Does the name Nathan “Uncle Nearest” Green sound familiar? Ask anyone with a marginal interest in whiskey about the industry’s biggest names, and you’ll likely hear such legends as Jack Daniel, Evan Williams, and Jim Beam. While these brands are certainly the largest players in the industry – named for the real people behind their legendary spirits – there’s another whiskey name you may not know. However, efforts by author Fawn Weaver have led us to truly appreciate the contributions of the world’s first African-American Master Distiller – Nathan Green.
Who Was Nathan Green?
Born in Maryland circa 1820, Nathan Green’s life before whiskey is largely unknown. In fact, historians aren’t sure if he was born into slavery or became a slave at a later point. What is known is that Nathan was working in Lincoln and Moore County Tennessee on the farm of a preacher and distiller. He soon became the farm’s chief distiller, specializing in practices that would one day become known as the “Lincoln County Process”. It is a famed distillation technique many believe originated with the way West African slaves used charcoal to purify beverages.
The original Lincoln County Process involved using sugar maple charcoal to filter the whiskey. This results in a uniquely smooth, mellow product that was different from other whiskeys of the time. By the time a ten year old, white boy named Jasper Newton came to the farm to work, Green had gained notoriety for his process. The boy showed an interest in all the smoke coming from the rear of the property, was introduced to Nathan “Uncle Nearest” Green, and the rest is history.
Uncle Nearest, Master Distiller
As Jasper Newton grew up on the Lynchburg farm, he learned all about the Lincoln County Process and how to make true Tennessee whiskey. After losing his father in the Civil War, Newton partnered with the farm owner, and eventually purchased the farm and distillery outright. The young man who became Jack Daniel continued to learn from Uncle Nearest. Now a free man, he was employed as Jack Daniels’ Master Distiller, becoming the first African American Master Distiller in the world. Uncle Nearest’s sons and grandsons continued to work with the Jack Daniels distillery long after it moved to its new Lynchburg location. Jack Daniels tours still credit him with creating the famed Lincoln County Process to this day.
Unfortunately, Uncle Nearest’s contributions to American Whiskey went otherwise unappreciated for decades. Author Fawn Weaver, some members of the Jack Daniel family, and Uncle Nearest’s descendants wanted to change that. What resulted was the 2019 opening of a distillery that bears the name of Uncle Nearest himself and pays homage to the Lincoln County Process.
Uncle Nearest Whiskey
Currently, the distillery produces three distinct whiskeys. They include Uncle Nearest’s 1820 Single Barrel Whiskey, 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey, and 1884 Small Batch Whiskey. All three continue to receive platinum and gold awards and comprise the most awarded American whiskey or bourbon brand of 2019. After a century in the shadows, Nathan Green is finally getting his due – his part in the Tennessee whiskey story that includes Jack Daniel and Uncle Nearest in equal, mutual accord.
Photo Credits: Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
To reserve your bottle of Uncle Nearest Whiskey, contact Payless Liquors or complete our online ordering form.
Once long forgotten, the Moscow Mule rose from the ashes of its status as a cocktail has-been to become a modern cocktail of choice. Now, it seems like practically every establishment has a slew of Mules on the menu – great news for those of us that enjoy this zippy all-season cocktail.
However, with the sheer amount of Mules available today, seemingly covering every fruit, liquor, and carbonated alternative known to mankind, we have a few questions. Where did this drink come from in the first place? What makes a mule a Mule? And – perhaps most importantly – how can we drink more of them?
The Original Mule
Liquor lore is full of coincidences, and the series of events that led up to the original Moscow Mule is no different. In 1939, the Smirnoff brand was a tiny, struggling vodka company that had just been bought out by John G. Martin for $14,000. To promote sales, Martin approached a number of business owners, including the owner of the Cock N’ Bull bar in Hollywood. Unfortunately, neither the vodka or the bar’s house-brewed ginger beer sold according to expectations and by 1941, both were desperate.
