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Cheers to Spring! Here are 4 Sweet Drinks You Have to Try

It’s officially Spring and here at Payless Liquors, we couldn’t be more excited! With the new season blossoming, why not embrace nature and shake it up with something sweet? We have put together four dreamy drinks for you to try this spring that are sure to put a pep in your step. Whether you like it fruity-fresh or creamy-smooth, there is something here for everyone. So get ready to kick back and relax as you test out all these delectable drinks – cheers!

Gin & Elderflower Fizz

There’s nothing quite like the refreshing taste of a gin and elderflower fizz on a warm summer day. With each sip, the sweet floral notes of the elderflower perfectly complement the botanicals of the gin, creating a deliciously balanced cocktail. Whether you’re sipping it on your patio or enjoying it with friends at a summer gathering, this fizzy drink is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and a splash of sparkling water, you can whip up this tasty cocktail in no time. So why not give it a try and indulge in a little summer relaxation?

Banana Caipirinha

If you’re looking for a tropical twist on the classic Caipirinha cocktail, look no further than the Banana Caipirinha. This refreshing drink boasts the richness of fresh bananas, combined with the tangy sweetness of lime and the kick of Cachaça. It’s the perfect drink for sipping on a warm day or enjoying at a beach party with friends. Plus, the banana gives it a unique texture that’s both creamy and satisfying.

Whether you’re a fan of Caipirinhas or just looking to try something new, the Banana Caipirinha is a must-try drink.

White Peach Sangria

White Peach Sangria is a refreshing and light drink that’s perfect for summertime. This cocktail is made with white wine and fresh peaches, creating a tasty blend of flavors that’s sure to impress your guests. Moreover, this drink is simple to make and looks beautiful in a pitcher with fresh peach slices and a sprig of mint. With each sip, you can taste the sweetness of ripe peaches, a hint of citrus, and the crispness of white wine.

If you’re looking for a drink that’s both flavorful and refreshing, white peach sangria is definitely worth a try.

Sparkling Rosé Punch

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a crisp and refreshing sparkling rosé punch on a sunny day. The delicate balance of fruity and floral flavors paired with effervescence is what makes this drink so irresistible. The light pink hue not only looks stunning in a glass, but also adds to the overall experience of sipping on this tantalizing beverage.

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking to unwind with some friends, serving up a pitcher of sparkling rosé punch is sure to elevate any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can easily concoct this delicious and Instagram-worthy drink.

Whether you’re wanting to try something new or stick with a tried-and-true favorite, don’t forget to make a stop at Payless Liquors! Our friendly staff and knowledgeable team can help you find the right drink for any occasion. So don’t hold back on showing off your cocktail skills – visit Payless Liquors today and start mixing you some delicious drinks! Cheers!

8 Unique Drinks to Enjoy on Saint Patrick’s Day!

It’s Saint Patrick’s Day, and it’s time to raise a glass and enjoy your favorite drinks! Whether you’re looking for something traditional, or something new and exciting, Payless Liquors has you covered. Here are eight of our favorite perfect drinks to help you celebrate the Irish holiday:

1. The Pot O’ Gold: We all know about the mythical pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, so why not create one in drink form? Mix equal parts whiskey and orange juice before adding several splashes of grenadine for color. Top it off with soda water and you’ve got yourself a golden beverage!

2. Irish Sour: This drink is sure to be a crowd pleaser, combining equal parts of whiskey and lime juice with a teaspoon of sugar syrup or simple syrup. Shake it up with ice and pour over crushed ice for an extra cool effect.

3. Irish Flag Shooter: Nothing says St Patrick’s Day like the colors green, white and orange! Layer one part each of Baileys, White Crème de Menthe and Grand Marnier in that order for this tasty shooter.

4. Celtic Colada: If you prefer something a little more tropical then you can’t go wrong with our Celtic Colada! Just mix together equal parts malibu coconut rum, blue curacao, pineapple juice and cream of coconut for a refreshing twist on the classic pina colada.

5. The Leprechaun: This surprisingly simple drink is a great way to get your Saint Patrick’s Day party going! Just mix equal parts green creme de menthe, vodka and lime juice in an ice-filled shaker before straining into chilled glasses.

6. Shamrock Screech: If you’re looking for something a little more punchy then this is the drink for you! Mix 1 part white rum with 2 parts Irish whiskey and several splashes of green chartreuse to give it that extra kick. Serve in lowball glasses over crushed ice with a sprig of mint as garnish.

7. Dublin Mule: Not feeling like whiskey? Then you should try our take on the classic Moscow mule, the Dublin mule! This drink combines equal parts Irish whiskey, lime juice and ginger beer for a unique twist on an old favorite.

8. The Blarney Stone: Last but not least, we present to you The Blarney Stone! Mix together one part gin with two parts cranberry juice before adding a dash of triple sec or orange liqueur and several splashes of lemon juice. Serve it over ice and garnish with a slice of orange for an extra punch of flavor.

There you have it- 8 drinks that are sure to make your Saint Patrick’s Day one to remember! Whether you’re looking for something fruity, creamy or just plain strong we’ve got the perfect drink for everyone. Stop by Payless Liquors today and get the ingredients to make your celebrations extra special. Sláinte!

Delicious Beverage Ideas to Keep You Warm and Cozy this Winter

Summer is long gone, and you may be looking forward to the warmth of spring, but winter doesn’t have to be all about the cold. When the temperatures drop, turn up the heat in your kitchen with homemade cocktails. Whether you are hosting a group of friends or you are enjoying a quiet night in, these classic drinks will bring you all the warmth you need on those cold winter nights.

  • Warm Spiced Sangria. Don’t be afraid to serve your wine warm. Raising the temperature just a little and mulling it with allspice, cloves, black peppercorns, and orange rinds will lay the foundation for this warming cocktail. Mix it with juice and garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick to complement the perfect night in front of the fire.
  • Hot Buttered Rye. It’s well known that people turn to bourbon for its warming qualities, but mixing it with maple syrup, ginger, and nutmeg makes this drink the perfect sipping drink for your favorite winter movie. Top with whipped cream, and enjoy!
  • Boozy Butter Mint White Hot Chocolate. Hot chocolate in winter isn’t just for the kids. This variation is perfect for adults. While you can create any variation that you want, this version blends white chocolate, vanilla, and butter mints together and finishes with Irish cream liqueur. It will give you a hot chocolate that brings back memories of throwing snowballs, building snow forts, and sledding down your favorite hill.
  • Smuggler’s Coffee. Everyone loves a warm cup of coffee, but now imagine your favorite brew mixed with liquor. Put down the Irish cream and grab the rum, both gold and dark, and mix it in with your favorite cup of coffee. Add a little cinnamon and orange zest to the top of this drink, and enjoy this boozy pick-me-up.

Here are our four favorites we hope you’ll enjoy.

