’Tis the season yet again, and as we prepare to gather and make merry, let’s be sure not to skimp on the holiday liquor. Knowing what to have on standby is crucial to creating the perfect drink.
A well-stocked home-for-the-holidays offers drink selections that are both diverse and accessible, with a mix of classic crowd-pleasers and exceptional choices to prominently feature holiday and deep-autumn flavors.
The Holiday Liquor Cabinet
A liquor cabinet that can hold up through Thanksgiving and well into the New Year is important. Nobody wants to break their holiday groove to make an emergency run to the liquor store in their Christmas pajamas. So, make sure you have the following liquors available for guests at a minimum.
Rum—Try a spiced rum for warm wintertime vibes. You can’t go wrong with Captain Morgan or Sailor Jerry’s. Mixes well with nog and in hot mixed drinks.
Whiskey—Make sure you have something on hand for the whiskey connoisseurs at your holiday gathering. Irish whiskeys and bourbons can both hearken back to the memories of a traditional country Christmas. Try exploring offerings from Jameson or Knob Creek.
Vodka—a simple, clean vodka is a must-have for guests who want mixed drinks. It’s the most versatile and adaptable of the liquors. Try Svedka or Smirnoff, both of which also offer flavor-infused vodkas that might spark your holiday creativity.
Peppermint Schnapps—for those candy-cane-themed mixers or shooters, of course. Try spiking your hot cocoa.
Brandy—Brandy is another drink that can go well with egg nog, but it’s also a favorite for just sipping around the fire. Rémy Martin XO is a staple, but in some households, it’s a Christmas tradition to acquire a bottle of Spanish Brandy, or Brandy de Jerez, which owes its unique qualities to being derived from Spanish sherry.
Hearty Winter Beers
It’s not all about liquor. The beer-drinkers at your holiday festivities also deserve consideration. Stock up on a crowd favorite like Budweiser, with their annual holiday-themed cans, but think outside the gift box as well.
There is no shortage of craft brewers putting out seasonal brews each year. Try to have choices in at least three categories. Grab a lager, an ale, and round out the offerings with a porter or stout because you’ll want to have something hearty and dark on hand this time of year.
Bell’s Brewery—Christmas Ale
Tröegs Brewing—Mad Elf
Revolution Brewing—Fistmas
Sierra Nevada—Celebration Ale
Samuel Adams—Winter Lager
Leinenkugel’s—Snowdrift Vanilla Porter
Mull-Worthy Wines
Mulling wine is a fun and easy way to add some warmth and holiday spice to your celebration. You simply simmer a dark wine at low heat and add cinnamon sticks, cloves, oranges, and whatever other herbs or spices you like, infusing it with that magical Christmastime flavor. Don’t boil it. Set your heat too high, and you’re likely to burn away alcohol content.
Merlot
Zinfandel (not white)
Garnacha/Grenache
Mixers and N/A
Don’t forget your nog, sparkling juice, ginger ale, and cola. Head to your nearest Payless Liquors and stock up on holiday cheer.
Football and beer are no strangers to one another. Americans have cherished the tradition of cracking a brew for the big game for as long as football has been around. However, there are also football enthusiasts with more refined beverage tastes, those who prefer shots over beers. And don’t forget the fans who reach for something non-alcoholic when suffering dry mouth from watching their team set up for a fourth-down goal-line stand. If you’re hosting a tailgate party or having friends over to watch the game, you’ll want a variety of gameday drinks on hand.
With this year’s football season already underway and the winners beginning to separate themselves from the teams experiencing yet another “rebuilding year,” only one question remains: What’s there to drink?
Bud Light NFL Team Cans
Bud Light’s popular team cans are back in 2021, and now glass bottles are also available with team designs. This year’s sleek redesign features team slogans, rallying cries, and hashtags and still allows you to represent your team’s logo while quenching your thirst.
Some of the war cries include “Mile High Salute” for the Broncos can and “Geaux Saints” for the New Orleans team.
The designs are available for most teams, but not all. For example, the Packers, Bears, and Vikings all have their own beer deals elsewhere, leaving the NFC North almost entirely left out.
In a tailgate setting, beer also works great as a marinade for grilled chicken or a medium for boiling up extra juicy brats and hot dogs.
