We all kind of like alcohol. Some of us like the variety of choices, combinations, colors and flavors of cocktails. Others like the traditional glass of Merlot or Pinot Grigio, or the old-but-always-gold bottle of Corona.
However, from the last couple of days filled with going out, drinking and playing Kings, I realized that most folks actually don’t enjoy alcohol. They do it because it’s a “social thing,” because they want to forget about their problems, or just because of the all-too-familiar peer pressure.
There is a cure, people!!! I am writing this article for all of you who dislike the booze but want to get the buzz without the gag reflex. And to the liquor lovers, I’m giving you a couple of fresh ideas for ways to surprise your friends with fun (and super delicious) drinks.
1. Infused watermelon
This is something I used to do back in the day when I still lived in Bulgaria.
You will need:
1 watermelon
1 bottle of vodka
1 big syringe with a long needle (every pharmacy should sell them)
How to do it:
1. Place the watermelon in front of you on a table.
2. Make only one hole in the watermelon with the syringe, and fill it with the vodka.
3. Keep on injecting vodka in the watermelon slowly.
4. Let the watermelon rest in your fridge for at least a day in order for the vodka to spread equally.
2. Infused gummy bears
An old classic I got too familiar with when I came to the US two years ago.
You will need:
A LOT of gummy bears
Rum (better choose a cheap one. No need for being fancy and buying Appleton Estate, or Bacardi Gold; at the end of the day, the gummy bears are the stars of this liquor show.)
A big container
How to do it:
1. Put the tons of gummy bears in the container.
2. Drown them with the tons of rum you got until they are fully covered.
3. Stir everything together.
4. Let it rest for at least a couple of hours in the fridge in order for the gummy bears to absorb the alcohol.
3. Ice cubes with a twist
You will need:
1 bottle of prosecco
Ice cube tray
Fruits of your choice (kiwis, limes, oranges, berries)
You will need:
1. Put small slices of the fruits in each cube of the tray.
2. Pour prosecco in each cube.
3. Freeze.
4. Add to any type of juice, lemonade, soda.
4. Orange Jell-O shots
You will need:
Oranges
Boiled water
Bacardi (or any other rum)
1 box of Jell-O powder (or any type of gelatin)
How to do it:
1. Cut the oranges in half.
2. Juice the oranges until the halves are hollow.
3. Combine with alcohol and put the mixture back into the orange skins to refrigerate overnight. It is very important for the mixture to be cold.
4. Pour boiled water into a bowl and dissolve the Jell-O in it. Give it a good stir.
5. Add the cold mixture of alcohol and juice to the hot water with Jell-O.
6. Slowly ladle the mixture into the orange halves.
7. Place them carefully inside the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours.
8. When ready, cut the orange halves in slices for individual shots.
5. Sorbet with a secret
What you need:
5 cups frozen berries
2 tbsp lime zest
2/3 cups lime juice
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
½ cup tequila
How to make it:
1. In a saucepan, bring water and sugar to boil and stir carefully until sugar dissolves (around 3-4 min). Let it cool.
2. Blend both liquors, lime zest and juice, and the frozen berries in a blender.
3. Pour the blended mixture into a loaf pan and freeze for at least 4 hours.
4. When you want to serve it, take the pan out of the freezer and let it soften for 4-5 min. Take a margarita glass, put lime juice and salt around the edges, and scoop some of the ready sorbet into the glass.
6. Very drunk strawberries
You will need:
1 lb strawberries
1 ½ cup strawberries
1 ½ cup rosé
½ cup vodka
½ cup sugar
How to make it:
1. Place strawberries in a bowl.
2. Pour rosé and vodka over the strawberries, stir and let them soak in the booze for at least 1 hour.
3. Dry them with paper towel.
4. Roll the strawberries in sugar.
7. The good old sangria
Something traditional but just as fun. This is one of the things you have the whole freedom in the world with (as long as this freedom includes booze).
You will need:
Fruits (oranges, apples, peaches and berries are the best)
Dry Spanish red wine
Brandy or rum
Some juice (for more sweetness)
Some sweetener (I love it with honey)
Ice
How to make it:
1. Add fruits and honey to a large pitcher and muddle with a wooden spoon for a while.
2. Add the juice and the brandy/rum and muddle again.
3. Add red wine and stir well.
4. Refrigerate for at least 4-5 hours before serving.
5. Serve with some of the fruits inside and add ice if needed.
Let the summer officially begin!