  • Hot Toddy. While there are many variations to this cocktail, the classic recipe is still one of a kind. When the temperatures drop, mix together ¾ cup of hot water, 1.5 ounces of your favorite whiskey, 2 – 3 teaspoons of honey, and 2 – 3 teaspoons of lemon juice, and garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon twist. If you want to take it to the next level, use your favorite tea instead of lemon.
  • Mulled Wine. This can be a great way to heat up your favorite wine. Start with a bottle of your favorite dry red wine, a ¼ cup of brandy, one cut-up orange, eight whole cloves, two sticks of cinnamon, two stars of star anise, and 2 to 4 tablespoons of your favorite sweetener (such as sugar, honey, or maple syrup). Combine together and heat to just below simmering (bubbling will remove the alcohol). Reduce heat and let sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 3 hours.
  • Hot Buttered Rum. Mixing together your favorite fall spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves) with ⅔ cup brown sugar, ½ cup of butter, ¼ cup of honey, ¾ cup of spiced rum, and 2 cups of boiling water will give you a delicious and silky winter drink.
  • Irish coffee. Simply made but delicious, Irish coffee uses 1 cup of your favorite coffee and blends it with one tablespoon of brown sugar, 1.5 ounces of Irish whiskey, and slightly whipped heavy cream.

It might be cold outside, but with these drinks, you’re sure to raise the temperature. Stop by your local Payless Liquor store today and pick up everything you need to keep yourself warm this winter.

Cocktails to Enjoy with Your Valentine

Sometimes the most intimate setting for a romantic celebration is found by creating the perfect Valentine’s Day evening at home. There’s something to be treasured about spending time alone and enjoying a meal together without any outside distractions. If you’re looking for some Valentine’s Day cocktails to make you cozy on Valentine’s Day night, you’re sure to find the perfect nightcap in our list below.

Blushing Rose

Suppose you are looking for a cocktail that will impress your date and is full of aphrodisiacs. In that case, the Blushing Rose is a fruity drink flavored with Asian pear, honeydew, pomegranate, mangosteen, goji berry, green tea, and yuzu. The rose nectar gives it the perfect pink hue to match your Valentine’s décor. Designed for two, this drink goes excellent with Asian-inspired meals. It is a low-alcohol content cocktail. If you want to feel the effects a little more, add two ounces of your favorite tequila.

Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces TY KU liqueur
  • 2 ounces of pomegranate juice
  • 4 ounces of rose nectar
  • Lime wedges for garnish

In a mixing glass filled with ice, pour the ingredients. Stir together well. Strain into your favorite stemmed glass or over ice in a whiskey tumbler. Garnish with lime wedges. Serve and enjoy.

Red Lotus

If you’re looking for a more masculine drink for the vodka lover, the Red Lotus is a retake on the classic vodka cranberry drink and is just as easy to make. It is made with lychee, an Asian fruit that’s small but flavorful and goes well with the tart cranberry juice in this cocktail. It’s as red as you can get a cocktail to be, and it’s sure to sweeten up the night.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 ounces vodka
  • 1 1/2 ounces lychee liqueur
  • 1-ounce cranberry juice

In a ​​cocktail shaker with ice, pour the vodka, lychee liqueur, and cranberry juice. Be sure to shake it well. Strain the mixture into a chilled old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Serve and enjoy.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Shooters

If you’re planning on skipping right to the party, try these super easy-to-make shooters that go down smoothly and fast. They pack a punch, so they aren’t for the lightweight Valentine.

Just mix equal parts Screwball Peanut Butter Whiskey and Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream Liqueur in a shaker and shake. Serve chilled in your sexiest shot glass.

Chocolate Martini

This chocolatey martini can be made with gin or vodka and requires just four ingredients. Serve with chilled strawberries for a take on the classic lovers’ feast of chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Ingredients:

  • 200 ml gin or vodka
  • 50 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids)
  • 100 ml chocolate liqueur
  • crushed ice

Put your alcohol into a pitcher or bowl. After melting the dark chocolate, pour it into the alcohol. Continuously whisk until it is completely blended. Next, add the chocolate liqueur. For every drink made, shake 100 ml of the liquid mixture with some crushed ice and then strain it into a martini glass. You can dress it up with a lemon zest curl.

Hanky Panky

If your Valentine is a gin drinker, the Hanky Panky sends a direct message about your expectations for the night. It’s sophisticated and classy but gets you feeling good all the same.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 ounces gin
  • 1 1/2 ounces sweet vermouth
  • Two dashes Fernet-Branca
  • Garnish: orange twist

Mix the gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca with ice. Whisk together until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

Whatever you’re planning this Valentine’s, don’t forget to stock up on all your spirited ingredients to get you in the mood for love. Visit Payless Liquors this Valentine’s Day.

Cold Weather Cocktails

We are still deep in the throes of winter, and few things are better than warming up with a cold-weather cocktail. Chilled, spritzy drinks will only make you miss summer and beach days. Instead, choose a fire-friendly cocktail from our recommendations below. They are sure to warm you up during these cold winter nights.

Spiked Apple Cider

The most apparent winter cocktail would be a spiked apple cider. This delicious cider can be dangerous because the mixture of hot cider flavors completely masks any trace of alcohol. The tart cider taste goes down easy and warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients:

  • Two qt. apple cider
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup high-proof Bourbon
  • 2 tbsp. sugar
  • 2 tsp. whole cloves
  • Four cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tsp. nutmeg

Mix all of the other ingredients without the liquor and heat until boiling. Once the mixture comes to a boil, simmer for another 15 minutes. Finally, you can add your bourbon. Simmer some more, occasionally stir, and then strain the cider.

Irish Coffee

Another winter favorite is a good, strong Irish coffee, and the hardest part is checking to see if you have all the ingredients. This drink will warm you up and wake you up at the same time. If you are an iced coffee drinker, even in the winter, this is great on ice as well.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz Irish cream liqueur
  • 1.5 oz Irish whiskey
  • 1 cup brewed coffee
  • 1 tbsp. whipped cream
  • One dash nutmeg

Mix all ingredients together and serve in your favorite mug!

Peach Cobbler

Like comfort food, there are certain cocktails that make us feel warm and fuzzy. This cocktail will deliver a similar feeling as comfort food does. It’s sweet and creamy and full of delicious peach and butterscotch flavor. It’s a great party drink that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 oz. peach schnapps
  • 1/2 oz. butterscotch schnapps
  • Splash of cinnamon schnapps
  • Splash of cream

Put ice in a glass and pour the ingredients in. It’s as easy as that. You can always garnish with a peach slice for added appeal.

Hot Toddy

This winter cocktail was popular generations ago when slow-sipping whiskey was all the rage. If you want to enjoy it the way they did back in the day, leave out the simple syrup in this much sweeter, tastier version. Nothing will warm your blood and put you to bed on a cold winter’s night like a hot toddy. Instead of hot tea, next time, try a hot toddy. It also does wonders for the winter cold, making for a good night’s sleep.

Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup warm to hot water
  • 1 to 1.5 ounces of whiskey, depending on how strong you want it
  • 2 to 3 tsp. of honey
  • 2 to 3 tsp. of lemon juice, fresh or bottled
  • One cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon

Simmer water in a saucepan or tea kettle. Choose your favorite mug to pour water into. Add the whiskey and two teaspoons each of honey and lemon juice. Stir these ingredients until the honey has completely dissolved. Taste test to see if you would like to add the remaining honey or lemon juice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or dust with ground cinnamon. For even more sweetness, rim the glass with a drizzle of honey, so you get a little bit with every sip.

