Poker night. It’s a time for men to be men. When we can eat as much food and drink as much booze as we want without her nagging us. When we can take money from our closest friends without any remorse. It’s the ultimate display of manhood and it has to be done right.

If you’re hosting poker night, don’t mess it up. There’s nothing worse than showing up to a bowl of pretzels and a 6-pack to share. If you’re going to invite us over for a night of cigars, drinking and poker, you need to actually supply those things. Pick up a few stogies, set up the table and mix some of these.

 

The Casino

Yes, there are fruity flavors involved with this drink. But you can’t deny the taste. Shake all of these ingredients with ice and then strain into a glass:

  • 2oz gin
  • 1/4 tsp. maraschino liqueur
  • 1/4 tsp. lemon juice
  • 2 dashes orange bitters

 

The Monte Carlo

This is like a cooler version of a Manhattan, but it’s still really easy to make. Shake all of these ingredients with ice and then strain into a glass:

2 1/4 oz. rye whiskey

1/2 oz. Benedictine

2 dashes Angostura bitters

 

Black Russian

As easy as they come.

Fill a glass with ice cubes and then add:

  • 2 oz. vodka
  • 1 oz. Kahlua

Done.

Even if you have the ingredients for these drinks on hand, you still need some basics. Have some good whiskey, vodka, rum, soda, plenty of ice and a fridge full of beer. And make sure you win. There’s nothing better than dominating poker night when you’re the host.