Spice up the everyday pool party with a tropical drink

Spring break is a time to enjoy exotic destinations -- or drink enough exotic drinks you can at least pretend the semester is finished.\nDuring spring break, American males take in an average of 18 drinks each day, and females average 10 drinks, according to the Journal of American College Health. Although this amount might not be much different from an average college party weekend, the type of drink you are holding during spring break can say a lot. Exotic locations require exotic drinks -- and cheap beer usually doesn't cut it.\nBut if beer is your favorite drink, there are some ways to make even beer drinking exotic. First, try drinking an imported beer, or a beer that doesn't come in cans, like Corona. \n"I always think of those commercials when I'm drinking Coronas," said junior Megan Crain.\nWhile some might stick to beer on spring break, others venture out to try new tropical and exotic drinks. And knowing what's out there to order on your vacation is half the fun.\nFruity drinks are always popular during spring break, according to Kilroy's bartender Jess Saylor. Rum runners, pina coladas and Sex on the Beach consistently remain at the top of the request list, he said.\nSex on the Beach, because of its ocean-related name, is one of the most popular beach drinks. To make it, mix cranberry juice, pineapple juice, a shot of vodka and three-fourths of an ounce of peach schnapps.\nShots are another partying favorite. Tequila shots are always popular at spring break, Saylor said. But for experienced drinkers looking for new thrills on vacation, there are other more extravagant shots.\nCrain, for example, likes to see shots like the so-called "Red-headed Slut" or "Liquid Cocaine" in her glass. These drinks are nicknamed because of their contents and color. Red-headed Sluts contain a half ounce of Jagermeister and a half ounce of peach schnapps in a shot glass, with a splash of cranberry juice on top for color. Liquid Cocaine has equal amounts of Grand Marnier, Southern Comfort, vodka and amaretto poured into a cocktail mixer with a splash of pineapple juice. \nFor those with a sweet tooth, a "Buttery Nipple" is another choice. To create this drink, pour a half ounce of butterscotch schnapps in a shot glass and add a half ounce of Bailey's Irish Cream so it forms a layer on top.\nWhether you're looking for something new to drink at home or on the beach, there are plenty of places to find ideas, whether from a local bartender or online. For a large listing of drinks, visit www.webtender.com, where users have submitted hundreds of recipes for a variety of drinks. The site has everything from cocktails to shots, from "Abba" to "Zorro."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Daniel Hiester at dhiester@indiana.edu.