Blog - Payless Liquors

September 27, 2022

Make Your Own Spiced Wine

Pumpkins have been grown in North America for roughly 5,000 years — hence, the short-lived, but annual, obsession with this fall fruit (yes, pumpkins are, in fact, fruits). Furthermore, pumpkins are one of the largest fruits on earth, the largest pumpkin on record weighing in at 2,702 pounds.

Though the excitement for pumpkin spice tends to lessen each year as winter’s end looms, in early fall, practically anything goes that is flavored with pumpkin spice — even wine. Below is an easy recipe for making your own pumpkin spice wine.

What you’ll need:

8 cups pumpkin 1 4-inch cinnamon stick 1 whole nutmeg

1 inch fresh ginger root 1 gallon (boiling) water 1 tsp yeast nutrient

5 cups sugar 3 tsp acid blend 1 package wine yeast

1 pound golden raisins

For the first ferment:

Wash, trim, peel, and chop/grind the pumpkin and mix it with raisins. Add spices. Add boiling water and ferment in a large crock (primary fermenter) overnight. Then add all remaining ingredients (except yeast). Don’t skip the acid blend because pumpkins are low in acid, and they need this for proper fermentation.

Stir well to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. Using a hydrometer, ensure the specific gravity ranges between 1.090 and 1.095. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture. Stir daily for three to five days until the specific gravity is 1.040. The mixture should get bubbly and have a pleasant aroma that is mildly yeasty. At the end of the first ferment, the pumpkin should have a mushy consistency, and the raisins should be nice and plump.

At this point, you’ll want to strain the “mush” and raisins using cheesecloth or an unbleached coffee filter. Squeeze as much juice out as possible. This is an important step because when not strained properly, leftover sediment in your wine can produce an undesirable texture.

For the second ferment:

Siphon the pumpkin wine into your secondary fermenter. Fill with water to volume and lock it in airtight with an airlock attachment. Your wine will look very cloudy at this point.

For the final aging:

After three weeks, rack your wine — transfer it into another fermenter or out of the fermenter long enough to clean out the sediment in the original). This removes the good wine from the bad sediment. Sediment can alter flavors in the fermenting process, so it’s a good practice to purify your wine often during the aging process.

Once your wine is removed from the fermenter, add ½ cup sugar and dissolve it in one cup of your wine mixture. Do this each time you rack your wine. Stir the wine gently and place it back into the secondary fermenter in the same manner as above. Do this process every six weeks until adding sugar does not restart fermentation. Then rack every three months until the wine is one year old before bottling. The wine should look clear now with the particles settled at the bottom.

Refrain from drinking your wine for one year from the first fermentation. The longer it ferments, the better, and this will ensure a sweeter-tasting pumpkin wine. If you start now, your wine should be just right by this time next year, just in time for fall! While you wait for your wine to ferment entirely, you can stop by the store to pick up a bottle that’s ready to go or place an order online.

September 20, 2022

Score a Touchdown With GameDay Spiked Seltzer

At around 9:00 p.m. on September 22, the fall equinox will occur. During the equinox, the sun will shine directly on the equator. This alignment causes the days and nights to be roughly the same duration, about 12 hours — and that is where it gets the name “equinox.”

After the fall equinox, the northern hemisphere starts tilting away from the sun, causing longer nights and shorter days, as well as cooler temperatures. This phenomenon is also what causes the leaves to change colors because of the reduced amounts of sunlight.

In ancient civilizations, the equinox let farmers know when to plant their seasonal crops. Today, the equinox signifies another season — football season.

With the first game of the 2022 NFL season on the books, football festivities will be in full swing by the time the equinox rolls around, and the shelves will already be stocked with GameDay Spiked Seltzers. These new canned cocktails from GameDay All American Spirit come in three fruity flavors, each with only 99 calories. Six times distilled and gluten-free, these all-natural carbonated cocktails boast a 5% alcohol by volume content. Thus, they pack a punch without the heavy caloric content of other alcoholic drink options.

Flavors

GameDay Spiked Seltzers come in three flavors:

The Goat (fruit punch). The Goat GameDay Spiked vodka cocktail in a can is a good contender for the greatest cocktail of all time, featuring 60mg of electrolytes. Whether you’re trying to pre-hydrate before the big game or recover later, this one is a high-performance alcoholic beverage.
Cleat Chaser (lemon-lime). For those fans who prefer the sour to sweet, the Cleat Chaser GameDay Spiked vodka features a lemon-lime twist and packs 75mg of electrolytes. Stay hydrated while you chase the cleats.
Cinderella Story (strawberry lemonade). This underdog-inspired spiked vodka canned cocktail is for fans who like it sweet with a little sour. Drinkers who choose the new Cinderella Story GameDay drink have blocked out the haters and defied all expectations.

