We all know it, but can do little about it. The lion’s chunk of what you pay when you exit any bar or restaurant goes towards alcohol. Off the record, restaurateurs will tell you that only a third of the price listed on the menu is the actual cost of the booze. And yet, there are a few tricks that you can employ to save precious rupees when you drink out. Here’s a drink-and-save guide that we think is going to come in handy before you get wasted on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Fix the day’s budget
Like every aspect of your finances, it’s a good idea to put your night out on a budget, too. And, if you have a busy social life and party more than once a week, budgeting your drinks, Monday through Saturday, will help your bank balance. Do it like Sarosh Nanavati. The 23-year-old Mumbai-based vocalist says, Mondays and Tuesdays are her spend-less days. The beginning of the week is slow and with a work-week ahead, you’d probably want to tuck yourself in early and avoid the hangover. “There’s a better, bigger crowd on Wednesdays, which is the day to ration a higher budget for. But it’s Fridays and Saturdays that you should set aside the most for. On weekends, more people are likely to hang-on for longer.” Nanavati admits that she doesn’t always manage to stick to the plan, but keeping it in mind helps her save better than she would otherwise. In case this seems like a plan that’ll take the buzz out of things, here’s what you should do: leave the cards at home and carry the amount you plan to spend in hard cash. You will have no choice but to stick to the budget.
Indulge early
Music producer Arfaaz Kagalwala says his biggest money saver trick is downing a couple of drinks before stepping out. This is when you can enjoy the expensive brews — whiskeys and vodkas. “Sip on beers, usually cheaper than hard drinks, once you step out,” Kagalwala suggests. Once you are five glasses down, you are probably not going to appreciate the good stuff anyway, so switching to cheaper brands is a smart way to save money without compromising. “I’d say, I end up saving anywhere between Rs 1,000 and Rs 3,000 a night, depending on how much I drink and how expensive the club I’m heading to is,” he says.
Designate a driver
Having a designated driver is not only a good idea for safety, but it is also a great way to save on what can be a sizeable expenditure at the end of the night: the cab ride home. Considering you aren’t likely to leave before midnight, post 12 pm charges will apply. And if you book a cool cab or a private taxi, the bill will only be steeper. Plan in advance, and decide who, from among the group, will stay away from drinks and take the rest home. Rotation will make this system more democratic, and ensure the same bloke doesn’t end up having to ‘sacrifice’ every time.
Buy pitchers, beer on tap
Go for community drinks; they always turn out cheaper — pitchers of sangria and margarita, wine in decanter instead of by the glass, beer on tap. Your worst choice are shots. They cost as much as a mixed drink and are downed before you can blink. Also, substituting that bottle of imported beer for the Indian variety on tap is a good idea. Your brand loyalty may prove tough on your wallet.
Pre-drink & eat
Playing drinking games with your pals before you head out for the real fun is not such a bad idea to save some cash. By the time you get to the party, you’ll be in good spirits, and have a more fun night out. Add on something to munch. If eating before you hit the bar isn’t an option, order a platter of appetisers — with an assorted bread basket. This will prove more economical than an individual order.
Keep it homely
If it’s been a costly year, your best choice is to get invited to a house party. Shrishti Kumar, a 24-year-old accessories designer, says, “Most house parties are about BYOB (bring your own booze), which means that alcohol, your main expense, has already been taken care of.” You eliminate other fringe costs like VAT, Service Tax and expensive appetisers. Plus, lower decibels mean you can actually talk to your friends.
Examine location
On a budget, but looking to party at a five-star club? Location is important if you are looking to cut corners. Sanvar Oberoi, a 23-year-old entrepreneur, says pick one that you know has a buzzing vibe but serves say, BII alcohol (Bottled In India, instead of Bottled In Origin). In case of the former, bottling, manufacturing and transportation costs are low since the bottling is local, and the booze is transported in casks, not bottles. Avoid bars and lounges that charge a cover.
Keep in mind
Happy drinking: Like Shrishti Kumar, you should figure the best Happy Hour deals around town. “Ask around to find out which bars offer Happy Hours that work for you. My colleagues and I head to a place in Bandra every second Friday. Everybody’s budget is different. Considering that two drinks come at the price of one, you end up halving your bill.”
Stick to standards: You don’t always have to order the cocktail with the most exotic name. Oberoi suggests sticking to standard drinks. “I always go for a gin and tonic; not costly, and good enough on taste and value.”
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