Other Available Gameday Beer Options
Try adding in some fall flavors if you want to go beyond the predictable cooler full of light beer. Oktoberfest brews, newly released spicy seasonals, hearty dark beers are all good options for offering variety.
Elysian – Great Pumpkin
New Belgium – Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin
Harpoon – Flannel Friday
Founders Brewing – Oktoberfest
NFL Spirits Partner
The first-ever official NFL spirits sponsor will be Diageo. Unfortunately, we have to wait for the 2022 season for this exciting partnership to kick off, but meanwhile, let’s take a look at some of the beloved Diageo brands that might be participating in next year’s football promotions.
Smirnoff Vodka
Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey
Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
That’s a starting lineup to make any playoff team jealous!
Team Spirit Shooter Tray
Do you have friends coming over who prefer shots to beer? If you want to get fancy, you can try to recreate your team’s logo using shots! Try serving touchdown celebration shots in a color-coordinated array for variety and team spirit. Add the perfect touch to your gameday drinks!
Liquors and liqueurs that feature standard team colors and work equally well for mixing and straight-shooting include:
Cherry Dr. McGillicuddy’s—red
Sloe gin—dark red (can vary)
Orange Curaçao—orange
Limoncello—yellow (can vary)
Midori Melon Liqueur—green
Hpnotiq—bright blue
Blue Curaçao—blue
Bailey’s Irish Cream—off-white
Explore fruity flavored liqueurs for additional options.
Whatever the final score turns out to be, your tailgate or game-watching festivities will be a championship-caliber success after a trip to your nearest Payless Liquors location.
It’s time to dust off your shaker and start experimenting with new fall flavors. We’re here to share our top 5 favorite autumn cocktail recipes that are perfect for this season. They’re not just any old pumpkin spice latte or apple cider, but instead they’re boozy, delicious drinks that will warm you up on these cold nights! So grab your favorite liquors and mixers, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen!
Apple Cider Mimosas
Ingredients
1 bottle champagne
1 cup apple cider
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions: On a small plate, combine sugar and cinnamon. Dip champagne flutes in water to wet the rims, then dip in cinnamon sugar mixture. Fill champagne flutes 1/4 full with apple cider, then top off with champagne.
Campfire Sling
Ingredients
2 oz rye whiskey
.25 oz pure maple syrup (grade A Amber is recommended. For a richer version try grade B)
3 dashes chocolate bitters
Orange twist with scorched orange oil
Instructions: Add all ingredients to an old-fashioned glass with a large piece of ice. Stir thoroughly. Release the oils from the orange zest through a flaming wood pick over the surface of the drink and serve.
Pumpkin White Russian
Ingredients
1 oz pumpkin spice Kahlua
2 oz vodka
1 oz heavy cream
Instructions: Combine Kahlua, vodka, and cream into glass over ice. Stir lightly.
Kentucky Mulled Cider
Ingredients
1.25 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon
Hot apple cider to top
Dash of allspice
Cinnamon stick
Lemon slice
Instructions: Add bourbon to a mug. Fill mug with hot apple cider and dash of allspice. Garnish with tall cinnamon stick and lemon slice.
Caramel Apple Mule
Ingredients
1.5 oz Absolut vodka
.5 oz caramel
1 oz apple cider
Ginger beer, to top
Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a wooden mug over ice, top with ginger beer. Garnish with apple fan.
I’m sure we all have memories of growing up eating cold, fruity popsicles in the summer heat with our friends. There’s nothing more refreshing than a tasty popsicle paired with a fun day at the lake or pool. What could make it even better? Alcohol, of course!
Have you ever had a margarita infused popsicle? While reminiscing about childhood nostalgia is great and all, we’ll take adult popsicles over the regular kind any day. Although alcohol infused products like sorbets and popsicles aren’t a new fad, they are making a major comeback with the Rancho La Gloria frozen cocktail popsicles. Known for their bottled Margaritas, Palomas and Wine cocktails, Rancho La Gloria’s newest addition is their alcoholic popsicles. The delectable flavors come in:
• Lime
• Strawberry
• Mango
Rancho La Gloria prides itself on its 100% naturally derived blue weber agave in every product. Made in the desert of Mexico, these products are sure to make you feel like you are on vacation.
How are they made?
