In response to Phil Collins, I could feel it in the air. There was this high-voltage energy that crackled over the entire city of Pullman. That weird universal motivation that nobody seems to notice is going on until they realize they’re part of the Cougar army themselves, standing on the front lines, waving colorful sticks, their face painted like the savage hooligans we are. Football season has officially begun.

And, oh, what a way to start a season. I must admit, I threw on my WSU shirt; ordered nacho’s and my commemorative soda cup; and frolicked with the same tenacity as a newly hatched 21 year old at their first visit to the liquor store.

I screamed with the same reckless abandon as a college girl who just discovered Boone’s Farm (amateurs). I chanted with the same ferocity of a young gent who just screams “BEER!” just because, well, beer.

Now that the adrenaline has worn off and the hangover has left, it’s time to reflect on your fermented choices and get down to brass tacks. Cougars are one for one. We’ve won every game we’ve played this season. Let’s ride this wave and celebrate with the good stuff.

It’s been a long weekend, giving me the perfect opportunity to sample some of the finest drinks our crimson corner of the world has to offer. To start, let’s talk about something very Pacific Northwest-themed, the Washington Mule.

This delicious concoction takes a delicious and deceptively healthy spin on the Moscow Mule, throwing in Applejack instead of vodka. I had my proclivities at first. I mean, why mess with a good thing. Just look what happened when they remade “The Mummy” with Tom Cruise. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it (mad props to Brendan Fraser).

But I was pleasantly surprised with this cocktail, hailing from the local lounge, Etsi Bravo. For those of you who are old enough to imbibe, this bar seems reminiscent of a 1920’s back-alley speakeasy (at least how I imagine one to be), except that it’s upstairs above a restaurant and there’s no guy who speaks to you through a sliding hole in the door. But I digress. The point is, the Washington Mule is fantastic. It’s sweet, it’s spicy, it’s refreshing and served cold in a highball glass.

You know what doesn’t get a lot of play in the booze world, but should? Gin. In the spirit of good spirits, I had the fortune to have a drink made for me during the victory festivities that has no name. It very well may, but I didn’t ask. I liked the mystery.

By combining muddled lemons for the acidity, limoncello for the sweetness, gin for the kick and tonic water for the, well, bubbles, you get a perfect concoction for chill relaxation, bad decisions (the good kind) and pairs REALLY well with fish and chips. Or a fish sandwich from McDonald’s if you’re on a budget.

For those of you who listen to my advice, I feel I should mention an upcoming event that just looks like an awesome place to be. The Tap Takeover is coming to South Fork Public House from 6 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

This event supports the Phoenix Conservancy to help restore the Palouse Prairie, featuring beer from Deschutes Brewery. You get to drink and feel good about yourself. Win, win. That said, stay safe my friends and bottoms up.

Chris West is a sophomore viticulture and enology major from Plano, Texas. He can be contacted at [email protected].