DISQUS

Dan Hocking: HOW-TO: Master the Art of the Casual Drink

  • Jon Lim · 6 months ago
    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!
  • Phil Nelson · 6 months ago
    I can't wait for HOW-TO: Walk and Chew Bubblegum Simultaneously
  • Dan Hocking · 6 months ago
    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...
  • Ron · 6 months ago
    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.
  • Dan Hocking · 6 months ago
    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?
  • Ron · 6 months ago
    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.
  • Matt L · 6 months ago
    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.