Fancy Cocktails to Make When You Don’t Have Much Money
We’ve all been there before. The bills have piled up, and your bank account has seen better days. But just because your finances are going through a rough patch, it doesn’t mean there aren’t still plenty of ways to enjoy life and have fun. And it certainly doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite drinks.
While some of the drinks we like to enjoy can come with a pretty hefty price tag, there’s no reason to despair. Most drinks have much more affordable substitutes. And there are plenty of drinks out there that are just as delicious as the more expensive ones — and they come at a much more reasonable price.
Whether you’re operating on a tight budget, or just looking to save a little extra money this year, here are a few of our favorite fancy cocktails you can make that won’t break the bank.
We All Scream
You know that ice cream that’s been sitting in the back of your freezer and collecting a nice, healthy coating of ice? Time to put that to good use.
For this drink, purée about two scoops of ice cream, mixing in two shots of whatever dark liquor you can rustle up. Whiskey is a good choice, but pick whatever you like. Then grab your favorite salty or sweet snack, such as Oreos, pretzels or chocolate chips, crush them and add them in. Mix it all together and serve it chilled.
The Monday Morning
This drink is perfect for those moments when you need a heavy jolt of caffeine to snap you awake. As an extra bonus, it helps you use up that coffee you let get cold yesterday that’s just going to waste.
Combine 1/3 coffee with 1/3 milk and 1/3 beer. Stir in a bonus shot of whiskey and three tablespoons of sugar before microwaving the whole mixture for 45 seconds. After it’s out of the microwave, stir it until the foam starts to rise. Then, just sit back and feel the caffeine rush.
The Risky Sour
Anyone can enjoy a whiskey sour, but this drink is designed specifically for the bold at heart and the risk-takers.
Crack an egg, carefully separating the yolk and the white. Throw away the yolk, but hang on to the egg white. Mix half a lemon, including the juice, a tablespoon of syrup, two shots of whiskey and the egg white. Serve cold over ice and enjoy.
Two Broke Swirls
Got more eggs you don’t have any uses for? No worries. Here’s another drink you can throw them in.
Crack an egg, throwing out the yolk and saving the white. Add two shots of rum and two tablespoons of sugar. Let it sit for about ten minutes, then add one lime’s worth of juice and stir it all together. Serve it chilled and enjoy. If you want to feel extra fancy, serve it with a few lime slices.
Some Bonus Tips for Going Out & Drinking on a Budget
While these cocktail recipes are great for a night of drinking at home, they won’t be much help when you’re out at a bar with friends. With that in mind, here are a few extra tips for how to save money during a night out.
- Carry Cash
This is standard advice for any time when you want to save money, but especially at bars. It’s much easier to spend money when all you have to do is swipe your card. If you’re carrying physical cash, you can actually see the money disappearing in front of your eyes, and you’ll be less likely to spend as much.
- Do Your Research
Doing a little bit of research ahead of time will almost always save you money. Don’t just head to the biggest and flashiest bar in town. Instead, research local happy hours or specials nights. Look up special deals and coupons. Ask the locals where you can get the best and most affordable drinks in town. Chances are, you’ll save a lot of money this way.
- Pregame at Home
Drinking at home is almost always cheaper than drinking at a bar. So unless you have to drive to your destination, have a drink at home to help get you started before you even get to the bar. That way, you’ll spend less overall. Never drink if you have to drive, however, and avoid getting drunk before riding public transportation.
Go Forth and Save
Saving money can seem like rocket science, but it isn’t as complicated as you might assume. In many cases, it comes down to using things you already have instead of buying new things, and buying cheaper substitutes. Many times, it’s just about putting a little extra forethought into things. And by following some of these tips and enjoying these drinks, you’ll be a money-saving pro in no time.
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