by Marai Rataj

Created on: September 09, 2010

First time drinking is all about discovering the variety in alcohol consumption, while not getting scared off by the harsh, sometimes repulsive kick of some drinks. Beer, especially that first swig can be potent and bitter, straight spirits like whiskey or scotch burn on the way down and take a while to get used to. Moderation and educated discovery about the Fine Arte of Consumptives is

Here's a list of Five great Cocktails that all use different types of readily available booze.

Vodka: White Gummy Bear

1/2 oz. Raspberry Vodka (any fruit-based flavoured Vodka will do)

1/2 oz. Peach Schnapps

1 oz. Sweet and Sour Mix

1 splash Sprite (any Lemon-Lime soda will do)

Bring out your martini shaker, pour ingredients in over ice, cap it and shake. Pour into a cocktail glass and garnish with a raspberry. This one is light, fruity and tastes like candy. There isn't a lot of burn to this one, making it a easier introduction to the joys and versatility of Vodka.

Rum: Blue Hawaiian

1/2 oz. Rum

1/2 oz. blue Curacao

1/2 oz. Creme de coconut (Or leave this ingredient out and use a full ounce of Coconut Rum instead of the Rum)

11/2 oz. Pineapple Juice

Another martini shaker cocktail, splash all the ingredients in the shaker with ice, shake it up and pour into a highball glass, garnish with a pineapple slice. The variations on this tropical drink are huge. If you don't have Creme de Coconut, or Coconut Rum, try using regular Rum, and adding some Coconut milk.

Wine: Kir Royale

3 1/3 oz. Champagne

2/3 oz. Either Creme de Cassis, or Blackberry Port.

Serve it up in a Champagne flute, floating the Champagne on top of the Port. This one is simple, and an easy introduction to bubbly wines, without going the route of a spritzer.

Gin: Gin and Tonic

1 oz. Gin

Fill with Tonic

The classic Gin & Tonic is more of a highball, but like Audrey Hepburn and Clint Eastwood nobody can beat the classics. Try it with a twist, and throw in some lime or lemon juice. This one is highly customizable, and takes some getting used to but is a good start toward seeing what more dry drinks are like.

Tequila: Tequila Sunrise

11/2 oz. Tequila

3 oz. Orange Juice

1/2 oz. Grenadine Syrup

Get a highball glass, and fill 3/4 with ice. Pour Tequila, then Orange Juice into the glass, and carefully pour the Grenadine Syrup into the mix. The Grenadine should fall to the bottom, garnish with a slice of orange and enjoy!

As always with cocktails, experiment wisely, and enjoy Responsibly,

Cheers

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