Cutting Your
Drink Costs
Booze can suck up a considerable chunk of your budget, but
there are ways to keep the bill in check.
If you've ever thrown a cocktail party, you know how easy
it is to break the bank on drinks. Fortunately, with a little
strategic planning, you can keep the bar tab within reason.
Here's how:
Give hard liquor the heave ho
Full bars are quick to rack up a big tab, because they offer
your indulgent guests too many choices. You're generally charged
for each open bottle, so you'll end up paying for a whole bottle
of top-shelf gin just to serve three martinis. And paying by
the drink can be just as expensive. So host a wine and beer
bar with plenty of tasty—but limited—selections
instead.
Know your crowd
If your parents' friends love Merlot, order magnum bottles by
the case and get a volume discount. And if nothing but Guinness
will keep your pals happy, skip the Bud Light and order the
finer brew in bulk.
Throw a brunch bash
Have a light brunch reception on a summer morning and serve
mimosas or Bloody Marys. After all, most of your guests won't
drink whiskey sours at 10:00 a.m. or guzzle beer for four hours
in the summer heat.
Bartenders and baristas
Save money and lives by switching to a coffee bar for the last
hour. Have plenty of whipped cream and shaved chocolate on hand.
And ask your bartender and valet to keep an eye out for tipsy
drivers.
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