When you turn 21, you are able to drink alcohol. This can open you to all sorts of opportunities for responsible fun. However, it can be downright overwhelming at first. With so many beverage options, how do you know where to start? Fear not, this guide will help you get your bearings and find the right beverage for your palate.
Ask Someone with Similar Tastes
The beauty of taste is that everyone has their own likes and dislikes. While you’ll never align exactly with anyone else, you can trust certain judgments based on experience. Think about your social group and who tends to gravitate towards your food preferences. See what sort of drinks they like the best. One friend may like a few of the unique brands from HWC while another may be more into Heineken. You shouldn’t limit yourself to these, of course. Nonetheless, it can give you a great place to start off.
Find Great Food Pairings
Great food/drink pairings bring out the taste of each element. A delicious seafood dish could be made even better with a rich white wine. A tasty burger can be even more satisfying with a refreshing beer. You might even find a pairing you had never considered before. There are so many out there for you to try, and it’s important for you to know what will and won’t work.
Go Bar-Hopping
There’s no better place to learn about drinking than at a bar. Find a friendly neighborhood spot and ask the bartender or anyone else who seems knowledgeable about their favorite drinks. You might be recommended tasty craft beers or splendid cocktails. You should find some good recommendations of ones you can purchase for home use.
Go to a Beer or Wine Tasting Event
Beer and wine are two of the most popular types of alcohol, and for good reason. They have such a compelling array of flavor profiles. You can try dozens of each and still have lots to learn. At beer and wine tasting events, you can sample all sorts of robust new flavors. As you sip, you can really let it linger on your palate and consider the complexities.
There’s no guarantee that you’ll like something until you try it. Some things that sound great might register sour to your taste buds. The important thing is to keep trying and have an open mind. This is an exciting journey you’re embarking on, and you want to make the most of it.