The process of making alcohol infused popsicles is fairly easy. The steps are simple:
1. Select your favorite kind of juice
2. Select your preferred alcohol and determine how boozy you want them
3. Combine the juice and liquor in popsicle molds or deep ice trays
4. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and push popsicle sticks or toothpicks into every popsicle-to-be—the cling film will hold them in place as the ice freezes.
5. Place them in your freezer for around 4 hours and, voila! They’re ready to enjoy.
You can jazz up your popsicles by adding frozen fruit, like strawberries, raspberries, mango or papaya. Or, for an even more unique popsicle, add in your favorite chewy candy, like gummy bears, Swedish fish, or mochi.
The rise of alcohol infused products like sorbets, popsicles, milkshakes and cupcakes are just a few of the hundred ideas of delicious, boozy infused foods. While cooking with alcohol is a very popular method in the culinary world, much of the alcohol in recipes cook out, nullifying the effects of the liquor, but the flavor remains. When infusing alcohol into cold products, like ice cream or popsicles, the process requires no actual ‘cooking’. This means the alcohol’s effects are not compromised, thus the ABV (Alcohol by volume) levels remain the same as they were in the bottle. Taking this fact into consideration is crucial when determining the ratio of how much liquor to juice, milk, baking recipe etc. you select.
Another component of infusing alcohol into sweet treats is finding the right flavor pair. All alcohol has its own flavor profile with a variety of unique notes specific to the liquor. These notes need to blend well with the flavor of whatever you’re making. For instance, warm drinks utilizing ingredients like vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon pair well with bourbon, fireball, and rum. Sweet treats that are icy, like popsicles, ice cream, and blended smoothies, are better paired with vodka, tequila and whiskey. When selecting a recipe and what alcohol to use in it, remember that the two should balance one another out, enhancing the complimentary flavors, so the alcohol won’t get lost amongst the added sugar and spices.
Spiked food and beverages are not necessarily new to most consumers, but there are always plenty of new ways to experience them. Rancho La Gloria’s new flavored popsicles are sure to be a crowd pleaser at your next summer get together. Whether DIY infused popsicles and baked goods pique your interest, or a case of Rancho La Gloria’s popsicle variety pack is more your style, place your order for store pick up today!
It seems like a new seltzer makes its way to the local liquor and grocery store every day. With the rise in popularity of carbonated seltzers like White Claw and Truly, the commercial drink industry has taken note of the explosion in success of seltzers, and major brands like Budweiser have released their adaptation of this almost novelty adult beverage.
Why are Hard Seltzers So Popular?
Endorsed by celebrities, glorified during halftime Super Bowl commercials, and praised by millions of loyal fans—hard seltzers have taken the commercial drink industry by storm and the world isn’t looking back. While they’ve been around for a while, the newest wave of enthusiasm in recent years has provided us with so many new delicious seltzers to try from popular brands and indie brewers alike. Some of the great features of this beverage are:
• They come in unique flavors, like cherry, ruby grapefruit, peach, lemon lime, blood orange, strawberry, guava and more.
• Most hard seltzers are gluten free. A majority of liquor and alcohol is fermented with wheat and other gluten products, making hard seltzers a great option for people with high gluten sensitivities.
• It is extremely economical. With some hard seltzers at an ABV (Alcohol By Volume) compared to that of a light beer and others the strength of a bottle of wine, prices can range from a mere 2.99 for a four pack to 16 dollars for a 12 pack.
If you have yet to try these carbonated cans of pure goodness, they typically come in a broad variety of flavors and ABV. Brands like Truly and White Claw typically contain under 5% ABV and offer flavors like cherry lime-ade, blue raspberry, strawberry and more! The surge in popularity could be due to the fact that hard seltzers are advertised as a “healthier” beverage option with most being low in sugar and gluten free. Though this may be the perception, it hasn’t always been the case, since the average person more often consumes 1-3 cans in one sitting.
Massive corporations like Coca-Cola are launching a boozy version of their own product, as well as brands like Topo Chico. Most notably, though—Budweiser has recently launched a limited-time only, retro version of hard seltzers with unique, novelty flavors.
What makes hard seltzers so delicious?
