We’ve all been there. You check your bank account and it says $17.48, but you REALLY want to go out with your friends. Just because you’re on a tight budget, doesn’t mean you have to drink shit.
I tracked down bartenders from all over the world (yes, the world!) to find out the best way to stretch your dollar and still feel classy AF. Here’s what everyone from your local bartender to one of the world’s best mixologists sips on when they’re feeling thrifty.
1. Whiskey on the Rocks
Chonchaya Chaiinkham, known as Fern, attended New York Bartending School. She most recently bartended at Yakiniku Futago where most cocktails will set you back at least $15. She says if you avoid the mixed drinks and any top shelf liquor, you can still have a glass of whiskey for under $10.
2. Daiquiri
Joseph Boroski, “world traveling mixsultant” and owner of the coolest bar I know, says that it’s not the drink, per say, but the freshness of the ingredients. You can have a very expensive daiquiri or a very cheap daiquiri, but as long as you’ve got those fresh ingredients, it will definitely taste delicious.
3. Sex on the Beach
Miranda Sook bartends at Vino’s in Charleston, WV and relies on Sex on the Beach cocktails when she’s going for cheap drinks. The cranberry and orange juices are super flavorful and will have you feeling tropical, even from those country roads.
4. Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a classic. When you are at one of the country’s best bourbon bars, drinks add up quickly. Tim Fry at The Century Bar recommends a Whiskey Sour when drinking on a budget in a bourbon bar.
5. Rum and Coke
Siripatsorn Chandee, or Furn to friends, bartends for Vice Versa Cocktail in Bangkok, Thailand. She recommends getting the most buzz for your buck. A good rum and Coke is pretty standard. You can order this drink at any bar and it almost always tastes the same.
6. Mojito
Mojitos are another cocktail that can really be upgraded with fresh ingredients. Cheap white rum can be used, but the fresh mint and lime will still make it a quality cocktail.
7. Any Drink With Homemade Sours
Jenn Cooley at The Lackman explained that any alcohol can be made better with some fresh sours. So order your well liquor of choice and add in some fresh sours.
#SpoonTip: Save even more money by staying in and making your own cocktail with this delicious ginger lemon syrup.
8. Shot of Jägermeister
To quote Mr. Boroski, “a Jäger shot is still a damn good, quick, and cheap drink.” So, when you’re trying to get turnt for cheap, Jäger shots are for you.
9. Beer
Beer was referenced multiple times by several bartenders. Craft can get expensive, but a bottle of Corona or Michelob Ultra is guaranteed to save you tons of moolah.
Almost every bartender I spoke to stressed the importance of fresh produce and sours. Any well liquor can be dressed up nicely with some fresh herbs or citrus juice. So when you’re ballin’ on a budget, just remember to stick to something in the well or a cheap bottle of beer.