I don't know how I find this shit. http://imgur.com/a/uZUME Do I really have to share a planet with these people? My grandfather fought in World War 2. The Battle of the Bulge and North Africa, to be exact. He would hunt down some of Rommel's henchman with his small unit of men. Won a Purple Heart among many other medals. I doubt he ever dreamed that he was fighting for the freedom of his 29 year old grandson to stumble upon graphic images of a guy transforming into a horse. I don't know if I hate myself or these people more. Animorphs was a shitty book series anyway.
Cider beers? Like Molson cider? Or do you want actual cider recommendations? Because I've tried Brickworks Batch: 1904 and it isn't bad. Local stuff, overall decent cider. Not cloying, nice and light.
I had to take basically the same approach you are going to, except mine had to do with the fact I'm a pussy when it comes to hangovers. I first started with whiskey and diet coke, to cut out the sugar. This was a glorious occasion discovery and the only acceptable reason I have ever found for drinking diet soda. Also had fun with vodka, club soda and lemon (insanely refreshing summer drink). Once I realized I was pouring more whiskey than coke and the soda was diluting the vodka, I cut out the middle man and went to straight whiskey and gin. Realized this was awesome, spent a little more and lost a sizable portion of my life and income to something called "bourbon" and "scotch." Room temperature in a glass was fine. I don't necessarily recommend going down that rabbit hole -- at least in the same direction as I did -- since it ultimately led to my giving up drinking once the phrase "liquid companionship" entered my vocabulary. But at least bourbon and scotch neat are relatively sugar and carb-free.
I shudder at the idea of using diet coke. I love diet coke, but not as a mixer. Coke zero is what I pair with my beloved flor de cana rum, and it is a marriage made in heaven. If I am making a cocktail that calls for sugar or simple syrup, like a mint julep or mojito, I just use truvia.
Yeah I do the diet mixers too in a vain attempt at limiting calories. Usually ends with me still stuffing greasy pizza down my maw at 3 am. I drank my friend's extra papa john's garlic sauce tub like a shot the other weekend while I was blacked out. Not even ashamed.
I wouldn't say I'm drunk, but hey I'm buzzed and typing to stave off berating these two people in with who are convinced sandy hook is a conspiracy. And these people are in charge of kids' minds. Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck. However, I'm buzzed enough to say that it's cool this board is still kickin'. It's a lot different but it's cool to have a place to come vent.
Any cider breweries in your area? I'd get a growler of some fresh stuff if possible. Coke Zero is awesome for mixing, and so is diet lemon lime soda. I like how refreshing it is (especially with vodka), but my girlfriend likes the lower calorie aspect too. I get maybe a dozen channels through the TV antenna at my house, but one of them has Walker, Texas Ranger on all the time so it is awesome. Quality vs quantity. My dog loves that show too for some reason (probably 'cause he's smart).
The suggestions for Bourbon or Vodka or other such drinks straight / neat / up are fine, and Coke Zero is much better than Diet Coke. But, you listed both "commonly available" and "at friends's parties" as criteria. Around here at a bar, they almost never had Coke Zero, and you have to go with Diet Coke. And, at parties, drinking 1.5 oz shots at a time, or sipping bourbon will get you hammered in a hurry, at least for me. Because part of the social fun is chatting and drinking and all that. So, even though you avoid the carbs with say Bourbon, you ending up drinking more calories and you may end up drunk. About 5 oz of red wine, one light beer, and a shot of bourbon all have about the same calories, around 100. So, socially, you may have more fun drinking Miller Lite, which is only a few carbs. I think it tastes better than Michelob Ultra, which basically has the same carbs and calories. Don't bother with 55 Select - it's just half a beer in a whole bottle. It tastes terrible, it's watered down to get at 55 calories, because it also is about 2% alcohol instead of the 4.5% for light beer. If you're at a party for a couple hours, you can be sociable, drink 3 Miller Lites and be under 300 calories and under 15g carbs. For me, anyway, ymmv, if I were at a party for 2 hours trying to be sociable and drinking bourbon? I would need a designated driver to get home and end up way over 300 calories.
Fine, Mr Reading Comprehension Rush-o-Matic, you are right about parties limiting the options. I agree with sticking to wine or a light beer. If you want to do a cocktail, maybe try gin, vodka or white rum with a squeeze of lime or lemon or orange and top with water or seltzer/club soda if they have it. If they don't have actual fruit, then add a splash of whatever sugared up non-cola soda they have (sprite, mtn dew, orange crush, etc) just enough to taste.
"90% of the people in this world are total assholes, and another 5% are working their way there." This was known among some of my friends as the [Misanthropic] corollary. It was not well received at open mike poetry readings. RE: Cider Angry Orchard makes some of the best hard cider around. It is drier than Magners or Woodchuck, with a great crisp finish and several varieties
Anyone else here have issues with caffeine and alcohol? I can't do rum and coke anymore, my heart starts doing things it shouldn't. Rum and root beer awesome, no issues. As for this summer I've discovered vodka and sparkling lemonade, fucking fantastic after working out at the course