Big fact: 2020 has driven us to drink. Word on the street is that we all may be in Alcoholics Anonymous by the end of the year.
Truth be told, I have had more virtual happy hours with my friends and coworkers than I did before the quarantine. Although we're not suggesting you drink like a fish, a good drink every once in a while can help you escape from the realities of today. We are not only grieving the absence of normalcy here, we also want to continue to celebrate birthdays, weddings, baby showers, graduations and just being alive at this point. Be it a happy hour at Club Zoom or in your VIP section in Club Quarantine with DJ Dnice on the 1s and 2s, we want to equip you with some easy drank recipes that will turn you into a true mixologist as you tackle self-isolation like a boss.
Keep your spirits up with these fire cocktails!
White Wine Sangria
As I have aged like wine, Sangria has become my go-to beverage. It's light, refreshing and gets me just the right amount of wine drunk.
What You'll Need:
- 2 cups sliced Strawberries
- 1 Orange, sliced
- 1 cup loosely packed Basil
- 2 Lime, sliced
- 1 bottle Chardonnay (White Wine)
- ½ cup Tequila
- 3 cups Sparkling Water or Soda
For the full recipe, click here.
Whiskey Sour Punch
Whiskey Sours remind me of college and bad decisions. Despite the nostalgia, they are quite tasty.
What You'll Need:
- 2 1/2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1-1 1/2 cups triple sec
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 3 cups Sprite
For the full recipe, click here.
Kentucky Lemonade
If Beyonce's Lemonade album was a drink, this would be it.
What You'll Need:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (from approximately 6 lemons)
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2-2/3 cup Bourbon (or whatever your heart desires)
- 6 cups ginger ale
- additional lemon slices (for garnish)
For the full recipe, click here.
Vodka & Cranberry Blush Cocktail
Meet the adult version of the Vodka-Cranberry we all know and love.
What You'll Need:
- Cranberries
- 200ml/7fl oz each vodka and Cointreau
- 600ml cranberry juice
- 400ml orange juice
- Strips of peel from 2-3 limes
- Crushed ice, to serve
For the full recipe, click here.
Spicy Blood Orange Margarita
Time to put the full-blooded in blood orange! The sweet but tart phenom adds the perfect amount of flavor and color to any drink. And with margaritas being the classic of all classics, it's time we marry the two.
What You'll Need:
- 2 blood oranges
- 1/2 lime
- 1 1/2 ounces tequila
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 1/4 jalapeño pepper seeds removed and sliced
- Salt for rim of glass
For the full recipe, click here.
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Featured image by Shutterstock
RELATED
The essence of effortless poise and refinement shines bright through the iconic university colors of indigo blue, red, and white. Every October, Howard University students, alumni, staff, and friends gather on the prestigious campus in Washington, D.C. to take part in time-honored traditions and events, which is Homecoming. This year's theme, “The Meccaverse,” was a week-long celebration of Howard University’s heritage, including the Homecoming football game and Bison Pep Rally, the Fashion Show, Greek Life Step Show, Homecoming Day of Service, Lavender Reception, and the iconic Yard Fest Concert.
As 2024 marked the 100th anniversary of the Howard Bison trek back to The Mecca and after two years of virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was to be a celebration of a lifetime. We enlisted HU alumnus Sharmaine Harris, a luxury retail buyer, as she revisited her alma mater as eyes on the yard for fashion-forward outfits mixed with personal style and campus pride for the weeklong celebration.
Before we get to the looks, discover how attending Howard University impacted her career in fashion and her day-to-day style:
Credit: Sharmaine and Friends
xoNecole: Describe your personal style. Did attending Howard have any impact on developing it?
Sharmaine: Howard taught me that there’s no such thing as being TOO dressed. There’s always a reason to “put it on” and look presentable, even if it’s just for a day of classes. Standing out was celebrated and encouraged with my peers embracing the opportunity, giving me the confidence to try new styles and trends.
xoNecole: How did Howard shape your career as a luxury buyer?
Sharmaine: I studied Fashion Merchandising, through which I was fortunate to have professors who were very connected to the industry and able to give first-hand accounts of opportunities and what to expect post-college. I was also able to build a network through my peers and other Howard Alum, which has opened doors to endless possibilities both within fashion as well as daily life.
The same confidence instilled in me through my style has also been rooted deeply within me as I step into any role or project I’m faced with throughout my career.
xoNecole: This year marked Howard’s 100th-anniversary Homecoming celebration. Can you describe what the weekend looked and felt like?
Sharmaine: I’ve gone to many Howard Homecomings since graduating, but this year’s 100th anniversary felt like a huge family reunion filled with nothing but love. It was beautiful to see so many Bison return home looking great and radiating joy. It was beautiful!
xoNecole: What makes Howard fashion different from other HBCUs?
Sharmaine: Being that Howard is The Mecca, we have such a diverse population with each individual having their own spin on fashion. Getting dressed is second nature for us, but the layered confidence is our secret ingredient to make any look come together. Through that comfortability to push barriers, we have a legacy of setting trends, as indicated by the many alumni we have in the fashion and entertainment industry.
Keep scrolling for the top street style moments from The Mecca's Homecoming weekend:
Credit: Lacey Gallagher
Credit: Alan Henderson
Credit: JaLynn Davis
Credit: Dylan Davis
Credit: Caleb Smith
Credit: Kendall W.
Credit: Jordyn Finney
Credit: Vanessa Nneoma
Credit: Dr. Mariah Sankey-Thomas
Credit: Caleb MacBruce
Credit: Tiffany Battle
Credit: Teniola
Credit: Ilahi Creary
Credit: Nicolas Ryan Grant
Credit: Dylan Davis
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image courtesy of Sharmaine Harris
