If you plan to watch the 2025 inauguration of Donald Trump, you’ll probably need a drink or two (or three) to get through it. No shade, but watching the pomp and circumstance of such an important occasion can be super tiresome. Who wouldn’t want a libation to hold us over? I would!
Additionally, sifting through the social media apocalypse (*cough cough* we see you, TikTok) and the backlash that rappers Nelly, Rick Ross, and Snoop Dogg are receiving over their participation in inauguration weekend is definitely going to require the consumption of alcohol. Are we returning to the “clock app” in full force? Will these Hip Hop stars get the Chrisette Michele treatment—or does that only apply to Black women?
Oh, okay!
So, here’s the move: as today can be a tumultuous—or celebratory—day for many across our community, grab your favorite bottle of alcohol, text a couple of friends, and set up your own cocktail hour at home. Why spend money going out just to watch the uncertainty of the day unfold when you can save your coins and sip in peace from your couch?
Pour yourself a cute espresso martini or a classic lemon drop if you’re feeling fancy. Need something with a bit more kick? Whip up a Hennessy Sidecar or a Spicy Margarita—don’t skip the Tajín spice on the rim for that extra flair. And if you’re really about that life, it’s time to break out the Crown Royal from the back of your bar cart or liquor cabinet—your auntie and uncle’s go-to at every family function—and just try not to overdo it. Because while the world might be wilding out, at least your cocktail game will be presidential.
As a bonus, add in a drinking game. Every time Trump says something controversial— like the topic of immigration or Black jobs—take two sips of your drink. If you want to up the ante (and fast), take a whole shot.
Something Classic
When it comes to Black millennial go-to cocktails, the espresso martini undeniably takes the top spot.
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“text”: “2 oz vodka
1 oz freshly brewed espresso (cooled slightly)
1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Ice cubes
Coffee beans for garnish (optional)”
}
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- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (cooled slightly)
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Coffee beans for garnish (optional)
Step 1. Prepare Your Shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Step 2. Add Ingredients: Pour in the vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup.
Step 3. Shake It Up: Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to create a frothy top.
Step 4. Strain: Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
Step 5. Garnish: Top with 3 coffee beans arranged in a triangle for a classic presentation.
For those who prefer a smooth, gradual vibe, a lemon drop martini is the perfect way to ease into feeling good and ease your mind.
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“text”: “2 oz vodka (plain or citrus-flavored)
1 oz fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1 oz triple sec or Cointreau
1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Ice cubes
Sugar (for rimming the glass)
Lemon slice or twist for garnish”
}
]
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- 2 oz vodka (plain or citrus-flavored)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 oz triple sec or Cointreau
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Sugar (for rimming the glass)
- Lemon slice or twist for garnish
Step 1. Prepare the Glass: Rim a chilled martini glass with sugar. To do this, rub a lemon wedge around the rim, then dip it into a plate of sugar.
Step 2. Mix the Drink: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, lemon juice, triple sec, and simple syrup.
Step 3. Shake It Up: Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to ensure the drink is well-chilled.
Step 4. Strain: Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
Step 5. Garnish: Add a lemon slice or twist for an elegant finish.
Something Upbeat
Create this illusion of happy hour at home with a spicy margarita, have your best friend bring over salsa and chips and don’t forget the guacamole.
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“text”: “2 oz tequila (blanco or reposado)
1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or triple sec)
1-2 slices of fresh jalapeño (adjust for desired spiciness)
1/2 oz agave syrup (or simple syrup, optional for sweetness)
Ice cubes
Optional: Tajín or salt for rimming the glass
Lime wedge and jalapeño slice for garnish”
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- 2 oz tequila (blanco or reposado)
- 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or triple sec)
- 1-2 slices of fresh jalapeño (adjust for desired spiciness)
- 1/2 oz agave syrup (or simple syrup, optional for sweetness)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: Tajín or salt for rimming the glass
- Lime wedge and jalapeño slice for garnish
Step 1. Prepare the Glass: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks or margarita glass. Dip the rim into Tajín or salt for a flavorful edge. Fill the glass with ice and set aside.
