Blog - Payless Liquors

June 2, 2023

Low-Calorie Cocktails: How to Indulge Without Breaking Your Diet

Drinking cocktails can be a fun part of socializing, but if you’re trying to watch your calories, it can be difficult to find a healthy option that doesn’t ruin your diet. The good news is low calorie cocktails are possible, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re at home or out with friends, these drinks can help you indulge without feeling guilty. So, let’s learn how to make some delicious, low calorie cocktails and enjoy ourselves without ruining our waistline!

Start with the Right Base
The first step to creating a low calorie cocktail is choosing the right base. The majority of the calories in mixed drinks come from sugar-filled mixers, so choosing a low calorie base like vodka, gin, or rum can make a big difference. These spirits have a much lower calorie count than syrups, juices, and liqueurs.

Add Fresh Fruit Juices
Many cocktails call for fruit juices that are high in sugar, such as orange or pineapple juice. Instead, choose fresh fruit juices like lemon, lime, or grapefruit. These citrus juices add a great flavor without adding extra calories. You can also add fruit slices for an extra burst of flavor.

Use Sugar Substitutes
When it comes to cocktails, sugar can be a deal-breaker. Instead of using sugar or simple syrup, use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. They are natural alternatives to processed sugar and have zero calories. You can also use flavored stevia drops to add some extra flavor.

Go Light on Mixers
Many cocktails are topped with fillers like soda or tonic water, which can add extra calories to your drink. Instead, opt for a light mixer like sparkling water or soda water. These mixers add some fizz while keeping your drink low calorie.

Watch Your Portion Sizes
Although some cocktails are low calorie, it’s important to watch your portion sizes. A typical cocktail contains around 1.5 ounces of alcohol, so limit yourself to one or two drinks. Also, using smaller glasses can help control your portion size.

Indulging in a cocktail doesn’t have to mean breaking your diet. By using the right base, fresh fruit juices, sugar substitutes, light mixers, and watching your portion sizes, you can enjoy low calorie cocktails without compromising your health goals. So next time you’re out for drinks with friends, or entertaining at home, try one of these low calorie cocktail recipes and feel free to indulge!

May 26, 2023

How to Celebrate Memorial Day in Style

Memorial Day weekend is here, and if you’re planning to host a party or have some guests over, then you’re likely thinking of ways to entertain them. One way to do this is by serving some delicious and refreshing alcoholic drinks! We want to share with you our best tips on how to celebrate Memorial Day weekend with your favorite wine, beer and spirits, along with a recipe for a Memorial Day-themed cocktail. Let’s get into it!

Create a Signature Cocktail

Creating a signature cocktail is an excellent way to add a personal touch to your Memorial Day weekend. Select a recipe that is simple and that you can make in large batches. You can choose to make traditional drinks like margaritas or opt for something a little more festive, such as a red, white, and blue cocktail. Keep in mind that drinks like daiquiris or other frozen drinks may take some time to make, so consider how much time and effort you’re willing to put in.

Plan for Food Pairings

When it comes to pairing drinks with food, it’s essential to consider the flavors and intensity of your dishes. Lighter beers go well with grilled fish or chicken, while heavier beers pair well with richer meats like steaks. White wines pair well with lighter meals, while red wines are best served with heavier dishes. For a Memorial Day weekend, you might want to consider serving grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and other BBQ-style food that goes well with a refreshing beer or cocktail.

Safety First

Finally, no matter what type of alcohol you choose to serve, always ensure safety comes first. If someone becomes too intoxicated, make sure they have a designated driver or consider calling them a ride home. It’s also a good idea to have some non-alcoholic drinks and water available to help guests stay hydrated.

Memorial Day Themed Cocktail Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Cocktail

Ingredients:
– 2 ounces of blue curaçao
– 2 ounces of cranberry juice
– 1/2 ounce of grenadine
– 1/2 ounces of lemon juice
– 2 ounces of vodka

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Pour in the blue curaçao and vodka and shake for 10 seconds
3. Add cranberry juice, grenadine, lemon juice, and ice cubes. Shake until well chilled.
4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a slice of lemon or lime.

There you have it – our best tips on how to celebrate Memorial Day weekend with alcohol! Stock up on all your favorites this weekend at Payless Liquors!

