Here’s How To Get Your Drink On While Staying On A Budget

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A night out with your friends doesn’t have to break the bank. There’s no reason you should have to say no to plans when you can cut costs here and there. All it takes is a little bit of schmoozing and willpower. You can go out and socialize with the rest of ’em while keeping these simple budget-friendly bar hacks in mind.

Drink the house liquor.

We know those bottles of Woodford Reserve and Patron can be tempting, but if you’re trying to stay on a budget, ask for the house version of whatever your go-to liquor is. Contrary to their sketchy reputation, house liquors don’t always taste like rubbing alcohol. When you’re drinking the house liquor, you’re better off getting a mixed drink since the quality isn’t as good. When it comes to shots, stick to the good stuff.

Stick to beer.

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Whether or not you’re a regular beer drinker, you may want to become one if you’re on a budget. Depending on the type of neighborhood you live in, cocktails can range anywhere from $10 to $20. Beer usually falls in the $6 to $8 range, so you’ll be saving a few dollars wherever you go. You can always count on beer to be there for you without breaking the bank, whether it’s a baseball game or a cocktail lounge.

Make friends with the bartender.

We’re not saying you need to flirt with the bartender, but you want to start off on a good note. If you get to the bar a little earlier than usual, when the bar isn’t as crowded, make friends with the bartender so they’ll recognize your face later on in the night when things get chaotic. Find some common ground and crack some jokes with the bartender and maybe they’ll give you a drink on the house. Ask the bartender to do a shot with you and there’s a good chance you’ll get it for free.

Don’t pay a cover charge.

The next time people invite you out, check ahead of time to see if there’s a cover. Not only is it annoying to have enough cash, but cover fees can add up when it’s $5 here and $10 there. If the bar your friends are going to has a cover charge, suggest another spot that doesn’t. Sometimes a cover charge is inevitable, but when you can control it, take the opportunity to avoid that extra fee.

Find a bar with games.

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Find yourself a bar with games and it’s almost guaranteed you’ll spend less money. You’ll be distracted when there’s a pool table, foosball or darts available. It’s also hard to play games and hold a drink at the same time, so you’ll drink significantly less while you’re whooping someone’s ass at pool.

Pace yourself with something non-alcoholic.

Yes, hydrating is great. It’s also an easy way to save money. Admit it, one of the main reasons you feel the need to down drink after drink is so you constantly have something to hold. It’s awkward to stand there without a drink in your hand. After people keep repeatedly asking you “why aren’t you drinking?” or “are you ok?” you’re going to feel a pressure to have something in your hand just to shut them up. Ask for a juice, soda or water and people will probably assume it’s alcohol and leave you alone.

Have a cash budget.

While it’s risky to leave the house without a credit card, sticking to a cash budget is a helpful way to save money. Take out $40 and once you spend it, that’s it. Hide your credit card somewhere on your body (maybe your shoe or bra) so that it’s a challenge to find later on when you run out of cash and you’re tempted to keep the party going with plastic.

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