Our drinking adviser, Travis, suggested we make our Friday 5 o’clock cocktail a Manhattan - largely because it has Bourbon in it.

Sound like a fine reason to drink a Manhattan to me.

How to Make a Manhattan

• 2 1/2 oz Bourbon
• 3/4 oz Vermouth
• Dash of Angostura Bitters
• 1 Maraschino Cherry
• 1 Twist of Orange Peel

Instructions:
Combine the first three ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir gently. Strain the spirits into a chilled coctail glass and add the cherry and orange peel twist.

Have you ever thought about making your own liqueurs? No, we aren’t talking about breaking out grandpa’s moonshine still. Actually, you can use regular vodka, rum and other spirits to make your own liqueurs. And just like any other cocktail, you can customize them just how you like them. See How to Make Strawberry Liqueur.

I’m not sure what I was expecting when I opened this beer, but the hops are so strong that the taste hit me in the face like a shovel – I just wasn’t expecting it. Therefore I would say that if you like hops a lot, or if you like to be hit in the face with a shovel, then you’ll really like this beer. That’s not a bad thing either… Full Review of Never Summer Ale

Even though we have a picture of a bust of Alexander the Great here, we aren’t actually talking about Russian history. Far from it.

No, we’re talking about Alexander the Drinks! Perhaps you’ve heard of Brandy Alexanders. They’re Grrrrreat! Even better, there are other variations of Alexanders you may want to try. Visit our How to Mix an Alexander page and learn more.

Our second installment in our “Winter Brews” beer review is the Samuel Adams Winter Lager.

If you happen to live in a part of the country that doesn’t usually have a very good beer selection, then the Sam Adams offering is usually a good bet, and this one is no exception.

The beer is a wheat lager, and it really delivers on taste, body and texture. This is a great beer! Read our review of Samuel Adams Winter Lager.

Or, better yet, buy a six pack and try it yourself!

Last week we featured the Cosmopolitan. Now, get ready for the next one. I’m not usually one to splurge on hyperbole, so please understand that when I say this drink is f*cking awesome. I really mean it is THAT good.

This drink is a little better if you put on a mask and wear some sort of red tights or a unitard. At the very least, wear a cape and a pirate hat (eye patches can also help).

This week’s drink is the Captain Cosmo; which is sort of like a cosmopolitan with it’s hair messed up.

Enjoy!

I’m pretty sure I played super quarters when I was in college. I think that’s why I can’t remember any of the Thursday nights of my sophmore year.

It probably would have been better if we could have tried playing the game with something other than Icehouse sometimes.

Ahhh the memories…or lack thereof.

If you would like to get a nice game of super-quarters going at YOUR house, here are the instructions:

www.drunkmansguide.com/games/super_quarters.php

We have decided to start our “Reviews” section here at Drunk Man’s Guide. That means that each week we will feature a new beer, liquor or wine and give you our honest opinion.

The rating scale will be in beers, and the scale goes like this:

	5/5 is a “Must Try” beverage. This is a rare rating that we will only bestow on the most deserving beverages. You should definitely try these.
	4/5 is a “Damn Good” beverage. If you see these in the store, then you can’t go wrong with a 4/4 beverage.
	3/5 is a “Good” beverage. This is worth buying - especially if it is on sale.
	2/5 is an “OK” beverage. Keep it is someone gives it to you, but don’t buy it. It’s ok to regift a 2/5 beverage, but only to someone you don’t care about, and who doesn’t know much about alcohol.
	1/5 is a “Only Drink it On A Dare” beverage. Don’t drink this beverage even if it’s free. Use it to marinate meat, or distill it for fuel; but only drink it if you are getting PAID to drink it.

Our first review is of a really good beer that we knew we wanted to include in a review as soon as we tasted it. The beer is called “Snow Plow” by Widmer Brothers, and it receives a 5/5 rating. Definitely seek out this beer and try it. Especially if you like stouts.

Since it’s a seasonal, who knows how long it will be on store shelves. View our review of Snow Plow here: www.drunkmansguide.com/reviews/snowplow.php

When we talk about chasers, we usually are talking about taking a shot and then “chasing” it with a beer. However some people do it the opposite way, they chug a beer and chase it with a shot. Many recipes also call for dropping a shot of liquor into a beer, or layering the liquor with the beer.

Check out our Chasers page for a five great recipes that combine beer and liquor.

Are you looking for a mixed drink with a little more class? The Cosmopolitan or “Cosmo” is a cousin of the Martini, but because of the fruit content, it is much easier to get into than a traditional Gin Martini - espectially if you don’t like Gin!

Here’s How to make a Cosmopolitan

Ingredients
1 1/2 Ounces Vodka
1/4 Ounce Triple Sec
1/4 Ounce Cranberry Juice
1 Splash Lime Juice
Garnish with Lime Wedge

Directions:
Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and stir. Strain into a “Martini” Glass.