I’ve been drinking things for a pretty long time, and maybe that’s why I’m so glad 7-11 has brought back their aluminum straw. As far as I’m concerned this is a breakthrough in drinking technology. And really, why has it taken so long? Metal silverware and plates have been around for hundreds of years; I for one am surprised the metal straw hadn’t caught on shortly after its invention. I would say that once your parents move you off the sippy cup, you’ve graduated to the ranks of professional drinker. Don’t you think it’s time that they made a straw to match the skills you’ve amassed since then?

While we all know that not everything needs a straw to begin with, some of the best drinks out there you’d be hard pressed to consume without one. The folks at 7-11 knew their magical and mystical Slurpee was the perfect example of this, and Slurpee drinking will never be the same thanks to this straw. But shortly after my purchase of this 99 cent wonder, the perfect drink for this tool hit me; the milkshake.

I honestly never want another milkshake without my metal straw. Trying to consume it any other way just makes me feel like I’m in this epic fight with it, what with all the constant stirring and manipulation. One of the best things about it is how truly large around the straw is, easily large enough to suck up a disposable BIC pen, should one be somehow hiding in your drink, with plenty room left on the sides. More importantly you have a lot of room for delicious cookie/candy pieces that are usually in shakes. The disposable straw can only wish it was this good at its job, even the ones on steroids from McDonald’s.

It may not be ideal to be the weird person who carries a straw to parties and restaurants, but at least people will know that you take your consumption of liquids very seriously. Worse case scenario you’ll have a great conversation starter. And really the only downfall is that this is a pretty new invention and isn’t bound to catch on everywhere right away. It’s better for the environment than anything disposable, and much more efficient at its task. It’s probably the best innovation in consuming food since someone made the titanium Spork a reality. So if you’re as serious as I am at drinking things and staying alive, pick up a metal straw in your favorite color and get guzzling.