food & drink

Raise your glass (and not your debt): budget-friendly cocktail ideas for students

cocktail
Written by C Wolsey

Are you tired of paying too much for drinks when you go out? Do you want to impress your friends with some homemade cocktails but don’t know where to start? Fear not, because there are ways to craft amazing drinks while staying on top of your budget!

Vodka: The College Student’s Top Choice

First things first, let’s talk about the alcohol of choice for college students: vodka. According to a recent study, vodka is the most popular spirit among college students in the UK (and in the U.S.), with 36% of them choosing it as their go-to drink. And it’s no wonder why – vodka is versatile, mixes well with other ingredients, and is generally less expensive than other spirits.

But today’s college students are also concerned with sustainability and ethical practices. In fact, a survey showed that 73% of college students would pay more for alcohol made in a sustainable and ethical manner. So, when purchasing vodka for your homemade cocktails, look for brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices.

Budget-Friendly Cocktails for 2023

Now, let’s get to the good stuff – budget-friendly cocktails that are popular in 2023. Here are a few easy recipes that won’t break the bank:

  • Vodka Cranberry: Mix vodka and cranberry juice in a glass with ice. Squeeze in a lime wedge and garnish with another lime wedge.
  • Moscow Mule: Mix vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice in a copper mug filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
  • Screwdriver: Mix vodka and orange juice in a glass with ice. Garnish with an orange wedge.

Espresso and Mocha Martini to Wake You Up

This classic cocktail is perfect for coffee lovers; all you have to do is simply mix espresso, vodka, and sugar syrup in a shaker with ice, and shake until frothy. Strain into a glass and garnish with coffee beans for a beautiful finish. Similarly, when making a mocha martini, mix vodka, Kahlua, chocolate liqueur, and cold coffee in a shaker with ice, and shake until frothy. Strain into a glass and garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder.

Caffè Shakerato

This Italian classic is perfect for hot summer days. Simply mix espresso, sugar syrup, and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake until chilled. Strain into a glass and garnish with a slice of lemon for a refreshing twist.

Coffee Old Fashioned

This twist on a classic cocktail is perfect for “old souls” who love a strong and bold flavour. It might sound too fancy at first, but all you need to do is mix bourbon, coffee liqueur and bitters in a glass with ice then stir until it is chilled. Garnish with a twist of orange for a beautiful finish.

The popularity of cocktails is only expected to grow 

According to a recent survey, coffee cocktails are becoming increasingly popular among college students in the UK, with over 30% of young adults stating that they have tried a coffee cocktail in the past year. The survey also found that vodka is the number one liquor of choice for college students when it comes to making coffee cocktails (but other tropical cocktails as well).

These budget-friendly coffee cocktails are perfect for college students who are looking to enjoy a delicious and caffeinated beverage without breaking the bank, which can be so important during one’s college years. So, whether you’re studying late into the night and getting ready for the biggest exam of your life or enjoying a night out with friends, these coffee cocktails are sure to keep you going. Cheers!