Depending on who you ask, either Martin or the Cock N’ Bull’s bartender at the time – a man by the name of Wes Price – got the idea to clear out the bar’s storeroom and push a concoction of ginger beer and vodka. Around the same time, Sophie Berezinski – a Russian immigrant – came to Hollywood with a stash of 2,000 copper mugs crafted at her father’s copper shop. The cocktail received both a name and a preferred vehicle, and the traditional Moscow Mule was born.
What Makes This Cocktail a Mule?
While the name “Moscow Mule” is attributed to the spicy kick of the ginger beer and the origins of the associated vodka, what truly makes a mule a Mule? After all, it’s possible to find mules made with all sorts of ingredients and a wide variety of liquors. Purists will tell you that a drink isn’t truly a mule unless it’s made with Smirnoff, Cock N’ Bull ginger beer, and served in a copper mug – but we believe variety is the spice of life.
To us, it’s the overall combination of ginger notes, the citrusy zest, the bubbly finish, and the punch of liquor that makes a cocktail a true Mule. If you can find a copper mug to serve it in (the copper really does add a unique taste and serve to chill your drink in a way glass just can’t match), all the better. To celebrate your newfound freedom to try all the mules you can get your hands on, consider these aptly-named alternatives:
Mexican mule – try using a splash of tequila instead of Smirnoff
British mule – take a break from gin, tonic, and lime and use your gin in this similar flavor profile
Caribbean mule – swap out your vodka for some dark, spiced rum
Irish mule – forego the traditional Smirnoff for your favorite Irish whiskey
No matter which Mule you’ve decided to start with, Payless Liquors has a wide selection of liquors and ginger beers perfect for your next Mule experiment. Stop in today, call ahead, or order online to ensure your selections are ready for limited-contact pickup.
Choosing a beer for any occasion used to be simple – for the most part, Americans were limited to the light lagers and pilsners that were readily available at any corner store, regardless of season. With the eventual rise of imports, diversification of large American breweries, and the influx of smaller craft breweries in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, however, beer has become much more nuanced. In fact, as American tastes became more adventurous, beer brewing – and beer drinking – has taken on a seasonal component once only seen in wines and cocktails. However, there’s no reason choosing the perfect summer beer can’t be simple. Just think of what your taste buds crave during a long, lazy day in the sun, and you’ll be on the right track. If you’re still not sure, consider this list of light, easily drinkable summer beer varieties:
Fruit beers
This category consists of everything from the traditional German radlers (a mix of lemonade or citrus soda and pilsner) to the more diverse British shandies (ale mixed with lemonade) and every watermelon ale and blueberry stout in between. The hottest days of summer are the perfect time to try these easy to drink, often lower-alcohol, beers.
IPAs and pale ales
Pale, hoppy, a little bit bitter, but somehow still refreshing, pale ales and their India pale ale cousins truly come into their own in the summer. IPAs have a stronger hop profile than pale ales, but you can find both in hazy, filtered, and even citrus-centric varieties for summer.
Wheat beers
Many a brauhaus serves its traditional hefeweizen or Belgian wit with a tiny bit of fruit juice (typically banana or orange) at the bottom. American wheat beers are similarly hazy and have a unique bit of spiciness that lend themselves perfectly to an orange or lemon garnish. No matter which you choose, wheat beers of nearly all varieties lend themselves to some refreshing summer drinking.
Saisons
While sometimes marketed as a “sour saison” or similar, not all saison beers are sour. In fact, most are considered dry and pleasantly spicy with pale malts and very subtle hop flavor – and some even contain a hint of cucumber or fruit rind flavoring. Whichever you choose, these tasty brews are perfect for summer drinking.
Blondes
Perhaps the most classic of summer beer styles, blonde ales are lighter, easier-drinking, and more approachable than their darker counterparts. In addition, most blondes are brewed without a focus on citrus, fruit, in-your-face hops, or any of the other complex flavors you’ll find in other summer beers – making them a perfect crowd pleaser for the beach or barbeque.
