I was going to put this in the non-bowling related forum, but it applies to bowling I believe.  Lots of people drink to relax, calm nerves, slow the mental hamsters down, etc.  A lot of people drink different things while they're bowling than they do either beforehand or afterwards, and I was wanting some new ideas.  One of my favorites that the bowl doesn't offer anymore is called a Firecracker 500 (slightly modified).

1 shot Absolut 100
1 shot Bacardi 151
1 shot Wild Turkey
1 shot Southern Comfort
Spritz of Sprite/Sierra Mist
Bit of Grenadine
Bit of Hot Damn

Missing is the green Chartreuse, which they never had, and since the bowl doesn't carry Wild Turkey anymore, sadly I can't get it.  I had them add Hot Damn because it already tasted like cinnamon, and the HD put it over the top.  Had to be served in a tall draught mug, and just one of these got me feeling gooood.  I'm either thick blooded or have a real controlling brain because it takes a lot to get me a good buzz, so I'm looking for something strong so I don't have to drop 20 bucks for a buzz.  I don't like doing shots, comes on too stiff and quick, I like a drink.  And please no one say long island iced tea . .

BEER,.... Lots of it..... if I'm really feeling randy, Double Shot Hennessey(2 cubes) maybe a spritz of coke in it as I've gotten old at age 26 and my iron stomach has rusted out, lol!

When I was younger my drinks were Beer, Tomato Juice & Beer, and Jack Daniels & Coke. However, for the past 18-20 years my favorite drink has been mostly Water with a Coca Cola ocassionally.

I do the dew.

Trying to win money in pots and points for my team, I don't cloud my mind, reflexes or my muscles with alcohol.  Makes no sense.  After bowling I'll have a beer with my team because when I'm trying to drive home, I feel the same way about clear mind, and reflexes.  I don't know of any sport, including bowling, that the effects of alcohol enhances your performance.

Some people have hyperactive brains, and I read an interesting article the other day about why people "choke" in higher pressure situations.  Muscles have their own memory, and when the brain decides in higher stakes situations to try and take over control, your brain and muscles fight for that control.  There's also a big difference between taking the edge off and getting blitzed.  I never have more than 2 while I'm bowling, most of the time I just have 1.  Routines serve the same purpose, to distract your brain or focus it on other things so your muscle memory can do its job.  If booze is a negative for you, cool, but I know PLENTY of people who get a drink or two in them and go HAM.  Some people take aspirin or ibuprofen before, because it serves a double effect.  Everybody has a "crutch" or "tricks" to get the best out of their bodies, and it's not always the same for everybody.  I really don't know how you define "aid" vs "crutch."  Is a brace or support an aid or a crutch?  Is alcohol an aid or a crutch?  Medication?  Routines?  Depends on how cynical you want to be I suppose. 

Ahh Gizmo you've hit on one of my favorite psychology topics! State dependent learning! The basis is, if you study for a test, practice bowling etc, while drinking, you're better able to retain the knowledge or skills you've developed when you re-enter that state. This has been proven by having people study in the same classroom at the same desk they will take a test at, and the same is true for bowling. Whatever that level of buzz is where your body is able to allow the muscles to do their thing without the brain fighting for control is where you will achieve peak performance. This is of course without cognitive drills designed to relax the brain and allow the body to do it's thing.

As for drink suggestions, there's always the zombie or what my good friend likes to call the sno-cone. Essentially have the bartender mix all of the vodka flavors together in equal proportion (4 or more works best) and top it with a little sprite (for carbonation to make it hit the bloodstream quicker, i assume red bull would work too). If you use enough flavors it ends up tasting like a snow cone with a lot more punch!

Quote from: Long Gone Daddy on August 23, 2013, 07:00:07 AM

Trying to win money in pots and points for my team, I don't cloud my mind, reflexes or my muscles with alcohol.  Makes no sense.  After bowling I'll have a beer with my team because when I'm trying to drive home, I feel the same way about clear mind, and reflexes.  I don't know of any sport, including bowling, that the effects of alcohol enhances your performance.

Some people have hyperactive brains, and I read an interesting article the other day about why people "choke" in higher pressure situations.  Muscles have their own memory, and when the brain decides in higher stakes situations to try and take over control, your brain and muscles fight for that control.  There's also a big difference between taking the edge off and getting blitzed.  I never have more than 2 while I'm bowling, most of the time I just have 1.  Routines serve the same purpose, to distract your brain or focus it on other things so your muscle memory can do its job.  If booze is a negative for you, cool, but I know PLENTY of people who get a drink or two in them and go HAM.  Some people take aspirin or ibuprofen before, because it serves a double effect.  Everybody has a "crutch" or "tricks" to get the best out of their bodies, and it's not always the same for everybody.  I really don't know how you define "aid" vs "crutch."  Is a brace or support an aid or a crutch?  Is alcohol an aid or a crutch?  Medication?  Routines?  Depends on how cynical you want to be I suppose. 

I'm boring.  Diet Pepsi, or a Zip Fizz energy drink if I'm tired.

This is pretty much what I drink while bowling, but for me it's usually Diet Coke because my center serves Coke products. I occasionally drink energy drinks BEFORE bowling, usually not during bowling though.

I have only ever consumed alcohol off the lanes so I can focus on bowling.

 small soda is $3.25. last year 2.25 for a medium. water is all I touch these days.