The Loop
A former cart girl's ranking of the top 12 drinks to have on the golf course
Ben Jared
Speaking from experience, when you’re working the beverage cart there are a couple things you never want to run out of on the golf course: beer and gas. Luckily, as long as you’re paying attention it’s not too difficult to maintain both. However, what separates a good cart girl from a great cart girl is the ability to anticipate what the golfers will want that day.
It might not come as a shock, but golfers tend to be creatures of habit, especially when it comes to drinking. Most players will get the same thing every time, but if you're looking for a new drink to try or just want to see if your favorite made the final cut, here's a cart girl's ranking of the top 12 drinks to have out on the course.
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Canned cocktails are a great choice out on the course, plus your cart girl will love you. No mixing or mess on the cart and you still get to enjoy an ice-cold cocktail. Find your favorite among Cutwater's wide variety and try them out the next time you tee it up.
The best birdie juice is cheap and goes down easy, and this pink lemonade vodka checks off all the boxes. On top of its refreshing taste, Pink Whitney ($14 for 750ml) also mixes well with just about everything for a stellar summer cocktail. Grab a bottle and discover your favorite combination. I never drank on the job, but if I did this would be the one shot I'd be willing to take.
If you're looking for a craft beer that is guaranteed to be on most beverage carts, try Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale ($18 for a 12-pack). This APA is well-balanced and a solid choice at any time of the year. A classic you can count on, grab this when you're in the mood for a hoppy-yet-smooth craft beer.
When it comes to IPA selection, everyone has different tastes and opinions. However, you can't go wrong with Bell's Two Hearted ($10 for a 4-pack). This beer has it all, hops, malt, and some fruity notes to even everything out. This IPA is a great go-to because it's refreshing and easy to drink, so you won't feel weighed down while playing.
Bourbon is a pretty standard liquor to have out on the golf course. Most players have a quick nip after they've made a birdie or enjoy it with their cigar. It's also good to have on cold days when you need something extra to keep you warm.
This classic beer brings a beachy feel to any round, even sans lime. Although it will probably be a little more expensive off the cart, it's worth the difference if you're in the mood for a lighter Mexican lager style beer.
On the cart I would recommend Allagash White to anyone who likes Blue Moon, Shock Top, or Bell's Oberon. A Drizly top pick for a good reason, this Belgian-Style wheat ale ($11 for a 4-pack) will surprise you with how light and flavorful it is. Great year-round; this beer is slowly becoming a must-have on the course.
Budweiser—or Bud Heavy as some amicably refer to it—is a classic out on the golf course. It offers more flavor for the same price of its light beer counterparts. While it may not be up to snuff for the craft beer drinkers in the group, this is an old reliable for many when they're flagging down the cart.
The High Noon Sun Sips are quickly gaining popularity, and the hype is well-deserved. These pre-mixed hard seltzers ($11 for a 4-pack) are made from vodka, fruit juice and sparkling water—an excellent recipe to combat a scorching hot round. Personally, the pineapple is my favorite, but all the flavors are equally refreshing.
Transfusions and golf are a timeless combination. This mid-round pick me up has helped golfers loosen up their swing for years. If you can't get your hands on a freshly mixed one, this ready-to-drink cocktail from Links Drinks ($16 for a 4-pack) is a great option. Pro-tip for drinking these on a hot day: ask for a second cup, it'll give you a little extra insulation and keep the ice from melting too quickly.
Hard Seltzers changed the game for drinking out on the golf course. There are so many brands of these light and fruity beer alternatives now, but White Claw is the OG. If you haven't tried one yet, you're missing out. Consider this is your official written permission to grab a pack for your next round and have your life changed.
These light beers will always be the most popular for one simple reason: they're the cheapest. Everyone has an opinion on which one is best, but in reality, they're almost identical. Although these beers don't have the most flavor, they're a guaranteed safe pick because you know what you're getting, and as long as they're cold, they do the job. However, just because the beer is cheap that doesn't mean you need to be, grab a couple and be generous with your tip.