Hey there! If you‘re reading this, chances are you enjoy a good drink from time to time. As someone who loves trying new cocktail recipes and hosting get-togethers, I‘m always looking for convenient ways to keep my bar cart stocked. That‘s why I was excited to discover Drizly, an alcohol delivery service that brings your favorite beer, wine, and spirits right to your door.
I‘ve been using Drizly for a couple years now and it‘s truly been a game-changer. No more running out to the liquor store at the last minute or lugging heavy bottles from the car. With Drizly, I can simply browse the inventory of my local retailers, add items to my cart, and have them delivered in under 60 minutes. It almost seems too good to be true!
But is Drizly really worth the hype? In this honest review, I‘ll give you the lowdown on how it works, the pros and cons, and my personal experience using the service. Whether you‘re a casual sipper or a cocktail connoisseur, read on to see if Drizly is right for you.
How Drizly Works
First, let‘s go over the basics of how Drizly operates. The company partners with local liquor stores in each of its markets to facilitate on-demand delivery. When you place an order on Drizly, it‘s actually going through one of these retail partners rather than a central warehouse.
To get started, you‘ll need to create an account on Drizly.com or download the mobile app. Enter your address to see which retailers deliver to your area and browse their inventory. You can search for specific products or explore by category, such as red wine, craft beer, or bourbon.
One thing I love about Drizly is the ability to compare prices and selection across multiple stores. Let‘s say you‘re looking for a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne. Instead of settling for the first store that carries it, you can see who has it in stock and at what price point. Sometimes you can even find great deals by ordering from a store that‘s a bit farther away.
When you‘re ready to check out, simply add items to your cart and proceed to payment. Drizly accepts credit cards, debit cards, and even Apple Pay for a seamless checkout process. The site is secure and encrypts all personal information.
In most cases, you‘ll have the option to choose between delivery and shipping. Delivery is available in 1,400+ cities across North America and typically arrives within 1 hour. You‘ll be able to track the status of your order in real-time and receive text alerts when it‘s out for delivery.
Shipping is available in select markets for a flat rate of $9.99 per order. This is a great option if you‘re looking to send a gift or if your local stores don‘t have what you‘re looking for. Shipping times vary but are generally within a few business days.
Regardless of which fulfillment method you choose, keep in mind that an adult 21+ must be present to accept the delivery and show a valid photo ID. Contactless delivery is available if you pre-verify your identity on your Drizly account.
Selection & Pricing
Now that you know how Drizly works, let‘s dive into the fun stuff – the drinks! One of the biggest selling points of Drizly is the incredible selection. By partnering with multiple retailers in each city, the platform offers a wider variety of products than you would find in a single store.
The wine selection in particular is fantastic. You‘ll find popular brands like Josh Cellars, Kendall Jackson, and La Crema, as well as more unique labels from small producers. I‘ve discovered some great natural wines and obscure grape varietals that I wouldn‘t have found otherwise.
Drizly also shines in the spirits department. Whether you‘re a fan of tried-and-true brands like Jack Daniels and Smirnoff or you‘re looking to splurge on a top-shelf tequila, you‘ll have plenty of options. I was even able to find a rare Japanese whiskey that had been sold out everywhere else.
And of course, no alcohol delivery service would be complete without beer. Drizly offers everything from mainstream domestics to hard-to-find craft brews. You can search by style, ABV, and even packaging format to find your perfect match. Seltzer and cider are also well-represented.
As for pricing, Drizly aims to keep things consistent with in-store rates. You‘ll see the retail price set by the store, plus sales tax and a flat $5 delivery fee. Some retailers may have order minimums as well.
In my experience, Drizly pricing is generally on par with what I would pay at the liquor store directly. Of course, you are paying a slight premium for the convenience of delivery. But in many cases, the ability to compare prices across stores actually helps me find better deals.