Hard seltzers are produced by fermenting a sugar solution for a given period of time. After fermenting, the solution is then diluted to a more moderate, balanced strength. Flavor is then added to the mixture, either through citrus or malic acid and sugar. Hard seltzers then go through a ‘sugar bath,’ in which they adjust the PH levels, and add the water. As they contain almost 95% water, this process is imperative and usually takes several tries to get it just right. The beverage goes through the lengthy process of boiling and then the last final step, carbonation. Perhaps the best part of these beverages is the refreshing feeling of taking a delicious sip of a fruity, carbonated beverage.
With popularity amongst Millennial and Gen Z consumers, hard seltzers don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. One thing is for certain—the possibilities are endless. Contact us to order your favorite hard seltzer today!
The piña colada is one of the most loved summer drinks across the world. But not many people know where the piña colada actually originated from or how it was created in the first place. What are the roots of this sweet, tropical drink? Surprisingly, this cocktail might be a lot older than most people might think. Here’s a little dive into the mysterious origins of the piña colada.
The Early Roots of the Piña Colada
Tales of this cocktail can be traced all the way back to the early 1800s, where a well-known Puerto Rican pirate by the name of Roberto Cofresí (El Pirata Cofresí) was said to have created the earliest form of the piña colada by mixing white rum, pineapple, and coconut milk together. But when Cofresí died around 1825, the drink seemed to die out with him.
The Origination of the Modern Piña Colada
It wasn’t until the early 1950s that a similar version of Roberto Cofresí’s pineapple cocktail was created again. The modern piña colada that most of us know and love actually originates from San Juan, Puerto Rico. This version arose much after the pirate Roberto Cofresí had already passed away. Though a few local bartenders at this time all claim to be the original creators of the piña colada (and there is no way to fully disprove any of their stories), the most frequently-credited creator of the modern version of this drink is Ramón “Monchito” Marrero, who claims he first made the cocktail in 1952. Marrero worked for the Caribe Hilton’s Beachcomber Bar and was often trying to create new drinks.
The English translation of the Spanish term “piña colada” literally means “strained pineapple.” The cocktail that Ramón Marrero created back at the Hilton’s bar consisted of a mix of coconut cream, pineapple juice, and Puerto Rican rum. This ultimately turned out to be one of the most loved mixed drinks around town and immediately gained popularity.
After its creation in the 1950s, the cocktail took off all around Puerto Rico. In fact, in 1978—just after around 20 years of its existence—Puerto Rico decided to make the piña colada the country’s national drink. From then on, the piña colada has been a staple summer drink in bars across the world.
Classic Piña Colada Recipe
Now after learning about the history of this sweet drink, there is no better way than to celebrate by making your own. Here is a classic, basic piña colada recipe:
4 oz coconut cream
4 oz pineapple juice
4 oz rum
2/3 cup ice
Making the Perfect Piña Colada
Ultimately, there is no cocktail that tastes quite like the piña colada. Here at Payless Liquors, we know how important it is to use the best ingredients for your cocktails. That’s why we offer a wide range of liquor, beer, and wine, so that our customers can make the drinks of their dreams.
Are you looking to make the perfect Piña Colada today? Check out our selection of high quality rum to make your drink the best it can be!
If you’ve ever bartended, you realize that you can know a lot about a person through their drink choices. What a person drinks can often be a window into their personality. On a larger scale, you can learn a lot about the culture of a state through its official and unofficial cocktail choices. The beautiful state of Indiana is no exception. From mixes worthy of a wild weekend to a casual elevated dinner, the spirits that shape us give the wider country a peek into who we are.
Let’s Talk Jägermeister
That’s right: In Indiana, we love our Jägermeister. This liquor has a distinct black licorice taste, but even someone who isn’t a fan of that specific taste can fall in love with a well-blended cocktail that uses Jager as its base.
You would find it near impossible to enter a bar on a weekend and not hear someone order a Jäger bomb. This shot goes down smooth but can sneak up on you! With a mix of Jäger and energy drink, you’ll be shaping up for a great night out. Not a fan of energy drinks? A Jäger barrel replaces the energy drink with root beer.
Jägermeister is great for more than just shots. Jager can be implemented in many great cocktails if you are more of a sipper. This liquor is extremely versatile, and in Indiana, we know how to utilize it.
Hoosier Heritage Is a Must
If you’re new to Indiana, ordering yourself a Hoosier Heritage is a must. This “unofficial” state drink was created and adopted in 2015. This cocktail was created by Jason Foust for a contest held by the Indiana State Museum.
