Blue Bird:
Perfect for relaxing by the beach or pool. Add ice cubes to a mixer, and then pour one part lemon juice, a dash of almond syrup, one part Curacao liqueur, and two parts gin. Serve with a lemon peel to add flair to what is a deceptively powerful mix. Keep a pair of sunglasses handy and nobody will know how intoxicated you are as you keep knocking these back by the water.
Navy Grog:
Another one for the sun. Reportedly a favorite of former US President Richard Nixon, the Navy Grog is almost as annoying to make to make as it is strong, as it involves procuring an ice cone to really make right. Add two ounces of dark rum, an ounce of light rum, three-quarters of an ounce of grapefruit juice, an ounce of honey syrup, and three-quarters of an ounce of seltzer to a shaker with ice. Shake well. Fill a large glass about halfway with crushed ice, and pour the cocktail into the glass over the ice. To top it off, add the ice cone into the glass, threading a straw through the hole.
Long Island Iced Tea:
The LIIT should not work; it involves so many different liquors it is hard to imagine it coming out anything but disgusting. However, it is the most infamous beverage out there when it comes to a happy marriage of taste and potency. The first time I drank one I ordered a whole liter, which was absolutely irresponsible on the part of both me and my trusted watering hole, because this drink has no business being served in that kind of quantity. Use a highball glass and add a three quarters of an ounce of vodka, gin, white rum, tequila, each, in addition to an ounce and a half of Curacao liqueur. Stir with three-quarters of an ounce of lemon juice and two ounces of cola. Garnish with a lemon wedge. Add more lemon juice it is still too strong for you.
Jungle Juice:
A house party staple, Jungle Juice was designed to lead party guests down a dark tunnel as they continue to swig from an unknown beverage of secret potency. Using a large punch bowl are even a big plastic tub, pour in four parts vodka, two and a half parts fruit liqueur, three parts white wine, four parts fruit juice, and one and a half parts lemon juice. Use a big ladle to stir. I’ve seen Jungle Juice mixed with caffeine pills, Red Bull, or even ADHD medication. I personally had a grand time, but be mindful that not everyone at your party may have a decent tolerance or is looking to get that drunk.
Martini:
The martini is a surprisingly strong drink: that’s why you only see it served in small quantities in those special glasses. Even though it has entered the popular imagination as a symbol of class after none other than James Bond insisted on his “shaken not stirred” (although he did prefer the vodka variation), the fact is that Bond probably likes the drink because he is a raging alcoholic. Pour two and a half parts gin and a half part of dry vermouth into a cocktail tin, and add ice. Stir well, (or shake if you insist on trying to look cool), and strain into a martini glass. Serve with an olive or a lemon peel.
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