For the month of November I decided to take on a personal challenge…could I drink free for an entire month?  Not only did I succeed, but it was easier and a lot more fun than I even imagined it would be.  Here is how I did it…

Wear a Short Skirt –

On a Saturday night and me and one of my girlfriends decided to hit up Hyde Beach Lounge at the new SLS Hotel on South Beach.  It’s South Beach so everyone is sexy, but to drink for free it always helps to wear a short skirt.  You’ll be surprised how far your legs can get you (well maybe you wouldn’t be).  Me and my girlfriend met a group of great guys who had table service and offered us drinks all night.  It was quite a fun evening!!  (Disclaimer: Sorry guys this probably doesn’t work as well for you).

Join a Museum –

For $50 a year, I joined the HistoryMiami museum.  For my membership, not only do I get free access to the HistoryMiami museum and their cool exhibits (November featured two very interesting exhibits –  “Making of a Guayabera” and “Teen Miami”), I also get to attend  their monthly “Wine Down Wednesday” events.  Each event features FREE wine, fancy appetizers, and a great networking environment.  November’s event featured wine and delicious snacks, including homemade empanadas, from CLOS Bistro & Cafe.

Be a Lady –

Ladies drink free at lots of local hot spots.  I visited Bin 18 on a Wednesday for their Bubbly Girls Wednesday.  They offer free champagne for ladies from 7pm-9pm every Wednesday.  So what u have to order food…They happen to have really great food.  I had the lamb meatballs and the artichoke carpaccio – Both were yummy!   Wednesday is also Ladies Night at Haven Lounge on Lincoln Rd where ladies receive complimentary V Cocktails.  Other Ladies Night specials include – Free champagne at Chop House on Saturdays from 9pm to Midnight; Ladies Night at SLS on Thursdays with special cocktails for Ladies at many of the hotel’s signature restaurants and at Hyde Beach Lounge.  They also have a special sushi menu just for Ladies at Katsuya on Thursday nights.  (Another disclaimer:  This kinda relates back to the short skirt item.  Sorry guys!)

 
Go to a Grand Opening –

Also in November, a cool new restaurant opened in the neighborhood and as part of their Grand Opening offered free martinis every night from 7pm-9pm for the entire opening week.  Bar Louie is part of a chain of restaurants that span across the Midwest and South and they opened their newest location right in Midtown Miami in November.   Since it is close to where I reside, we hit up the Grand Opening several times.  Some of my favorite Martinis that I tried included – The Diva: made with Skyy Pineapple, pama liquer, pomeganante syrup, pineapple juice, and fresh cut pineapple; The Clover: made with Maker’s Mark, Hennessey, agave, lemon and orange juice, and topped with an orange twist (this one is not for the faint of heart); and The Effen: made with Effen Cucumber Vodka, muddled mint leaves and fresh cucumber, and agave.

Be a VIP –

If you are a “VIP” you’ll get invited to a lot of events where they serve free liquor.  In November I was invited to a really cool event –  The Thanksgiving Gravy Train at STK Miami sponsored by Patron.  I mean you can’t beat free Patron cocktails!!  So on Thanksgiving eve, we hopped on the gravy train and enjoyed some great music, cool people, and nice Patron cocktails!!

Tweet –

Miami Newtimes hosts “tweet-up” events each month at different venues and all you have to do is tweet and follow @miaminewtimes to get in on the free drink action.  One afternoon one of my favorite restaurants on the beach tweeted that if you took a picture of a drink while you were dining at the restaurant that you would receive a free drink.  Done and done!!  Yes, I had to buy one drink, but it was still worth it to get second for free.   Lastly, sometimes it just pays to tweet and support.  I was enjoying one of my favorite magaritas at Mercadito and I tweeted a pic out of sheer excitement.  Next thing you know one of the managers comes over with free shots for me and my friends…SWEET!

Kiss ‘N Grind – 

The legendary dance party hosted by Vikter Duplaix finally made its way to Miami as part of a multi-city tour from its roots in LA, stopping in cities from Chicago to DC to NY, and brought with it  a great vibe and free drinks courtesy of its sponsor, Smirnoff.   Come on, who doesn’t like to Kiss ‘n Grind?

Most of these tips can help you drink for free anytime (and probably anywhere) if you are just a bit resourceful… or it you are a girl!