Some To-Go Cocktails Get Approval in North Carolina With New Law

North Carolina has officially joined the growing list of states embracing the convenience and economic benefits of to-go cocktails. On July 8, 2024, Governor Roy Cooper signed the ABC Omnibus Bill into law, permanently legalizing the sale of sealed, pre-mixed cocktails for takeout and delivery.

There are still some limitations in place, and you can't just take a drink to go. But it's a welcome step for retailers and restaurants trying to drive additional sales.

The popularity of the sealed, pre-mixed cocktails spiked during COVID-19 restrictions, when temporary laws allowed for the sales to help restaurants during the pandemic. It proved popular, and North Carolina began work to make things official.

Under the new legislation, you can purchase to-go cocktails, but they must be sealed, sold in conjunction with a food purchase, and cannot exceed 24 ounces in volume. So you can't just order a drink like you would a burger. But you could order the burger AND a drink to pick up and take on your way.

It's important to note that this law does not address public consumption of open-container alcohol. Those restrictions are still in place, and it's allowed only in specific areas. But it does allow you to pick up your favorite mixed drink from restaurants that can provide them in a sealed container.

The law also introduces several other changes to the state's alcohol regulations. ABC stores can now sell gift cards and operate on select holidays like New Year's Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Additionally, airport vendors are permitted to sell drinks that can be carried within the TSA-screened portion of the terminal, enhancing the travel experience for those passing through North Carolina airports.

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States reports that North Carolina is now the 29th state to embrace the sealed to-go drinks trend, with many businesses anticipating an increase in sales as a result of the change.

Delivery services like DoorDash have also applauded the new law, noting that Dashers who deliver orders containing alcohol earn nearly 20 percent more than those without. This suggests that the legalization of to-go cocktails could lead to increased earning potential for delivery drivers across the state.

As North Carolinians celebrate this milestone in the state's alcohol legislation, it is essential to prioritize responsible consumption and adhere to the guidelines set forth by the new law. By striking a balance between convenience, economic growth, and public safety, North Carolina has positioned itself at the forefront of the evolving landscape of alcohol sales in the United States.

The cost of food has risen dramatically since 2020, putting a strain on many household budgets. From 2019 to 2023, the all-food Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by a staggering 25.0 percent, outpacing the overall inflation rate of 19.2 percent during the same period. The COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and other inflationary pressures have all contributed to this surge in food prices.

Grocery prices have been hit particularly hard, with the cost of food at home jumping 24.6 percent since March 2020. Even as inflation shows signs of cooling, food prices remain stubbornly high, with supermarket prices now 25 percent higher than in January 2020. This has left many consumers struggling to make ends meet and searching for ways to stretch their food budgets.

Luckily, my family has a deep love affair for ramen. Ramen is a type of Japanese noodle soup that has become popular worldwide due to its convenience, low cost, and delicious taste. A single serving of instant ramen typically costs less than a dollar, making it an excellent value for budget-conscious shoppers.

Ramen is also shelf-stable and easy to store, making it a convenient option for those with limited kitchen space or cooking skills. Of course, it's important to remember that while ramen can be a helpful addition to your diet, it should not be relied upon as a sole source of nutrition. Instant ramen is often high in sodium and low in essential vitamins and minerals, so it's best to balance it with other healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

The key is to use the instant noodles as a base and customize them with your favorite ingredients and flavors. My kids and I have a blast making up new and different ways to enjoy our noodles. Saving money never tasted so good. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your ramen creations!

Crack an egg into the boiling ramen for added protein and creaminess. You can either whisk the egg for an egg-drop effect or poach it directly in the broth.

Incorporate fresh or frozen vegetables like baby bok choy, spinach, corn, carrots, or zucchini to boost the nutritional value and texture of your ramen.

Elevate the flavor by adding ingredients like soy sauce, chili oil, sriracha, garlic, ginger, miso paste, or sesame oil.

Replace the water with chicken, beef, or vegetable broth for a richer taste.

Top your ramen with cooked meats like chicken, pork, beef, or tofu for a more substantial meal.

Garnish your bowl with chopped scallions, cilantro, sesame seeds, nori sheets, or furikake seasoning for extra flavor and texture.

Stir in coconut milk, cream cheese, or a slice of American cheese for a creamy and indulgent twist.

Cook the noodles separately, then stir-fry them with vegetables, protein, and sauce for a yakisoba-style dish.

Spice up your ramen with sriracha, chili flakes, or hot sauce to your desired level of heat.

Try adding peanut butter, curry paste, kimchi, or bacon for unique flavor combinations.