In my opinion, when we’re at a bar, we are defined by the drinks we hold in our hands, not by the clothes we wear or the people we are with. It tells our mood and describes what our taste preference is.

I enjoy trying new drinks but there are times that I prefer to stick to the classics. I have listed a few of my favorites along with their basic ingredients in case you ever found yourself wondering, “What’s in this thing.”

If you find yourself interested in making any yourself, www.drinknation.com offers detailed ingredients for these and hundreds more.

Sex on the beach

Of course, we have to begin with a classic “girly” drink that most of us know and love. This sweet and sexy drink is a combination of peach Schnapps, vodka, cranberry juice, orange juice and pineapple juice.

Amaretto Sour

If you’re looking for something a little sweet with a nice sour flavor, the simple ingredients of amaretto, lemon juice and oranges, should do the trick. Fresh lemon juice is always preferable and a chilled sour glass is a must. Rubbing the rim of sour glass with a lemon slice and dipping it in bar sugar will give it the ultimate taste.

Backseat Boogie

This fresh and fruity tasting drink is a combo of gin, vodka, cranberry juice and ginger ale.

Incredible Hulk

I recently tried this one for the first time last weekend when I was in the mood for something much stronger than my usual, and let me tell you, although the green color makes it look pretty, it has a killer bite to it. This is a crazy combo of cognac (Hennessey) and Hypnotiq.

Sex with the Bartender

This one is next on my checklist for drinks to try. This drink with an appealing name has rum, strawberry Schnapps, cranberry juice, orange juice.

Gina

Amaretto, rum (Captain Morgan’s), Southern Comfort, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and a maraschinos cherry. This drink tastes like fruit punch with a twist.

Mojito

Refreshing, herbal, a touch of sweet and deceptively intoxicating is how I can best describe this Cuban classic of light rum, carbonated water, ginger ale, lime, mint, and sugar syrup. This drink will sneak up on you because it’s so good you just keep on drinking.

Manhattan

You can never go wrong with a manhattan. Whenever I can’t decide what to get, this blend of sweet vermouth, blended whiskey, and bitters, is one that always seems to do it.

Diana Gutierrez can be reached at spotlight@sundial.csun.edu.