The legal age for purchase, possession and consumption of any alcoholic beverage in the United States is 21. Whether you agree with this or not it is accepted in America and it is often easier to get a gun and a car than a flaggin' of Scrumpy!

So what do you do? If you are under 21, then you should make your own arrangements to obtain maybe a driving license which may state that you are over 21. This, however, is your own choice. These 'driving licenses' range in quality and are usually obtained in your college or university.

However, beware! It depends on where you go. If you go to Boston, for example, then they don't work. Boston is the most popular destination for Irish students every summer and they know their stuff. They are aware of what an irish driving license looks like and you won't get in. In some cases they will take it from you and then you are up the creek without a paddle for the rest of the summer.

In San Diego they will only take a passport or a US driving license or DMV ID which is a driving license for someone who doesn't drive. This is the case in some other parts, so take this into account and find out from previous visitors how strict these people are.

If you do intend to get a US ID while there, let me tell you that it may take a while. So, if you do plan to do this then do it straight away. See the links below to find out where your local DMV office is and what documentation you need in order to get one of these ID's. They may be a hassle to get but once you have it you will have no trouble getting alcohol anywhere.

Note that not everywhere in America is over 21's that serves drink. So find out where the over 18 places are. You can still go out and have a good laugh but you will have to wear a band around your hand that says you can or can't drink.