Today, I bring you an updated version of two classics that couldn’t be simpler or more dorm room friendly—popcorn and beer. The popcorn gets updated with two simple ingredients—chipotle powder and lime zest—for a smoky, zesty, and buttery rendition. The beer is transformed into a whole new animal, flavorful and complex, with whisky, lemon, and ginger beer. Combined with the popcorn, it’s perfect for your next movie night, pre-game, or afternoon snack.

These two snacks bring back memories of two very distinct times in my life.

The smell of popcorn will forever remind me of elementary school snacks. Coming home after school, my spirits would lift as the pop, pop, pop began, increasing every few seconds in speed until a veritable frenzy of popping sounds erupted from the microwave. Fifteen years later, throw a beer in the mix and I created an equally exciting snack time. Coming home from a long day at college (or not so long, whatever), I like to grab a can of Miller High Life from the fridge and snap open its pop-cap. The carbonated sizzle and refreshing taste of cheap beer never fail to sooth my throat and weary mind.

Fancy Pants Popcorn

Ingredients:

-1 bag microwavable popcorn, popped

-1/2 tsp. chipotle powder or chili powder, such as cayenne

-1/2 tsp. grated lime zest

Open the bag of popcorn and add the chipotle powder and lime zest. Close the bag and shake until the popcorn is coated. Eat.

A Whiskey High Life

This recipe can easily be quadrupled for a pitcher, using a whole can of beer.

Ingredients:

-1/3 cup (about 1/4 can) Miller High Life, or other cheap beer

-1/4 cup ginger beer or ginger ale

-3 tbs./1.5 oz/1 shot whiskey

-1 tbs. lemon juice

-1 tbs. peeled fresh ginger, chopped into matchsticks (optional)

-ice, for serving

Mix all ingredients in a tall glass. Serve over ice.