Although the U.S. is home to a vast array of unique and delicious alcoholic drinks, milk is actually the most popular beverage nationwide — 19 states declare milk their official state beverage. If you’re planning to travel to the U.S. and enjoy some of the states’ signature drinks, it's important to stay responsible and familiarize yourself with alcohol laws. 

Signature drinks across the country

In California, a glass of wine from Napa Valley — the most famous wine-producing region in the entire U.S — is a must. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir are some of the region’s most popular varieties.

Alternatively, Portland is famous for its lively cocktail scene with Negroni being one of the state’s signatures (they even hold a Negroni Week every year in celebration of the cocktail).

An unusual classic, Negroni contains Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth. Or, if you’ll be in Colorado, you need to sample a Colorado Bulldog. Similar to a White Russian, this signature cocktail contains coffee liqueur, vodka, and cream, along with a splash of Coke.  

Drink driving laws

When it comes to Driving, an 0.08% BAC (blood alcohol concentration) is the legal limit in every state except Utah where it’s 0.05%. The punishments for driving above the limit, however, vary depending on your location.

States like Tennessee, Arizona, and Georgia give jail time to first-time offenders, while Indiana, California, and Connecticut don’t. And, in Wisconsin, drunk driving as a first-offense isn’t even deemed criminal.

Moreover, in a few states, having a 0.05% can still get you a lesser drunk driving charge. So, if you’ll be driving, it’s safest and less risky to not drink alcohol at all. Additionally, underage BAC limits are either 0.1% or 0.02% in some states, while others have a zero-tolerance policy. 

Understanding dram shop laws

Responsible and sober driving is essential to stay safe on the road, however 29 people in the U.S. are killed everyday in alcohol-related car crashes. In most states, Dram Shop laws have been implemented to stop drunk people driving, ultimately, by holding bars and restaurants responsible for alcohol-related accidents.

Under this legislation, an establishment that either serves alcohol to minors or to already-drunk people may be liable for resulting damages. Dram shop laws can vary in scope from state to state. Texas dram shop law, for example, defines minors as under 18 years old.

For liability to apply in the case of adult patrons, they must have been “obviously intoxicated to the extent that [they] presented clear danger to [them]selves and others”.

Alternatively, in adult patrons, Florida limits Dram Shop Liability to damages caused by “habitually addicted” drinkers, whereas most states use the term “visibly intoxicated”. 

Delaware, Virginia, Louisiana, Kansas, South Dakota, Maryland, and Wyoming, on the other hand, don’t recognize dram shop liability — even in the case of minors.

Enjoying a drink on your American travels is a must. By familiarizing yourself with the alcohol laws, you can stay safe and responsible, while sampling the best drinks on offer.