When it’s cold outside, stop by Payless Liquors and stock up on your favorite spirits to keep yours up during the long, harsh winter. Don’t forget, spring is just around the corner.

How to Spike Your Winter Hot Chocolate

There’s nothing quite like a piping hot mug of hot cocoa while watching the snow fall during the winter season. That is to say unless you’re an adult and would like a little alcohol to spice it up. If you’re looking to make your hot cocoa a little boozier, here are some delicious recipes to try!

Adult Hot Chocolate
If you are looking to keep hot cocoa as classic as possible but with a little kick, an adult hot chocolate might be just what you’re looking for. With rich chocolate, light spices, and the liquor of your choice, here’s how to make a cup for the next time you’re sitting by the fire.

Ingredients:

  • Cocoa powder
  • 2% milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Chocolate chips
  • Cinnamon to taste
  • 1.5-ounce Baileys, whiskey, or other liquor of your choice

Add milk to a stovetop pot, and warm gradually, bringing it to a simmer. Add in cocoa powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, chocolate chips, and sugar, and mix in until incorporated. Turn the stove to low and serve in mugs. Add the liquor of your choice to the hot cocoa concoction. The best pairings are often Baileys, whiskey, or rum.

The Peppermint Patty
If you are looking for a candy cane-inspired libation but are still craving that warm chocolatey comfort from hot cocoa, The Peppermint Patty might be just what you need while unwrapping your presents. Here’s how to get started on preparing your cup:

Ingredients:

  • One cup of hot chocolate
  • 1-ounce creme de cacao
  • 1-ounce peppermint schnapps

(Homemade Hot Cocoa Ingredients)

  • 2% or oat milk
  • Cocoa powder
  • Chocolate chips
  • Sugar

Start by brewing your hot chocolate, and while you can use store-bought hot chocolate powder in 2% or oat milk, you’ll get even more flavor by making it from scratch. You can make homemade hot cocoa on the stovetop by simmering the milk, then stirring in cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and sugar until they are dissolved.

Once finished, serve in a mug and add in the peppermint schnapps and creme de cacao for a delicious minty mug of Christmas joy.

Spiked and Spicy Hot Chocolate
If you’re looking to add a little spicy heat to your hot chocolate, this spiked-and-spicy hot chocolate will warm you up in more ways than one! Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

  • One cup of milk
  • 2-ounces milk chocolate
  • 1-ounce semi-sweet chocolate
  • One tablespoon of light brown sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon of cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • Dash of cayenne pepper
  • Dash of salt
  • 1.5 ounces of dark spiced rum

Once again, you will start by simmering the milk on a stovetop and blending in the chocolate and sugar until melted. Next, add your spices to the pot, whisking them in thoroughly. Once it is fully blended, pour it into a mug and add the dark spiced rum.

Orange Spiked Boozy Hot Chocolate
Two of the titular treats of the winter season are oranges and chocolate, and this delightful concoction blends both in a fruity and rich eruption of flavors. To make a cup, you will need the following:

Ingredients:

  • One cup of milk
  • One tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder
  • One tablespoon of brown sugar
  • One cinnamon stick
  • ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • One tablespoon of Grand Marnier

Bring the milk to a simmer in a stovetop pot, and incorporate in the cocoa powder, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until they’re dissolved. Add the cinnamon stick for additional flavor, pour into a mug, and finally, add the Grand Marnier for that orangey, zesty tang.

Rethink hot chocolate this season with these adult versions that are sure to warm you up. Contact Payless Liquors today for all of your alcohol add-ins for your chocolatey treat.

Drinks to Enhance Every Party

Looking for a tasty cocktail to ring in the new year with? Nothing celebrates the holidays quite like a delicious holiday drink! If you’re hosting a holiday get-together or New Year’s bash, a cocktail is the perfect way to enhance your party. When planning your holiday party, here are a few easy-to-make and festive holiday drinks that are perfect for your gathering.

The Grinch Cocktail

Sure, the Grinch never confessed to having a lot of holiday cheer, but this cocktail will bring plenty of joy to your holiday party with a zingy, refreshing tang! To make a serving follow the recipe below:

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 ounces vodka
  • ½ ounces melon liqueur
  • Lime juice from 3 wedges
  • Top with ginger ale
  • Garnish with green sugar, and a candy cane

Start by pouring the vodka and melon liqueur into an iced shaker. Next, juice the three wedges, cover them, and shake thoroughly before pouring them into a coupe glass or tumbler. Next, top with ginger ale. You can either do a splash for less seltzer or give a hearty pour if you like more bubbles in your cocktail.

For a party-size preparation of this cocktail, just combine the vodka, liqueur, and lime juice ahead of time and then ice it and top it with ginger ale when served. You can also pre-prepare the glasses with their garnish.

The Holly Jolly Christmas Cocktail

This classy holiday classic feels like Christmas in a cup, with the zestiness of a holiday orange, the sweetness of the liqueur, and some holiday herbs to tie together the perfect sampling of the season. Check out the ingredients you’ll need below:

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces of vodka
  • ½ ounces of elderflower liqueur
  • ⅓ cup fresh squeezed orange juice (blood orange is best)
  • Top with ginger beer
  • Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or thyme

Combine the vodka and liqueur in an iced shaker along with the freshly squeezed orange juice and shake thoroughly until frosty. Next, pour into a tumbler or punch glass using the ice from mixing or fresh ice, and top with a splash of ginger beer for some bubbles. And, of course, garnish with your sprig of mint for an amazing aroma or thyme for a more grounded, savory complement to the drink’s sweetness.

If preparing a large batch for your party, you can pre-combine the vodka, liqueur, and orange juice ahead of time, though be sure not to include ice until shaking! You can garnish the glasses ahead of time, as well.

The Spice Box

Hanukkah is another delightful part of the holiday season, and if you’re looking for a tasty drink to enjoy while your party lights the menorah, The Spice Box is a rich and delicious addition to your Hanukkah party! Here’s how to make a glass:

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 ounces bourbon
  • ¾ ounces Besamim liqueur
  • ½ ounce coffee liqueur
  • Garnish with a lemon peel

Combine the bourbon with the Besamim liqueur and coffee liqueur in a tumbler or old-fashioned glass and stir gently. Add a large single ice cube, stirring gently once more before garnishing with a lemon peel.

To prepare for a party, you can pre-combine all ingredients and simply add them to ice and garnish as needed.

The French 75

One of mixology’s most classic cocktails, The French 75 is simple, delicious, and with its celebration of champagne as a signature ingredient, the perfect cocktail to ring in the new year! Here’s how to prepare a serving:

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 ounces gin
  • 0.5 ounces of simple syrup
  • Top with champagne
  • Garnish with a lemon ribbon

Truly a simple but delightful cocktail; simply add the gin and simple syrup into a champagne flute, and then fill to the brim with champagne, garnishing with your lemon ribbon at the end. Be sure to keep the champagne chilled and corked until ready to serve to ensure you keep the drink bubbly and festive.

