Okay, so. I didn't actually drink beer until my sophomore year of college, because I'd smelled it (y'know, frat party beer) and it made me want to puke. Since my nose and taste buds have matured a little more, I've discovered some of the many wonderful things you can do with beer, and here they are: 10 beer hacks students need to know.
1. Make "beer cubes" to avoid watered-down brews.
All you need is an ice tray, a freezer, and some beer. I'd recommend using flat beer, like the cans left out because you and your friends just couldn't finish them before your Uber arrived. Pour them into your trays, stick them in the freezer, and drop a few into your next beer to keep it ice-cold and super beer-y.
2. Put that -ish in your hair.
Ballin' on a budget? Instead of an expensive deep conditioner, use a can or two of beer as a hair rinse in the shower. After shampooing and using your regular conditioner, pour the beer over your strands, and then do a final rinse with plain water. It guarantees smooth and luxurious locks. Make sure you wash out your tub after to avoid stickiness.
3. No bottle opener? Use a piece of paper!
Yeah, a piece of paper. This is one of those beer hacks students need to know because while we've always got paper—graded essays, tests, failed math exams—we can almost never find a damn bottle opener. You'll just need to do some folding; fold the paper in half vertically, four times. Then, fold it horizontally once. You'll end up with a V shape. Using the pointed end of the V, apply upward pressure to the edge of the cap. Bam!
4. Go from warm to perfectly chilled in minutes.
Another super simple beer hack. All you'll need is warm beer, a paper towel, water, and a freezer. Soak your paper towel and then squeeze out the excess water. Wrap it around your beer (bottle or can) and then stick it in the freezer. In 10-15 minutes, enjoy a perfectly chilled beer...and use the paper towel as a coaster, please.
5. Use an empty bottle to water plants.
nSeika on Flickr
If you're going out of town for a while, or you're just too lazy to constantly water your plants, your love of beer can actually save their lives! Rinse out a bottle and fill it with water, then stick it upside down in the dirt. The water will seep out as the soil dries, effectively watering your plants while you go off and procure more empty bottles.
#SpoonTip: If you're going to be gone for longer than a week or so, you can use an empty wine bottle for this hack. It will hold more water and keep your plants hydrated longer.
6. Tenderize cheap meat.
kittenfc on Flickr
Okay, I hear you. What does a vegetarian know about tenderizing meat? News flash: I haven't always been a vegetarian. When I still ate meat, I loved a good beer-soaked steak (isn't that the most 'Merica thing you've ever heard?). Just use your favorite beer to replace your usual meat tenderizer before grilling, and you'll have a tender, yummy main course.
7. Put that -ish on your face.
Hellooooo, DIY facial! The hops in beer can help restore the pH balance of your skin. Use equal parts beer, plain yogurt, and your choice of oil, plus one egg white. Apply it to your face and wait 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Who knew your favorite Friday night drink could work its way into your beauty routine?
8. Bitter beer? Add salt.
A pinch of salt can help offset the nasty bitter taste of super cheap beer. Surprisingly enough, this hack can also be used to improve bitter coffee! Make sure you don't go overboard with the salt, and always swirl your can or glass until you're sure it's all dissolved.
9. Half beer, half...juice?
If you still hate the taste of beer, try mixing it with juice, just like you'd do any other cocktail! Pay attention to the flavor notes that are already present in your beer, and then add juices that will play well with them, like apple juice, orange juice, or lemonade.
10. Use your six-pack to organize.
I did this two years ago to organize my hair things under my sink since I didn't have any other form of storage in my bathroom. I covered mine in duct tape because I didn't actually like (or even drink) the brand it showed, but you can leave yours uncovered if you want to display your love for beer and hair care at the same time.
So, there you have it: a list of random beer hacks students need in their lives. What have we learned? From beauty treatments to the perfect summertime drink, beer has our backs.