When you’re having people over, drinks can be surprisingly tricky to plan. You might know exactly what you’re serving for dinner, but then you start wondering whether everyone enjoys the same drink. They usually don’t. Some people want something fizzy, some prefer juice, others stick to water, and somebody may turn up expecting their usual monster drink. A little variety beforehand means you’re not constantly opening the fridge and asking everyone what they want.
Start With Plenty Of Water
Water should be the first thing you sort out. Keep a good amount chilled, particularly if you’re hosting during warmer weather. Bottles are convenient, but a large jug works just as well if you’d rather avoid having lots of bottles around. You can add lemon or mint if you fancy it, although there’s nothing wrong with serving plain water. Put it somewhere guests can reach easily so nobody has to keep asking you for a glass.
Pick Two Juice Options
There’s no need to buy six different juices just because you have a few guests coming. Select two flavours that would suit the majority of people. The flavours of orange and apple are quite obvious options, whereas mango, pineapple, or a mixed fruit blend could help you get something unique. Cool them off before the guests come in, and have sparkling water for anyone who wants to make their drink lighter.
Keep Energy Drinks As One Choice
If you know some guests enjoy energy drinks, you can keep a few chilled cans available. A monster drink can sit alongside the other options rather than taking over the entire drinks selection. Since energy drinks can contain caffeine and other stimulants, make sure the table or fridge also has plenty of drinks that don’t contain caffeine.
Remember The Caffeine-Free Options
This is easy to forget when you’re making a shopping list. Not everyone likes having tea or coffee or energy drinks, particularly during an evening gathering. There are a number of choices available like lemonade, coconut water, sparkling water, and even chilled herbal teas. An alternative choice could be to make lemon-mint flavoured water, which needs very little effort.
Think About When You’re Hosting
The time of day is another important factor in choosing the beverages. An afternoon gathering needs more fruit juices and water, but an evening party may need more caffeine-free beverages. In case there will be kids present, it is advisable to have their beverages ready as well.
Make The Shopping List Beforehand
Before you order anything, count your guests and make a rough list of what you’ll need. It is always preferable to be on the safe side with more water and juice than not having any when you need them. If you’re using a grocery delivery app, look for features such as a decent range of drinks, clear product details and delivery slots that work around your schedule.
Let People Serve Themselves
Once everything is ready, make it obvious where the drinks are. Put chilled bottles together, keep glasses nearby and fill an ice bucket if you’re using one. This small bit of organisation means you can actually sit down and enjoy your own gathering instead of repeatedly getting up to fetch drinks.
Do One Last Check
Just before everyone arrives, take a quick look at the fridge and drinks table. Make sure the water is chilled, the juices are ready and there’s enough ice. Check that you haven’t accidentally left anything you planned to serve in a shopping bag. If something is missing, a grocery delivery app may save you a last-minute trip, depending on available delivery options.