Enjoy these recipes this holiday season with your friends and family. Contact Payless Liquors today for more ideas on how to make your party festive.

Best Gifts for a Liquor Lover

With Christmas Day fast approaching, many may still be looking for the perfect gift to get for friends and family. But when it comes to gifting for the cocktail lovers in your life, there are a lot of possibilities. Whether you’re looking to get the cocktail lover in your life the latest mixology gear, the perfect set of glasses, or of course, a delicious bottle of liquor, we have the guide you need to buy for the liquor lover in your life this Christmas!

New Glassware for Mixing and Drinking

Any cocktail maestro knows there is a glass for every occasion. Whether they are in need of a set of stout simple tumblers and old-fashioned glasses, classy and broad snifters, or a set of fun martini glasses for their next party, you should ask if there are any specific drink vessels that your friend or family member is in need of. Many aspiring home mixologists will be overjoyed to get a set of new glasses.

For cocktail lovers who already have their cabinets filled with an impressive collection of classic glasses, a decanter might be a great gift. Storing alcohol in a decanter allows for the liquor to breathe and helps to release more flavor. Similarly, a decanter can be the centerpiece of a bar, with a variety of intricate glass or even crystal stylings, as well as many different color options to match the bar’s ambiance.

Novelty glasses, like a fun, exotic tiki glass, are also a great gift idea for any cocktail lover, as these can be harder to find, and their whimsical appearance makes for a great conversation topic at parties.

Cocktail Books

Even the most experienced cocktail creators enjoy hearing about new recipes, and a cocktail book makes for a great gift to help the liquor lovers in your life expand their own home bar menus. Cocktail books can open the door to delicious new recipes or old undiscovered classics for a cocktail lover. There are even themed cocktail books that celebrate sports, movies, or shows that can be a great guide for themed parties.

Also, be sure to ask the cocktail lover in your life if there are any mixologists or chefs they admire. Most celebrity chefs and drink makers have their own mixology recipe books that not only have plenty of tasty recipes but also share their own stories about their journey as cocktail craftspeople.

Bartending Tools

For the up-and-coming mixologists, a great holiday gift to consider is a bar tool kit. These will consist of commonly used bar tools that many people who are just getting started in mixology don’t have in their kitchen cabinets. These kits include strainers, mixing spoons, measured shot glasses, and other important utensils that are key to making a cocktail.

For the more experienced mixologists, you can consider gifting them higher-ticket bartending tools like an immersion blender or a smoker to take their cocktail creation to the next level.

A Nice Bottle of Booze

There are few presents better to give your liquor-loving friends than a nice bottle of their favorite booze. Whether you are getting them a nicely aged whiskey or scotch, a deliciously distilled tequila, or a rare specialty liqueur, whatever liquor you buy them, Payless Liquors has a terrific selection to choose from.

What is a Negroni Sbagliato?

The classic Negroni drink has undergone many iterations of change and experimentation since it appeared in the early 20th century. It was an experiment on the Americano, swapping the soda for gin. The base ingredients of the classic Negroni are equal amounts of gin, Campari, and vermouth. You have an entirely new drink by swapping the gin out with bourbon or rum.

The Negroni Sbagliato has recently come into new popularity as the result of Emma D’Arcy, star of HBO’s House of the Dragon, listing in their spell-binding voice the Sbagliato as their drink of choice. The Sbagliato is a form of the Negroni which switches the gin for sparkling wine, such as champagne or Prosecco, as D’Arcy added. It’s one of the most famous Italian cocktails. So how does making it differ from a classic Negroni?

The Classic Negroni

Though we’ve explained the base ingredients of a classic Negroni, the specifics are important. Campari is bold, and you don’t want the other elements to overpower or be overpowered by the bitter flavor. Select a sweet vermouth and gin pair that complements the Campari for the best Negroni drink.

Ingredients:

  • 1-ounce gin
  • 1 ounce Campari
  • 1-ounce sweet vermouth
  • Orange peel garnish

Add the gin, Campari, and vermouth in a mixing glass with ice, and stir until chilled. Then, strain the mix into a rocks glass or tumbler with a large ice cube and add the orange peel garnish.

A Negroni Sbagliato

Supposedly, the alcohol switch that created this cocktail was done by mistake or because of a lack of gin. Sbagliato means “mistake” or “bungled” in Italian, as this drink is a twist on the standard Negroni. It is delicious despite its apparent mistaken nature, replacing the gin of the classic Negroni with sparkling water such as champagne or Prosecco.

The classic Negroni is a more bitter drink, and it’s not for everyone. The Sbagliato is both sweet and bitter, thanks to the sweet vermouth, fortified wine-red vermouth, and Campari, a bitter dark red Italian liqueur mixed with the bubbly and bright Prosecco. The sparkling wine adds a sweetness to it that the gin doesn’t. It also makes the alcohol content of the Sbagliato lower than the classic Negroni.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ ounce Prosecco or sparkling wine
  • 1 ½ ounces Campari
  • 1 ½ ounces sweet vermouth
  • Orange peel garnish

Add the Campari and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice and stir. Add the orange peel twist for a garnish. Once chilled, strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube and top off with the Prosecco or sparkling wine.

For Sbagliato served up, strain the Campari and vermouth into a champagne flute, add the Prosecco, and stir again.

A Sbagliato is a simple drink at home, and it’s a decadent cocktail you can spend the evening with. Find all the necessary ingredients at your local Payless Liquors and enjoy this delicious drink.

Creating the Perfect Hard Cider Cocktail

It’s essential to enjoy the fall while it’s here, especially if you live somewhere that will be buried under snow in a couple of months. Now is the perfect time to enjoy a hard cider, with the crisp and cold weather that pairs perfectly with a little bite.

Whether you prefer warm or cold, there are plenty of options for a delicious ready-made cider on a chilly orange November evening. However, if you’re looking for something fun, you can create your cider cocktail with an apple-flavored whiskey, butterscotch, or apple vodka. You may even find your new go-to drink for these biting fall months.

The Apple Pie

Combining all the delicious flavors of fall, this cocktail is the perfect cool drink for an autumn night.

Ingredients:

  • 1-ounce vanilla vodka
  • ¾ ounce apple cider
  • ¾ ounce cinnamon whiskey
  • ½ ounce lemon juice
  • Hard cider
  • Cinnamon stick garnish

Add the vanilla vodka, cinnamon whiskey, apple cider, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake until chilled. Then, strain the mix into a rocks glass over ice, and top off the rest with hard cider. Add the cinnamon stick garnish.

Spiced Hard Cider

A simple recipe allows you to give your favorite hard cider an extra bite, complementing the flavors and making the drink a little extra special.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ ounce spiced rum
  • ½ ounce lime juice
  • ¼ ounce syrup
  • Hard cider
  • Cinnamon stick garnish

Combine the spiced rum, syrup, and lime juice into a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake until chilled. Add an optional garnish of a cinnamon stick. Strain over a glass of ice and top off the remainder of the tumbler with your favorite brand of hard cider.