Step 2. Mix the Drink: In a cocktail shaker, muddle the jalapeño slices to release their spicy flavor. Add the tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, agave syrup (if using), and ice.
Step 3. Shake It Up: Shake the mixture vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill.
Step 4. Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass over fresh ice.
Step 5. Garnish: Add a lime wedge and a jalapeño slice on the rim or in the glass for a finishing touch.
If your friends like fruity drinks but have never tried or heard of lychee serve them up a lychee martini and let it do what’s supposed to be done.
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“@type”: “HowToStep”,
“text”: “2 oz vodka
1 oz lychee liqueur (or lychee syrup from canned lychees)
1 oz lychee juice (or more syrup for extra sweetness)
Ice cubes
Optional: A lychee fruit for garnish”
}
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- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz lychee liqueur (or lychee syrup from canned lychees)
- 1 oz lychee juice (or more syrup for extra sweetness)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: A lychee fruit for garnish
Step 1. Prepare the Glass: Chill a martini glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice water.
Step 2. Mix the Drink: In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, lychee liqueur (or syrup), and lychee juice with a handful of ice cubes.
Step 3. Shake It Up: Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to blend the flavors and chill the drink.
Step 4. Strain and Serve: Discard the ice water from your martini glass if chilled that way. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
Step 5. Garnish: Spear a lychee fruit on a cocktail pick or drop it directly into the glass as a garnish.
A drink that usually causes one to run around the club a tequila sunrise will definitely have you and your friends on the couch feeling better than good.
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“@type”: “HowToStep”,
“text”: “2 oz tequila (blanco or reposado)
4 oz orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
1/2 oz grenadine syrup
Ice cubes
Orange slice and cherry for garnish (optional)”
}
]
}
- 2 oz tequila (blanco or reposado)
- 4 oz orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
- 1/2 oz grenadine syrup
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice and cherry for garnish (optional)
Step 1. Prepare the Glass: Fill a tall glass (like a highball or Collins glass) with ice cubes.
Step 2. Add Tequila and Orange Juice: Pour the tequila and orange juice into the glass. Stir gently to combine.
Step 3. Add Grenadine: Slowly pour the grenadine into the glass. It will sink to the bottom and gradually rise, creating a sunrise effect. Do not stir to preserve the gradient.
Step 4. Garnish: Add an orange slice and a maraschino cherry on top for garnish.
Something Brown
Bring the club to the crib with a sidecar and get on your level in the comfort of your own home. You might need some a little stronger today.
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“text”: “2 oz Hennessy (or any cognac)
1 oz triple sec (or Cointreau)
1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
Ice cubes
Optional: Sugar for rimming the glass”
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- 2 oz Hennessy (or any cognac)
- 1 oz triple sec (or Cointreau)
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Optional: Sugar for rimming the glass
Step 1. Prepare the Glass: If you’d like a sugared rim, rub a lemon wedge around the edge of a coupe or martini glass. Dip the rim into a plate of sugar and set the glass aside.
Step 2. Mix the Drink: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the Hennessy, triple sec, and lemon juice.
Step 3. Shake It Up: Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to ensure the drink is well-chilled and mixed.
Step 4. Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into your prepared glass.
5. Garnish: Optionally, garnish with a twist of lemon peel for added flair.
If you’re feeling grown, a spiked tea is fruity but packs a punch and will give you exactly what you’re looking for.
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“text”: “1.5 oz Crown Royal Peach whisky
4 oz iced tea (sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference)
1 oz peach nectar or juice
Ice cubes
Lemon wedge and peach slice for garnish (optional)”
}
]
}
- 1.5 oz Crown Royal Peach whisky
- 4 oz iced tea (sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference)
- 1 oz peach nectar or juice
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wedge and peach slice for garnish (optional)
Step 1. Fill the Glass: Add ice cubes to a tall glass.
Step 2. Mix the Drink: Pour the Crown Royal Peach, iced tea, and peach nectar over the ice. Stir gently to combine.
Step 3. Garnish: Add a lemon wedge and a fresh peach slice for a decorative and flavorful touch.
