In America, alcohol is everywhere. It’s pretty entrenched in our culture. Yet, legally, you aren’t able to drink until you turn 21 years old. While many have found a way around this and have some experience, others don’t. They may be old hands at beer, that they regularly got someone to buy for them when in college. Or, they may have been the more hesitant sort who opted to wait for age 21 before trying anything. Since 21 is considered such a milestone age, birthday parties are usually centered around alcohol. Yet, caution should be exercised when it comes to the amount available.

Bar hopping, getting one or two drinks at multiple bars one after the other, is a typically planned 21st birthday party. Some bar give 1 drink free on the 21st birthday, and visiting more than one bar takes advantage of that. Yet, this doesn’t necessarily make for a great birthday. Whether the guest of honor is used to drinking, or have never drank before, chances are their friends have planned for them to drink more than they ever would on their own. This can lead to being too drunk to really have a good time, or even ending the night getting sick. Definitely not a good birthday party.

Taking it slowly is a much better idea. Plan for drinks with dinner to help avoid having too much too quickly. Stick to a quiet, uncrowded venue, perhaps a restaurant rather than a bar. Take the time to introduce your friend to different mixed drinks so they can see if they like them. Simple drinks with 2 or 3 ingredients is best. Don’t jump straight to strong drinks, or ones that are an acquired taste. Anything sweet is generally a good idea. Be sure to nominate a designated driver and stick to three drinks, max.

So, while the typical 21st birthday ideas of partying all night and bar h0pping may be your first plan, it’s really better to think again. Someone who has never drank before isn’t aware of their tolerance and would rather not end the night feeling sick. So, have a fun night doing something that includes alcohol, but not where alcohol is the center of the festivities. Then, by the time you need 30th birthday party ideas, you friend will have learned to appreciate the fine drinks in life.