Sparkling Hard Apple Cider Sangria

Perfect to make for yourself or have the pitcher on hand for a seasonal gathering; this cocktail is a sweet and refreshing drink for autumn.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup brandy
  • Five 12-ounce bottles of hard cider
  • 2-3 ounces of orange juice
  • 2 ounces of lemon juice
  • One apple, diced
  • One orange, sliced
  • Two cinnamon sticks, additional for garnish

Place the cut fruit into a large pitcher, and then add the brandy, cinnamon sticks, lemon, and orange juice. Mix, and chill the mixture, giving the cinnamon about half an hour to flavor the brandy. Add the apple cider, stir before serving, and garnish glasses with a cinnamon stick.

Hard Cider Mule

An autumn spin on a classic drink, this refreshing cocktail could be the perfect drink tonight.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces of apple vodka
  • 1 ½ ounces ginger beer
  • ½ ounce lime juice
  • Hard cider
  • Mint sprig and lime for garnish

In a tumbler or copper mug, combine vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer over ice, and then top off with your favorite hard cider. Stir the mixture, and garnish with a slice of lime and mint sprig, if you want.

Pick up all the ingredients you need to make the perfect cocktail at your local Payless Liquors.

Must Try Thanksgiving Cocktails

As we barrel towards the holidays, it’s a great time to discover some easy fall cocktails. When you need the perfect cocktail to pair with your holiday meal, you want a simple-to-make and delightful cocktail perfect for the season. Whether you want a glass for yourself or to impress the family gathering at Thanksgiving, we have some delicious fall drinks to spice up your day.

Apple Cider Bellini Cocktail

A simple cocktail recipe for one or for a group, this drink fits perfectly with the chill in the air and upcoming festivities. Here’s how you can make one serving.

Ingredients:

  • 1-ounce apple cider
  • One teaspoon of orange liqueur
  • One teaspoon of maple syrup
  • Chilled Prosecco to fill the rest of the glass
  • Rosemary sprigs for a garnish

Shake the apple cider, orange liqueur, and maple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice until chilled. Pour this mixture into your champagne glass and pour in the Prosecco. Then garnish with a rosemary sprig.

For a larger serving, keep the shaken ingredients separate from the Prosecco and keep them chilled until you’re ready to serve.

Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour

Perfect for a warming feeling as winter starts in full force, this sour whiskey offers just a touch of sweetness for a delicious drink. For one glass, follow these steps, and multiply by servings desired as necessary.

Ingredients:

  • Three tablespoons bourbon
  • Two tablespoons of lemon juice
  • Three teaspoons of maple syrup
  • A pinch of ground cinnamon

Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled ⅔ with ice until chilled. Strain the mixture over fresh ice in your glass and enjoy.

Cranberry Sangria

When you know you’ve got a big holiday gathering, this sangria is excellent to serve alongside an incredible meal. Easy to make, put in a pitcher, and refrigerate for a couple of days as you work on the rest of the meal; this drink is easy to make and serve. For about four servings in a medium pitcher, follow these steps.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup whole cranberries
  • Two apples, diced, tossed with lemon juice
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • ¼ cup cranberry juice
  • One bottle of white wine
  • 1 cup seltzer water

Put the diced apples and whole cranberries into your pitcher, then pour in the apple cider, cranberry juice, and white wine. Stir, then chill in the refrigerator for about an hour. Serve and enjoy!

Nutty Irishman Cocktail

A rich and unique cocktail, this drink is perfect for a cold night, combining creaminess with a nutty liqueur for a decadent holiday drink.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ ounces Irish cream
  • 1 ½ ounce hazelnut liqueur
  • ½ tablespoon crushed hazelnuts
  • Whipped cream

Add the Irish cream and hazelnut liqueur to a cocktail shaker, then fill with ice. Shake until frosty, then strain into a champagne coupe. Add whipped cream and dust the crushed hazelnuts over as a garnish.

Enjoy these simple cocktails this holiday season. Impress friends and family with your recipes, or enjoy them as you settle into the holiday season. Visit your local Payless Liquors today for more fall drink recipes or all the cocktail ingredients you could need.

Tailgating Without Beer

We’re deep in football season this time of year, and it’s a beautiful excuse to gather friends and family together for a fantastic tailgate. Whether you’re tailgating at a big stadium or from your own home, you want to be sure that the food and drinks are fun and perfect for the day of the big game. You must have go-to options that are fast and delicious and ideally come in cans or a pitcher that you can pass around—cheers to your team, together with a fantastic drink this game season.

Beer isn’t the only option for your football game tailgate. Though it’s an old standard, plenty of other drinks can have you in the festivities if you’re not a beer fan. Hard seltzers are an excellent option for your gathering, and hard ciders are perfect for this crisp fall time of year. Any number of mixed drinks, from screwdrivers to lemonade and whiskey to spiking your favorite brand of sweet tea with vodka or bourbon, offer a perfect spice to your tailgate.

Ready-made cocktails are also a great option if you’re going away from home for the tailgate and cannot whip up your own cocktail. However, if you have the time and means for a leisurely cocktail, there are some great game-day options for a simple cocktail.

Grape Sparkler

Sweet and delightful to look at, this drink is a simple and sweet cocktail for the football bash.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups red seedless grapes, plus 1 cup sliced grapes
  • Two tablespoons lemon juice
  • Two tablespoons honey
  • 2 cups seltzer
  • ¾ cup vodka

Blend the whole grapes, honey, and lemon juice, and pour it through a strainer into a pitcher. Add seltzer, vodka, and sliced grapes, and stir. Pour into ice-filled glasses, and garnish with grapes.

Gatorade Margarita

You can use any sports drink for this margarita, and it’s perfect for a long day of cheering and celebration.

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup blue decorating sugar
  • ¼ cup salt
  • 1 20-ounce bottle of blue sports drink, cold
  • 1 cup limeade concentrate, frozen and thawed
  • 1 cup white tequila
  • ⅓ cup blue Curaçao
  • Orange slices garnish

Mix sugar and salt, and rim rocks glasses in the mixture. In a large pitcher, mix your blue sports drink, limeade concentrate, white tequila, and blue Curaçao. Stir, and then pour into the rock glasses over ice. Garnish with an orange slice, if you want.

Hurricane Cocktail

For a strong drink for your tailgate, look to this fruity cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces light rum
  • 2 ounces dark rum
  • 1-ounce lime juice
  • 1-ounce orange juice
  • ½ ounce passion fruit puree
  • ½ ounce syrup
  • One teaspoon grenadine
  • Orange slice and cherry garnish

Add both rums, fruit juices, passion fruit puree, syrup, and grenadine in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a Hurricane glass over ice. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.

For all the necessary supplies for an incredible tailgate this football season, visit your local Payless Liquor.

Autumn Cocktails Perfect for Cooler Days

It’s the time for crunchy leaves and crisp air, and the perfect Autumn cocktail goes hand in hand with them. Whether for a Halloween party or just looking to cozy up with the ideal feeling of Fall, a spirited cocktail can be the right way to go. From cider drinks to eking out the last bit of sunshine, here are some libations to set you in the mood.