Lagers and pilsners
Although there are numerous types of easy-drinking summer beers crafted especially for the adventurous crowd, there’s nothing wrong with appreciating a classic American or European lager. These brews are produced at a cold temperature with
fermenting yeast to produce the signature mild flavor. If you need something even lighter, grab a pilsner – a traditional type of lager with a paler color and spicier, more refreshing taste.
At Payless Liquors, we have an extensive selection of summer beers – from craft-brewed fruity varieties to the traditional American lagers you love. Alternatively, change up your summer drinks and ask about our wine and liquor offerings. Call ahead or fill out an online order form to ensure we have your favorite summer beer ready for curbside or in-store pickup.
Watermelon is the official fruit of summer. Perform an internet search for cocktail ideas, however, and you’ll soon be inundated with suggestions for watermelon mint lemonade coolers, blueberry watermelon granitas, and the like. While each of these recipes likely results in a delicious, refreshing drink, when you have adult family members poolside or are partaking in a social-distancing neighborhood block party, the last thing you want to do is stand behind a counter and muddle mint leaves. Instead, we suggest taking the direct route: simply infuse your watermelon with liquor, slice, and serve. The process, known as “corking a watermelon” by some and “hairy buffalo” or “drunken watermelon” by others, results in a refreshing, flavorful treat that doesn’t even require a glass. Just follow these simple steps:
1. Select your watermelon. The average size of a watermelon is about 20 pounds and can be divided into 30 or so 1 ½ inch slices. Depending on the size of your gathering, you may need a larger or smaller melon. In addition, you’ll want a watermelon that’s a bit flat on one side for stability.
2. Select your liquor. Traditionally, a corked watermelon is made with vodka – we suggest a fun, fruity vodka to amp up the refreshing, fruit flavors. However, you’ll have just as much success with any plain or fruit-flavored white rum or tequila blanco. For larger melons, you’ll need a 1.75L bottle; 750mL should be sufficient for average-sized melons.
3. Prep your melon. Place your melon on a table, surrounded by towels to stop it from rolling, if necessary. Using your liquor bottle as a guide, trace a circle on the melon’s top using a permanent marker. Be sure to make the circle slightly larger than the widest part of the bottle’s neck.
4. Cut your hole. Using a sharp knife, cut around the circle you traced. Make certain to cut through the rind and into the top layer of watermelon flesh. Remove the circle and use a spoon to scoop out enough melon so your bottle will fit inside the hole.
5. Place your bottle. Open the bottle of liquor and quickly overturn it into the hole you’ve created in the melon. Push it in far enough so that it will stay securely in this position for several hours. If you find you need to widen your hole slightly with the knife, do so gradually.
6. Infuse your melon. Allow your melon to rest for 4 to 12 hours – the liquor will slowly seep into the watermelon flesh during this time. Depending on the size of your melon and liquor bottle, as well as the overall juiciness of the watermelon you chose, the melon may not absorb all of the liquor. If you have room in the fridge, this is an excellent time to
begin chilling your watermelon.
7. Chill and serve. Once the melon flesh is infused with liquor, remove the bottle and use a paper towel or cork – if you can find one that’s a similar size – to prevent liquor from sloshing out. Chill until cool, slice as normal, and serve.
Payless Liquors has a large selection of flavored vodkas, rums, and tequilas perfect for your next melon corking as well as an extensive beer and wine assortment for your everyday needs. Stop in or complete an online order form to schedule an easy pickup.
The current state of the world has undoubtedly increased our coffee consumption. It’s hard to get motivated while sheltering in place, but a big mug of java certainly helps. However, spring is here and temperatures are rising, so it’s time to move on to iced coffee drinks for the warmer months. With the popularity of quarantine happy hour at home, boozy iced coffee is the next logical progression, right?
Take a look at a few of our favorite iced coffee cocktails for the season and try a few at home. Some of these recipes may even amaze those strange folks who claim they don’t like coffee.
