Becoming Legal

[Vulcanus]

In 13 days, I will be able to drink legally, and I've become fascinated by it the past couple of days, and I have a couple of questions.

1) What equipment would I benefit from owning at home? A jigger for example.

2) Any recommended drinks to start off with that aren't too strong?

3) What is your favorite drink?

 

[Gafer]

In 13 days, I will be able to drink legally, and I've become fascinated by it the past couple of days, and I have a couple of questions.

1) What equipment would I benefit from owning at home? A jigger for example.

2) Any recommended drinks to start off with that aren't too strong?

3) What is your favorite drink?

1) Champagne flute
2) Champagne
3) See 2. Try them all. It's a great adventure!

Alternative would be Jameson's Irish Wiskey & 7-Up.

Good luck and Happy Birthday.

 

[LawLess]

Congratulations!

I would invest in a basic cocktail shaker (stainless steel with performated lid and strainer attachment). You can mix up a ton of drinks with this! Also buy a half dozen cheap shot glasses (your friends will thank you).

Most bars start with the basics: vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, tequila. If you've got the cash, throw down for a bottle of each and start a stock pile. These will form the basics of many drinks down the road.

As far as drinks that aren't too strong - you can make almost any basic cocktail easier for you by just cutting back on the alcohol. (i.e. using 1/2 jigger instead of a full).

My favorite drink: Bourbon on the rocks.

 

[ChrisG]

How about wine? I used to hate it up untill this year , for some reason when I turned 23 I got really into it.

 

[Ookla The Mok]

There's so many beers in this world, enjoy them all while you are too young to develop a serious beer gut.

 

[BlackBard]

Not really answering your question, but I do remember my 21st birthday. I went with my roommate to get a beer at the pub where we had been going for about year. (I had the advantage of looking older than my true age.) The barman asked what we were celebrating. When I told him it was my 21st birthday, he gave me a strange look - sort of one of non-belief - then served me my beer. I still remember it so clearly and that was more than 45 years ago!

The advice about starting a basic bar is good. Also, it's a good idea to follow the same advice you might hear about shaving. Go slow. Short strokes. Take it easy. Practice. Practice. Practice. You are not embarking on a marathon, but an adventure. Enjoy the ride.

 

[Wendy]

This is such a personal preference. When I turned 21 my drink of choice was Jack Daniels and all I needed was the bottle it came in. My suggestion is have a DD for your birthday and enjoy. Worry about the small stuff later Happy Birthday.

 

[jlanger]

This is such a personal preference. When I turned 21 my drink of choice was Jack Daniels and all I needed was the bottle it came in. My suggestion is have a DD for your birthday and enjoy. Worry about the small stuff later Happy Birthday.

...and don't allow picture photography lol (good advice for bachelor/ette parties too)

 

[BEAR DEN]

Happy Birthday!!!

 

[azmark]

Now that you're of age to drink, dump the Natural Ice, Boones and Cuervo Especial. Actually learn to enjoy a drink. Develop a taste to beer, check out your local brewery. Pick up a bottle of Jack Daniel's to start off with and lose the Coke and enjoy the aroma and taste of it.

Learning to drink responsibly compliments the finer things in life you may be into like a good shave

 

[Zonian]

In 13 days, I will be able to drink legally, and I've become fascinated by it the past couple of days, and I have a couple of questions.

1) What equipment would I benefit from owning at home? A jigger for example.

2) Any recommended drinks to start off with that aren't too strong?

3) What is your favorite drink?

Happy birthday!

Answers:

1) A shaker because even drinks that are supposed to be stirred are made faster in a shaker.

2) Cuba Libre (Rum and Coke with the juice of half a lime and lime wedge garnish) you can regulate the amount of rum based on your mood and preference. If possible get Panamanian rum since cuban rum is illegal in the US.

3) Scotch. Neat.

 

[withoutink]

One recommendation regarding cocktail shakers, get whats called a: Boston Shaker

They are in my opinion far superior than most of the other shakers you will find. The main reason I like these over traditional shakers is that the ice will cause some expansion... which can render other shakers difficult to use / open etc... Boston shakers can crack open much easier. Just my two cents.


+1 on scotch -- neat

 

[icon]

Something that it's better having and not needing it than needing one and not having :

Congratulations, you'll be soon ready for a Californian or a Chilian good bottle !

 

[mdunn]

try before you buy.


drink real beer, not bud/millers/coors

 

[chainfire]

Happy B-Day. I'd echo the wine and beer lovers...there are plenty of good beers and wines to drink that don't need any equipment - other than maybe a couple glasses from the dollar store.

I definitely find myself drawn to more expensive beers and cheaper (below $20- a bottle) wines.

Otherwise, drink to enjoy and not to get plastered. There's nothing worse than waking up the next day having to clean up a puke filled home, apologizing to a bunch of folks for things you barely remember doing.

 

[knlgskr]

Congratulations, happy birthday! You have received a lot of good advice. The advice on drinking whiskey/whisky neat without any accouterments is sound and can also apply to all brown liquors i.e. brandies especially Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados; aged Rums (Zacapa 23 Y.O.) 100% Agave Tequilas and Mescal.

Ein Prosit, Compai, Salud, Tak aff yeer dram, bottoms up, etc.

 

[clubman]

At your age, I'd personally try to go out with my friends as much as I could - clubs, taverns, pool halls, pubs, cantinas, roadhouses, bars, dives, fight clubs, etc. - do your boozing in its natural social setting rather than ensconced in your lair, clutching a glass of brandy in front of the fire like us geezers tend to do (there's plenty of time for that later).

Home equipment needs? Some clean glasses and a corkscrew will be sufficient should the festivities end up at your place. Make sure you have plenty of ice.

Recommended drinks? Beer, of course. Gin/Vodka & Tonic. Rum & Coke. Etc. & Etc. - you get the idea. Highballs like these were invented expressly for relaxed, easy drinking. Sure single malts, barrel strength bourbons, aged ryes, etc. have their place but if you're just starting out I'd say stick to the classics.

My favorite drink would probably be whatever I'm drinking at the moment!

 

[KeepsItClean]

Baby steps.... remember that.

 

[blary54]

Oh man I remember my 21st birthday....well not really.
My tastes have surely evolved since turning 27

Here are some things I have learned:

Try every beer you can. Don't buy the cheapest beer possible. Life is too short to drink bad beer.

Im not a huge wine fan but slowly getting into it. You can really get great wine for less than $7.00

Bourbon is the best deal for quality liquor is you live in the US.

You don't have to spend alot to get a high quality vodka. Sobieski Vodka is my favorite(svedka second) and its about 12 bucks. (better than grey goose, ketel one etc)

Tequila is fantastic ...but only if you drink good stuff(expensive though). Make sure you drink it on the rocks or neat. If you drink that stuff you will either be hugging the porcelain god or end up in a fight.

Bloody Marys are a good hangover cure!

Have fun be safe.

 

[goby]

Oh man I remember my 21st birthday....well not really.
My tastes have surely evolved since turning 27

Here are some things I have learned:

Try every beer you can. Don't buy the cheapest beer possible. Life is too short to drink bad beer.

+1

When I was in the army, I used to get this for $1.99 a 12 pack. It is the worst beer on the planet. Don't drink it.