My Favorite Highballs and Cocktails Before the Legal Drinking Age

As a teenager, I had several favorites when it came to alcoholic beverages, from the simple to the more complex. My very first experience with alcohol was through the rich, comforting taste of a Kahlua and milk on New Year's Eve. Back then, my parents would allow us to have a tiny sip of this delightful mixture in a tall glass of milk. Filled with the warmth of coffee and the creaminess of liqueur, it was (and still is) a favorite of mine. Even now, I can't resist the idea of making my own decaf version using a cold brew technique. The process involves mixing decaf coffee with vodka and a carefully crafted sugar solution infused with vanilla. It's a way to savor the essence of my childhood while keeping it a little less caffeinated.

Frozen Strawberry Margaritas

Another favorite drink from my teenage years was the frozen strawberry margarita. This blend of juicy, sweet strawberries in a frozen form gave me a refreshing and indulgent sip, perfect for hot summer nights. The burst of natural sweetness and the coolness of the frozen mix made it a go-to summer drink. As I grew older, my taste buds evolved, and I started to prefer drinks that were more complex and less sugary. Margaritas with their mix of tequila, lime, and triple sec still brought a nostalgic feeling, but I found myself experimenting with other flavors and ingredients to create my own unique twists on these classic cocktails.

Transition to More Complex Drinks

With maturity came a desire for new flavors and textures. I began to appreciate the nuanced profiles of more complex cocktails. While the strawberry margaritas held a special place in my heart because of their accessibility and deliciousness, I now enjoy experimenting with infusions and layers of flavor in my cocktails. I love sipping on drinks that showcase the harmony between different ingredients, and the process of creating each cocktail becomes just as enjoyable as enjoying it. The complexity of a well-balanced drink, such as a classic Negroni or a complex old fashioned, challenges my taste buds in ways that a simple highball or dessert drink did not.

Conclusion

From the comfort of a tiny sip of Kahlua and milk to the vibrant burst of a frozen strawberry margarita, my journey through favorite cocktails before turning 21 was a delightful one. These drinks were more than just the taste; they represented a period of growth, experimentation, and discovery. Though the tastes may change with time, the joy of creating and sharing a drink with friends remains a cherished memory.