightly more classy than what you’re used to drinking, but they aren’t so fancy that you’re going to feel completely out of your element while drinking.
A Hole in One
This cocktail is obviously a golf reference and though it’s sometimes considered to be a “manly” drink, we think it’s delicious and great for anyone.
- Fill a shaker with ice and add 1 oz. Scotch Whisky, 3/4 oz. Vermouth, 1/4 tsp. fresh lemon juice, and 1 dash orange bitters.
- Shake well and strain into an ice-filled cocktail glass.
Gin Fizz
A Gin Fizz is a classic drink, but unique enough that you’re not going to see everyone at the bar drinking it. Bonus? Minimal effort or you can get crazy with an egg white.
- Fill a glass with club soda and set aside. Add remaining ingredients to a shaker and shake.
- Add some cubes, sip and enjoy.
Tom Collins
We have a strong affinity for any drink that bears the name of a person. It’s like you’re drinking with your BFF, Tom Collins.
- In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, add 2 oz. gin, the juice from half a lemon, and 1 tsp. superfine sugar.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled Collins glass filled with ice.
- Add 4 oz. club soda and garnish with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry.
It’s time to leave the keg and solo cup behind. Cheers and congrats grad.