Buzz
A thriving social network can significantly enhance both your career and personal life. As you grow older, social gatherings often include alcohol. If you're unfamiliar with drinking or your experience is limited to college staples like Jägerbombs and keg stands, here’s a guide to navigating the drinking scene with maturity.
Drinking is a personal decision. For some, alcohol can cause issues, while for others, it serves as a mild social enhancer. It’s important to emphasize that you should avoid drinking if you feel unable to manage its effects, if you’re pressured into it, or if it could lead to risky situations. While alcohol itself isn’t inherently harmful, responsible consumption is key. Start with this mindset and determine your approach to drinking accordingly.
That said, alcohol is similar to food: it often brings people together, and gatherings frequently feature it. Drinking and socializing are closely linked. Whether you’re attending a professional event, meeting coworkers after work, or simply relaxing at a bar to meet new people, you might find yourself in situations where alcohol is present. Whether you’re new to drinking or your experience stems from college parties, there are essential tips to help you drink like a mature adult.
Understand the Language and Traditions of Your Drinking Group
Social drinking differs from activities like watching a movie or attending a concert. While the focus of a movie outing is the film itself, the goal of a drinking outing is to engage with others and enjoy the company. Alcohol simply acts as a social lubricant. Given this, knowing a few tips can help you manage your drinks efficiently and return to the main event—socializing.
Know your drink preferences beforehand. Most people won’t want to wait while you decide between a Tom Collins and a Cosmopolitan. Experimentation is fine, but having a couple of go-to drinks that are widely available is essential. It’s even better if you have options for different occasions—a standard cocktail, a preferred beer, and a favorite wine will cover most scenarios.
Understand how to interact with bartenders. Forget what you’ve seen on TV. On busy nights, bartenders are often overworked and rely on tips. Avoid waving money or ordering overly complicated drinks. Instead, stand confidently at the bar and make eye contact. They’ll assist you when it’s your turn. Place your order politely and step aside once you’re done.
Set a spending limit and use cash when possible. As you drink more, self-control tends to wane. To avoid overspending, decide on a budget before the night begins and stick to cash. This approach simplifies things for bartenders and helps you know when to stop—when the cash runs out, so does your drinking.
Recognize when it’s time to stop drinking. This can be challenging, which is why setting limits is crucial. Pay attention to social cues that suggest it’s time to slow down. If your balance is off, the bar has closed, or your companions are visibly intoxicated, it’s a sign to dial back. Drinking and overindulging are distinct—stay mindful of the line between them.
Group drinking serves various purposes, whether it’s networking, making friends, or finding a romantic connection. Regardless of the context, one universal rule applies: Don’t be a jerk. Alcohol can easily bring out undesirable behavior. If you struggle to drink without harassing others, arguing, or causing a scene, take cues from those around you or avoid bars altogether.
Understand the Appropriate Drinks for Different Occasions
Just as your attire should match the setting, your drink choice should suit the occasion. (For example, a jug of whiskey is out of place at a formal cocktail party.) While some events are more relaxed, knowing which drinks are appropriate can help you navigate social situations with confidence.
Beer
Beer is a versatile and casual beverage suitable for most relaxed environments. Whether you’re at a bar, a budget-friendly restaurant, or a friend’s house, beer is often a reliable choice. Most beers contain 4-6% alcohol, though some varieties are stronger. Unless you have a particularly low tolerance, having one or two beers is unlikely to impair you significantly.
This makes beer ideal for socializing and getting to know new people. If you’re engaging in meaningful conversations or discussing important matters, beer is a safer option. You wouldn’t want to find yourself in a situation where you’ve overindulged in cocktails just before being asked to make a critical decision.
Wine
Wine occupies a unique space among alcoholic beverages. Socially, it’s often seen as a more refined alternative to beer. If you prefer a lighter drink served in a stemmed glass rather than a bottle with a casual label, wine is the way to go. With an alcohol content typically ranging from 9-16%, wine is stronger than beer, but you’re likely to consume less of it in one sitting (unless you’re channeling Cersei Lannister).
