It’s only Thursday, but this week has been a doozy, and I’m guessing one or more of us needs a drink. To get the good stuff in you quickly without sacrificing flavor, try one of these five easy-to-make alcoholic beverages.


A Classic Martini: A martini may seem fancy, but it’s actually a cinch to make, and only calls for two ingredients (three if you count the garnish). To make one yourself, simply stir 2 1/2 ounces of gin and 1/2 an ounce of dry vermouth in a glass with ice for about 15 seconds. Strain into a coupe or martini glass and garnish with an olive or twist.

A martini may seem fancy, but it’s actually a cinch to make, and only calls for two ingredients (three if you count the garnish). To make one yourself, simply stir 2 1/2 ounces of gin and 1/2 an ounce of dry vermouth in a glass with ice for about 15 seconds. Strain into a coupe or martini glass and garnish with an olive or twist. A Black Velvet : Warm your dark heart with this creamy, yet bubbly beverage by combining two parts sparkling wine with one part of your favorite stout.

Warm your dark heart with this creamy, yet bubbly beverage by combining two parts sparkling wine with one part of your favorite stout. Mint & Amaro: Lean on an amaro Averna

Lean on an Something Bitter & Soda : Settle your anxious stomach with an herbal liqueur such as Campari or Cynar

: Settle your anxious stomach with an Red Wine Hot Chocolate : Comfort your inner child and calm your inner demons at the same time by mixing a big, bold red wine with decadent, sweet hot chocolate. Just melt 1/3 cup of dark chocolate chunks in 1 1/2 cups of hot milk and stir in a cup of wine. Sip until you feel a little better.


If none of that helps, or is just too much effort in these trying times, I recommend reaching for a bottle of brown liquor and consuming it neat. Serious situations call for serious beverages.