The Do’s and Don’ts of Sending Alcohol Gifts to the USA

Everyone knows that Americans don’t need much of an excuse to have a few drinks. It simply being a weekend is reason enough to celebrate for many people. But, have you ever considered how booze became such an important part of our lives? We have, and it wasn’t random queries from a drunken Saturday night. We’ve taken it upon ourselves (once we sobered up) to do a little research and discover just how raising a toast reigned supreme and cocktails became king. So, the Do’s and Don’ts of sending alcohol gifts to the USA!

The Do’s and Don'ts of Sending Alcohol Gifts to the USA: Friends toasting wine glasses of dark amber liquid

The History of Drinking in the United States

Europeans who immigrated to North America in the 1600s were no strangers to alcohol. In order to combat the expense of imported beer, colonists fermented peach juice and apple cider and imported rum from the West Indies. The smallest celebrations were used as a chance to pass around the hooch. In 1770, many people of all ages started their day with a stiff drink and drank rum or hard cider with every meal. Even toddlers were known to enjoy the sugary remains of their parents’ rum toddies.

After the American Revolution, the British banned the supply of rum to the former colonies. Fortunately for thirsty Americans, Kentucky and Ohio had a surplus of corn that could be transformed into whiskey. Farmers produced such large volumes that whiskey ended up being cheaper than beer or milk and safer than water. Instead of a morning coffee break, people would stop work at 11:00 a.m. to drink! By 1830, most Americans over age fifteen drank more than seven gallons of alcohol a year.

In 1838, Massachusetts banned the sale of hard liquor except in bulk, though instead of admitting defeat, people just found ways to work around the law. Massachusetts law and similar state prohibition statutes were quickly deemed unsuccessful and abandoned, but the social implications remained. By 1850, half the population had stopped drinking entirely.

Thanks to World War I, the movement finally achieved nationwide prohibition. The public turned against all things German, and German-American brewers could not sell their products. In addition, anti-liquor activists warned that breweries were using grain that was needed for the war effort. Congress passed a war-time dry law, which was soon replaced by the eighteenth amendment.

Long after prohibition ended in 1933, many states continued to keep alcohol illegal. However, during the post-World War II years, the love of drinking rose again and reclaimed its mark as an important part of American culture.

Sending Alcohol Gifts to the USA: The Best Holidays for Sending Liquor

New Years

Ahh, cheers to “new beginnings”! New Year’s Eve is the day we promise ourselves that we won’t make all the same mistakes in the year to come, then chase those vows with copious amounts of champagne. With any luck, you’ll remember your pledge through the haze of the morning after and get a jump on your fresh start. Or, you can just stay in bed and drink more champagne.

Superbowl Sunday

Ok, it’s not really a holiday, but as I stated above: Americans will find any reason to get their drink on. Whether your team is playing or not, join your friends and choose a side because there’s nothing more American than football (except maybe baseball). Beer is the baron of this game day event and artfully served in a red solo cup. So, paint your face and fill up on hot wings; the game is about to start!

Fourth of July

The act of getting snockered is almost as old as America itself. Celebrating our country’s independence just wouldn’t be the same without an ice-cold beer. Throw in a hot dog and some pie, and you have yourself a rip roarin’ July 4th that would make any colonist proud. Don’t forget your red, white, and blue!

Halloween

You say Halloween is a kids’ holiday, I say nay nay! Halloween is meant to be celebrated by people of all ages! So, serve yourself up some candy-flavored cocktails and sweet dessert wines, and horde the Snickers all to yourself.

Sending Alcohol Gifts to the USA: A Variety of Cocktails with fruit garnishes.
Composition with five glasses of drinks

The Top 5 Most Popular Alcoholic Drinks in the USA

Beer

Beer is currently the most consumed alcoholic beverage in the United States. The popularity of craft and specialty beers will help this frosty beverage maintain its leading position through 2021. Check out some of our favorite beer baskets to send to your friends and family in the states.