The base of this amazing cocktail is Knob Creek Whiskey, a nod in honor of Abraham Lincoln, who moved to Indiana in 1816 from Knob Creek Farm. With a simple yet potent mix of maple syrup, lemon juice, and apple cider, this cocktail is the perfect blend of caramel and spice.
Indiana Loves a Good Mojito
Who doesn’t love a good Mojito? The people of Indiana sure do. While the roots of the Mojito stem from Cuba, the love of this refreshing summer beverage courses through this state.
Traditionally concocted with white rum, mint, simple syrup, lime, and soda water, this beverage is at the top of most summer menus. The varieties of this classic cocktail are endless, and adding a fruity flavor comes highly recommended.
Try a Taste of Indiana at Payless Liquors
No matter what you choose to do in Indiana, you’re going to have a great time. While taking in the sights and attractions and dining in our fantastic restaurants, don’t forget to sip on a beverage that gives you a glimpse into our personality. If you’re ready to try a taste of Indiana, Payless Liquors has a huge selection of everything you’ll need to enjoy our state’s favorites of this state. Check out our website and use our 5-star rating guide to help you create your next masterpiece. Cheers!
Winter is the best time (and the best excuse) to experiment with fun new obscure cocktails. It’s cold, it’s dark, and odds are you’re going to be wrapped up in a blanket contemplating something good to sip on. While there are plenty of classic cocktails to choose from, there is something exciting about trying something new: experimenting with mixers, liquors, portion sizes, and garnishes is all part of the fun.
If you’re ready to spice up your cold nights with a few cocktails out of the ordinary, you’ve come to the right place. Check out our list of fun, obscure cocktails to bring some pizazz to the drab days of winter.
The Sidecar
The sidecar is an old classic with an origin story dating back to WW1, but it isn’t seen on your standard drink menu much anymore. This cocktail will have you feeling fancy all hours of the day. With the simple recipe of cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice, you can’t go wrong. It is a perfect blend of sweet and sour that will have you feeling refreshed and relaxed.
French 75
This drink should be on every brunch menu! A simplistic drink that packs a punch? Sign me up. This classic drink consists of gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne (move over mimosa). This cocktail is a must for any occasion that calls for bubbly.
The Horsefeather
If you’re a mule fan, this cocktail is a must. A Kansas City staple, this tasty beverage deserves to be in glasses all around the nation. All you need for this amazing refreshment is rye whiskey, ginger beer, bitters, and lemon juice. Bold with a light kick of spice, this will fight off any winter chills with ease.
Now for the Most Obscure
An obscure cocktail list wouldn’t be complete without some, well, obscure cocktails. While these last few suggestions may seem a bit out of the ordinary, that’s the fun of this whole process. If you’re really ready for some experimenting, these final two beverages are exactly what you need.
Beer, Bourbon, and Barbeque
You read that correctly: BBQ. The great thing about mixers is that they can be more than just soda, tonic, and fruit juices. For this exceptionally obscure beverage, you need Jack Daniels BBQ sauce, Makers Mark, Evan Williams Honey liqueur, hefeweizen beer, and a bit of orange juice. Nothing like a little bit of everything all in one glass.
The Bone
You know that little rush you can get from your first sip of a cocktail? This drink guarantees to give you that feeling every time. With a simple mixture of Wild Turkey bourbon, lime juice, simple syrup, and tabasco, you’ll completely forget that it’s winter outside.
Ditch the Winter Blues With an Obscure Cocktail
Winter can feel like it will never end, but these cocktails will hopefully ease the day-to-day monotony. Choose your favorite beverage and get ready to hunker down. Payless Liquors has a huge selection of everything you’ll need to jump into the obscure. Check out our website and use our 5-star rating guide to help you create your next masterpiece. Cheers!
Peppermint is as popular in the winter months as gingerbread is in autumn. The red and white color of the candy cane is festive, and the coolness of the mint is sure to leave you feeling merry and bright, especially when spiked with the right concoction of liqueur and mixers. We have compiled a list of the five most delicious Peppermint Cocktails that are easy to make and beautifully festive to serve the next time you feel like celebrating with a little peppermint twist.
