For many students at the University, certain liquids don’t just fill plastic pitchers at Trin or red solo cups during a pre-game. For those who indulge, they carry traditions, mark rites of passage and signal what kind of night — or afternoon, let's be real — lies ahead. From the chaos of a Trashcan to the tart simplicity of a Bold Rock, these drinks not only frame what students sip, but how they gather. So, see below for the sentimental staples that characterize our days at the University.
The Hardbody — A classic
Ah, yes, the tried-and-true staple we all know and love. If the University had an initiation ritual, the Hardbody would most certainly be involved. Found mainly at Coupe’s and Trin, many confident first-years have tested their tolerance against this canon event of a drink. A mix of vodka, water and traditionally lime syrup that goes down a little too easily, the sweet and sharp flavor is adrenaline in a cup — and usually starts tasting like “another double won’t hurt.” Spoiler alert, it does! Whether you love it, hate it or both, the Hardbody reigns as a University classic.
The Trashcan — Liquid chaos
Loud, messy and unapologetically over-the-top, the trashcan is less of a drink and more of a challenge. The almost radioactive-looking concoction is created with vodka, Red Bull and blue curaçao, daring you to put your Thursday night stamina to the test — especially if you have class the next morning. While these drinks are notorious for killing any decent sleep you may have gotten, there's a reason students come back for more every weekend — the Trashcan is the drink of reckless nights spent closing down Trin 3 and being too busy laughing to care what’s in the cup.
Bold Rock — The local favorite
If you step away from the chaos of the Hardbody and Trashcan, you’ll find a more mellow University staple — Bold Rock cider. Brewed in the nearby town of Nellysford, this brew dominates tailgates and darties alike. It’s crisp, fruity and low-effort — easy to grab, sip and perfect for when you’re showing up for the vibe rather than the buzz. It’s therefore no surprise that it's the go-to for students at Carter Mountain’s Thursday Evening Sunset Series. For many, the pairing of Bold Rock and panoramic views of the mountains feels like a distilled, liquified version of the Charlottesville experience.
Bapple — A seasonal obsession
Busch Light Apple, more lovingly known as “Bapple,” made a brief comeback this past spring after having been discontinued in 2022. Its short return made these cold cans — lukewarm in fraternity coolers — all the more coveted, with many students buying out cases in bulk. Its crisp, slightly tart and unmistakably autumnal flavor is why the remaining hoarded cans are now especially popular. Its desirability and fruity taste has earned Busch’s apple blend cult status among University students. For many, cracking open a Bapple isn’t just about the taste but the festive energy these red cans help ring in.
White Claw — The universal default
White Claw may not be unique to the University, but that’s exactly why it shows up in everyone’s hand. The familiar can is what you grab in a frat basement when you aren’t quite sure of the vibe, running late to a Saturday darty or simply when you need something to shotgun. It’s the baseline beverage of college drinking culture — the drink no one admits to loving, yet always the first thing to run out at a late-night function. White Claw’s power is in its neutrality — it offends no one, suits everyone and keeps the party going.
At the University, these drinks do more than just fill cups — they document our rites of passage. Hardbodies christen our first years. Trashcans immortalize chaotic nights on the Corner. Bold Rocks carry us through darties and sunsets. Bapple, savored and fleeting, becomes a symbol of the fall season.
In the end, it's not about which drink is the “best” — or even which one actually tastes good. It's about how each one defines moments in our experience at the University — a way of gathering, bonding and growing up, sip by sip.
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