An important part of planning any event is deciding what food and drinks will be served. Guests have different food and drink preferences and may have strict dietary restrictions. In most cases, it is best to have a variety of choices. Guests can choose based on not only their preferences, but also on their current mood. Alcohol and beer is a large part of the celebration of many events. Consider the following adult drinks when planning your next event.
Different beer brands
The beer industry is more popular than ever. Domestic beers have always been common among all types of drinking, but lately, there has been an increase in local beer brands. Brewery beer is currently trending and providing your guests with different beer brands from local breweries will make your event a unique one. In 2015, craft brewers produced 24.5 million barrels, and saw a 13% rise in volume and a 16% increase in retail dollar value. Retail dollar value was estimated at $22.3 billion, representing 21% market share. The craft beer business is only expected to grow and gain popularity as more and more breweries emerge.
Multiple types of wine
Wine also has its own loyal following. There many different types of wine, with a few being the most popular brands. Legal generation drinkers are drinking more wine today than ever before, making it an important drink to have at your event. Younger drinkers are thirstier than older oenophiles, drinking an average 3.1 glasses per day, compared to 2.4 for Gen Xers and 1.9 for boomers. When planning an event, even if you choose to offer local wineries wines, it is always wise to also offer traditional types of wine.
Straight alcohol
Although somewhat smaller than the craft beer and wine following, there is a following of straight alcohol drinkers. These are drinkers who enjoy the pure taste of the alcohol. They usually do not use mixers and like the kick of something strong. These types of drinkers are easy to please, as they do not require additional mixers. As long as you provide the basic groups of alcohol, including whiskey, vodka, and scotch, they will find an acceptable drink choice at your event.
Mixed drinks
Mixed drinks are more common than straight alcohol drinkers. These are carefully planned and prepared drinks to contain traces of alcohol, along with mixers. Common mixers might include cranberry juice, lemonade, water, tonic, red bull, or other types of soda. Although it may be impossible to plan for every single mixed drink that will be requested, there are a few commonly mixed liquor drinks that will make guests happy with the choices. The number of consumers of pre mixed cocktails (with liquor) within the last 30 days in the United States is 13.43 million, making it an extremely popular choice of drink.
Dessert drinks
Dessert drinks, although less common, may include alcohol or not. Some people have go to drinks to turn to after they have reached their limit. They may be coffee mixed with some type of wine or alcohol. It may simply be coffee with nothing but creamer. Although guests are unlikely to expect a host to offer dessert drinks at an event, it can be a great way to add to the guest?s experience. Dessert drinks without any alcohol are also a great choice for underage guests, if they will also be attending. These drinks can be similar to mixed drinks, however, with the absence of the alcohol.
There are a lot of minor details involved in hosting an event. The more guests that you invite to the event, the more food and drinks you should offer. Guests have differing food and drink preferences, so it is best to have as wide of a variety as possible. When planning a drink menu, consider the main drink choices, different types of wine, domestic and local beers, straight alcoholic drinks, mixed cocktails, and dessert drinks. It can also be helpful to have festive drinks that do not contain any alcohol for those who do not drink or who are too young to drink.