Best alcohol for party?

How can you argue with the Beastie Boys? Brass Monkey!

It’s nice of you to ask. In my experience, non-drinkers will all to frequently buy the cheapest/sale stuff they can find because it all tastes the same to them.

The answer lies in the details of your party and guest list. I strongly recommend finding a trustworthy local liquor store and talk it over with the manager. Try to use a full service chain store with a good reputation.

Theo...Annie Green Springs and Boone's Farm? Did we go to high school together? You forgot Mickey's Big Mouths.

Try some Bev Mo Jacobs Creek Shiraz "Reserve" and some Penfolds Shiraz or a blend. Also throw some Argentine Malbec in the mix. Hard to find a bad bottle. None expensive but solid wine. Average about 10-15/bottle. If you want some good stuff get the Molly Dooker " The Boxer" at 28/ bottle or Orrin Swifts " The Prisoner" a good one. If the occasion is big you can get some Pride Vineyard which is very good or Fontanella 2010 Zin, or the Damian Rae Shiraz or Pinot Noir. Avoid generic Pinots. Too many are just average.

For beer, I like it dark and the German and Belgians do a good job although the Irish and Guiness have their following. The Germans also do good lighter beer and Corona is popular, with a lime of course. Happy shopping, Jallen

Anything over $10-12 a bottle is only for parties with serious wine drinkers. You first need to know your guests. If that's not the case, then get some Sam Adams and a few bottles of Chilean or Argentine wines in the 8-12 buck range, 1/3 white to 2/3s red. Go to a wine shop, ask for suggestions and give them your price cap. Specific labels will vary from state to state, shop to shop. Skip the hard liquor. It's not a large enough group. People don't expect great wine, but they'll be very pleased (and surprised) if you serve something decent.