How to Bring Booze to a Dinner Party Like a Pro

Showing up to a dinner party empty-handed is like texting “here” instead of knocking. Technically it’s allowed, but it’s a little… off. If someone’s feeding you a real meal—especially one that didn’t come out of a microwave—you bring something. And when in doubt, bring booze. But not just any booze. You want to show up with something thoughtful without overthinking it.

Here’s how to nail it.

Know Your Role:
First, clock the vibe. Are you rolling into a sit-down meal with candles and place cards? Or is it more of a “friends eating off mismatched plates and someone’s dog is barking” situation? Your bottle should match the energy. Don’t bring a $90 Burgundy to taco night, and don’t roll in with a six-pack of White Claw to a roast duck dinner. (Unless it’s ironic, in which case—respect.)

The Safe Bet: A Solid Bottle of Wine
Let’s get the obvious out of the way. You cannot go wrong with wine. But you can go boring. Skip the $4 bottom-shelf stuff and aim for something in the $15–$25 range. That’s the sweet spot for quality without making the host feel like you’re trying too hard.

Red: Pinot Noir or a mellow Cabernet if it’s a meat-heavy meal.

White: Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling if the food’s lighter.

Sparkling: Cava or Prosecco is always festive and plays well with everything.

Pro tip: Don’t expect them to open your wine. It’s a gift, not a demand. If they do? Great. If not? It’s theirs.

The Cooler Move: Bring a Bottle with a Backstory
People love a little story—“Hey, I grabbed this bourbon from a small Colorado distillery that only makes a few barrels a year,” sounds way better than, “Uh, I got this at Target.”

If you shop at Boones, ask what’s new or what’s got a good story. Local spirits, underrated imports, or something seasonal (like a good spiced rum in winter or botanical gin in spring) are all strong plays.

Cocktail Kits (Without Being That Guy):
If you know the host likes cocktails, you can bring the fixings for one great drink. A bottle of tequila, a bag of limes, and a little bottle of triple sec = instant margarita kit. Just don’t take over their kitchen and start shaking things uninvited. Offer, but don’t assume.

Bonus move: Write the recipe on a tag and tie it around the neck of the bottle. That’s some Martha Stewart energy without the effort.

Beer—but Make It Interesting
Craft beer works when it’s a casual hang. Don’t bring a random IPA that smells like a pinecone unless you know your audience. A mix-pack of craft lagers, saisons, or even a local stout makes it feel like you put in some thought.

Also, avoid showing up with just two tallboys for yourself. That’s not a contribution. That’s just BYOB with extra steps.

What Not to Bring:
-That half-drunk bottle from your house. (Come on.)

-Super niche liquors like absinthe or anything too weird unless it’s a joke.

-Anything in a plastic bottle. No explanation needed.

You don’t have to bring the fanciest bottle or play bartender all night. Just bring something that says, “Hey, I appreciate the invite and I’m not a freeloader.” Whether it’s a bottle of wine with a cool label or your favorite tequila with a bag of limes, showing up with intention always lands. And if you’re ever truly unsure—just text the host and ask what they’re drinking. Then bring that, plus one!