Having an active social circle can have a ton of benefits foryour professionalandpersonal life.
As an adult, that social life can often involve alcohol.
Drinking is always a personal choice.
For some, drinking alcohol can lead to problems, for others its a light social lubricant.
While alcohol isnt bad, you still need to drink responsibly.
Start from that point and decide how you want to drink from there.
Drinking and socializing often go together.
When you go to a movie with your friends, the movie itself is the point.
When you go out drinking, the point is to talk to other people and have fun.
Drinking is just something you do to make things a little smoother.
It helps if you have a drink for various types of drinking.
Learn how to talk to bartenders.Do not learn how to talk to bartenders from TV shows.
On even semi-busy nights, theyre probably overworked and working for tips.
Dont wave money at a bartender.
Dont demand some complicated drink that needs to be preparedjust right.
Juststand squarely at the bar and look towards your bartender.
Theyll get to you.
when you land their attention, make your request, then clear out when youre done.
Thats how drinking works.
If you want to set a hard limit for your spending before the night starts,pay in cash.
For you, its easy to know when youre done drinking.
When youre out of cash, youre done.
Know when to stop.This can be hard, which is why knowing your limit is important.
There are a lot of social cues that can indicateits time to stop drinking.
Drinking and getting drunk are two separate activities.
If you meant to do the one and crossed over into the other, slow it down.
There are a variety of reasons to drink with a group.
Sometimes you want to make a work connection.
Sometimes you want to make new friends.
Sometimes you want a date.
Its really easy for your inner asshole to come out when youre drinking.
(You wouldnt take a jug of whiskey to a black tie cocktail party.)
Beer
Beer is a casual drink thats typically appropriate at most informal tweaks.
Most beers have between a 4-6% alcohol content (though some can go higher).
This makes beer a perfect drink for the getting to know people phase.
Wine
As an alcoholic beverage, wine is in its own category.
Socially, though, lets be honest: wine is fancy beer.
Cocktails
A cocktail is any alcoholic drink mixed from usually three or more ingredients.
In other words, nearly every drink that doesnt come in a pre-packaged bottle.
An actual bar may be furnished to serve a wide variety of cocktails.
Sometimes a bar may have a list of the only cocktails they offer.
Also keep in mind that even standard cocktails can vary wildly in alcohol content from bar to bar.
Shots
Generally speaking, doing shots is code for we need to get drunker faster.
This involves drinking shot glasses full of straight liquor (or another high-alcohol content drink).
Of course, theres no hard fast rules for all social controls.
Be mindful of your configs and see whats being served.
Dont sneak your own alcohol into an event because you want something stronger than they have.
Chances are they have more mild drinks for a reason.
Watch what the people around you do and try not to drink ahead.
Here are some ways to help deal with the overflow of choices.
Ask a friend for their suggestions.
Find a list of basicwines,beers, orcocktailsfor beginners.
If you find something you like, try searching for more drinks like it.
If youre not sure whats available, stick to the selection youre given.
Alcohol is harsh and many drinks are an acquired taste.
Theyre fermented with yeast like a beer, but theyre made from fruit like a wine.
Ciders are also extremely palatable, even if you dont like beer or wine.
Wheat beers:Ill be honest: Imnot a beer person.
However, wheat beers are often less harsh and dont have as strong of a beer taste.
White wines:Generally speaking, red wines have a more intense taste than white wines.
Anything fruity:This can apply to wines, beers, or cocktails.
Importantly, dont be afraid to own your tastes.
This isnt college anymore.
Sometimes third-parties will have an event where you’re able to try drinks from a variety of distributors.
Theyre also pretty fun events in general, so take some friends!
No matter where you start, exploration is key.
Youll find the drinks (and the people!)
you like by trying new things and indulging your curiosity.
Photos bystar5112,istolethetv, andDidriks.
