Comments on: HOW-TO: Master the Art of the Casual Drink

By: Matt L

Matt L — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:08:28 +0000

Long Island Iced Tea has to be one of the worst ideas for a non-drinker; heck, I would go as far as calling myself a heavy (if not problematically so) drinker, and even that's a little too much for me. Some good suggestions for the casual drinker would be any kind of lighter beer (light in taste and in alcohol content) – many people have been raving about the new Bud Light Lime, as well as the classic choices; Coor's Light, Corona, Miller Genuine Draft or the like. None of these would question your masculinity or drinking prowess.
Furthermore, the classic cocktails (where beer may be inappropriate) are always good choices; rum & coke, gin & tonic, vodka & soda, etc, are always staples, and if ordered in a highball (drinking lingo for a tall glass), can be quite mild. Stick with the clear spirits where available (white rum, vodka, gin, white tequila [if getting a margherita]) as these can also alleviate the strong taste and alcohol impact. Out for dinner, nursing any glass of wine is fine, but don't be that guy that goes to a dingy pub with your buddies and orders a glass of chardonnay from the bartender with 6 piercings on his face and a tattoo that says “HATE” on his left knuckles.

By: Ron

Ron — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:55:35 +0000

I've been to the bar in the Hilton Hotel in Markham when my friend Kevin is performing there. I know next to nothing about alcohol so I simply ordered the first drink that came to my mind — long island iced tea. Big mistake as I later found out. Sometimes at a restraunt where it's absolutely inappropriate to order carbonated drinks, or dinner with friends again where it's inappropriate to order pop. I usually get water in those situations but then I give off this “cheap” aura afterwards.

By: Dan Hocking

Dan Hocking — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:21:45 +0000

If that's the case, I'd suggest something classic, like a glass of wine or “standard” cocktail; it does depend on the situation though. What sort of venue do you imagine this way, Ron?

By: Ron

Ron — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:45:06 +0000

What would you suggest for someone drinking who quite frankly doesn't drink, but the situation dictates a drink to be ordered? Perhaps this is another “how-to” altogether.

By: Dan Hocking

Dan Hocking — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:34:41 +0000

Should that be before or after HOW-TO: Download Files from the Internet? Or HOW-TO: Get Dishes Clean? HOW-TO: Play Pick-up Sticks? I have SO many ideas on the board here…

By: Phil Nelson

Phil Nelson — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:31:59 +0000

I can't wait for HOW-TO: Walk and Chew Bubblegum Simultaneously

By: Jon Lim

Jon Lim — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:04:15 +0000

Really good tips, never thought of the cocktail in a tall glass. The only thing really stopping me is that regardless of the drink I have in front of me, I get thirsty, so I drink it up pretty quick. But, I guess I should stop that.

Thanks Dan!