To give you a better idea, here‘s a quick price comparison of some popular items in my area:
| Product | Drizly Price | Local Store Price |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Daniel‘s Old No. 7 | $24.99 | $24.99 |
| Bulleit Bourbon | $32.99 | $34.99 |
| Casamigos Blanco Tequila | $44.99 | $46.99 |
| Tito‘s Handmade Vodka 1.75L | $31.99 | $29.99 |
As you can see, the prices are nearly identical, with Drizly occasionally coming in a few dollars higher or lower. It‘s always a good idea to check a few different retailers to find the best value.
Delivery & Customer Service
One of my favorite things about Drizly is the speedy delivery. In most cases, I receive my order within 30-45 minutes of placing it. The delivery drivers are always friendly and professional, and they carry the bags right to my doorstep.
Drizly has really nailed the logistics of alcohol delivery. The company uses advanced algorithms to match each order with the most efficient driver and route. You can see an estimated ETA when you check out and track your delivery on a real-time map.
The longest I‘ve ever waited for a Drizly order was about 1.5 hours, and that was during peak times on New Year‘s Eve. Even then, the company was proactive about communicating the status of my order via text message.
On the off chance that something goes wrong with your delivery, Drizly has a great customer service team to help resolve any issues. I‘ve only had to reach out to them once, when a store unexpectedly ran out of an item I ordered. The rep was super apologetic and promptly issued me a refund.
Drizly also has a live chat feature on its website and app where you can get answers to frequently asked questions. The company has a comprehensive help center with articles on everything from ID verification to returns.
Gifting Options
In addition to ordering booze for yourself, Drizly is a fantastic option for sending gifts. The ability to mail alcohol is especially convenient during these times of social distancing.
To send a gift on Drizly, simply create an account and enter your recipient‘s address during checkout. You‘ll have the option to include a custom gift message that will appear on the packing slip. Recipients will need to be 21+ and present a valid ID upon delivery, just like any other order.
Drizly offers several curated gift sets for different occasions and price points. For example, you could send the "Rosé All Day" bundle with three popular bottles of pink wine, or the "Scotch Lover‘s Set" with a selection of single malts. You can also create your own custom gift box by adding individual items to your cart.
In my opinion, alcohol delivery is way easier than traditional gifting options like flowers or gift baskets. It‘s a unique gift that will definitely be appreciated by anyone who enjoys a good drink. Plus you don‘t have to worry about wrapping or shipping logistics.
Final Thoughts
So, is Drizly legit? In my experience, absolutely. I‘ve been consistently impressed with the selection, pricing, service, and overall convenience. It‘s my go-to whenever I‘m planning a dinner party or just want to restock my personal bar without leaving the house.
Of course, no service is perfect. One potential downside of Drizly is that you can‘t physically browse the aisles and read labels like you would in a store. The site has detailed product descriptions, but it‘s not quite the same as holding a bottle in your hand.
Drizly is also not ideal if you need alcohol ASAP, since even the fastest delivery will still take around 30 minutes. In those cases, it‘s probably just easier to run to the nearest store yourself.
But for the vast majority of occasions, Drizly is a great option. It‘s perfect for planning ahead or when you can‘t (or don‘t want to) leave the house. The company already has a large market share and brand recognition, but I predict even more growth as online alcohol sales become the norm.
A few pro tips if you‘re new to Drizly:
- Check the current promos before placing your order to score discounts or free delivery. Drizly frequently sends out coupon codes to its email subscribers.
- Filter your search results by store to compare inventory and pricing across different retailers. You might be surprised at how much it varies.
- Consider shipping if your ideal product is out of stock locally. In some cases, the $9.99 flat rate can be worth the expanded selection.
- Don‘t forget to tip your delivery driver, especially if they had to brave bad weather or heavy traffic to bring you your booze. You can add a tip at checkout or in cash upon delivery.
To wrap up, I wholeheartedly recommend Drizly as a convenient, reliable option for alcohol delivery. The selection and service are top-notch, and you really can‘t beat the convenience factor. It‘s the perfect way to prep for your next house party or send a thoughtful gift.
So next time you‘re running low on your favorite wine or craving a cocktail without the bar crowds, give Drizly a try. I have a feeling you‘ll be hooked like me. Cheers!