Peppermint Eggnog Cocktail
The peppermint eggnog cocktail is so delicious; you won’t want to limit this one just to holiday time! Homemade eggnog is good, but can we agree that it’s even better with a splash of bourbon or vodka? Try using peppermint schnapps and peppermint-flavored vodka to pack an extra punch of mint flavor. Some awesome garnishes and toppings for this drink are chocolate shavings, mint leaves, holiday sprinkles, whipped cream, and pomegranate seeds.
Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate
This creamy, spiked peppermint hot chocolate is sure to warm you up and get you ready to celebrate the holidays. If you’ve never made hot chocolate from scratch, now is the time to start! It’s easy, and you likely have everything you need to get your chocolate heating on the stove right now. Once you bring the ingredients to a low simmer, add the peppermint schnapps and the crème de cocoa just before ladling this cup of cheer into the mugs. From here, top your hot chocolate with marshmallows or whipped cream and add a candy cane as a stirring stick. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes to finish off this spiked version of a traditional treat. This will always be a fan-favorite among the peppermint cocktails we’ve listed.
Peppermint White Russian
The appearance of this cocktail screams Christmas time. The white, creamy drink with a crushed candy cane-rimmed glass looks festive and classy whether you’re spending a quiet night home for two or entertaining friends by the fireside. Be sure to rim your glasses first with the crushed peppermint. Use a bit of white frosting to hold the peppermint in place and add a touch more sweetness. Making the Peppermint White Russian is very easy. Shake together coffee liqueur, peppermint vodka, and cream. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Peppermint Martini aka ‘Peppermintini’
If you’re looking for a festive martini, this is it. And it could not be easier. This simple three-ingredient drink comes together quickly and will have you mingling with your friends all night long. Vanilla vodka, peppermint schnapps, and simple syrup make up this amazing cocktail that is sure to become a holiday favorite. Add a splash of grenadine for the pretty, red, festive vibe, and don’t forget to rim your glass with crushed peppermint.
Snowflake Peppermint Cocktail
This might be the very best winter cocktail yet. Take a break from shopping, cookie baking, and gift wrapping, and enjoy this magical glass of perfection while you drift into full relaxation mode. The smooth and delicious snowflake peppermint cocktail is made with vanilla vodka, peppermint schnapps, and is topped with a touch of cream. Rim the glass with pure white sugar and add a peppermint stick for color. This is so good; you might consider leaving a glass out for Santa!
Try one or try all these peppermint cocktails this Winter. Payless Liquors has you covered. We carry a large variety of peppermint schnapps, flavored vodka, and bourbon to make your drinks festive so that your mood can be merry and bright.
We’ve all heard the songs about how “Christmas comes only once a year” and how it’s the “most wonderful time” and all that jazz. While it’s true that Christmastime is magical for so many, it’s also a time full of traditions, which can make hosting a little bit daunting. Of course, as a host, you want to honor the expectations of the time of year, but providing guests with an outstanding experience is a natural aspect of having people in your home. A simple way to put your gathering over the top is through the use of cocktails. Providing top-quality, unique holiday cocktails honors the magic of the season while adding that little bit of edge that every host seeks.
The process of providing these drinks doesn’t have to be complicated. There are endless options of pre-batched cocktails for larger parties, unique options for the adventurous, and fun and sweet cocktails for those who want to drink their dessert. In short, there’s a cocktail for everyone.
This recipe for homemade eggnog is perfect for folks who love the traditional drink. It’s sweet, creamy, and absolutely delicious while avoiding the need for preservative-pumped boxed nog. The portions are already locked down for a large party, making this an ideal choice for the Christmas party purist.
Here in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s easy to daydream of beach climes during the winter months. This recipe is ideal for those who want to blend their love for beach drinks with their love of Christmas. Boasting fresh dark fruits such as pomegranate and cranberry, this cocktail keeps it fruity and bright without feeling out of place for the season. The mulling spices push it over the top into the ultimate cozy winter drink. Plus, it’s ideal for a premade batch. What’s not to love?
Boy, oh boy, it’s hard to get cozier and more midwestern than a good Old-Fashioned. This pre-batched version packs an extra-festive punch with cinnamon and rosemary, making this drink a perfect complement to turkey dinner and pumpkin pie. If your gathering is smaller or not particularly bourbon-crazy, it’s an easy drink to make by the glass as well.