1. The Wanderlust Kitchen’s Boozy Iced Coffee
This one is pretty basic and very easily adaptable to any palate. To create this refreshing cocktail with a kick, you simply start with a cup of strong chilled coffee, add a shot of your favorite booze, and serve over ice. If you like cream in your coffee, add enough to suit your fancy.
2. Patrick Smith’s Espresso Martini
To create this martini, you will have to make a little demerara syrup. Simply combine equal parts hot water and raw sugar, stir until dissolved, and then chill. Mix a half shot of the syrup with a shot of vodka, half a shot of vanilla liqueur, ¾ shot of espresso, and ¾ shot of coffee liqueur. Shake the ingredients over ice and serve straight up in a martini glass. Top the drink off with a garnish of three coffee beans for health, happiness, and prosperity.
3. The Spruce Eat’s Vanilla Latte Cocktail
If you are a fan of fancy coffee drinks in general, this one may be for you. A twist on a traditional latte, this recipe is served cold and boozy – perfect for a spring afternoon. Start with a glass of ice and two shots of cream liqueur. Build the next layer with a shot of vanilla vodka, then top off with two shots of chilled coffee. Give it a stir and enjoy!
4. Dorda Cafe Cocktail
If decadence is your thing, this cocktail may find a forever home with you. Dorda Double Chocolate Liqueur is the base for this delicious beast. Start with an ounce and a half of that, toss it in a shaker with an ounce of espresso and a half ounce of amaretto, and ice. Shake until well chilled and pour over a glass of ice. For the final touch, top the drink off with steamed milk foam or whipped cream. This cocktail is every bit as rich and wonderful as it sounds.
5. The Cookie Rookie’s Tiramisu Martini
The concept for this cocktail comes from one of the most popular desserts ever. Its smooth, rich taste is nearly as rich as the last one, but certainly with its own unique properties. To construct this drink, mix equal parts Kahlua, Rum Chata, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, and heavy cream. Shake the ingredients on ice and pour into a martini glass. This tasty treat wouldn’t be complete without a garnish of whipped cream, chocolate shavings, ground coffee or cocoa, and lady fingers.
Payless Liquors is the only name you need to know when you are stocking up on ingredients for your coffee cocktails or just restocking your adult beverage inventory. We have everything you need. Please use our online order form to make your selections and schedule a social distancing pickup time.
Sangria is perhaps one of the most versatile and satisfying drinks to ever exist. Even for those who can’t develop a taste for wine, this wine-based creation seems to be a perennial favorite. One of the most wonderful things about sangria is that it is a pretty simple concept: wine, fruit, juice, and liquor combined in a variety of forms and amounts to make some of the tastiest and unique beverages at the bar. The vast selection of possible ingredients mean that this is an easy drink to make at home and to tailor to any season. The beauty of making it in larger batches means that you don’t have to mix a drink every time you are thirsty. Just keep it in the refrigerator and pour over ice!
Origins of Sangria
Sangria is a Spanish drink, named from the Spanish word sangre, meaning blood. A very basic traditional version of the drink consists of red wine, orange juice, and chopped fruit, which is blood red in color. The specific origins of the drink have been lost over the years, but many believe that it was created because the water in Spain was not potable at the time. If you can’t have water, is there really a better choice than sangria? The drink was first introduced to the states by Spain in 1964 at the New York World’s Fair. Since then, it has not only gained popularity in the U.S., but in bars and restaurants around the world.
Variations of Sangria
There are really countless ways to make a good sangria. Some purists stick to wine and fruit, but things get really interesting when you factor in other variables. Fruit juices add a bit more sweetness, while any number of flavored liqueurs contribute not only to the strength of the drink but to its unique flavor as well. Some like the deep complexity of a heavy red wine base, while others prefer a light semi-dry Riesling, or any number of varietals in between. Finishing the drink off with a splash of club soda or sprite also gives it a little fizz, which always makes it feel like spring.