The Sunflower

If you love Fall, chances are sunflowers are one of your favorite flowers. This is the right cocktail for you if that’s the case! Soak up those last precious rays of sun before the weather cools down.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ ounces gin – Stick to the classic Hendricks for this one
  • 1 ½ ounces Cointreau
  • 1 ½ ounces St. Germain
  • 1 ½ ounces lemon juice

Combine all elements in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until entirely chilled. You can use whatever kind of glass you like. Strain the shaker mixture into two glasses. Garnish with a twist of lemon and an actual sunflower petal if you have them.

Spiked Apple Cider

This drink is the definition of fall time coziness. You can relax with this Autumn warmer cocktail with hot apple cider and bourbon.

Ingredients:

  • 4 ½ cups apple cider
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3 cloves, whole
  • 1 star anise, whole
  • 8 ounces bourbon – We love Makers Mark

Add all the ingredients, except the bourbon, to a saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and let the cider mixture simmer. Removing from the heat, strain out all the solids. In a mug, add 2 Ounces of Bourbon, and top with 1 Cup of mulled cider.

Haymaker

For the ultimate relaxer, try this cocktail that really packs a punch. It also works well in a large batch for parties and celebrations.

Ingredients:

  • ¾ ounce bourbon
  • ¾ ounce Triple Sec
  • ¾ ounce dry vermouth
  • ¾ ounce lime juice

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with a generous amount of ice, and shake until thoroughly chilled. Then, strain it into an Old Fashioned glass.

Brandy and Cider Sidecar

Bring back the cider for this delightful take on a tried-and-true classic. With Brandy as the base spirit, you can’t go wrong with this combination of flavors that are perfect for any Autumnal activity.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ ounce brandy
  • 1 ½ ounce Cointreau
  • 3 ounces apple cider
  • ½ ounce lemon juice
  • Angostura bitters to taste

With a shaker full of ice, add all the ingredients. Shake until thoroughly chilled. Strain into a coupe cocktail glass, and garnish with a cherry.

Cran Fizz

While most people dream of apple and pumpkin flavors this time of year, we can’t ignore a good cranberry cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • 6 ounces gin—shoot for a classic like Bombay Sapphire
  • 4 ounces ginger ale, chilled
  • 1 cup simple syrup
  • 1 cup cranberries, fresh

Heat the simple syrup to a boil, then reduce the heat and add the cranberries, cooking until they burst. Let the mixture cool. Add the gin and simple syrup mixture to the shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into two glasses, and then top with ginger ale. Garnish with the candied cranberries, and enjoy.

These cocktails will keep you cozy all season long. Visit your local Payless Liquors today!

4 Riffs on a Classic Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a classic libation for Fall, and with the season upon us, now is the best time to enjoy this drink. Rich flavors are the best to lean into this time of year, and that’s why we’ve got 4 riffs on your classic Old Fashioned for Fall.

Apple Brandy Old Fashioned

Brandy isn’t your typical spirit for an Old Fashioned, but that’s what makes it perfect for an updated version of this cocktail. Apple flavors punch up this drink and make us feel cozy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ounce apple brandy – We recommend Huber Applejack Brandy
  • 1 ounce brandy
  • ½ ounce brown sugar simple syrup*
  • Angostura Bitters to taste, 2-3 dashes should do the trick.

In a rocks glass, combine all the ingredients over one large ice cube. Stir to fully incorporate all the elements and serve with an orange peel or twist.

*Brown sugar simple syrup is as easy to make as the regular simple syrup: equal parts water and brown sugar. If you’re feeling frisky, add a cinnamon stick to spice it up.

Mezcal Old Fashioned

While so many cocktails use just one spirit as their flavor base, this one takes it up a notch with mezcal and bourbon.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ ounces mezcal – We recommend Dos Tiranos Mezcal
  • 1 ounce bourbon – We recommend Makers Mark
  • 2 teaspoons Orgeat
  • Angostura bitters to taste

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and stir with ice until chilled. Strain the concoction into an Old Fashioned glass over ice. Garnish your cocktail with an orange twist and grated cinnamon for an extra kick.

Smoked Rosemary Old Fashioned

Rosemary has been having a moment in cocktails lately, so this recipe is timely. With just a little extra work, you can create a cocktail that will change how you drink your Old Fashioned.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces bourbon – Try Old Forester Bourbon
  • ½ ounce simple syrup
  • Angostura bitters – A dash or two will do
  • 2 sprigs of rosemary

In an Old Fashioned glass, pour bourbon over ice, adding the simple syrup and bitters. Light the rosemary sprigs on fire and put it over the drink while it’s smoking. Cover the drink and the rosemary with a cocktail shaker and let rest for about 10 seconds. Then, take the shaker and the sprig away and enjoy your smoked rosemary-infused Old Fashioned. Cheers!

New Old Fashioned

This one is a complete departure from the classic. With gin as a base, we completely mix up the palate with floral flavors, but this departure will liven up the season.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces gin – Try Junipero Gin, with its bright, piney flavor
  • ½ ounce St. Germain
  • Orange bitters to taste

Combine all ingredients over ice and stir. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a grapefruit twist to add a little extra flavor to this gin concoction. Enjoy.

The quiet of the season pairs well with a bit of spirit experimentation. Visit your local Payless Liquors today for all your beverage essentials.

Fall Cocktails You Need to Try

Fall marks the end of long, hot summer days. It also means the start of the harvest of many crops such as pumpkins and apples. Ironically, there’s just something warming about fall flavors coupled with the welcomed cool, crisp temperatures of autumn. To commemorate this uniquely satisfying season, we’ve compiled a collection of fall cocktail recipes.

Pumpkin Vodka Martini

If you’ve ever tasted pumpkin pie so good that you wished it were a drink, well, now it is. This fall twist on the classic martini tastes like pumpkin pie in a martini glass.

For one drink, you’ll need:

  • 1 oz. Smirnoff Whipped Cream Vodka
  • 1 oz. Baileys Pumpkin Spice
  • Dash of pumpkin spice
  • Demerara sugar (raw sugar)

To mix:

Shake the vodka and Baileys in a martini shaker with ice for at least one minute until very cold. Rim a chilled martini glass with demerara raw sugar. Strain mix into glass and sprinkle with pumpkin spice.

Crown Royal Regal Apple Cider

Hot apple cider likely adorns the memories of autumns passed for many, young and old. But spiked hot apple cider is a taste reserved for those of drinking age.

For one mug, you’ll need:

  • 2 oz. Crown Royal Regal Apple
  • 4 cups apple cider or juice
  • 6 sticks of cinnamon
  • 4 tbsp nutmeg
  • 10 cloves
  • Orange zest
  • Orange twist

To make:

Combine nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, orange zest, and cider (or juice) into a pot or slow cooker. Simmer and stir for 15-30 minutes. Strain the hot liquid carefully. Throw away the solids but keep the liquid. Combine Crown Royal Regal Apple with four ounces of the hot spiced liquid cider mix. Garnish with an orange twist.

Autumn

This drink recipe, developed by bar veteran and writer, Naren Young, is named after the season because it tastes like fall.