If you love spice but don’t want to put in the time to make a pie, this cutie’s for you. Boasting all the creaminess of eggnog without the actual eggs, this drink checks all the boxes of an ideal Christmas beverage: sweet and spicy, chilled but warm-tasting, and oh so very unique. If you want to serve it with pie, we won’t tell.
There’s no denying it; this cocktail is sweet. If you, like Buddy the Elf, love to indulge around the holidays (or all the time, we don’t judge), this cocktail is definitely for you. Boasting heavy cream, maple syrup, molasses, and candies to top, this baby makes all your childhood dessert dreams come true while satisfying the very adult need for booze at Christmas. Win-win.
Payless Liquors is stocked and ready to help you serve up these fabulous cocktails. Check out our online form to order your ingredients today and rest easy knowing that the holidays’ boozy aspect is covered.
Thanksgiving is almost here, and it’s time to start preparing for the festivities with Thanksgiving Cocktails. If you are hosting family and friends for the occasion, you know that you must have all the usual suspects—turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and succotash, but don’t forget the drinks. With the stress of preparing a huge meal and entertaining, you’re sure to need a few. However, keep in mind that you need to have a great selection for your guests, too. On your trip to the liquor store, you should pick up a nice selection of beer and wine, but you can avoid the expense of stocking up on every variety of spirits by including a holiday cocktail on your menu. Consider these popular ideas.
You will want to prepare this one the night before so that the flavors can fuse properly. Start with two cinnamon sticks, a few diced red and green apples, pears, and an orange cut into wedges. Pour a bottle of your favorite white wine over the fruit, then add a cup of caramel vodka, three cups of apple cider, and a quarter cup of simple syrup (made by boiling one part water with one part sugar), allspice, cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon to taste. Serve with a cinnamon stick garnish.
This is an easy concoction that is sure to get rave reviews. Mix a cup and a half of cranberry juice, ¾ cup tequila, ¾ cup lime juice, and a half cup of Cointreau. Serve over ice in glasses that are rimmed with salt or sugar. Garnish with some cranberry and lime, and wait for the compliments. Keep an eye on your guests, though. These go down easy!
If your Thanksgiving “dinner” is more of a brunch event, as it is in many families, this twist on the classic is sure to be a hit. You’ll need champagne flutes for the true effect, but the only ingredients you need are apple cider and champagne. Pour the cider (as much or as little as your guest would like) in the flute, and top off with chilled champagne!
Many mulled wine recipes get a little complicated and time consuming, but this one is quick and easy and doesn’t require an extensive shopping list. To make this delicious holiday favorite, pour a bottle of Syrah or Beaujolais into a large saucepan, add four shots of brandy or bourbon, four star anise pods, orange peels, and two teaspoons of sugar. Cook over low heat until warm, but not boiling, then let stand for 5 minutes. Serve the warm cup of goodness in a mug with a cinnamon stick garnish.
Don’t wait till the last minute to do your Thanksgiving beverage shopping. Remember that you need to get the beer nice and cold, and you will want all the ingredients on hand for your signature cocktail of the day. Payless Liquors has everything you need to create a memorable occasion for your loved ones. Stop in today and cross this task off your list.
You may not think about it every time you crack open a beer, shake up a cocktail, or pour a glass of wine, but alcohol has played an enormous role in our cultural experience for 10,000 years. Humans have cultivated the production of beer, wine, and spirits as staples for celebrations and rites of passage, essential cooking ingredients, medicinal tonics, and enjoyable beverages when we need to unwind. So, is it any surprise that there are hundreds of quirky alcohol facts that many people don’t know? Read up on some of this surprising information and share it with friends the next time you get together for drinks.
10 Interesting Alcohol Facts
The ancient Romans are responsible for the term “toast”. Now it is a term to describe raising a glass to good health and fortune. However, in the days of Old Rome, they dropped a piece of toast into the wine.
Francis Scott Key’s poem that became our beloved national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner,” wasn’t sung until it was set to the tune of a popular drinking song.
How many bubbles are there in a bottle of champagne? Funny you should ask—the general estimate is that there are 49,000,000 bubbles. This would be a fun alternative to “guess how many jellybeans are in the jar” at your next family reunion.
You will find a cloud of alcohol in the depths of space with a density to produce 4 trillion beverages. Imagine standing beneath that cloudburst!
