This month I turned 20 on the 20th. Since we only get a champagne birthday once in our lives (and only some of us are lucky enough to have this when we’re legal), this called for the greatest of celebrations. As a first-time party host, there were many executive decisions to be made that I had never been responsible for making before. One of which was booze. What to get. How much to get of each (as a function of how much people will drink and how much booze people will bring themselves). Supplies. Mixers. Etc. Here’s the list I compiled prior to the LCBO run of my life:
1. Beer
Expect 60% of your party to be drinking beer. Get some nice ones (Stella Artois, Sapporo, Guinness). And get some cheap ones for beer pong (PBR). But also keep in mind that your party guests will likely mostly bring beers, so don’t go overboard.
For decoration, get some ciders as well. Everyone likes Somersby.
2. Whiskey
Hennessey or Crown Royale (or both). Whiskey is a personal favourite of mine because it mixes well with coke or ginger ale. It is also extremely effective in getting you turnt quickly to forget about the awkward introductions that plagued the first hour of your party, with a much lower risk of blacking out than Tequila.
2a. With that being said, don’t forget a litre each of Coca-Cola and Canada Dry. As mentioned, it helps the whiskey go down much more pleasantly, but is also a safe offering for the non-drinkers and designated drivers.
3. Gin
Another crowd favourite for those who don’t necessarily have a sweet tooth when it comes to drinking. Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire get the job done, Hendrick’s if you’re looking to impress.
3a. Don’t forget a litre of tonic water. NEVER forget.
4. Vodka
This far down the list, we probably can’t afford Grey Goose by now. Absolut vodka is absolutely the best bang for your buck in this section of the liquor store. Similar to whiskey, vodka mixes well with almost anything, appealing to both the sweet and bitter drinkers.
4a. Orange Juice and a litre of club soda. Who doesn’t like screwdrivers? Well, those people will probably enjoy a vodka soda.
5. Tequila*
Tequila shots with the salt and lime/lemon are super fun. A great bonding experience where you and your friends can share your “blegh” faces then all go “woooo” together because you’re young and wild and free.
5a. Obviously, don’t forget salt and a few lemons or limes. Otherwise the entire bottle is rendered virtually obsolete. Unless you have backup margarita mix laying around.
*Everyone has a drink they had an awful (or extremely fun but you blacked out and forgot how much fun you had) experience with. Tequila is mine and therefore something I warned all my guests to not bring. Proceed with caution, friends. And please drink responsibly.
6. Various supplies. The party cannot go on without.
– red cups – shot glasses – ICE!!! – something to eat: e.g. popcorn, chips, pizza, wings – water bottles
Please drink as responsibly as you will party hard. Cheers!