For one drink, you’ll need:

  • 1.5 oz. Laird’s Applejack
  • 0.5 oz. amontillado sherry
  • 0.25 oz. Clear Creek pear brandy
  • 0.5 oz. maple syrup
  • 3 dashes apple bitters
  • Allspice tincture
  • Dehydrated pear crisp

To mix:

Combine sherry, brandy, maple syrup, Laird’s Applejack, apple bitters, and ice in a glass and stir until well chilled. Strain into a glass over one large cube of ice. Spray with allspice tincture and garnish with pear crisp.

Southern Comfort Hot Cocoa

This drink is best saved for the chilliest of fall evenings and promises to warm your palate and your soul.

To make four servings, you’ll need:

  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 4 cups milk
  • 3 ounces Southern Comfort
  • Whipped cream

To make:

In a saucepan, combine sugar, salt, and cocoa powder. Heat milk in a separate saucepan over medium heat until hot, not boiling. Add a few spoons of the milk into the other saucepan with the cocoa mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon into a smooth paste. Slowly add the rest of the milk, gradually incorporating it into the cocoa. Simmer for five minutes on low heat. Next, add the

Southern Comfort and, with an immersion blender, froth until creamy with foam. Pour into pre-warmed glass mugs or cups and top with whipped cream.

Order your spirits online or come by the store, and get ready to enjoy these delicious fall cocktails!

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!

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!

bitters in your cocktail

Why You Should Add Bitters to Your Cocktails

 

No bartender’s utility belt would be complete without bitters. But they seem to be a mystery to most of us, so we’re here to help make the mysterious bitter a more familiar ingredient in your cocktail-making playbook.

The Return of the Bitters!

Bitters have returned thanks to the emergence of craft cocktails over the last decade. These potent and, of course, bitter, liquids are essential to crafting many drinks. What makes them even better is that they may make an upset stomach feel better.

Lately, bitter makers have been on a roll. They’ve been reviving recipes that history has forgotten and creating flavors including Sriracha, fig, and barbecue.

From Where Did Bitters Return?

Before all but disappearing at the turn of the 20th century, bitters hit their high point in the 1800s. Be-fore bitters became familiar to Americans, Europeans used bitters as medicine for a long time. There’s evidence dating to around 7,000 B.C. that someone in China concocted a mix of grapes, rice, honey, and hawthorn berry, which tastes horrid. Strictly speaking, it was a drinkable bitter known as an amaro.

What Are Bitters and How Should I Use Them?

In short, bitters are boozy flavored extracts made by infusing pieces of plants in alcohol. Bitters can get their flavors from barks, berries, flowers, roots, and other plant stuff, and think of using them as you would use salt with food. Because, as salt does with food, bitters help emphasize the flavors of cocktails while including their own taste.

What Is Amari?

In Italian, amaro means bitter, and the plural of amaro is Amari. Furthermore, Amari are used as mixers or drunk out of the bottle. Some Amari you may be familiar with are Branca, Campari, Cynar, Fernet Branca, and Pimm’s No. 1.

How Do I Tell the Difference Between Bitters and Amari?

The difference between bitters and Amari is that Amari are drinkable, and bitters are used as a seasoning. A more straightforward way to tell them apart is that Amari comes in large bottles and is meant to be drunk, while bitters come in small bottles and are used in the same way that salt is used – to enhance and add to the flavors of food.

Bitter Categories

There are a lot of bitters and so many flavors that it’s hard to categorize them, but here’s a general list.

· Aromatic

· Citrus

· Herbal

· Nut

Which Bitters Should I Keep on Hand?

A good starting kit of bitters would include an aromatic, a citrus, and something fun like lavender or chocolate. These could help ensure you have whichever bitter on hand you need to make a perfect cocktail.

Go-to Brands of Bitters

· Angostura

· Fee Brothers

· Peychaud’s

· Regan’s Orange No. 6.

You might want to try other players in the bitters market. Germany produces the Bitter Truth, London’s got Bob’s Bitters, while America’s got Bitterman’s of New Orleans and Bitter Cube hails from Milwaukee.

Do Bitters Ever Go Stale?

It’s a long shot that bitters will go bad before you use them. Simply keep them stashed in the dark of your liquor cabinet, and they should keep for up to five years. On the other hand, Bitterman’s of New Orleans claims five years is the low end of how long they’ll last.

If you’re ready to enjoy bitters, here are some cocktails made with bitters to try at home:

· Pink Gin Pink

· Whiskey and Bitters

· Old Fashioned

· Sazerac

· Martini

· Manhattan

· The Sawyer

Come By Payless Liquors for a Variety of Bitter Options

Order your cocktail ingredients today, and don’t forget the bitters! Pre-order and pick up from our store! Pickup Order form – Payless Liquors (payless-liquors.com)

Why You Should Add Bitters to Your Cocktails

No bartender’s utility belt would be complete without bitters. But they seem to be a mystery to most of us, so we’re here to help make the mysterious bitter a more familiar ingredient in your cocktail-making playbook.

The Return of the Bitters!

Bitters have returned thanks to the emergence of craft cocktails over the last decade. These potent and, of course, bitter, liquids are essential to crafting many drinks. What makes them even better is that they may make an upset stomach feel better.

Lately, bitter makers have been on a roll. They’ve been reviving recipes that history has forgotten and creating flavors including Sriracha, fig, and barbecue.

From Where Did Bitters Return?

Before all but disappearing at the turn of the 20th century, bitters hit their high point in the 1800s. Be-fore bitters became familiar to Americans, Europeans used bitters as medicine for a long time. There’s evidence dating to around 7,000 B.C. that someone in China concocted a mix of grapes, rice, honey, and hawthorn berry, which tastes horrid. Strictly speaking, it was a drinkable bitter known as an amaro.

What Are Bitters and How Should I Use Them?

In short, bitters are boozy flavored extracts made by infusing pieces of plants in alcohol. Bitters can get their flavors from barks, berries, flowers, roots, and other plant stuff, and think of using them as you would use salt with food. Because, as salt does with food, bitters help emphasize the flavors of cock-tails while including their own taste.

What Are Amari?

In Italian, amaro means bitter, and the plural of amaro is Amari. Furthermore, Amari are used as mixers or drunk out of the bottle. Some Amari you may be familiar with are Branca, Campari, Cynar, Fernet Branca, and Pimm’s No. 1.

How Do I Tell the Difference Between Bitters and Amari?

The difference between bitters and Amari is that Amari are drinkable, and bitters are used as a seasoning. A more straightforward way to tell them apart is that Amari comes in large bottles and is meant to be drunk, while bitters come in small bottles and are used in the same way that salt is used – to enhance and add to the flavors of food.

Bitter Categories

There are a lot of bitters and so many flavors that it’s hard to categorize them, but here’s a general list.

· Aromatic

· Citrus

· Herbal

· Nut

Which Bitters Should I Keep on Hand?

A good starting kit of bitters would include an aromatic, a citrus, and something fun like lavender or chocolate. These could help ensure you have whichever bitter on hand you need to make a perfect cocktail.

Go-to Brands of Bitters

· Angostura

· Fee Brothers

· Peychaud’s

· Regan’s Orange No. 6.

