Whether you’re jetting off on vacation, staying in town to work or visiting family, spring break is the perfect time to enjoy a well-made cocktail. As a broke and busy college student, you probably always resort to your same drink of choice: your favorite type of alcohol plus juice/soda. But during spring break, you have time and an inclination to treat yourself well. Here are a few cocktails that are a step up from what you might normally drink, yet won’t leave you with a bunch of expensive, leftover ingredients.
Strawberry Basil Margaritas (adapted from The Kitchn)
– 1 can (12 ounces) frozen limeade concentrate
– 10 strawberries
– 8 basil leaves
– 2 to 2 1/2 cups tequila
Grab a pitcher and empty the frozen limeade into the pitcher. Then, use the empty limeade can to add 2 1/2 cans of water to the pitcher and 1 1/2 cans of tequila. Remove the hulls of the strawberries, slice them lengthwise and add them to the pitcher. Crumple the basil leaves in your hands a bit and add them to the pitcher as well. Store the pitcher in the fridge for at least four hours so the flavors can marry, then serve. Makes about eight servings, so it’s perfect for a small get-together.
Slip ‘n Slide (adapted from Savory)
– 12 ounces limeade (not frozen)
– 1 1/2 or 2 ounces cherry vodka (1 or 1 1/2 shot glasses full)
– limes & salt
Mix the cherry vodka and limeade together in a tall glass. Add freshly squeezed lime juice to taste and salt for the rim, if you please. Makes one serving.
Grapefruit Mimosas (adapted from Confections of a Foodie Bride)
– 1 bottle of Prosecco, chilled
– 3 or 3 1/2 cups of grapefruit juice
– Simple syrup or other sweetener to taste
For a lighter cocktail that’s perfect for brunching or early drinking, combine Prosecco and grapefruit juice in a pitcher. Add simple syrup or other sweetener as needed. Yields about six servings.
The Georgia Peach (adapted from Everyday Drinkers)
– 1 ounce rum
– 1 ounce Peach Schnapps
– 2 ounces cranberry juice
Combine all ingredients in a medium glass and serve over ice for a strong and sweet cocktail for one. This drink goes perfectly with lawn chairs and country music.