There’s always something mystical about the holiday season. Despite the horrifying expenses and the rum-punch-induced drama that Debbie brought to the party, there’s always a sense of calm in the quiet little winter moments that lets you re-coop and enjoy the month of December.

One of those times is almost here. Pat yourself on the back and give yourself a high-five. Finals week is upon us. All those hours of studying, lectures and labs mixed in with a winning football season, parties galore and great drinks is drawing to a (hopefully) successful close.

I would like to commend Rico’s Public House for hosting the nerd event of the season, and say that if you ever have a chance to go to “Harry Potter” Night next year, do it. They crafted from scratch their own Butterbeer, plus a whole slew of other themed drinks from history’s second most popular movie franchise.

A whole mob of ladies and gents dressed in wizard robes and school uniforms resplendent in their house colors, toasting the night away with childlike frivolity, it was truly a great time and place to be. Especially if you’re downing a drink called the “Moaning Myrtle.”

Orin Ford at Etsi Bravo will now forever hold a special place in my little rum-soaked heart, as that man can make a damn good drink. He’s the winner of the week’s Cocktail Roulette Challenge and with very good reason. Without missing a beat, he threw together Appleton Jamaican Rum, some strawberry juice, Orgeat liqueur, cardamom, some fresh citrus and a little bit of Plantation Old Fashioned Traditional Dark and made the cure to end all blues, no matter the issue.

The very essence of “Merry and Bright” was mixed into this drink, a concoction of all the flavors of the Caribbean with the subtle spice of Christmas. It just makes you feel good about yourself while drinking it. With flavors of grapefruit (without the gross tonic taste of the rind) strawberries and a cold spicy finish, it makes me sad that there isn’t a name for this drink.

The holidays are a time of being together, be it with friends, family or pets, for that matter. Throughout the last semester, I’ve encouraged you all to try new things and discover fun new drinks. Whatever cocktail you shake up for mom, or the way-too-spiked Egg Nog you’re ladling into your bestie’s glass, make sure you’re doing it with someone else, because no one deserves to be by themselves for Christmas, Hanukkah, Boxing Day or whatever you celebrate.

The great things about booze, no matter the type, is it was designed to bring people together. No one has ever raised a glass and yelled “Cheers” in room with no one else in it. Drink happily and stay safe this season. That being said, happy holidays ya drunken bastards, and happy New Year.

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