Our generation seeks to rise above stereotypes. We’re breaking glass ceilings, tearing down gender binaries, and valiantly fighting against inequalities of all stripes. And I would like to do my part by declaring, loud and proud, that sugary cocktails – so-called girly drinks – are delicious. Men should not be afraid to embrace Cosmos, Sex on the Beaches, Mai Tais, and brightly-coloured alcoholic concoctions of all varieties.

It took me a long time to get to where I am today. I hate the taste of beer, but entering uni I was afraid to admit it. I saw long lines at the bar, with people queuing to get their hands on what I viewed to be one of the most vile vats of fermented nastiness known to man. Vile nastiness that also required mandatory and frequent trips to the bathroom (like Pringles, once you pop the fun doesn’t stop). Were we all just lying to ourselves? Was this mass psychosis, or perhaps a particularly strong response to clever marketing? Perhaps it was just the cheapest alcohol we could get our hands on. So I stood at dozens of parties, demonstrating my maturity by casually holding a beer, hoping it would end.

After first year, the craziness died down. Going out became a more casual affair. I found friends who preferred bars where you could find a place to sit. Most importantly, I was introduced to the Amaretto Sour. This was to be a pivotal moment in my journey to becoming a sugary-cocktail-loving man.

If you haven’t tried an Amaretto Sour before I’ll walk you through the process. There are three ingredients: amaretto liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Get amaretto where you get your liquor, buy a half dozen or so lemons for lemon juice, and buy a small bag of white sugar for the syrup. The syrup is made simply by mixing equal parts water and sugar in a pan on the hob until it becomes clear. Pour the amaretto liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a 6:4:3 ratio in a glass filled with ice. Boom. Done. If this seems too complicated, stay tuned for even easier recipes below. But trust me, it’s worth it.

From the Amaretto Sour I moved onto other drinks – the Dark and Stormy, Sidecar, White Russian, and the ubiquitous Mojito. But don’t think my journey wasn’t without adversity. At a hostel bar in Malaysia, on a rooftop overlooking Kuala Lumpur, I once ordered a Sex on the Beach only to be denied by the Russian bartender. “That drink is for women”, he said, and turned away. Oh, the shame. I suppose he wanted me to order the Machine Gun Oppression or something masculine-sounding like that. Men, I implore you to be strong. Hold your ground. Don’t give up. Don’t say it’s for your partner. It’s for you, and it’ll be delicious.

Now, once you’re past the social stigma there’s another hurdle: you’re a Cambridge student, you’re busy, and cocktails take time to make. Not so. Below are a few recipes with three or fewer ingredients that require little to no preparation time. Enjoy!

The Greyhound

Vodka and grapefruit juice, in whatever ratio you like

Black Russian 

Vodka and kahlúa or other coffee liqueur, in a 2:1 ratio, poured into a glass with ice. Stir well.

Dark and Stormy

Rum and ginger beer, in a 1:2 ratio, poured into a glass with ice.

Kalimotxo 

Red wine and coca cola, in a 1:1 ratio. Not for everyone, but a decent poor man’s sangria. Try adding lime.

Amaretto sour 

Amaretto liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup (1:1 water and sugar melted in a saucepan until clear) in a 6:4:3 ratio, ideally mixed in a cocktail shaker with ice or simply poured into your flatmate’s tea mug and hoping for the best.

So there you have it. My road to becoming the person I am today, drink-wise at least. If you’re like me but have up until now been afraid to admit it, stay strong. The world is changing. Your friends will support you. Embrace the colour, the sugar, and the silly drink names. Also, it would be remiss of me to add another option: you don’t have to drink at all. Save your sterling for a trip to mainland Europe. That’s fine too. Do what makes you happy, and avoid standing around with a drink you don’t like. Cheers