Sangria (Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons/Jesse Loughborough)
White Russian (Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons/Kristen Hess)
Mike's Hard Lemonade (Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons/Lynda Giddens)
Long Island iced tea (Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons/Suzuki)
Malibu rum (Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons/Dondy Razon)
Welcome to spring quarter – hopefully sometime soon the weather will actually be warm. Campus will be teeming with NU students in sundresses and Sperrys, hanging out on the Lakefill and enjoying the sunshine at darties. If and when that time comes, say goodbye to those classic winter cocktails and try these fun, springy libations instead.
Peppermint schnapps and hot chocolate → Malibu rum and pineapple juice
The delicious combination of Malibu rum and pineapple juice is perfect for anyone who needs a springtime substitute for a winter cocktail. Although Peppermint Schnapps and hot chocolate are ideal for a boozy evening near the fireplace, Malibu and pineapple juice will send you to tropical beaches for some fun in the sun. Pineapple juice is a good match for Malibu because of its sweet, fruity flavor, making this mixture taste like a piña colada. Anyone looking for a uncomplicated yet tasty beverage should try this blend.
Angry Orchard Crisp Apple → Mike’s Hard Original Lemonade
Are you a fan of fruity ciders like Angry Orchard, but want to stay in season? Well, Mike’s Hard Original Lemonade can be the perfect alternative for you. Like Angry Orchard Crisp Apple, Mike’s Hard has a strong but sweet tangy flavor that is extremely refreshing. Both drinks have a homey feel, but you should probably leave Angry Orchard in the den and bring Mike’s Hard out to the patio on a warm spring day. Mike’s Hard is great if you’re looking for something to sip at a backyard kickback with some buds.
Irish coffee → White Russian
Once it has actually stopped snowing outside, a White Russian is definitely the way to go. Perfect for a little morning pick-me-up, this drink has the one necessity of an Irish coffee: coffee. The frigid taste of vodka will replace the spiced, wintry flavor of whiskey, instantaneously cooling you down. Additionally, iced coffee is much better than hot on a sunny spring day.
Hot Toddy → Long Island Iced Tea
Move over Great Britain, because we’ve got some Long Island in the house! Long Island iced teas don’t have to only be sipped in the Hamptons – they can also be a great warm-weather alternative for the boozy tea drinker in all of us. The combination of gin, tequila, vodka and rum will definitely get you out of your seat. Although a Hot Toddy has been believed to alleviate symptoms of the common cold and will leave you feeling toasty inside, Long Island iced teas do have some “easing” remedies as well. Just pound a few LIITs and you’ll definitely be lit. (Even though you’ll probably have a huge hangover in the morning.)
Mulled wine → Sangria
If the Easter bunny is the spring equivalent of Santa Claus, then sangria is certainly the spring equivalent of mulled wine. Sangria’s inclusion of seasonal fruits mimics mulled wine’s fruity combo of warm winter spices. It’s also the ideal drink to spice up a fun night with some girlfriends or a romantic date on a spring evening. A glass of sangria will definitely guarantee you a great time.