It’s more than just alliteration; it’s a statement, a proclamation that Thursdays are when the weekend should really start. Kicking it off right is the key, and what better way than with a cocktail that not only takes the edge off, but tastes good too. A hard thing to disagree with, we know. Drink up, get down and go to sleep happy.

Since Oktoberfest means there’s no point in drinking anything except beer, let’s raise a glass (ahem, a beer stein) to this beer-based sipper that will help us celebrate the drinking traditions of Germany. This Beer and a Ball cocktail offers some refreshment and variety, but it will also help you hold onto the traditional values of this beer-filled holiday season.

Start by muddling sage and grapefruit together, and add Campari, Aperol and a touch of simple syrup to round out the bittersweet flavors. Splash some pale lager into the mixture, and garnish the glass with a fragrant wedge of grapefruit. Sage-kissed and touched with sweetness, all you’ll need with this cocktail is a soft pretzel and a sausage to celebrate Oktoberfest in style.

Bottoms up, folks!

P.S. This cocktail would also make a great addition to your next football party spread.

A Beer and a Ball

Recipe courtesy Dave Fernie at Playa

Ingredients:

• 2 fresh sage leaves
• 1 fresh grapefruit segment
• 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 ounce bitter Italian aperitif (recommended: Campari)
• 1 ounce Italian aperitif (recommened: Aperol)
• 1/2 ounce Simple Syrup, recipe follows
• Ice cubes, for shaking
• 1 1/2 ounces pale lager beer (recommended: Miller High Life)
• 1 grapefruit wedge, for garnish

• 1/2 cup turbinado sugar
• 1/2 cup distilled water

Directions:

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the sage leaves and grapefruit segment with the lime juice. Add the Italian aperitifs and Simple Syrup. Fill the shaker with ice cubes, top the shaker, create a seal and shake vigorously. Remove the top and add the beer. Strain into a double old-fashioned glass and garnish with the grapefruit wedge.