Cider

Next to beer, Cider has quickly become one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the United States, mainly due to increasing demand from women and younger consumers. The introduction of new varieties of flavors in addition to the original apple also contributes to its burgeoning popularity.

Spirits

This includes hard liquors such as whiskey, gin, rum, tequila, and scotch. Whiskey is currently topping the charts, with Rum coming up second. The increasing demand for mixed cocktails makes this the third most popular choice in the United States. Sending alcohol gifts to the USA, and particularly delivering whiskey is easy with Drinkable Gifts and with Drinkable Gifts, you have the ability to customize your Whiskey Basket.

Wine

While growing steadily, the wine market rises at a slower rate than other alcoholic drinks in the US. The introduction of premium wines, as well as an increase in the sudden commonality of make-your-own wine services, have kept interest in wine growing strong, however, table wine is still well-loved in many parts of the United States.

Ready-to-drink beverages

Ready-to-drink beverages are typically wine or spirits-based mixed drinks that have lower alcohol content. Wine coolers are currently amongst the most popular ready-to-drink beverages in the United States, made popular due to their convenience and relatively low cost.

Things to Remember Before You Send Alcohol to a Friend or Loved One

There are a bewildering amount of options when it comes to alcohol as a gift. Would your recipient prefer sparkling or still wine? Perhaps, send a spirit, or beer, or ciders … but with so many subvarieties it’s hard to know what will or won’t match the tastes of your intended.

While personal taste is the obvious choice when it comes to gift-giving alcohol, here are a few general tips for navigating one of the most delicate scenarios you’re likely to find.

Sending Alcohol Gifts for Dinner or Housewarming Party

While it’s likely that the gift will be opened/consumed on the day it’s given, keep in mind that your alcohol-based gift is meant to be for the hosts, not the guests. Wine and beer are usually the welcomed choice, and there’s no need to go overboard in terms of price. The gesture is always appreciated.

Sending Alcohol Gifts for the Boss

The key element when gifting to your boss: stay classy and don’t be cheap. A gift for the boss is meant to impress. Choosing a bottle that can last beyond one day after opening means that your boss will enjoy it for many occasions — and think of you as he does.  Fortified wines like Madeira and port are excellent options, as are spirits such as cognac, scotch, and bourbon. You’ll pay premium prices but, hey, dazzling the head honcho isn’t cheap. Show your boss that you’re a person who goes the extra mile and pair the bottle with glass tumblers for spirits or small tulip-shaped tasting glasses for wine.

Sending Alcohol Gifts for Birthdays

Thoughtful gifts are the best gifts. Think about what your recipient would really love. Look for interesting, new, or limited-edition versions of their favorites, and don’t cheap out. The extra effort goes a long way. If gifting beer, include a custom beer glass. For wine, look for a glass that symbolizes your recipient in some way. The added effort is sure to be appreciated.

Sending Alcohol Gifts for Milestones

A significant milestone is something worth celebrating. The gift you give should reflect the special event. Premium alcohol may cost a pretty penny, however, shelling out for events like this is a rarity in one’s life. Vintage sparkling wine is the way to go. Looking for an added WOW factor? Search for a vintage that matches a year significant to the celebration (like a birth year or wedding date). Extras like champagne flutes or small wine glasses are a nice touch but don’t upstage the gift. Alcohol should be the main event and a reflection on the person being celebrated.

Sending Alcohol Gifts to the USA: Table with different bottles of wine and spirits on color background

My Favorite Cocktail & How to Make It

With the holidays just in our rearview, what better way to continue the celebration than with peppermint? The Thin Mint Martini has been part of my family tradition for as long as I’ve been married. My husband and I love to finish off the Christmas rush with this delicious, chocolatey treat that tastes just like the cookie!

Ingredients

1 teaspoon chocolate syrup

1 fl oz peppermint schnapps

2 fl oz chocolate liqueur

2 fl oz half-and-half

Directions

Drizzle chocolate syrup around the inside edge of a martini glass then freeze. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice then add all the ingredients, cover, shake, and strain into the prepared glass.

You’ve learned a ton about sending alcohol gifts to the USA. Now what?

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