Remember always to prioritize safety and plan accordingly when it comes to what to serve at your gathering. We hope you have a fantastic Memorial Day weekend! Cheers!

May 19, 2023

How to Gear Up for the Indy 500: Stocking Up at Payless Liquor Stores

It’s that time of the year again when the whole city of Indianapolis is buzzing with excitement, gearing up for the biggest race of the year. Whether you’re a die-hard race fan or just looking for an excuse to drink some beer and party, there’s no denying that the Indy 500 is a great event. And what better way to celebrate race day than by stocking up at Payless Liquor Stores ahead of time?

Choose Your Drinks Wisely

When it comes to the Indy 500, there’s no shortage of drinks to choose from. From beer and wine to spirits and cocktails, the choices are endless. But before you load up your cart with a little bit of everything, it’s important to consider what you’ll actually enjoy. Do you prefer a frosty cold beer on race day or a crisp glass of white wine? Are you a fan of cocktails, and if so, what’s your favorite? Take the time to think about your preferences and pick up something that will make your race day experience all the more enjoyable.

Check for Special Deals

One of the best things about Payless Liquor Stores is that they often feature special deals and promotions throughout the year. This is especially true leading up to the Indy 500, where you can find great deals on beer, wine, and spirits. Be sure to check our social media or visit one of their stores to see what kind of discounts they’re offering. With the money you could save, you might just be able to splurge on a VIP experience on race day!

Don’t Forget the Mixers

If you’re planning to enjoy some cocktails during the Indy 500, don’t forget to pick up some mixers! We offer a wide variety of mixers that will make your drinks taste even better. Whether you need tonic water for your gin and tonics or margarita mix for your tequila concoctions, they have everything you need to create the perfect cocktail.

Stock Up on Snacks

Race day can be long, hot, and overwhelming, and you’ll need to keep your energy up so you can make the most out of the experience. Before heading to the race track, make sure to stock up on some delicious snacks to keep you going. Payless Liquor Stores offer a wide selection of sweet and salty snacks, including chips, pretzels, nuts, and candy to keep your hunger at bay. Plus, let’s be honest, snacks and drinks – a winning combination that keeps the fun going!

Stay Safe and Drink Responsibly

Last but definitely not least, it’s important to remember to drink responsibly. If you’re planning to drive home after the race or host a party at your home, make sure to purchase a non-alcoholic beverage option for yourself or your guests. And if you do indulge, remember to always designate a sober driver or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. At Payless Liquor Stores, you can pick up a great selection of non-alcoholic beverages to make sure everyone is accounted for. Don’t risk your safety or the safety of others by drinking and driving.

The Indy 500 is a time-honored tradition in Indianapolis, and stocking up at Payless Liquor Stores is just part of the process. Whether you’re looking for a few cold beers, a bottle of wine for sipping, or some mixers to craft the perfect cocktail, there’s something for everyone at Payless. And don’t forget to grab a few snacks to keep your energy level high into the night. Whatever you choose, make sure to drink responsibly and never drink and drive. From all of us here at Payless Liquor Stores, we wish you a safe and enjoyable Indy 500 experience!

May 15, 2023

Celebrate Your Graduation with Champagne – A Guide to Choosing the Right One

Graduating from college or university is an incredible achievement that deserves a celebration. One way to celebrate this special occasion is by popping open a bottle of champagne. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. Today, we will give you a guide to selecting the PERFECT champagne for your graduation celebration!

The History of Champagne

Champagne has been associated with celebration and luxury for centuries. It was first produced in the Champagne region of France in the 17th century and has since become the drink of choice for festivities all over the world! This includes weddings, birthdays, engagements, and of course, graduations.

How to Choose the Right Champagne for Your Celebration

When choosing the right champagne, there are a few factors to consider. First, think about your budget. Champagne ranges from affordable to pricey, so it’s essential to determine how much you’re willing to spend.

Next, consider the number of guests you’re expecting. For a small gathering, a standard-sized bottle should suffice. However, if you’re hosting a big party, consider buying a magnum or jeroboam, which can serve up to 20 people.

Finally, think about the food you’ll be serving. Champagne pairs excellently with seafood, cheese, and desserts like fruit tarts!

