By Oscar Beale
Freshers is a time to celebrate the academic year to come, a chance to make a new ‘best friend’ every day and also a fantastic opportunity to try new and exciting drinks. I can’t help you with making new friends; however, I can make it an easier ride with five intriguing shooters that are bound to make the conversations flow and help you to loosen up on any night out.
- Baby Guinness – Kahlua + Baileys
A personal favourite of mine, a Baby Guinness is the perfect drink to show off your Irish pride on St Patrick’s Day or any other. Looking exactly like a miniature Guinness, it tastes nothing like stout, being made of three parts coffee liqueur (Tia Maria, Kahlua, Café Patron) to one part Irish cream (Bailey’s). This sweet and relatively smooth shooter is easy to make. In a shot glass, simply layer the Irish cream atop the coffee liqueur slowly to create the desired layered appearance to the shooter. Perfect for those who want to go shot to shot without the risk of tequila regrets or getting particularly paralytic.
- Kamikaze – Vodka + Triple Sec or Blue Curacao + Lime juice
Popularised in the US Navy in the 1970s and 1980s, this shooter lives up to its name. A powerful drink that could cause even the strongest vessel to blow and sink, it should be approached with care lest you’re looking to get legless. The perfect drink to start off or end your night. You won’t be disappointed by the kick this shooter has to offer.
- Blow Job – Amaretto + Kahlua + Baileys + Whipped Cream
A novelty shooter, the Blow Job was popularised by bartenders around the US in the 1980s and 90s. Similar to the Baby Guinness, the addition of amaretto and whipped cream make for an altogether more interesting textural experience. Advice for anyone drinking this: have it quickly to avoid curdling and to have a better night.
- Tuaca
An Italian brandy liqueur produced in Brighton, Tuaca is said to have been created in the 15th century for Lorenzo the Magnificent of Florence. This spirit is infused with citrus and vanilla spice making it a sweet and warming shot. Best shotted when chilled Tuaca will get you turnt faster than you can say ‘Italian brandy liqueur’. Directly from the renaissance one could imagine the likes of Leonardo Da Vinci or Machievelli enjoying this libation while creating their masterpieces. So if ever you feel like living a ripe and ready renaissance fantasy find this iconic booze and get drinking.
- Alabama Slammer – Amaretto + Southern Comfort + Sloe Gin + Orange Juice + Lemon Juice
Crimson in colour, this shooter was invented in the 1970s at the University of Alabama, an infamous party school. Screaming school pride, the Alabama slammer is a fruity and fun shot that will get you into the Alabama party spirit in no time. With this shot you might be able to momentarily forget the pressures of going to LSE and live like you go to an infamous party school.
All these drinks promise an aura of self-assurance and cocktail mastery that will be sure to set you apart from your fresher counterparts or impress someone at your next houseparty. If you’re still apprehensive, maybe it’s time you left the £6 pints in George IV and allow yourself to enjoy all that the world of good drinks has to offer (but always drink responsibly).
Interested in drinking or cocktails and making friends at LSE? Please check out either Bacchus Wine Society or Cocktail Society.
