Not Rule 34/ Rule 35. Not this Rule 37 either.

Taken from Modern Drunkard Magazine’s articleThe 86 Rules of Boozing, by Frank Kelly Rich, we have this simple gem:

I try my best to accomplish this task each and every week. With even a handful of recipes and just a few bottles, it’s not difficult at all. In fact, it gets MORE difficult with a fully stocked bar and a stack of cocktail literature; making a choice becomes overwhelming. I keep my eyes open during the week perusing other blogs and copy recipes that seem enjoyable. By the time Friday night rolls around (my celebration of another week vanquished) I’ll make myself something I’ve never had before. Every drink is new to you once.


The other personal rule I follow, but bend from time to time, is that Rule 37 pertains to cocktails. For others it might be beer, or wine, but I think that’s too easy, and much lower in alcohol. Cocktails demand effort and construction, instead of just pouring into a glass.


The exception, I feel, is doing a tasting of some sort, be it wine varietals or a flight of craft beers. However, the minimum number of tastes needed to fulfill The Rule is four. Then shalt thou count to four, no more, no less. four shall be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be four. Five shalt thou not count, neither count thou three, excepting that thou then proceed to four. Six is right out. (Actually, four or more is perfectly acceptable and encouraged.)






There are so many classics that everyone should try at least once that there’s really no excuse not to. Have a Martini (the real thing, stirred, with gin and vermouth), a Manhattan, a Negroni, a Pegu Club, a Sidecar, a Margarita (tequila, FRESH lime juice, triple sec, that’s it), a Tom Collins, a Daiquiri (rum, fresh lime juice, sugar, none of this strawberry nonsense), an Old Fashioned, or a French 75. The list of generally well-known cocktails, and that’s before you get to the new drinks that restaurants and bartenders concoct every day.


When you next find yourself with a thirst that wants slaking, give Rule 37 a try and order something you’ve never had before. Maybe you’ll like it.