GameDay All American Spirits

Since 2020, GameDay Spirits have been a hit at sporting event parties across the United States. GameDay All American Vodka is the official vodka of 14 NFL and NCAA teams, and many more teams are joining the party.

Born out of a missing necessity of game day parties for team-branded booze, the unique business strategy of GameDay Spirits features attractive team-colored labels and bottling. Geared toward the 200 million sports fans who love to celebrate their favorite teams, the GameDay brand is quickly becoming a staple in the American game day ritual.

Whether the game day festivities are small or large, partygoers will be impressed by these new team-adorned canned cocktails. They are especially popular among the ladies, so if females are going to attend your party, this is your go-to game day drink.

Make GameDay Spiked Seltzers a new essential ingredient for your football party. You can purchase all three flavors of GameDay Spiked Seltzers at Payless Liquors locations in packs of four for just $8.99. Place an order online or visit us in person today!

September 13, 2022

Join Us in Celebrating Bourbon Heritage Month

If next month’s beer fest can’t come too soon, perhaps Payless Liquors’ Celebration of National Bourbon Heritage Month can ease the wait. Thursday evenings in September, at select Payless Liquors locations, will be dedicated to paying homage to the cultural foundation of bourbon.

By celebrating National Bourbon Heritage Month with Payless Liquors throughout the month of September, our customers are assisting us in discovering the smoothest bourbon.

Payless Liquors’ Bourbon Events

To honor this spirit, there will be samplings of special selections of bourbons featuring Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Fusion Series and Discovery Series bourbons. In addition, there will be raffle prizes, catered food pairings, and more surprises. Bourbon fans will also be treated to educational insights surrounding the history of this mysterious spirit.

Seasoned bourbon aficionados and novices alike are invited to join this celebration honoring the history, heritage, and craftsmanship of bourbon. Events include:

September 15, 2022 @ 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

14580 River Road, Westfield, IN 46033

September 22, 2022 @ 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

1266 Madison Avenue, Greenwood, IN 46142

September 29, 2022 @ 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

9520 Uptown Drive, Suite G, Indianapolis, IN 46256

Before you head to the closest Payless Liquors location to sample the newest blend of Bardstown’s finest corn whiskey, brush up on your bourbon trivia below.

An American Native Spirit

In 1964, the U.S. Congress declared bourbon an American native spirit in that it is a unique product of the United States. Thus, federal law defines bourbon as whiskey that contains at least 51% corn and has been matured for a minimum of two years in fresh charred white oak barrels. Thus, all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.

Why Kentucky?

Kentucky is the bourbon capital of the world because Kentucky produces the most and the best bourbon in the world. There are more barrels of bourbon distilling in distilleries across the state of Kentucky than there are people living there. At any given moment, around 7.5 million barrels are aging in charred white oak barrels in Kentucky. Bardstown Bourbon Company, located in Bardstown, Kentucky, produces 110,000 barrels and 7 million proof barrels per year.

Bardstown Bourbon Company

For hundreds of years, the exact process of making bourbon has been a mystery, as it became customary for brewers to guard their recipes and means of production from the public. But Bardstown Bourbon Company is changing things. They are unveiling the secrets behind the beloved spirit. They have gone so far as to build a distillery with all spaces open or housed behind clear glass to remain transparent in their plant and process.

Bardstown Bourbon Company’s sophisticated and scientific distillery is technologically advanced and technically flexible. By inviting their customers into their process and educating them about the intricacies of distilling a smooth and timeless bourbon, they are ensuring the Kentucky bourbon legacy will live on for many more years.

Some may say Bardstown, Kentucky is the home of bourbon whiskey, as they host the Kentucky Bourbon Festival every September. Payless Liquors patrons can experience a taste of that by joining in the Thursday celebrations. Let’s engage, dine, and toast to America’s native spirit together. Come by the store or place your order online today!

September 6, 2022

Cool Down with a Boozy Milkshake

With the heat on blast this summer, there’s no way we’re going to miss an opportunity for ice cream. Rather than keeping it basic, why not turn up the excitement with a little boozy mix in? Combine two of the most refreshing parts of summer and you’ll have a milkshake that’s sure to please.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite boozy milkshake recipes for the dog days of summer.

Bourbon and Coffee Milkshake

For the coffee lover, this one is a must. Although coffee and bourbon can both be an excellent way to end a meal in their own unique ways, together, they are magical.

Ingredients:
2 oz bourbon (we suggest Makers Mark)
2 c coffee ice cream
1 c milk or dairy alternative
1 c ice

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Serve in a frosty glass for maximum enjoyment.

Baileys Best Milkshake

Baileys is probably a standby in your liquor cabinet. While you might be used to adding it into your coffee on lazy Sunday mornings, there’s no reason Baileys can’t be part of your adult milkshake.

