Digital Trends

BuyYourFriendADrink.com allows people to catch up over a cold one... sort of.

The Web has done a lot to connect people who can’t be together. Friends can stay in touch by sending each other e-mail messages, photos, video, and now, the opportunity to imbibe. BuyYourFriendADrink.com is an online service that allows people to buy each other alcoholic drinks through the Internet, which launched Friday in New York City.

The beverages can be redeemed at a network of 46 bars in and outside the city, but the process is a little more involved than the traditional method of slapping a $10 bill on the bar. The giver must log in to BuyYourFriendADrink.com, fill out a gift form that includes a personalized message, and send it. On the other end, the drink recipient receives an e-mail and text message with a redemption code, reads the digits to a bartender at a participating bar, and receives their booze.

We’re guessing you had better start this process at the beginning of your night.

“BuyYourFriendADrink.com creates the emotional connection of buying someone a drink when you can’t be there in person,” said Steven Cohn, founder and CEO of BuyYourFriendADrink.com, in a press release.