Drinking in your early 20s vs drinking in your late 20s

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The time between 21 and 29 is a pretty transformative time for almost everyone. We grow up and mature. Our priorities, hobbies and interests change. We become more refined and our tastes evolve.

And many popular social pastimes for people in their 20s include a few adult beverages, though what we consume, how we consume it and what we do while doing so tend to change at least slightly as we make our way from the early 20s to the mid and then late 20s.

Here are a few common differences.

Early 20s: Shots at 2 a.m. and a cheap pizza after closing time.

Late 20s: A couple flavored whiskey cocktails with the tasting menu at a new and trendy restaurant.

There is, of course, nothing wrong with staying out late every once in a while, but sometimes you just want some good drinks, some good food and to head home to hang out on the couch and watch some TV.

Early 20s: Day-drinking in a parking lot while tailgating for a football game.

Late 20s: Sipping mimosas over brunch, then watching the game from the comfort of your own couch.

Sometimes the best seat in the house actually is in your house, miles away from the arena or stadium, where the drinks are wildly overpriced anyway. And while both tailgating and brunching give great opportunities to catch up with friends and loved ones, the latter is generally more of a relaxed affair. Itd be tough to find a brunch spot where some of the customers are covered in face paint.

Early 20s: Drinking boxed wine.

Late 20s: Drinking a higher quality boxed wine.

Just because youre no longer slapping the plastic bladder bag that boxed wine comes in doesnt mean you cant enjoy wine from something other than a glass bottle. There are some really good boxed wines out there, and youre mature enough in your late 20s to not care about any negative stigma some attach to boxed wine.

Early 20s: Giving a speech to rally your best friend and mount a comeback in a game of beer pong.

Late 20s: Giving a speech to toast your best friend and his partner on their wedding day.

We wouldnt necessarily rule out some beer pong later on in the reception, though.

Early 20s: Chasing shots with sports drinks, soda or whatever else is on hand to take away the after-taste.

Late 20s: Drinking beverages that dont require a chaser.

At a certain point the appeal of shooting something that tastes awful sort of dissipates. And if you find yourself in a situation where you are drinking something you wouldve previously chased with a sugary soft drink, you simply down the shot and take it like the champion you are.

Early 20s: Welcoming your guests into your home with a lukewarm beer.

Late 20s: Giving your visitors a few different classy cocktail options to choose from.

Chances are, youll upgrade from your first post-collegiate apartment to a nicer home by the time youve entered your late 20s and youll want to host guests to show off your space. By then, youll likely have also developed some drink-making prowess, and can prep something at your home bar. If youre looking for some inspiration, check out the Wild Turkey American Honey recipes for an American Sour or Honey Mule.

Early 20s: Participating in a “Power Hour.”

Late 20s: Having a drink or two during conversation at Happy Hour.

For the uninitiated, a “Power Hour” is when you drink a shot glass of beer every minute for 60 straight minutes. By the time youre in your late 20s, youve likely adopted some less extreme imbibing methods.

source http://allofbeer.com/2017/07/26/drinking-in-your-early-20s-vs-drinking-in-your-late-20s/