Whether you’re crossing names off your Christmas gifting list or preparing for a milestone birthday, shipping alcohol to your friends can be a fun way to celebrate them and show you care. At the same time, figuring out how to ship beer to a friend (or any other alcohol) can be a little bit tricky, thanks to local laws and packaging regulations.
At Spirited Shipper, we have decades of experience shipping alcohol safely and securely. With the right packaging and an awareness of state laws, we know that shipping alcohol to your friends can be a great gifting opportunity.
Is It Legal to Ship Alcohol?
Yes, and no. The answer is a bit complicated. Alcohol shipping laws vary by state, and some are much stricter than others. For example, almost all alcohol delivery and shipping in Utah is illegal. The same is true for Mississippi and Delaware.
States with more liberal alcohol shipping laws include Nebraska, New Hampshire, Florida, Tennessee, Louisiana, Iowa, Arizona, California, Wyoming, Washington, Hawaii, and Kentucky.
For the rest of the country, laws get slightly more specific. Some only allow you to ship beer or wine to a friend, but not hard liquor.
In general, however, one regulation is pretty consistent across the board:
Only licensed retailers and distributors can legally ship alcohol in the United States.
You, as a consumer, cannot legally ship your own alcohol to a friend, but you can work with liquor stores, wineries, and other distributors to send “spirited” gifts. Just ensure the recipient doesn't live in an area with strict regulations.
Choosing the Right Packaging for Alcohol
Whether you're a distributor or a consumer working with a licensed carrier, choosing the right packaging is crucial when shipping alcohol to your friends. Durable, corrugated cardboard (like the materials used in Spirited Shipper’s boxes) is typically the safest bet when transporting beer, wine, and other types of alcohol.
Why Proper Packaging Matters:
A lot can happen between points A and B—especially when dealing with glass bottles filled with liquid. Without the right packaging, bottles of alcohol can crack, spill, or get damaged in transit. Alcohol packaging should also be insulated to protect products from the damage that comes with extreme heat and cold.
Features of Specialized Packaging:
When you work with a shipper that has experience transporting alcohol, they will know what kinds of boxes work best for your delivery. Specialized packaging that is designed to transport alcohol keeps glass bottles safe, insulated, and secure throughout the journey. Spirited Shipper, for example, offers custom-fit inserts, double-walled boxes, and secure sealing methods.
Creative Ways to Make Your Alcohol Gift Special
Once you know which laws to be aware of and how to package alcohol for shipping, you can get creative to make the gift extra special for your friends and family.
Pair It With Accessories:
When shipping alcohol to your friends, pairing it with accessories is a great way to make the gift stand out. If you’re sending your favorite gin, for example, try pairing it with a cocktail shaker, a mixer you love, and a personalized recipe card.
Include a Personal Note:
Sometimes, all you need to make a gift special is a handwritten note. Personalizing your gift will let your friends and family know you care and are thinking of them.
Opt for a Wine or Spirit Gift Box:
Not sure what to add when shipping alcohol to your friends? See if your distributor has a gift box option. Enhancing the presentation of your gift with decorative wrapping can make a huge difference. At Spirited Shipper, we offer various gift bags and boxes for wine, beer, and other alcohol.
Why Spirited Shipper Is the Best Choice for Shipping Alcohol
With over 30 years of experience shipping wine and other drinks, Spirited Shipper understands the complexities of shipping alcohol to friends and family. Our Boxes are highly durable, eco-friendly, and can be personalized for special occasions. When you ship with us, your product will always arrive safe and secure.
Contact us to learn more, and pick up your boxes today!