The pressure in an average car tire is 30 PSI; it is 90 PSI in champagne bottles. Therefore, the cork shoots out of the bottle at about 55 miles per hour. Its signature celebratory “pop” is a staple of New Year’s Eve parties, but sadly champagne corks kill about 24 people every year.
Tired of having to settle for just a handle of vodka? Until 1885, the only size you could buy was a 12.3-liter bucket. Why did we ever downsize?
Now that we’ve established the number of bubbles in a bottle of champagne, how many grapes do you think it takes to make a bottle of wine? According to winemakers, it takes between three and 10 bunches, or 600 to 800 grapes, depending on the size and varietal.
Have you ever heard the shortest sentence that contains all the letters of the alphabet? Most people think it’s “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.,” but we bet that you haven’t considered “Pack my box with five dozen liquor jugs!”
Are you a gin drinker who is interested in using some slang from the 1800s? Well, the next time you order, try monikers like “Mother’s Ruin,” “King Theodore of Corsica,” “Parliamentary Brandy,” “Royal Poverty,” or “Ladies’ Delight.”
When visiting Scotland, be sure to try Snake Venom Beer. However, you may not want to have more than one. At 67.5% alcohol, that snake is sure to bite you back!
If these facts don’t help you win your next round of trivia, at least they were fun to read. And maybe they made you thirsty. When you need to stock up on wine, beer, or liquor, Payless Liquors has everything you need. Come by and check out our great selection today.
Halloween-themed cocktails are what everyone needs this spooky October. Halloween is a favorite time of year for many Americans. However, current lockdown policies in place throughout the country may make it feel like you may not be able to enjoy Halloween the way you would prefer this year. It’s important to stay upbeat and to connect with your family and friends during difficult times, so do your best to have a safe and enjoyable gathering if you have festivities planned for the Halloween season this year.
One of the best additions to any Halloween party is a good party cocktail. This year, try one or two of the following Halloween-themed cocktails that are sure to refresh and delight the guests at your Halloween parties.
The Apple Butter Old Fashioned
Photo Credit: Tieghan Gerard from Half Baked Harvest
The Old Fashioned is one of the most time-tested cocktails that has seen countless iterations and interpretations over the years. If you’re looking for a touch of class and timelessness with your Halloween party this year, the Apple Butter Old Fashioned is an excellent option for your party’s drink of choice.
Rim a glass with coarsely ground sugar if you like, and then start the Apple Butter Old Fashioned with one-quarter cup of apple cider, the juice of half a lemon, a dash of orange bitters, a tablespoon of apple butter, and two ounces of your favorite bourbon mixed in a shaker cup. Strain into a glass over ice, top with a float of ginger beer, and garnish with cinnamon and apple slices.
Jekyll & Gin
Photo Credit: Candace Braun Davison from Delish
If you have ever enjoyed a Gin Daisy, you’ll love this color-changing take on it. The Jekyll & Gin appears pink under normal light, but under a black light, it glows an eerie white. If you’re planning a glowstick party, you will want to add this Halloween-themed cocktail to your menu.
Start this delightful mix with three ounces of your favorite gin, one-half ounce of lemon juice, and just a teaspoon of Grenadine mixed in a shaker with ice and then strain into a glass with ice. Top with tonic water and garnish with a glowstick—perfect in any black-lit party venue.
Jack-o-Lantern
If you’re all about presentation but not too keen on pumpkin-flavored cocktails, this Jack-o-Lantern could be the perfect option for this year’s costume party. You’ll need some old-fashioned glasses, orange slices, and a few pieces of lime peel to complete the look of this perfect Halloween cocktail, but the extra work garnishing will be worth it.
Make your Jack-o-Lantern by combining an ounce of orange juice, half an ounce of orange liqueur, and one and a half ounces of cognac in a shaker cup over ice. Strain over fresh ice into an old-fashioned glass and then top with ginger ale. Poke a piece of lime peel into the center of an orange slice and float it on top to create miniature pumpkin-shaped cocktails.
Make the most of Halloween this year by creating a memorable experience. As the country reels in the face of lockdown restrictions, a safe place to enjoy the Halloween season with friends is a welcome comfort for just about anyone. If you need to supply your costume party this year, Payless Liquors can help you find the finest alcohols and mixers you’ll need for cocktails that are sure to please. Contact us today to see what we have available.
