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Alcohol
Alcohol Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to buying alcohol
The right alcoholic beverage can add the perfect finishing touch to your meal or party. It's important to make the right choice when you're shopping for alcohol, so you can enjoy a satisfying sip that goes well with your meal or snacks throughout the evening.
Types of alcoholic beverages
Alcoholic beverages can be divided into two categories: fermented and distilled. Fermented beverages have an alcohol content of 15% or lower. The most common fermented drinks are beer and wine.Â
Beers are typically categorized as ales or lagers. An ale is heavier with a full, rich flavor. Lagers are lighter with a crisp flavor.Â
The world of wine is complex and varied. Typical wine categories include reds, whites, rosĂ©s, and sparkling wines. You can also purchase fortified wines which feature both wine and a distilled beverage that increases the alcohol content.Â
Distilled beverages, also known as liquors, have a higher alcohol content. People often use liquor in mixed drinks, combining them with fruit juice or soda. The major types of liquors include vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, tequila, and brandy.
Food and alcohol pairings
When you're selecting alcohol, it's helpful to think about the food that you'll enjoy it with. The right pairing will enhance your meal with complementary flavors. When you're shopping for alcohol, consider these options:
- White wines, pale ales, and German pilsners with seafood or desserts.
- Red wines with red meat.
- Beer with casual American fare like burgers or pizza.
- Tequila with Mexican food.
- Rum with Caribbean food like jerk chicken.
- Brandy with chocolate.
- Whiskey with a cheese plate.
- Vodka with fish and chips.
- Gin with chicken wings.
Making mixed drinks
Liquors are often best served as a mixed drink. Some drinks, like bloody marys or margaritas, are readily available as a mix that only needs alcohol or as a pre-made alcoholic drink. Other drinks can be easily mixed at home with just two ingredients. Try these easy options:
- Greyhound: Gin and grapefruit juice.
- Martini: Vodka and vermouth.
- Black Russian: Vodka and Kahlua.
- Mimosa: Orange juice and champagne.
- Summer Collins: Gin and lemonade.
How to calculate what you need
If you're having a gathering, it's important to purchase enough alcohol to serve your guests throughout the event. As a general rule, plan to provide two drinks per guest during the first hour and one drink per guest the rest of the night. A 750-ml bottle of wine contains about five servings, while a 750-ml bottle of liquor can make about 16 drinks. Remember to include soda, juice, and other mixers on your shopping list as well.
Alcohol Near Me
Buy your favorite Alcohol online with Instacart. Order Alcohol Making Kits, Wine, Cocktail Accessories, and more from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.