The hipster culture in the US has been on the rise for some time now. Whether you’re a part of it, contrary to it, or just totally ambivalent toward it, there’s no denying that this craze of ironic t-shirts and flannel is going strong. If you’re on the lookout for some hipsters in their natural habitat, head over to the nearest—yet most obscure—coffee shop, and look for anyone with thick-framed glasses, artfully executed tattoos, and/or exceptionally tight jeans. You’re sure to run into some.
As with most aspects of their lives, hipsters lead a highly regulated existence, with rules guiding the majority of their actions. When it comes to drinking, it is no different. Here are some guidelines to follow if you’re interested in how the average hip man or woman imbibes:
1. When in doubt, go for PBR.
2. If your concoction is not of optimal hip-ness, pour it into a mason jar and you’ll be good to go.
3. When perusing a drink menu, choose the drink you’ve never heard of (or better yet, can’t pronounce).
4. The more “old man” your drink is, the hipper you become.
5. Never, and we mean never, order a frozen-fruity drink. Ever.
If you’re still lost when it comes to mastering the ways of hipster drinking, here are some recipes to help you out.
Death in the Afternoon
Pour one shot of absinthe into a Champagne flute. Add champagne to taste (4-6 oz.). Try to enjoy.
Elderflower Martini
Add 2 oz. vodka, 1 oz. elderflower cordial, ½ oz. dry vermouth, and ½ oz. limejuice to an ice-filled shaker. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Put on the most pretentious face possible and sip slowly.
Blood and Sand
Add equal parts scotch, freshly-squeezed orange juice, sweet vermouth and cherry liqueur to an iced-filled shaker. Strain into a cocktail glass and risk your life by garnishing with a flamed orange peel. Trust us, it’ll be so worth it.
Pickleback
Combine double shots of whiskey and spicy dill pickle brine in a glass. Garnish with pickles and dill sprigs. Yum?