Food Pairing Suggestions

If you’re not sure what food to pair with your champagne, here are a few suggestions:

Brut: Pair with seafood like oysters or sushi.
Extra Brut: Goes well with salty snacks like chips and popcorn.
Demi-sec: Pairs well with desserts like fruit tarts and chocolate cake.
Doux: Serve with spicy or savory dishes like chicken curry or foie gras.

Celebrate Your Graduation with Champagne from Payless Liquor Stores

At Payless Liquor Stores, we have an extensive selection of champagne to choose from, including Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Dom Perignon. We offer affordable options for those on a budget and high-end choices for those looking to splurge. Whatever your preference, we have the perfect champagne for your graduation celebration.

Celebrating your graduation with champagne is a special way to commemorate this significant achievement. With Payless Liquor Stores’ extensive collection, you’re sure to find the right one. So, raise a glass and make a toast to your accomplishments!

May 5, 2023

4 Cocktail Recipes That Will Impress Your Guests

Hosting a get-together with guests of your own can be quite an adventure. You want to deliver something that impresses, yet is easy enough for you to pull off yourself – luckily we have the perfect solution. Entertaining just got much easier thanks to these four fun and incredibly tasty cocktails – guaranteed to delight each and every one of your friends! So let’s start mixing some drinks; cheers!

Margarita

The margarita, a classic cocktail, is the perfect drink for any occasion. This refreshing beverage is made with tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and a splash of lime. To make it, begin by adding ice to a shaker. Next, pour in one and a half ounces of tequila, half an ounce of triple sec, and one ounce of fresh lime juice. Give it a good shake and strain it into a chilled glass with a salted rim. Finally, garnish with a slice of lime and enjoy. The tangy flavor of the lime combined with the sweetness of the triple sec and the bold taste of the tequila will leave you wanting more. So, sit back, relax, and savor the taste of this classic margarita cocktail.

Mojito

Tired of the same old drinks? Why not try a refreshing mojito? This Cuban cocktail is made from a delicious blend of white rum, lime juice, sugar, fresh mint leaves, and soda water. The first step in creating the perfect mojito is to muddle the mint leaves, lime juice, and sugar in a glass. Next, add the white rum and top with soda water. Stir well and garnish with a sprig of mint. Sip and enjoy the sweet yet tangy burst of flavors in your mouth. The mojito is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or to add a tropical touch to any occasion.

Cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitan is a classic cocktail that is endlessly popular with both seasoned mixologists and casual drinkers alike. This refreshing and slightly tart drink combines a few key ingredients to create a sophisticated and satisfying sip. To make a Cosmopolitan at home, you’ll need vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and freshly-squeezed lime juice, plus ice for shaking. Once you have all of your components ready, simply combine them in a cocktail shaker and give it a good shake to get that perfect combination of flavors. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a twist of lime for the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re enjoying happy hour with friends or simply want to unwind after a long day, a cosmopolitan is a drink that is sure to tick all the right boxes.

Long Island Ice Tea

If you’re looking for a refreshing cocktail to sip on during those warm summer evenings, a Long Island Iced Tea might be just the thing! Despite its name, this drink contains no actual tea, but is instead a potent combination of spirits and mixers. To make one, you’ll need equal parts gin, vodka, rum, triple sec, and tequila, as well as fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and cola. Combine everything (except the cola) in a shaker with ice and give it a good shake before straining it over ice into a tall glass. Top it off with a splash of cola and garnish with a lemon wedge, then sit back, relax, and enjoy the sweet taste of summer.

Now that you have a list of the most popular cocktails for the summer, you can pick and choose which ones to enjoy when celebrating your next night out or special occasion. Whether you prefer the tangy Margarita, refreshing Mojito, classic Cosmopolitan, or all-inclusive Long Island Iced Tea, you can create each one with ingredients available at Payless Liquors. And if all else fails, visit Payless Liquors and stock up on other drinks – they have something to please everyone. If summer is slowly becoming too hot and humid, these cool recipes will help you relax and spark your creativity in the kitchen! So start mixing now; Payless Liquors has everything you need to make these delicious drinks. Visit Payless Liquors today for all your favorite alcoholic beverages and remember to sip responsibly!