Amazon Alexa beer runs. Yes, that's a thing

SAN FRANCISCO — “Alexa, get me a beer.”

In what could be the highest, best use of voice recognition technology to a generation of digital natives, Amazon’s digital assistant has added beer runs to its skills.

Beginning Tuesday, Amazon Prime customers who have an Alexa-powered device, such as the Echo speaker, can order beer, wine and spirits in Seattle, and beer and wine in Columbus and Cincinnati. Amazon will deliver the alcohol within two hours.

Parents needn’t worry: Customers must show valid ID to receive the order.

The rollout is an extension of Amazon's Prime Now, which as of Tuesday will be part of Alexa’s skill set.

The alcohol component is an option in only three cities, but Amazon plans to add more in the coming weeks and months, subject to state laws on the sale and delivery of alcohol.

The Amazon Prime account holder doesn’t need to be 21 or older, but the person who takes the order at the door must be, Amazon said.

And yes, the beer (and white wine) will come chilled in a refrigerated bag.

There’s still one run Alexa and Amazon aren’t willing to make.

Although sales of marijuana for recreational use are legal in Amazon's home state of Washington, the trade is tightly controlled, and pot must be sold by licensed retail outlets that only sell marijuana. So there’s no chance that “Alexa, score me some weed,” will work any time soon.

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