Our Favorite Sangria
It’s hard to choose just one favorite sangria recipe, as almost every variation out there is delicious. Our top choice at the moment is the Pretty in Pink Sangria. It is a perfectly refreshing choice for spring, easy to drink, and it couldn’t be easier to make. Start with two bottles of white zinfandel, and add two cups of pineapple juice, a liter of ginger ale, a can of frozen lemonade concentrate, and 20 ounces of frozen strawberries. The great thing is you can change things up however you like. Consider trying a dry rose, ginger beer instead of ginger ale, or your favorite juice in place of pineapple. Pomegranate would be a nice touch with this particular recipe. No matter what you choose, have fun. It’s sure to be delicious.
If you don’t have any wine on hand for your sangria, Payless Liquors is the best place around to pick some up. Use our online order form to make your selections, and you can pick them up social distancing style. While you’re at it, stock up on any beer and spirits you may need to make 5 o’clock a little happier during quarantine.
The Old Fashioned is a cocktail that never seems to go out of style. One of the oldest known recipes for the drink is from a bartender’s guide published in 1862. The recipe in this book is similar to the “modern” Old Fashioned but was actually not a whiskey-based drink at all. The story of the recipe we know today dates back to 1880, when a bartender in Louisville, KY created the drink and took it on the road – right to the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City, to be exact. This is said to be the birthplace of the Old Fashioned. The cocktail is mentioned in other books and periodicals over the years, but the basic recipe has always remained the same.
In today’s competitive bartending scene, it seems like such a simple recipe would fall by the wayside, forgotten in the sands of time as artisan cocktail creations move to the forefront of the bartending world. But its classic ingredients and familiar taste never goes out of style. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t change it up a little and add a modern touch to an old school cocktail. Take a look at these two new versions of the Old Fashioned as you hone your bartending skills while social distancing.
1. Gin Old Fashioned
If you are not a fan of whiskey and bourbon or you’re simply looking for something a little lighter and more refreshing for spring, this twist on the classic recipe is going to be a game changer for you. It bears some resemblance to a classic Negroni, but the unique characteristics that compose an Old Fashioned really come through and make this new creation stand out from the crowd. Build your drink with a two ounce gin base and a splash of simple syrup. A splash of bitters and some muddled orange and lemon rind complete the drink, as you stir it up and pour it over ice to cool your warm spring and summer days.
2. Coffee Old Fashioned
This one is for the coffee connoisseurs out there. Espresso martinis are played out, and hot coffee drinks are more suited to chilly autumn nights than golden summer evenings. This cocktail will definitely change the way you think about the traditional Old Fashioned. Start with two ounces of coffee liqueur and add a few splashes of orange bitters. No need for sugar in this one, as the liqueur adds a touch of sweetness. Stir over ice and then pour into your favorite beverage glass or serve it straight up with a lemon twist if you prefer the feel of a martini. Either way, you are sure to love it!
When you need a few ingredients for new cocktails like these, Payless Liquors is your go-to spot. We have everything you need for happy hour, including a great selection of domestic and import beers and wines. Whether you’re still or quarantine or just like the convenience of easy pick up, we can help. Use our online order form to make your selections today and pick them up with minimal contact.
The spring season is finally here. With it comes warm sunny afternoons outside with a nice sweet cocktail. The unusual days we’re living in have made things a little different than past years, as most bars and restaurants around the country are not open for sit-down service. Never fear, spring happy hour will just have to move to your backyard patio!
Perhaps you have tried some of the cocktails from our previous blog on drinks you can make for quarantine happy hour. If so, you know how fun and rewarding making your own adult beverages can be. Give these four new cocktails a try, as you enjoy the afternoon sun on the veranda.
1. Garibaldi
This classic cocktail is named in honor of Guiseppe Garibaldi, a 19th century Italian general, who contributed to the unification and creation of the Kingdom of Italy. The ingredients are simple and elegant: 1.5 parts Campari liqueur to 4 parts orange juice, served over ice. This one is easy to make, easy on the eyes, and easy to drink. The vibrant red is symbolic of Garibaldi’s freedom fighters, dressed in red, and the orange represents Sicily. This cocktail is one you can wow your friends with, while giving them a bit of a history lesson as well.