Cocktails
A cocktail is an alcoholic beverage typically made by mixing three or more ingredients. Essentially, it’s any drink that isn’t pre-packaged. Most places with bar service can provide mixed drinks, but the variety can differ significantly. A full-service bar might offer an extensive cocktail menu, while a temporary bar stand at events like conventions or theaters may only serve a limited selection. Some bars even have a fixed list of cocktails they specialize in.
It’s useful to know a couple of simple cocktails that are easy for bartenders to prepare. Avoid being the person who orders a complicated drink at a small bar stand (fun fact: James Bond’s drink preferences are impractical). Also, remember that the alcohol content in standard cocktails can vary widely depending on the bar. Wait a few minutes after your first drink to gauge its effect before ordering another, even if you’re confident in your tolerance.
Shots
Taking shots is often a shortcut to getting drunk quickly. While shots are rare at professional events, they’re common at parties. This involves consuming small glasses of straight liquor or other high-alcohol beverages. If you have a low tolerance, want to stay in control, or avoid a hangover, it’s wise to limit or skip shots altogether.
Social settings don’t always follow strict rules. You might attend a wedding with kegs or a high-end theater offering cocktails and beer. Pay attention to the environment and what’s being served. Avoid bringing your own alcohol just because the options seem too mild—there’s usually a reason for the selection. Observe others and pace yourself to avoid drinking too quickly.
Choose Your Regular Drink
It’s an exciting time to explore the world of drinks. The rise of microbrewing has introduced an incredible variety of beers, while cocktail mixing has become a creative art form. With the internet, you can discover countless unique drinks, and themed cocktails are now a trend. However, the abundance of options can be overwhelming, especially when a bartender asks for your order. Here are some tips to navigate the endless choices.
Narrow Your Choices
If you’re unsure what you enjoy, don’t randomly pick from a wine menu. Seek recommendations from friends or explore beginner-friendly lists of wines, beers, or cocktails. Experimenting will help you identify your preferences. Once you find something you like, look for similar options. Many bars provide a curated cocktail list, but they can often make more. If you’re uncertain, stick to the listed choices.
Start With Beginner-Friendly Choices
You might face some teasing for choosing drinks aimed at light drinkers, but these options exist for a reason. Alcohol can be intense, and many beverages require time to appreciate. While you won’t know your preferences until you try, some drinks are gentler on the palate:
Ciders: Ciders occupy a unique space between beer and wine. They’re fermented like beer but made from fruit like wine. Ciders are highly approachable, even if you dislike beer or wine. Sampling a few can help you identify your flavor preferences and provide a reliable option when other drinks don’t appeal.
Wheat beers: I’ll admit: I’m not a beer enthusiast. However, wheat beers tend to be milder and lack the strong “beer” flavor. If you’re new to beer, ask about wheat beer options.
White wines: Red wines often have a bolder taste compared to white wines. While this isn’t a strict rule, opting for lighter-colored wines is a safer bet if you’re unsure.
Anything fruity: This applies to wines, beers, or cocktails. Fruity drinks are generally more approachable than something like a straight scotch.
Your taste preferences are entirely personal, so embrace what you enjoy without feeling bound by conventions. For instance, I dislike most beers but love fruity ciders and, oddly, find Canadian whiskey surprisingly smooth. Remember, this isn’t college—you don’t need to prove yourself by switching to bourbon shots just because someone mocks your “girly drink.”
Try a Tasting Event
Wine and beer tastings are increasingly popular as the variety of available beverages continues to grow. You can visit local wineries or breweries for samples or attend larger tasting events. Some third-party events even offer drinks from multiple distributors, allowing you to explore a broader selection than you’d find at a typical bar. These events are also a great way to socialize, so bring along some friends!
Do a Bit of Research Online
The world of drinks is vast, making it impossible to cover everything in one go. Bartenders often undergo extensive training or gain years of experience to master their craft. If you want to appear more knowledgeable, spend some time researching the basics of wine, beer, and liquor online. You don’t need to understand every detail of fermentation, but knowing the general characteristics and origins of these drinks can help you make informed choices.
Just as there are countless styles of clothing, ways to have fun, and colors in the visible spectrum, there’s an endless variety of drinks. The key is exploration. By trying new things and staying curious, you’ll discover the drinks—and the people—you enjoy most.
Photos by star5112, istolethetv, and Didriks.
