Chase Away the Pain
Let’s be honest. Most of us need something sweet to wash down whatever numbs the pain. Or we just want something sweet to swill after a tasty little oomph. Whatever it is, I really don’t care. But I’m going to let you know what I think is worth chasing with and what’s not. These are the ten best chasers to pair with straight hard booze.
1. Crystal light
I see you sitting there judging me. But let me ask you this. Why wouldn’t you chase with a packet of whatever the hell it is and bottle of water? I mean, you can literally be sitting anywhere. The train, a plane, your mothers-in-law’s, a car (not driving, of course) and add this tasty mixture to your drink of choice. I honestly prefer vodka, but this concoction can literally go with whatever. It’s light, it’s fruity, it’s sweet. Seriously. Have at it. I guarantee, you won’t regret it.
2. Cream Soda
Boy oh boy do I love me some cream soda. Especially with Fireball Whiskey. Yeah, that’s right. I said it. But if you have trouble taking whiskey straight or even with Coke, Fireball and cream soda is the way to go. I mean it. It’s sweet and has the kick of cinnamon and sugar of cream soda to make drinking whiskey feel like a screwdriver. Nothing to it.
3. Coca Cola
Who can forget Coke? It literally goes with anything. Tequila, vodka, whiskey, gin…well maybe not gin but you catch my drift. Coke is like Tayson Hill on the New Orleans Saints. It…does…everything. And I mean everything. It’s something about that sugary mystic taste that makes the blend of any alcohol and Coke easy to drink. The way this soft drink masks the sometimes harsh taste of booze is no joke. Oh, and this is not an #ad.
4. Lemonade
Lemonade is another chaser than can run with just about any crowd. Surprisingly enough, the sheer sweet tartness of lemonade mixed with stiff booze feels like sitting on an island somewhere in the Caribbean. I’m not exactly sure why but it may have something to do with the fact that Lemonade is considered something of a tropical relaxer in some circles. To say that one knows when one is drinking lemonade that they are on vacation is an understatement. And so it seems right that mixed especially with vodka or tequila, this combination is out of this world.
5. Pineapple Juice
Ah, fruity tropical goodness. Who doesn’t love the taste of pineapple juice swilled down with a side of vodka. Or even tequila, for that matter—it seems like there is a recurring theme here. But pineapple juice is sure to delight. Because of the abrupt sweetness of this mouth-watering juice, the ability to mask the taste of alcohol is second to none. You can barely even taste the harsh forwardness of house tequila or vodka. It tastes like an island drink! Woahh!
6. Gingerale
Now, when I mention Gingerale, there is really only one option to mix with (in my mind). And that option is absolutely, most definitely whiskey. What else? Whiskey Gingers have become something of a timeless obsession—a right of passage for teenagers everywhere. And let’s be honest. If you haven’t walked into a convenience store with your palms sweaty ready to buy a liter of Gingerale to sig down with some Jack Daniels, well, you might never have really lived. Have you?
7. Fruit Punch
Let’s head back to the islands for a minute, shall we? Why is it that almost all island cocktails have this recurring theme? Sugar. Well, because it’s supposed to appear as easy to drink and delicious. I like Blanton’s neat as much as he next guy but I wouldn’t exactly associate it with relaxation and sunshine. No, not much so at all. Now I love the taste of Blantons, but how about some nice Blanco Tequila and fruit punch on the edge of the world. Now, that’s a scene. There’s a sweetness overload to an extent but it works so well with up font boozy taste of vodka.
8. Cranberry Juice
No, I’m not talking about a Cape Codder. At least, not now. But it’s hard to deny the delicate delicious taste of cranberry juice with either vodka or tequila. Either one works. And for some reason or another, this mixture has a way of 1.) making you feel elegant. 2). Getting you your vitamins (immediately taken away by the booze) but that you may have never gotten nonetheless and 3.) showing how tasty vodka can actually be. I mean, I’m sure you’ve heard of a cosmo. And this is essentially the same thing without the lime juice and triple sec. A little more bite to the bullet if you will. Nothing wrong with that.
9. Grapefruit Juice
Ah, one of my personal favorites. And why not? Who doesn’t like a nice Greyhound at 7 Am on a Tuesday? What? Did I really just say a Tuesday? Perhaps I did. But it’s hard to deny the fact that grapefruit juice and vodka taste so good together, I mean, that good. So tart and sweet and boozy, all at the same time. And it’s that easy to drink. Which is incredible considering Grapefruit juice’s tart obscurity noticed by the general public. But go ahead., give it a try. You may very well love the taste.
10. Orange Juice
Yes, I did indeed save the best for last. Now please name me any type of liquor that can not be enjoyed with a nice back of orange juice. No, seriously, I’m waiting. I mean, orange juice can literally be enjoyed with just about anything. Champagne, vodka, tequila, you name it. And in my opinion, the sweeter, the better. But only because of the acidity which can sometimes contribute to that specific burn of that alcohol. But, without it, orange juice and whatever you decide to mix it with can be a fantastic discovery.