Direct answer: In the United States, the federal minimum age to purchase alcohol is 21. However, many states have exceptions that allow under-21 individuals to possess, consume, or participate in alcohol under certain conditions (such as with a parent/guardian, at home, for religious ceremonies, or for medical or educational purposes). Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands set the drinking age at 18. Details vary by state and situation, so the exact rules depend on where you are and the specific exception being applied. If you’d like, I can summarize the current state-by-state landscape with the most common exceptions and note which places allow drinking at 18 (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) versus the 21-year baseline with various family or location-based allowances.
