A savvy sipper’s steps to money-saving success

College Park bars may not be as expensive as Washington bars, but they'll set you back. A lot of popular drinks don't have enough alcohol to justify your drunk behavior or the cost. You're in college now. It's time to be a discerning drunk.

So aside from pre-gaming before hitting the bars, how can one afford a good buzz? Easy. Just follow this savvy sipper‘s steps to success.

When deciding what to order, don't ask for fancy nonsense. Order what you know and like. Keep it simple.

Be wary of pre-made specials. They are cheap but have less alcohol. Pre-made drinks give bars the chance to skimp on alcohol or dilute drinks with juices or weaker alcohols.

The biggest mistake is ordering something you don't know. A kamikaze shot sounds enticing. But, if you don't know what's in it (vodka, triple sec, lime juice), you risk paying for something you won't like.

A beer is the best bet, because its alcohol content is standard. You can never go wrong. Whether it be a pint or a plastic cup, you have a good idea of how much alcohol you're getting.

If you're like me and don't really enjoy beer, you're stuck with mixed drinks.

Drinks with more than three ingredients are a pain for bartenders when the bar is packed. They slow both you and the bartender down. Order similar drinks together so they can be made together and faster.

For anything strong, go for hard liquor over liqueurs. Liqueurs may be sweet and tasty, but they are only 40 proof or below. Hard liquor is often 80 proof. To add a fruity taste, try soda or juice. If one ingredient is hard liquor, you'll get your money's worth.

Some suggestions: a bay breeze; rum or whiskey with coke; screwdrivers; gin and tonic; Dr. Morgan (Dr. Pepper with Captain Morgan) or gin and juice.

Stay away from sensationalized drinks like a Sex on the Beach, a Blowjob shot or Jägerbombs. Before you question my sanity, let me explain.

Sex on the Beach is usually vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice and cranberry juice. However, everyone makes them differently, so vodka might be substituted with melon liqueur.

Blowjob shots are usually made from just Amaretto or Baileys Irish Cream and Kahlúa. These are both liqueurs, 40-proof-or-less alcohol. A shot of tequila with lime and salt is much more fun and a better deal.

Jägerbombs at the bar are scams unless on special. Dropping a shot of 70-proof Jägermeister into a glass of Red Bull for about $8 is not cost effective.

When you order, watch your drinks as they're being made. Drink with people you trust. If you plan on driving, have a designated driver and be prepared to return the favor.

Be cheap. Be drunk. Be responsible.

Shruti Rastogi is a senior journalism major. She can be reached at rastogi@gmail.com.