Everyone’s time at Penn State is full of amazing memories, and one of the highlights is definitely turning 21. The bars have been calling your name since you arrived on campus, and now it’s finally time to venture out on the town.
With all of the excitement, you may have forgotten a major part of going to the bars: What are you going to order? If you struggle with indecisiveness, don’t worry — we can totally relate. To help with the drink debacle, VALLEY has composed a list of our bar faves, plus some local bar specialties. You’ll have your go-to order ready in no time.
Classic Favorites
For those who don’t want to go too crazy, a simple mixed drink might be for you. Ask for your favorite soda or juice with your liquor of choice for a tasty start to your evening.
One drink that never fails is the vodka cran, which is vodka mixed with cranberry juice. It doesn’t taste too strong and won’t hurt your stomach if you’re sensitive to bubbles. For our soda-lovers, we suggest a rum and Coke to give you both a buzz and a boost of energy.
If you’re new to the bar scene, you’ve likely heard of DVSN (Dollar Vodka Soda Night) at Champs Downtown. If you’re feeling brave enough to take on the crowds, make your way over every Thursday for all of the $1 vodka sodas you can dream of.
Coffee With A Kick
If you’re as coffee-obsessed as we are, this section is for you. A boozy coffee combines coffee and liquor to create a delicious concoction that will leave you energized and ready to hit the dance floor.
State College has an abundance of “adult” coffees that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Head over to Doggie’s Pub for one of their spiked iced coffees and pair it with a slice of their iconic pizza for extra fuel. Pickle’s Tap Room also offers what is called Kentucky Coffee, which is a thick and creamy coffee drink that tastes so good it’s like you’re drinking a milkshake.
If you’re looking for another coffee “hidden gem,” make your way over to The Brewery for a tiramisu shot. It is so yummy, you actually might want to sip this one.
Feeling Fruity
A fruity drink always hits the spot — and just happens to do a good job at masking the taste of the alcohol. Order a screwdriver if you’re a fan of orange juice and using fancy lingo to order your drinks. This one is simply vodka and orange juice.
If you’re feeling extra chic, order one of our faves: a Sex on the Beach. This concoction consists of vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice and cranberry juice. It truly tastes like you’re on vacation.
On your next evening out, venture back to Pickle’s for their Pickle’s Punch, a delightfully fruity drink that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Did Someone Say Shots?
The simple thought of taking a shot can make one’s stomach churn, but not with these shot suggestions.
Most State College bars will make you a green tea shot, which consists of Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, sour mix and a splash of lemon-lime soda. This shot doesn’t actually contain green tea, it was just given the name due to its green appearance. Although this shooter contains whiskey, which can be controversial, this shot is pretty easy to take, making it the lesser of the evils.
Primanti Bros., more commonly known as P Mans, also has a wall of shots you can pick from by the bar. These are fancier than your average tequila shots, with flavors like gummy bear and pink starburst. Visit P Mans on your next night out and pick a shot from the wall to start your evening.
Honorable Mentions
We couldn’t give drink recommendations without mentioning the famous Cafe 210 West pitchers. These Long Island pitchers come in a variety of flavors such as pomegranate, peach, mango and skinny. These drinks can get strong, so sip with caution to prevent those morning regrets.
One more honorable mention is the raspberry lemonades at Doggie’s. We’re not quite sure what’s in them, but we do know that they’re refreshing, tart and will keep the party going all night long.
What’s your go-to drink on a night out? Let us know on X, @VALLEYmag !
*VALLEY does not support underage drinking. Please remember to always drink responsibly.
