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How You Can Now Order Ahead For Liquor In North Carolina

Yeah, sports betting has become legal today. Even if you live under a rock you know that by now. I love sports. But gambling, it’s not really my thing- certainly…

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 28: Bottles of vodka are seen on the shelves in an ABC store on February 28, 2022 in Alexandria, Virginia. Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority has removed Russian-sourced vodka brands from their shelves after Governor Glenn Youngkin called for “decisive action” in support of Ukraine after Russian troops invaded the country.
(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Yeah, sports betting has become legal today. Even if you live under a rock you know that by now. I love sports. But gambling, it's not really my thing- certainly not worth the risk. And if you know me, I'm already way too emotionally invested in games. But there is something else launching that I am thrilled about and will be partaking in. You can now order ahead for liquor in North Carolina. It's essentially curbside pickup. And it's long overdue.

Not only can you save time and the hassle of going into the store, but you can also know ahead of time that you will be able to get what you want. Nothing is worse than driving around to multiple stores looking for one certain kind of liquor. It's all available now on ABCToGo.com. All you have to do is type in your zip code. From there you can browse the inventory of your nearest North Carolina ABC Store. Select what you want to purchase and then decide if you want to walk in and pick it up or simply drive up. A pop up disclaimer before even getting on the ABCToGo site does state the following requirements.

Beginning February 19, 2024, an acceptable form of identification as well as the credit card used to place ABCToGo Orders will be required. Both are required for verification purposes at the time of ABCToGo Order Pickup. Acceptable forms of identification are: a valid Drivers License, a valid state issued ID card, a valid US military ID or a valid official passport.

Which is understandable and a small price to pay for the privilege of order ahead liquor in North Carolina. In fact, I plan to test out this service come April when a vodka brand benefiting NC State NIL becomes available. Much better than driving around trying to find it! Now if we can tackle some of our other outdated liquor laws I'd be even more happy.

9 Simple 3-Ingredient Cocktails Sure To Impress Your Guests

It can be so easy to host a party (or come home after a long day) and just open some wine or a beer. Or maybe you want some liquor but take the easy route with a vodka soda or Jack and Coke. But what if you could up your cocktail game with minimal extra effort? And in doing so feel and seem a whole lot fancier. That's right, there are plenty of simple 3-ingredient cocktails that won't take you any time to make. But they will take your drinks to the next level. Many of these can be made with the bar supplies you already have at home, though a couple may require a trip to the liquor store. But you probably needed to restock anyway.

One of the drinks on my list, is actually what I think will end up being my drink of summer 2023- the Aperol Spritz. You'll also find recipes for some classics, as well as some drinks you've probably ever ordered from a bar. No need to wait for date night or girls' night out to enjoy a drink. No matter what kind of liquor you prefer one of these simple cocktails is sure to be your new go-to!

Manhattan

Manhattan

Ingredients

    Simply mix the three ingredients, stir, and pour into a glass. If you'd like to be a little more fancy add a brandied cherry or lemon twist.

    Aperol Spritz

    Aperol Spritz

    Ingredients 

      Add the prosecco, Aperol, and club soda to wine glass with ice and stir. Serve with a garnish of orange if desired.

      Gimlet

      Gimlit

      Ingredients 

        Add the three ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice, shake well, then strain into a chilled glass. If desired garnish with a lime.

        Dry Martini

        Martini

        Ingredients

          Add the ingredients to a mixing glass, stir with ice then strain into a glass and garnish with a lemon.

          Negroni

          Negroni

          Ingredients

            Add the ingredients to a mixing glass, mix with ice until chilled and pour into a serving glass. Garnish with an orange peel.

            Amaretto Sour

            Amaretto Sour

            Ingredients:

              Combine the ingredients, shake with ice, and strain into a drinking glass. Garnish with an orange or cherries.

              Moscow Mule

              Moscow Mule

              Ingredients

                Fill a copper mug with ice, then pour in vodka and lime juice. Top with ginger beer.

                Paloma

                Paloma

                Ingredients

                  Add tequila and lime juice to a glass, top with grapefruit soda, and stir gently. Garnish with a salted rim and a lime wedge if desired.

                  Dark N Stormy

                  Dark and Stormy

                  Ingredients

                    Combine rum and lime juice in a tall glass with ice, then top with ginger beer and garnish with lime.

                    Melanie Day is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She has worked for Beasley since 2012 in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in both digital and promotions. Melanie writes about a diverse range of topics some of her favorites include travel, restaurants, Taylor Swift, and college athletics. When not at work you'll find her at a country concert or NC State sporting event.