2. Ginger Beer Margarita
If you love the subtle bite of ginger beer, but you’re growing tired of the same old Moscow mule every time you have a cocktail, this drink is for you. There is nothing like an icy cold margarita on a spring or summer afternoon, and the ginger flavor is a perfect complement to the lime juice, salt, simple syrup , and tequila. This may quickly become your signature drink.
3. Grapefruit Martini
The spunky pink of a ruby red grapefruit martini practically screams spring. This martini is quick and easy to whip up. It satisfies the taste buds without overwhelming the senses. It is sweet, but not overdone, and tastes like a drink you would get at a 5-star restaurant. Simply combine 2 parts ruby red grapefruit juice with 1 part vodka, 1 part triple sec, and a tablespoon of sugar over ice in your shaker. Then, give it a hefty shake and pour it into your martini glass. You won’t regret it.
4. Fig and Bourbon Fizz
If you love the uniquely sweet flavor of ripe figs, try adding the zing of fresh mint. This simple addition means you’ve got a spectacular cocktail unlike anything else you’ve tried. Some would say it’s a twist on a traditional mint julep, but the unique flavor combination here really sets it apart. Place one fig, a small handful of mint leaves, and a few raw sugar cubes into your shaker and muddle them together. Add a shot of bourbon and shake until well chilled. Pour the mixture onto a glass filled with ice cubes, top off with a hefty splash of ginger ale, and enjoy.
No matter what your tastes are, Payless Liquors has you covered this spring. You can get the ingredients for these drink recipes, along with a vast selection of your other favorite wine, beer, and spirits while social distancing by using our online order form. Place your order today and get to mixing
The worldwide outbreak of coronavirus has led to changes in our communities, the likes of which we have never seen. These unprecedented times have shuttered stores and restaurants, and closed other businesses all across the country. Unfortunately, some of these businesses will never recover from the losses they have suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospitality industry is experiencing especially difficult effects, as many of the restaurants we love to patronize are small businesses that operate on paper thin profit margins. If you want to help your favorite restaurants out, here are a few ways you can contribute to keeping them up and running throughout this crisis.
Enjoy Takeout
Many restaurants have opted to continue carryout and delivery service to maintain some semblance of business while their tables sit empty. Patronizing their businesses during this time is helping them to cover some of their overhead costs so that they don’t have to close up altogether. Ordering food to-go is a great way to contribute while stay-at-home orders are in place. The CDC has stated that there is no evidence of coronavirus being spread through food, but they do recommend maintaining social distancing guidelines like no-contact delivery whenever possible. They also suggest that you transfer food to other plates for consumption, as an added protective measure. If you order takeout, remember to tip generously if you are able to, as these workers are risking exposure by going to work to provide food for you.
Share Gift Certificates and Merch
Purchasing gift cards and logo merchandise from your favorite restaurants is an excellent way to provide immediate revenue for small businesses, outside of direct donations. Most of their merch has already been paid for at the time they ordered it, so the price you pay usually goes directly to help them pay for pressing costs like utilities and payroll. Gift cards and certificates are a great option, because the money you pay goes directly into the business’ account and you or the person you give it to get to cash it in at a later time to pay for their services.
Online Order Forms
Many small businesses offer gift cards and merch online, which works perfectly for social distancing. Some allow you to order food and products online for a scheduled pick-up time of your choice. Payless Liquors offers this service for wine, spirits, beer, and even kegs, for your convenience. We also offer a selection of mixers and glasses through our online order form.
Donations
If you are looking for options that allow you to help the industry on a broader scale, there are many non-profit groups that are organizing donation drives to offer aid to the hospitality community. These groups aim to offer immediate financial help to businesses themselves, as well as their service staff during these difficult times. Many restaurant owners around the country have also started GoFundMe fundraising accounts in an effort to provide some financial relief to their laid-off employees.
