Turning 21 is a major milestone. As soon as the clock strikes midnight, you’ll earn the coveted privilege of taking your first legal sip of alcohol. To celebrate this momentous occasion, you’ll likely want to kick off your year with a celebratory bang, even as you’re social distancing during COVID-19. But with so many delicious alcoholic beverages to choose from, how will you know where to start on your special day? Columbia Distributing, a beverage distributor in the Pacific Northwest, suggests these 21st birthday drinks.
The Woo Woo
If you’re a fan of fruity flavors, the Woo Woo is a great first drink to try. This reddish-pink cocktail can either be served in a highball glass or as a shot, and it can be shaken or stirred. Plus, thanks to its use of fruit juice, you’ll hardly notice its vodka base. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- 1 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz peach schnapps
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- Lime wedge (optional)
Mai Tai
Mai Tais are mouth-watering drinks that are great options for cocktail novices, with smooth rum bases and citrusy, orange tones. If your interests are piqued by this tropical drink, here’s what you’ll need to whip one up:
- 1 1/2 oz white rum
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz orange curaçao
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 3/4 oz dark rum
Once you’ve shaken all of these ingredients together, you can either serve on the rocks or blend with ice in a highball glass. To get fancy, garnish your glass with a curly lime peel or a juicy pineapple spear.
Margarita
For tequila first-timers, trying a refreshing, well-balanced margarita can be a great way to get introduced to its smoky oak flavors. Plus, with tons of different margarita variations to choose from, you can grasp onto flavors like watermelon, strawberry, and many others to further moderate the taste of the alcohol. Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic margarita:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz Cointreau
Either shake or stir the ingredients together and then serve on the rocks. Alternatively, blend the ingredients with ice for a frozen treat. Complete the cocktail by garnishing it with lime or salt the rim. No matter which configuration you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy the combination of salty and sweet flavors.
Daiquiri
Another great option for beginners, a daiquiri is typically made with rum, citrus juice, and sweetener. These drinks are most often shaken with ice and carefully strained into a chilled cocktail glass. If one of these refreshers sounds tasty to you, here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 oz white rum
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz lime juice
Stock Up for Your 21st Birthday
These drinks are just a small sampling of all of the yummy, fun cocktails you could enjoy on your 21st birthday. Rather than go without on your special day, Columbia Distributing suggests you stock up with all of the alcoholic beverages, juices, and other ingredients you’ll need from our trusted brands. To learn more about our cocktail recommendations and product offerings, contact us today.