Jun

4

Lowering the Bar (bill)

Filed Under Travel and Entertainment 

drinkingOne of the great mysteries of life to me is alcohol consumption.  First, in general, I don’t get the appeal — I usually get heartburn and/or fall asleep before I get a buzz.  But mostly, I am just blown away by how much people spend on drinks, and even more fascinated by the appeal of an open bar.  I mean, most people have a full bar, or at least a collection of their favorites, at home.  They can drink at home for practically nothing.  In our house, there are at least 3 bottles each of vodka and rum, about 10 of wine, and a small assortment of others, and we rarely drink.  So, while I do understand why people will pay up to $12 or even more for a cocktail at a bar or dinner, more for the social aspect than the taste of the liquor, I just don’t get why an open bar turns people into liquor sponges.

I recently had the pleasure of attending Miami’s first Rum Renaissance, run by my friend John Lermayer, one of Miami’s top celebrity bartenders.  As a friend, I received 2 of the $45 tickets for a birthday gift, and while I really don’t know how many people actually paid to get in, I do know that there were a ton of people with little glasses “tasting” upwards of 50 different rums.   There were also buffets and seminars, but let’s face it, most people were there to get drunk.  And a fun time was had by all.

Of course, sitting home and drinking by yourself is not a very social thing, and usually not a healthy behavior.  So where do you find the balance?  When we were younger and went to bars in NY (where you do not have to drive, although who knows what the cab driver’s been up to) we used to meet at a friend’s apartment and start our drinking at home before heading out.  Sometimes, we would also sneak in little bottles of booze and pour them into the soft drinks we ordered, much cheaper than ordering a mixed drink.  But, as an adult, that’s not a very elegant option.  So what do you do? 

First off, my friends and I still espouse the warm-up drinks at home (except, of course, for the designated driver, which is often me, since I don’t drink a lot anyway).  If you need to stock your bar, you should check out Drink Up for Less which has a fabulous collection of less-expensive wines — and they often have great specials and closeouts too.   Making friends with the bartender can’t hurt — there’s always the buy-back.  And of course, flirting is always an option, but often requires some kind of a payback.  

You can make your own!  There are some great kits for making beer, root beer and hard cider at Mr. Beer.  And there are many wine-making kits as well — I will research and find some to try. 

Then there’s events, like the Rum Renaissance.  You can find them in your local events columns in newspapers and online. Charity events often include an open bar, and you’re both making a contribution and getting a tax deduction while you feed your habit.  And there is always the option of happy hours, where drinks are 2-for-1 or a special price, and there’s often free food to help fill your belly and sop up the alcohol. 

Which brings us to the topic of eating for less.  But that’s another, bigger story for later on.  For now, please send us any other tips you have for drinking on a budget.  And before you take your first sip, visit Drinkin’ Mate, for a free sample of a new hangover cure. 

Here’s to your health, and to frugalistic living!

To read more on eating and drinking, click here.

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Comments

2 Responses to “Lowering the Bar (bill)”

  1. pajamadeen on June 5th, 2009 9:51 pm

    It also helps to live in a “dry” county – where liquor isn’t sold.  ;-)   It simply becomes too much trouble and expense – in terms of time and gasoline – to drive to the inevitable nearby “wet” county to buy booze.

  2. Ken on July 1st, 2009 7:47 pm

    Never heard of a “DRY” county; that’s ridiculous!