Yes, Instacart delivers alcohol in select areas, making it convenient to get your favorite beer, wine, or spirits delivered straight to your doorstep.

Currently, Instacart offers alcohol delivery in 26 states and the District of Columbia.

How Does It Work?

The process is simple:

1. Browse: Use the Instacart app or website to explore alcohol options from local stores.

2. Order: Add your preferred beverages to your cart, along with mixers, snacks, or other essentials.

3. Delivery: A personal shopper fulfills your order, verifying your ID upon delivery. You can track progress and communicate with your shopper in real time.

Instacart’s service is especially helpful when you need last-minute supplies or prefer to avoid a trip to the store.

Key Features of Instacart Alcohol Delivery

Instacart’s alcohol delivery is designed to provide an easy shopping experience while adhering to all legal requirements. Here are some of its standout features:

• Wide Selection: Choose from craft beers, domestic and imported wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic options like soda and mixers. Availability varies by location and retailer.

• Real-Time Updates: Track your order’s progress and receive notifications about substitutions or replacements if items are out of stock.

• Flexible Communication: Chat with your shopper to approve replacements or provide specific instructions.

• Contactless Delivery: For added convenience, you can select the “Leave at My Door” option. However, ID verification is still required before alcohol is left at your door.

By combining variety with real-time communication, Instacart simplifies alcohol shopping without compromising on convenience or legality.

Compliance and Delivery Policies

To ensure responsible service, Instacart adheres to strict policies and regional laws governing alcohol delivery. Here’s what you need to know:

Age Verification

• Shoppers verify your age using a government-issued ID during delivery.

• Accepted forms of ID include driver’s licenses, state IDs, and passports.

• Alcohol cannot be delivered to anyone under 21 or to visibly intoxicated individuals.

Unattended Deliveries

• Even with the contactless delivery option, alcohol cannot be left unattended.

• If no one is available to receive the order, the alcohol is returned to the store, and you may still incur delivery fees or tips.

Regional Regulations

• Alcohol delivery hours and product availability depend on local laws.

• Some states restrict alcohol delivery entirely, so always check availability through the app.

By maintaining these strict policies, Instacart balances convenience with legal compliance, ensuring a responsible delivery experience.

Types of Alcohol You Can Order

Instacart offers a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, though availability varies depending on your location and local laws. Here’s what you can expect:

Beer and Cider

• Options: Domestic, imported, and craft beers, as well as hard ciders.

• Availability: Popular brands and local brews are often featured, giving you a variety to choose from.

• Customization: Pair your beer with snacks or mixers for a complete order.

Wine

• Varieties: Choose from reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines.

• Global Reach: Many retailers offer a mix of local wines and international brands.

• Special Occasions: Champagne and other celebratory options are often available.

Spirits and Liquors

• Selection: Whiskey, vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and specialty liquors.

• Regional Restrictions: Some states may limit liquor availability, so use the app to verify what’s allowed in your area.

Whether you’re stocking up for a gathering or restocking your home bar, Instacart makes it easy to browse a wide range of options.

Restrictions and Limitations

While Instacart strives to provide a hassle-free experience, there are a few restrictions to be aware of:

Order Modifications

Once your order is placed, you cannot add additional alcohol items. Plan carefully before checking out to avoid missing anything.

Legal Compliance

• Alcohol cannot be delivered to visibly intoxicated individuals.

• ID verification is mandatory for all orders, including contactless deliveries.

Regional Laws

• Some states or municipalities may restrict alcohol delivery altogether or impose specific delivery windows.

• Use the app to check availability and ensure compliance with local laws.

If an order doesn’t meet all requirements (e.g., age verification), the alcohol is returned to the store, and you may still incur fees like delivery charges or tips.

Comparing Instacart to Competitors

When it comes to alcohol delivery, Instacart faces competition from services like Amazon Fresh, Shipt, and Drizly. Here’s how they compare:

Amazon Fresh

• Strengths: Amazon Fresh offers alcohol delivery in some regions, but availability is inconsistent and often tied to local regulations.

• Challenges: The process can feel fragmented, requiring separate apps or services like Prime Now for alcohol orders.

Shipt

• Strengths: Shipt provides alcohol delivery in select locations, often focusing on beer and wine.

• Challenges: Requires a membership, which may deter casual users. Its selection of spirits is also more limited compared to Instacart.

Drizly

• Strengths: Specializes in alcohol delivery with a broad selection of beverages and detailed filtering options.

• Challenges: Limited to certain areas, and prices can vary based on partnered retailers.

Why Instacart Stands Out

• Comprehensive Service: Instacart integrates alcohol with groceries and other essentials, allowing for one-stop shopping.

• User-Friendly: The app simplifies tracking, substitutions, and communication with shoppers.

• Flexibility: Offers a broader range of alcohol types compared to most competitors.

While no service is perfect, Instacart’s combination of convenience, variety, and real-time updates makes it a top choice for alcohol delivery.

Tips for First-Time Alcohol Orders on Instacart

Ordering alcohol on Instacart for the first time? These tips will ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience:

1. Plan Your Order Carefully

• Double-check your cart before placing the order. Instacart doesn’t allow you to add more alcohol items once the order is submitted.

• Pair your alcohol with mixers, snacks, or other groceries to save time on additional shopping trips.

2. Be Ready for Delivery

• Keep your ID handy. The shopper will need to verify your age upon delivery, even if you’ve selected the contactless option.

• Stay near your phone to respond to messages from the shopper, especially for replacements or delivery instructions.

3. Know Local Restrictions

• Check regional laws regarding alcohol delivery times and availability in your area. The Instacart app will display restrictions, but it’s always good to confirm.

4. Tip Your Shopper

• While tipping is optional, it’s a great way to show appreciation for a job well done. Remember, 100% of your tip goes directly to the shopper.

Customer Experiences with Instacart’s Alcohol Delivery

Instacart’s alcohol delivery has earned praise for its convenience and efficiency. Here are some common highlights and challenges shared by users:

Positive Testimonials

• Convenience: Many customers appreciate how easy it is to browse, order, and receive their favorite drinks without leaving home.

• Contactless Delivery: Especially popular during the pandemic, this feature allows safe and socially distant deliveries while maintaining compliance with ID checks.

• Reliable Communication: Shoppers are generally quick to notify customers about replacements or delays, ensuring transparency throughout the process.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Order Modifications: Some users find it frustrating that they can’t add alcohol to an order after it’s placed.

  • Solution: Plan your order thoroughly before checkout.

• Regional Restrictions: Limited delivery windows or product availability can be a drawback.

  • Solution: Use the app to confirm laws and stock in your area before ordering.

By addressing these potential challenges, Instacart continues to refine its alcohol delivery service, making it as user-friendly as possible.

Conclusion: Convenience Meets Responsibility

Instacart’s alcohol delivery service offers a perfect mix of convenience and compliance. From a wide selection of beverages to reliable communication with shoppers, it simplifies the process of ordering alcohol while adhering to all legal requirements.