Ingredients:
2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
2 big scoops of vanilla chip ice cream
3 oz milk or dairy alternative
2 c ice

Add each ingredient into a blender and blend until smooth. Add to your favorite tall glass and top with a drizzle of chocolate syrup and a cherry.

Boozy Key Lime Shake

Nothing says summer like the sweet, tangy flavor of key lime. With this recipe, you can have your dessert and booze it too.

Ingredients:
¼ c Baileys Irish Cream 1 ½ oz lime vodka (we suggest Burnetts Vodka Lime)
1 oz of tequila—your favorite tequila blanco will do
3 ½ c vanilla ice cream
1 ½ oz fresh key lime juice
1 oz sweetened condensed milk
Graham crackers, crushed

Add all ingredients except graham crackers into a blender and mix on high until fully smooth. Pour into a frosted glass, and top with a sprinkle or two of graham cracker. Kick back and enjoy!

Strawberry Shortcake Boozy Milkshake

Nothing screams indulgence more than strawberry shortcake and ice cream. The sweetness of strawberries combines with the sweetness of cupcake vodka for the perfect boozy dessert treat.

Ingredients:
½ oz cupcake vodka (we recommend Desiree Cupcake Vodka)
2 c vanilla chip ice cream
½ c milk or dairy alternative
2 c frozen strawberries, sliced
Angel food cake
Fresh strawberries, halved

Combine the first four ingredients in a blender and mix on high until completely smooth. Serve in a chilled glass with an angel food cake and strawberry topper.

Important to Note

We would never want to ruin anyone’s fun, but it’s important to point out that these beverages will look both fun and enjoyable to a variety of ages. However, they are only intended for adults. If you happen to be enjoying these drinks around children, make sure to have an alternative for them so they can enjoy the festive fun of a milkshake. (Hint: most of these recipes will do fine without the alcohol!)

Need more inspiration for creating a frosty, boozy treat? Head over to Payless Liquors and see where your imagination takes you!

August 29, 2022

Choosing Wine as a Wedding Gift

Summer is the traditional time of year for romance—and the weddings that naturally follow. We’re sure you’ve been invited to at least one wedding this year, and if you have, you may be wondering what to give as a gift. With so many more couples cohabiting before marriage, the traditional wish list or gift registry might not be relevant. For couples who enjoy hosting, cocktails and libations, or cooking dinner together, opting for a wine gift can be the perfect solution. Here are a few tips for picking a fabulous wine gift for the happy couple.

Choose by the Label

Listen, we all know the adage “never pick a book by its cover.” We also know almost everyone has done this at some point in their lives, especially when it comes to wine. If the couple is quirky, they might enjoy a wine with a fun label or an interesting backstory. If they’re casual drinkers or wine enthusiasts, they will enjoy their gift and the label as a package deal.

Choose a Classic

If they’re casual drinkers but you’re not sure about their wine preferences, the best option is to pick something that is widely liked. While not everyone is into the California wine craze, the casual consumer will likely be happy with a bottle or two from the Golden State. Dark Horse wines can be a great option, available in Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and all the recognizable varieties. Plus, they’re affordable and will be a nice gift that won’t break the bank.

If you’re wanting to choose a well-loved varietal, you should know that cabernet sauvignon is the most popular wine in the United States. Its flavors range from jammy to vegetal, and there’s a great deal of variety out there—plus some great wines. The Arancio Cabernet Sauvignon has a pretty label and is a tasty, affordable bottle. The Recanati Cabernet Sauvignon is an interesting cabernet from Israel, with bold, earthy flavors and a mid-range price that may be more suitable for gift giving.

Don’t Skip the Dessert

Dessert wines are experiencing a resurgence, so why not opt for something a little more special in a dessert wine? Port may be a little old-fashioned sounding, but there’s a great deal of variety and much to explore. The tawny variety typically has a more golden-brown color and can range from sweet to medium dry, while the ruby variety is a rich red in color and typically full bodied and fruity.

Moscato is also gaining huge popularity with the younger crowds and it’s easy to see why. A nice, sweet, fruity flavor makes for easy drinking. When the Moscato has a fizzy element to it, it can seem even more special. The Spinetta Moscato d’Asti has the light effervescence and sweet flavor that’s sought after in a Moscato. Plus, the price is mid-range, making a bottle or two an excellent choice for a wedding gift.

Red, Red Wine

Red wines are more popular among wine-drinking adults in the US, so you can’t go wrong with a red. Aside from cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir is always an excellent choice. Marlborough is a noted region for pinot production, and the Babich Pinot Noir combines elements of sweet, dark fruits, and earthy flavors. With this mid-range price, you can’t go wrong with pinot.

If none of these options suit your fancy, stop into your local Payless Liquors location and chat with our knowledgeable staff. Or, take our ultimate piece of advice—when all else fails, opt for a bottle of Dom Perignon.