ROLL-N SALOON'S SOCO AND LIME

When HPD and the good folks down at the Mayor’s office finally lifted the citywide curfew, I had a chance to reflect on how the “forced bedtime” had played havoc with my double life as a drinks columnist. Case in point: I’m pretty sure that the last time I visited the Roll-N Saloon (4216 San Felipe, 713-622-7487), the most awesome thing that could ever happen was about to occur when midnight dawned. Instead, nothing happened. Last call, lights out, home by curfew. Hooray! Let’s hear it for safer streets, empty drunk tanks and overly productive Fridays at the office. Where’s the fun in that? Justice may have been served, but I almost wasn’t, and that was a real problem. We barely had time to finish a few beers, knock back some SoCo and lime shots and head for the exits. Mom always said nothing good ever happens after midnight, but she also said my girlfriend painted her face up like a prostitute. That was in the sixth grade. Mom drank. Wonder how I got here? Personally, I’m much happier now that the witching hour is back in its rightful place and I’m free to stay out too late and make bad decisions again.

2 ounces Southern Comfort liqueur

Splash of lime juice

Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, and strain into an icy-cold shot glass.