18 // Bon Appetit
Boozing on a Budget Written by Hannah DeYoung // Photos by Jackie Keffas
Let’s get one thing straight: Just because you’re a poor college student, your drinks don’t need to taste like nail polish remover or glorified cat urine. This is America, where you deserve the best regardless of how much you make per hour, and this budget mixology guide is about to turn that dream into a reality.
The key to any good mix (and being able to impress people with your great skill) is not only knowing the ideal balance of alcohol to mixers, but remembering to add fresh ingredients whenever possible. Having a couple limes on hand, for example, can turn a painfully average drink into one worth Instagramming.
The math is simple. If the average student spends $7 a drink when he or she goes out and has about 10 drinks a weekend, that’s $70. Instead, you could stick to our cheap mixes that average about a dollar a drink, or $10 a weekend, and end up saving $3,120 a year. That’s a sweet trip to Cancun — or a couple months’ rent for the more practical-minded.
But since basic mixology isn’t everyone’s strong suit, here are eight basic, original and classic recipes to always have on hand if you’re part of the 21-and-over crowd. Best part is, whether you use expensive brand names or the stuff that comes in plastic bottles, they’ll still taste great. Just remember: The lower the price, the greater the hangover.
WOOF | spring 2014