First Alcohol to Try: Simple Choices for Newbies

If you’ve never had a drink with alcohol, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. You want something that’s not too strong, tastes good, and won’t leave you confused the next morning. The key is to start with low‑ABV (alcohol by volume) beverages that have familiar flavors. Below you’ll get a quick rundown of what to look for and a handful of drinks that fit the bill.

What Makes a Good First Drink?

First‑time drinkers usually prefer a beverage that’s easy to sip and doesn’t have a harsh burn. Look for drinks under 7% ABV – that covers most light beers, ciders, and many wines. Sweet or fruit‑forward flavors also help mask the alcohol taste, so you’ll enjoy the drink even if you’re not used to the spirit’s edge.

Another factor is versatility. A drink that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into a simple cocktail gives you room to experiment without buying a whole bar’s worth of ingredients. Finally, keep the serving size modest. A standard drink is about 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1.5 oz of spirits. Starting with a smaller pour helps you gauge how your body reacts.

Top Picks to Start With

1. Light Beer or Session IPA – These beers stay under 5% ABV, are widely available, and have a mild malt backbone. If you like a hint of citrus, a session IPA adds a gentle hop bite without the high alcohol punch of regular IPAs.

2. Hard Cider – Made from fermented apple juice, cider is naturally sweet and typically sits around 4–6% ABV. It’s a great bridge between soda and alcohol, and you can find flavors ranging from dry to honey‑spiced.

3. Rosé Wine – Light, slightly fruity, and usually around 12% ABV, rosé feels refreshing and easy to drink. Serve it chilled for a crisp experience that won’t overwhelm your palate.

4. Spritz (Aperol or Campari) – Mix 2 oz of Aperol, 3 oz of prosecco, and a splash of club soda. The result is a bubbly, bitter‑sweet cocktail that’s low in alcohol and perfect for a sunny afternoon.

5. Vodka Soda with a Twist – Use a single shot of vodka (about 1.5 oz) and top it with soda water and a lime wedge. The flavor is clean, the kick is mild, and you can control the strength by adding more soda.

6. Mimosa – Equal parts orange juice and sparkling wine gives you a sweet, brunch‑friendly drink that’s easy on the palate. Keep the wine portion light to stay under 10% ABV overall.

When you try any of these, sip slowly and pay attention to how you feel. It’s okay to stop after one or two glasses – the goal is to enjoy the taste, not to chase a buzz.

Finally, always drink with food and stay hydrated. A glass of water between drinks keeps you feeling fresh and helps you appreciate the flavors better.

Starting with the right drink makes the whole experience more fun and less intimidating. Pick one from the list, try it at home or at a low‑key bar, and see which style you like best. Once you’ve found a favorite, you can branch out to stronger or more complex options. Cheers to your first sip!