when hosting a get-together

What alcohol(s) do you choose to serve? Well, it depends on the type of gathering, and who is invited.

Beer is always the simplest choice- or IS IT? Are your friends Budweiser people? If so, get new friends. Or convert them to tastier beer. If your friends ARE good quality people who enjoy a good Hennepin, Morimoto Imperial Pilsner, Titan IPA, or Brooklyn Chocolate Stout... BYOB, yo. That stuff gets expensive. Tasty and of course worth it, but if everyone brings over one bomber of beer to your shindig, all you need to do is grab a few yourself, or a few six packs of Dogfishhead 90 minute IPA, and you're golden.

Wine? Wine is relatively simple. A few reds, a few whites- everyone will find something that pleases them. And, you save on fridgespace. Of course, wine seems to disappear awfully fast...

Vodka? Rum? Gin, etc et al? Grab a couple mixers, make sure the ice trays are ready to go, and it's a pretty simple thing. And if your friends aren't wimps, you won't even need the latter items. But this gathering will get sloppy right quick, once the shot glasses come out.

So what is the answer?! Really, there is none. Go with your, uh, taste buds. It's YOUR shindig. You want beer? Tell everyone to BYOB and get your favorites for yourself. You feel grapey? You can find decent wine for 3 or 4 bucks a bottle. Don't want to be pressured with making a decision? Grab those half-full bottles of booze lying around the house and some red plastic cups, and stick 'em on a table. Voila! Booze is served.