This pandemic has put a financial strain on everyone, and we are all in it together. We can all help the hospitality industry get through this ordeal, since we will still be purchasing food products. Be sure to support the places in your community where you have made memories over
the years. Every little bit helps, and they will surely be grateful for all business they receive as they struggle to hang on.
Listen to episode 1 of The NEW Big Joe’s Payless Culinary Challenge. You’ll find some fresh ideas to whip up for Mom this weekend with Jeptha Creed’s Blueberry Flavored Vodka. Listen to Weekly Episodes on The Fan Morning Show.
The doldrums of quarantine are starting to get everyone down. We are sheltering in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, but being cooped up in the house is getting old. There is only so much one can take of Netflix, cleaning, finishing home projects, and entertaining the kids. Since we all need to let loose once in a while, now is a great time to relive your college days and play some great drinking games! Whether it is with your significant other or as a fun Friday evening Zoom activity with friends, playing drinking games safely at home is the perfect way to get your mind off of the non-stop COVID-19 news. Here are a few fun ideas to try.
Truth or Drink
This twist on the classic Truth or Dare is an excellent way to get to know your friends better during Skype happy hour…or see them get a bit tipsy, whichever happens first. There are no dangerous dares to get anyone in trouble playing this game. You either answer a “truth” or take a drink. The only chance for shaming yourself is answering a particularly embarrassing question after taking a few “drink” turns. The fun with this one can go on for hours.
Most Likely To
Remember those senior superlatives in high school? Let’s take it to the next level with this hilarious quarantine drinking game. Each player takes a turn asking a “most likely to” question, such as “Who is most likely to get into a bar fight?” Everyone writes down their answer, and the winner has to take a drink. Have you ever wondered what your besties really think of you? This is one way to find out!
TV Drinking Games
This type of drinking game is one of the easiest and most fun to play. You can get any number of players in on the fun. Heck, you can even play by yourself if you’re really bored! The premise is simple. Everyone has to be watching the same show at the same time. One popular choice that everyone loves is Friends. As you enjoy the show, everyone has to drink whenever a certain character uses a signature line, like every time Joey says, “How you doin’?” Add a layer of complexity by assigning each player a different character with a different line.
Never Have I Ever
This is another game we all know that can easily be adapted to a drinking game. If you haven’t played before, it’s super easy. One person announces something they have never done, like “Never have I ever mooned a cop!” typically other players respond by raising their hand if they have never done this as well, resulting in lots of laughs at the expense of those who have done the deed. In the drinking version, those who have done the aforementioned act are “punished” by having to take a drink.
If these games sound fun to you, get a few friends together online to hang out and have some fun. They work great for quarantine, but you may just end up continuing with these party games once we are all able to get together again. No matter what, be sure to know your limits and drink responsibly while abiding by CDC guidelines for social distancing and coronavirus prevention. If you need to pick up libations for your game night, be sure to use the convenient Payless Liquors pickup order form to complete your purchase while maintaining your distance.
Whether you have a bar in your basement or man cave, or you just like having your favorite beer on hand, it’s rare that you find time in your busy schedule to sit down and truly enjoy a nice cold, frothy beer. However, things are different right now. Social distancing is keeping many people home, and everyone is running out of busy work to keep their minds off of the COVID-19 pandemic. The silver lining in this grey cloud is that it’s the perfect time to buy a keg and take the time you deserve to savor the hoppy flavor of your beer of choice.
Kegs Are Efficient and Eco-friendly
Half-barrel kegs give you about 165 beers and can last for weeks. This saves you a lot of time that you would normally spend restocking your beverage cooler and taking all of those empty cans and bottles out to the curb for recycling. It also helps protect our precious environment by cutting down on waste. Kegs are made to serve their purpose for the long haul. They are refillable and reusable, which means they often carry over 20,000 beers to quench our thirst over the course of their life. The impact that kegs have on the environment is substantially lower than that of bottles or canned beer. The entire process of bottling beer, from production and retail to consumer product disposal, produces enormous CO2 emissions. Keg beer cuts those emissions down by as much as 68%.
