This past weekend, during my hiatus from the stress that is WashU, my mom told me to watch my drinking, so now I drink in front of a mirror or a reflective body of water. Herein lie the trade secrets of Hayes household concoctions – the tricks to upholding high spirits. Pun intended. Making your own mixtures is a whisky business, but what doesn’t kill you makes your drinks stronger. Is that too much? Stop wining.
The Blue Ivy
Photo by Jess Hayes
Named just for you, Bey.
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Ingredients:
2.5-oz. Malibu Rum
2.5-oz. Blue Curaçao liqueur
2-oz. pineapple juice
1-oz. Sprite
1 lemon
Directions:
1. Combine the rum, blue curaçao, juice and Sprite.
2. Shake and strain into a chilled glass.
3. Garnish with the lemon.
For other ways to experiment with Blue Curaçao (literally), click here.
Optimus Lime
Photo by Jess Hayes
When it comes to drinks, this citrus drink takes the limelight!
Total time: 10 minutes
Serving size: 2 cocktails
Ingredients:
4-oz. Bacardi light rum
2-oz. apricot brandy
3-oz. lime juice
2-oz. simple syrup
Directions:
1. Shake all ingredients and strain into a chilled glass.
2. Garnish with lime.
For more citrusy sips, click here.
Sarasota Sunset
Photo by Jess Hayes
Because I’m from Sarasota. Beware, never drink beyond the pint of no return.
Total time: 5 minutes
Serving size: 4 cocktails
Ingredients:
1 cup Prosecco
1 cup orange juice
1 cup cranberry juice
1 lemon
Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients and zest with lemon. Doesn’t get much easier than that.
For more breezy blends with tropical juices, click here.
Goo Goo for Guava
Photo by Jess Hayes
A variation of the traditional margarita. Life and alcohol are very similar – chill for best results.
Total time: 20 minutes
Serving size: 4 cocktails
Ingredients:
1/2 cup lime juice
1 cup silver tequila
3 tablespoons Triple sec
3 tablespoons simple syrup
1 cup guava juice
1 lime
Directions:
1. In a blender, combine the ice, lime juice, tequila, Triple sec, simple syrup and guava juice.
2. Blend until all is combined and until ice cubes are crushed.
3. Pour into chilled glasses, garnished with a slice of lime.
For a rival recipe, click here.
Summertime Happiness
Photo by Jess Hayes
Inspired by Lana Del Rey.
Total time: 5 minutes
Serving size: 1 cocktail
Ingredients:
1-oz. sweet vermouth
1-oz. Campari
1 splash club soda
Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients and pour into chilled glass.
2. Add a flower if you’re feeling artsy.
For a slightly stronger and less sweet kick, click here.