You might want to try other players in the bitters market. Germany produces the Bitter Truth, London’s got Bob’s Bitters, while America’s got Bitterman’s of New Orleans and Bitter Cube hails from Milwaukee.

Do Bitters Ever Go Stale?

It’s a long shot that bitters will go bad before you use them. Simply keep them stashed in the dark of your liquor cabinet, and they should keep for up to five years. On the other hand, Bitterman’s of New Orleans claims five years is the low end of how long they’ll last.

If you’re ready to enjoy bitters, here are some cocktails made with bitters to try at home:

· Pink Gin Pink

· Whiskey and Bitters

· Old Fashioned

· Sazerac

· Martini

· Manhattan

· The Sawyer

Come By Payless Liquors for a Variety of Bitter Options

Order your cocktail ingredients today, and don’t forget the bitters! Pre-order and pick up from our store! Pickup Order form – Payless Liquors (payless-liquors.com)

Cocktail for Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day: 5 Cocktails and Spirits

 

We’ve all been there. It’s February 7th, and you still don’t have a plan for Valentine’s Day. Maybe a simple card won’t do the trick, and you’ve run out of ideas. Luckily for you, we’ve got a plan. If you’re planning on a dinner at home, or maybe just a few drinks, these drinks are sure to encourage that romantic air that you might be trying to capture.

 

  1. Apple Cider Mimosa. We’ve all heard of the classic mimosa. And if you’re thinking brunch for your Valentine’s Day celebration, a mimosa is a great idea. This mimosa combines a sparkling wine, like a Cava or a Prosecco, with apple cider for a surprising twist. First pour in your apple cider, roughly halfway up a champagne flute. Then, add your chilled sparkling wine of choice to top off the glass. Garnish with an apple slice, and sip away.

 

  1. Red Wine. You really can’t go wrong with a rich, deep red wine. Evoking the color of passion, red wine is certainly a more traditional approach for Valentine’s Day. Merlot, with a rich, dark fruit flavor and its deep red color, is a great option. Here are a few merlots to choose from.

 

  1. Kentucky Kiss. Not for its name alone, the Kentucky Kiss would be a great addition to any Valentine’s dinner menu. If you or your sweetheart enjoy bourbon, this is the cocktail for you. Combining lemon juice, fresh strawberries, bourbon, maple syrup, and club soda, you get a rich and boozy cocktail for the evening. First, you’ll muddle the lemon juice, maple syrup, and strawberries together in the bottom of an old-fashioned glass. Then you’ll add ice and fill the rest of the glass with bourbon, and a splash of club soda. Garnish with a fresh sliced strawberry and enjoy. Looking for bourbon? Maker’s Mark is a delicious and recognizable option.

 

  1. Hanky Panky. The name might be outdated, but the flavor certainly isn’t. Using gin to make a sweet martini, the addition of the herbal Fernet-Branca creates an interesting and complex flavor. In a tumbler with ice, combine sweet vermouth, Fernet-Branca and gin. Add a splash of orange juice to taste. Stir these ingredients well. Then, strain and pour into a martini glass. Add a twist of orange peel for a bit of extra flavor, and the all-important added flair. Salud!

 

  1. Italian for ‘drowned,’ the idea is to drown ice-cream with coffee. But for an added treat, pour over a little coffee liquor, Irish cream, or amaretto for added kick. An affogato is the perfect way to finish out a meal and treat yourself and someone special to a special dessert.

 

From start to finish of your Valentine’s Day plans, these 5 cocktails are sure to inspire a romantic mood and create the right element of extra to your plans. The easy preparation and the complex flavors of each cocktail are perfect for your meal, start to finish. From a bubbly kick-off, to a rich, boozy ice cream dessert, you can enjoy a warm glow for the whole celebration. To save yourself a little more time before picking up your Valentine’s date, utilize our pickup form for a speedy transaction.

Winter Cocktails

Winter Cocktail Recipes: Top 4

 

Cold winter weather leaves many of us reaching for spirits to stay warm and comfortable. Whether you plan to entertain friends and family this holiday or simply enjoy a winter cocktail in front of a roaring fire, check out our recipes below to ensure you can survive even the coldest winter nights with confidence and class.

 

Nutty Irishman

 

This sweet, nutty winter cocktail is a winter staple for a reason, and our friends at Delish have created a decadent version sure to please even the pickiest guests.

 

To make the Irish whipped cream that will top the winter cocktail, whisk together 1 cup of whipped cream and 1 Tb of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, then slowly add ¼ cup of Irish cream. Transfer this mixture to a piping bag and let it chill while you move on to the next step.

 

Next, fill an iced shaker with 1 ½ ounces of Irish cream and 1 ½ ounces of hazelnut liquor (we recommend Frangelico), shake the contents until the shaker becomes frosty, and strain. Serve with Irish whipped cream and chopped hazelnuts.

 

Gingerbread Eggnog

 

Delicious, creamy gingerbread eggnog can be enjoyed at breakfast, brunch, or mixed with dark rum for a seasonal cocktail any time of the day or night. Spruce Eats notes that carefully tempering the eggs is the key for this recipe, and the finished product can be stored for up to five days in the fridge.

 

Begin with six large eggs, separating yolks from whites and placing the yolks in a medium-sized bowl. Add ½ cup of sugar and whisk until the mixture becomes creamy, smooth, and light yellow in color. Create a spice mixture with ¼ tsp allspice, ¼ tsp ground cloves, ½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ground ginger, and a pinch of salt.

 

Place 1 cinnamon stick and 3 cups of milk in a large saucepan and heat on the stovetop until it starts to simmer, then add ¼ tsp vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of dark molasses, and the spice mixture you created in the previous step. Next, carefully ladle the egg mixture into the milk mixture while whisking constantly so the eggs do not cook.

 

Bring this combination to a simmer on the stove, regularly check the temperature with a candy thermometer, and turn off the heat after it reaches 160 degrees. Transfer to a large glass bowl, cover, and chill for at least four hours, then you can add ¼ c. rum after it has fully chilled.

 

Peppermint Bark Mimosas

 

A traditional mimosa pairs champagne with orange, cranberry, or other fruit juices, but you can add a seasonal twist with peppermint and chocolate. Sparkling wine and peppermint might seem like an odd combo, but this recipe from Cocktails with Class is an easy and delicious crowd-pleaser.

 

To make a candy cane rim, crush candy cane pieces in a shallow dish, dip the rim of a champagne flute in simple syrup, then gently dip the glass into the crushed candy canes. Set aside for a few minutes, then add ½ ounce peppermint vodka and ½ ounce clear Crème de cacao to the flute, top with prosecco, hang a candy cane on the rim for extra flair, and serve immediately.

 

Frost and Fire

 

If you don’t have much of a sweet tooth or prefer the smoky, peaty flavor of scotch, Johnnie Walker’s frost and fire cocktail may be just the treat for you as the temperatures drop. Combine 1 ounce Johnnie Walker Black Label, ½ ounce sweet vermouth, 4 ounces club soda, and a dash of spicy bitters in a highball. Add a few cubes of ice, stir gently, and garnish with an orange slice.

 

Contact Payless Liquors today to place an order with us and you’ll have plenty of holiday cocktail options this season.