You Get More For Your Money
The money you spend on multiple beer runs, stocking up on 6-packs, 12-packs, and cases adds up over time. The use of kegs not only saves you all of that time running around, but it saves money, too. As with any product, you get more bang for your buck when you buy in bulk. Some people are even investing in kegerators to hold their beer. The initial investment in a kegerator is one reason many people are hesitant to switch to buying kegs, but the investment quickly pays for itself and provides increased savings over time. A kegerator will typically save you as much as 40%-60% over the cost of the same amount of bottled or canned beer. Most consumers break even on the cost of their kegerator after purchasing 8-10 kegs. After that, all the savings is money in your pocket. If you are a beer lover, this deal can’t be beat!
Since you are sheltering in place, this option just makes sense. You can have beer at the pull of a tap handle at any time, and not have to expose yourself to other shoppers at the store or beer distributor. Payless Liquors has you covered with great deals on your favorite kegs, such as Bud Light and Michelob Ultra for only $79.99. You can order easily with our convenient Keg Order Form, and spend your time in quarantine, sitting on your patio or in your home bar, enjoying a nice, cold draught. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!
The self isolation of COVID-19 stay-at-home guidelines has added a great deal of stress and anxiety to our daily routine. Many Americans are out of work due to business closures, restricted hours, and children being home from school. When you add financial strain to the cabin fever everyone is experiencing, it is easy to understand why many of us need a drink to relax and unwind once in a while.
Getting Creative
One of the positive effects of the shelter in place orders is that people are learning to make the most of what they have. Grocery store shelves are missing items we usually buy, and we are learning to make new recipes with the ingredients we have on hand. Quarantine cocktails are trending, so what better way to make use of some of those things in the liquor cabinet that need a little attention. You may need to pick up a few additional items when you venture out, but these quarantine cocktails will ease your mind and stay in your bartending repertoire for years to come!
Quaran-tea
This soothing drink is perfect for warming up on a cool evening or even a breakfast treat if you aren’t a bloody mary fan. The best part is, you most likely already have all of the ingredients right at home. Cinnamon, black or chai tea, honey, and lemon are all you need to create a base for this delicious cocktail. Add a bit of rum or whiskey, and enjoy a tasty treat.
Morini Classico Negroni
If you enjoy taking your time sipping a cocktail and savoring its complexity, a classic negroni is sure to please. This drink has made a bit of a comeback in recent years but is still not something that you see on a drink menu every day. Gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth are some of the bottles that are likely gathering dust in your liquor cabinet, so get them out and mix one up. If you love it, consider keeping a larger batch on hand. It doesn’t go bad, so save yourself the trouble of mixing a new drink every time.
Daiquiri
There’s nothing like the refreshing zing of a daiquiri, and we’re not talking about the frozen strawberry chain restaurant concoctions (although they are refreshing, too!) This classic cocktail uses the basic ingredients of white rum, simple syrup, and lime juice to build a perfect beverage to enjoy on your deck on a spring quarantine afternoon. They go down easy, so be sure to pace yourself and avoid that morning headache.
These are strange times we’re living in, but you don’t have to sit at home bored. It’s ok to treat yourself to an occasional quarantine cocktail and let off a little steam. Consider reaching out to a
few friends you haven’t seen in awhile and organizing a Zoom happy hour to reconnect and catch up on each others’ lives. If you’re missing any ingredients, check out the Payless Liquors pickup order form and get your spirits the easy way while practicing social distancing.
Does the name Nathan “Uncle Nearest” Green sound familiar? Ask anyone with a marginal interest in whiskey about the industry’s biggest names, and you’ll likely hear such legends as Jack Daniel, Evan Williams, and Jim Beam. While these brands are certainly the largest players in the industry – named for the real people behind their legendary spirits – there’s another whiskey name you may not know. However, efforts by author Fawn Weaver have led us to truly appreciate the contributions of the world’s first African-American Master Distiller – Nathan Green.
