Cocktail Chronicles: Two Years Later — What Young Professionals Are Drinking Now
A little over two years ago, during my senior year of college at Florida State University, I set out to see what cocktails my fellow peers were sipping on when they wanted to break the monotony of cheap beer and boxed wine. The result was an impressive mix of timeless classics, sugary concoctions, and feats of sophisticated mixology. Check out our characters' previous picks here.
Young adults are no different than college students in the regard of enjoying a stiff drink, except instead of unwinding from a chemistry final, it’s a day at the office. With the experience of new day-to-day duties, scenery, and people comes new preferences. With this in mind, I was curious how my friends' tastes may have changed and set out to ask the now fully employed, suit-wearing, cocktail-sipping versions of my old classmates and friends:
1. Old Fashioned
Cristian, Sales, Jacksonville, FL
“It’s smooth, strong, simple yet reliable.”
Previous Favorite: Tequila Sunrise
He finally picked a guy's drink!
2. Moscow Mule
Pierre, Investment Banking, New York, NY
“I am a big fan of the taste of ginger and love the presentation.”
Previous Favorite: Moscow Mule
3. Filthy Martini
Emily, Medical Assistant & Graduate School Applicant, Orlando, FL
“Filthy martini, you get a little snack with your cocktail, and the electrolytes from the salt means no hangover.”
Previous Favorite: Vodka, Soda, Lime
4. Spicy Margarita (with Mezcal & Tajin Rim)
Kaley, Sales Development Representative, Austin, TX
“Spicy Margarita, love the kick of jalapenos, almost painful to drink. The saltiness and tanginess of the tajin rim comes together so well. I prefer it with Mezcal.”
Previous Favorite: Spicy Margarita (with Tajin Rim)
5. Corpse Reviver No. 2
Brendan, Product Operations Manager, San Francisco, CA
“Beautiful blend of citrus and a tinge of floral/licorice from the absinthe.”
Previous Favorite: Corpse Reviver No. 2
6. Tequila Soda
Alex, Consultant, Houston, TX
“Low calories”
Previous Favorite: Gin & Tonic
7. Espresso Martini
Stephanie, Healthcare Recruiter, Orlando, FL
“Espresso Martini, it’s strong and not too sweet.”
Previous Favorite: Lychee Martini
8. Lychee Martini
Kinara, Executive Assistant, Orlando, FL
“Lychee Martini, it’s sweet and always a classy option.”
Previous Favorite: Miami Vice
Bartenders: You no longer have to say the blender is broken.
9. Dirty Martini
Nick, Pilot, San Antonio, TX
“Dirty Martini, classy and clean. Also really like olives.”
Previous Favorite: Margarita
10. Tequila Soda with Lime
Dylan, Affiliate Marketing, Orlando, FL
“Tequila soda lime. I like them because they’re cheap and have good flavor, on top of that tequila is a stimulant so it doesn’t make me tired.”
11. Old Fashioned
Me, Consulting Analyst & Operations Assistant, Orlando, FL
While I still love a Tom Collins on a hot day, an Old Fashioned can hit the spot anytime, whether it's a fancy dinner or a start (or end) to a long night. Plus, it's classy.
Previous Favorite: Tom Collins
While some old habits die hard, others evolve, from sweet to savory, from beachy to bitter, from basic to bold. One thing is clear: just like in college, our go-to cocktails still say a lot about us. Except now, the hangovers hurt more, and the tabs are higher. Cheers.