Throwback Thursday: Top 3 Freshers Drinks I Wish I'd Avoided

Photo: GW Fins (CCL)

Ah, Freshers Week. A complete blur of new people, new experiences and of course, booze. Booze is great, especially in situations where a bit (or a lot) of Dutch courage is needed to get to know people. A social lubricant they call it. In which case that makes Freshers Week a veritable slip and slide.

Now as much as going out and getting absolutely hammered is not only deemed okay but actively encouraged at University, there are a few things to be avoided. At all costs. Not because they'll get you silly drunk, but mainly because they are utterly disgusting.

Photo: Fabio Sola Penna (CCL)

Number 1: Vodka and Energy

This is a staple pretty much everywhere you go nowadays. More often than not it's the cheapest vodka which is only one step away from paint stripper, and the cheapest energy drink that will rot your insides without a moment's hesitation.

First of all, the taste is revolting. A concoction of E numbers that taste like bubblegum scraped off the pavement combined with a burn that would make the bravest of fire breathers choke.

What's more is the effects, and I'm not just talking about the inebriation. Having spent one (not so) memorable night on nothing but the stuff, I can say first hand how bad the chest crippling heart palpitations are the next day.


Number 2: The Dirty Pint

Photo: Pavel Rybin (CCL)

This one is just as fun as it is disgusting. If you're not familiar with the term, the idea is that a pint glass is filled with a mixture of anything imaginable, but usually just a little bit of what everyone else is drinking or whatever one has at the back of the cupboard. A must for any stag do or birthday and the centre piece of all games of Ring of Fire.

 The beauty of the dirty pint is that it can be made of absolutely anything. I think the most foul pint I ever had included out of date beer, rose wine, absinthe, black sambuca and Baileys. One tip - if you're doing Ring of Fire, make sure everyone has a different drink.


Number 3: Extreme Tequilas

Photo: Rodrigo Gianesi (CCL)

Shots can be fun on a big night out - everyone knows that. Tequila slammers are especially popular (for me too, despite the fact I despise tequila). But Extreme Tequilas are on a whole different level.

I was introduced to these just before going to Uni and thought it would be a good idea to introduce them to some of my new housemates. What I didn't realise however, is causing physical pain is no way to make friends.

For those who don't know, you snort the salt, drink the shot and squeeze the lemon in your eye. Sounds delightful right? Well, if anything, it's just downright painful. And if you really want to alienate yourself and have no friends for the rest of your three years, then introduce them to Suicide Tequilas. Basically, everything goes in the eye. Nothing should go in your eye.

What are the drinks you most regret from your Uni days? Tell us in the comments...