Published on June 26th, 2023
Did you know states that changed the legal drinking age to 21 saw 16% fewer car crashes? If you have finally turned 21, you might feel excited and intimidated by the number of drink choices.
It’s always best to prepare. Continue reading to learn all about choosing your first alcoholic beverage.
Familiarize Yourself With Different Alcoholic Beverages
Understanding the various options will help you make an informed decision. That way, you can choose a beverage that suits your palate rather than something that tastes funny.
It’s worth noting that beer is one of the most popular because of its variety. There are many flavors to enjoy, from light and crisp lagers to rich and robust stouts.
You might prefer a pilsner or a wheat beer for their lighter tastes. An Indian Pale Ale or a dark ale might suit those who want a stronger flavor.
Wine is another popular choice that comes in various flavors and styles. Red wines tend to have richer and bolder flavors. White wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc are crisper and lighter.
Rosé wines provide a refreshing and fruity experience.
Keep in mind that cocktails are a mix of different ingredients. This can include spirits, juices, and mixers. There are many different flavors that can be customized to your taste buds.
Popular cocktails include the Margarita, Mojito, and Cosmopolitan. If you need clarification on what cocktail to order, feel free to ask the bartender.
Spirits can be enjoyed straight, with ice, or as part of a cocktail. Each spirit has its own unique characteristics and flavors.
For instance, vodka is known for its neutral profile. Gin has an herbal and aromatic profile.
Rum offers a sweet and tropical taste. Few drinks taste fruitier than a malibu blue hawaiian punch.
Then there’s tequila, which has a distinctive agave flavor. Whiskey comes in various types, including Scotch, Bourbon, and Irish whiskey. Each whiskey has a great and unique taste.
Choose Something Light
Do you need a drinking guide? Starting with something light allows you to ease into drinking. That way, you can learn how your body processes the alcohol.
Light alcoholic beverages typically have a lower alcohol content. This means that they contain less alcohol by volume compared to more potent drinks.
Starting with a low-alcohol beverage helps you gauge your tolerance without overwhelming your system.
Light beers are a popular choice for beginners. They often have lower alcohol content. They even have a milder flavor compared to heavier beers.
Light beers are refreshing and go down smoothly. This fact alone makes them an excellent option for those without drinking experience.
Wines also offer lighter options. White or rosé wines are often lighter in body and have a more delicate flavor profile. This is especially true compared to bold red wines.
These wines can be enjoyed chilled. They also pair well with meals and finger foods.
You can order cocktails with lighter ingredients and lower alcohol percentages. Opting for cocktails that incorporate fruit juices, soda, or other mixers can help dilute the alcohol. It also makes the drink more palatable for beginners.
Famous examples include a Mojito or Sex on the Beach.
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Stay Hydrated And Eat Well
Do you need more drinking tips?
Alcohol has a dehydrating effect on the body. This can lead to various symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, and dizziness. You can counteract these effects by staying hydrated.
Make sure to drink water alongside your alcoholic beverages. Alternating between alcohol and water can help maintain hydration levels. That way, you can prevent the negative consequences of dehydration.
Eating food while drinking alcohol can also help slow the bloodstream’s absorption rate. Eating before or while drinking can create a buffer and reduce the speed alcohol enters your system.
It also provides a more balanced and enjoyable experience. Remember that food can complement the flavors of certain drinks.
Eating a meal that contains carbohydrates, proteins, and fats is especially helpful. Carbohydrates help slow down alcohol absorption. Proteins and fats provide a longer-lasting source of energy as well.
Opt for foods like pasta, rice, nuts, or cheese. This can help reduce alcohol’s more unsavory effects and nourish your body.
There are other benefits, too. Having a meal can prevent you from becoming too intoxicated too quickly. It allows you to pace yourself and responsibly enjoy your drinks.
Don’t forget that alcohol affects individuals differently. Plus, drinking while hungry can lead to more rapid intoxication in general.
Ask For Recommendations Before You Order A Drink
Don’t be shy about seeking recommendations after turning 21. Bartenders and servers are knowledgeable about different drinks and can help guide you toward the best options. They’re familiar with specific drinks’ flavors, ingredients, and characteristics.
By asking for their recommendations, you can tap into their expertise and discover new and exciting options. You may find a drink that you’ve never even heard of before.
It’s helpful to provide information about your flavor preferences. Whether you prefer something sweet, sour, bitter, or fruity, communicating your taste preferences to the bartender can help them help you.
Also, if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, it’s crucial to inform the bartender. They can make sure you don’t consume something that would trigger an allergic reaction.
Asking for recommendations also gives you an opportunity to learn more about the drinks you’re considering. Bartenders can share interesting facts or even suggest pairings with certain foods. Their insights can enhance your drinking experience and help you appreciate the nuances of different beverages.
Ready To Have Your First Alcoholic Beverage?
Now that you know how to order your first alcoholic beverage, you can have a great time with friends and family. Remember to pace yourself and drink safely.
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