Pumpkins have been grown in North America for roughly 5,000 years — hence, the short-lived, but annual, obsession with this fall fruit (yes, pumpkins are, in fact, fruits). Furthermore, pumpkins are one of the largest fruits on earth, the largest pumpkin on record weighing in at 2,702 pounds.
Though the excitement for pumpkin spice tends to lessen each year as winter’s end looms, in early fall, practically anything goes that is flavored with pumpkin spice — even wine. Below is an easy recipe for making your own pumpkin spice wine.
Wash, trim, peel, and chop/grind the pumpkin and mix it with raisins. Add spices. Add boiling water and ferment in a large crock (primary fermenter) overnight. Then add all remaining ingredients (except yeast). Don’t skip the acid blend because pumpkins are low in acid, and they need this for proper fermentation.
Stir well to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. Using a hydrometer, ensure the specific gravity ranges between 1.090 and 1.095. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture. Stir daily for three to five days until the specific gravity is 1.040. The mixture should get bubbly and have a pleasant aroma that is mildly yeasty. At the end of the first ferment, the pumpkin should have a mushy consistency, and the raisins should be nice and plump.
At this point, you’ll want to strain the “mush” and raisins using cheesecloth or an unbleached coffee filter. Squeeze as much juice out as possible. This is an important step because when not strained properly, leftover sediment in your wine can produce an undesirable texture.
For the second ferment:
Siphon the pumpkin wine into your secondary fermenter. Fill with water to volume and lock it in airtight with an airlock attachment. Your wine will look very cloudy at this point.
For the final aging:
After three weeks, rack your wine — transfer it into another fermenter or out of the fermenter long enough to clean out the sediment in the original). This removes the good wine from the bad sediment. Sediment can alter flavors in the fermenting process, so it’s a good practice to purify your wine often during the aging process.
Once your wine is removed from the fermenter, add ½ cup sugar and dissolve it in one cup of your wine mixture. Do this each time you rack your wine. Stir the wine gently and place it back into the secondary fermenter in the same manner as above. Do this process every six weeks until adding sugar does not restart fermentation. Then rack every three months until the wine is one year old before bottling. The wine should look clear now with the particles settled at the bottom.
Refrain from drinking your wine for one year from the first fermentation. The longer it ferments, the better, and this will ensure a sweeter-tasting pumpkin wine. If you start now, your wine should be just right by this time next year, just in time for fall! While you wait for your wine to ferment entirely, you can stop by the store to pick up a bottle that’s ready to go or place an order online.
Brunch has become increasingly popular over the last several years, and it’s no secret why. Delectable sweet and savory foods taste great any time of the day, and there are a host of brunch-friendly drinks that are the perfect complement to the many flavors involved. For example, brunch and mimosas go hand in hand.
That’s why, if you’re considering hosting your very own brunch get together, a mimosa bar is a must. We suggest offering some spins on the classic mimosa, as well as bubbly alternatives. Here are some budget-friendly options as well as more sophisticated choices to keep your mimosa bar exciting.
Juices
While the classic mimosa features orange juice, you don’t have to stick to the basics. Offer a variety of juices—just keep the design classy and place your selections in labeled milk carafe-style containers with lids. Apple cider can add an incredible flavor spin to your basic mimosa, and pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice are all great options. If you want to class up a classic, blood orange juice can really elevate your mimosa bar.
Bubbly
Champagne is that bubbly beverage from a region of the same name in France. However, true French champagne can cost a little more than you may want to spend. If you want to elevate your mimosa bar, opt for the luxurious Moet Brut Imperial. If you want to keep the whole event more affordable, Andre Spumante is a classic standby, and the Andre brand carries several options that can change up the basic mimosa flavor. For a middle-of-the-road option, Chandon Brut is still affordable, and delicious. Be sure to keep all your bubbly on ice throughout the event to preserve the flavor and keep the beverage sparkling.
Fruits
Any fruit is a good fruit for a mimosa. For every juice you have in stock, you should consider offering the same fresh fruit. Fruits with a bit of sturdiness work the best, which means blueberries, pomegranate seeds, apple slices, and strawberries. Strawberries are a classic pairing with champagne, so definitely don’t skip those. Aside from fruit, don’t forget the fresh herbs—herbs are experiencing a serious resurgence in many cocktails, and it’s no mystery why. You can grow them yourself, they add a ton of flavor to any drink, and they can take any plain cocktail from boring to vibrant in mere seconds.
Glassware
The right glass is essential to the mimosa and choosing a good mimosa glass means considering that a mimosa is a bubbly beverage. A flute is the typical choice for champagne, Prosecco, and mimosas for a few reasons. Primarily, the shape of the glass encourages the bubbles to stick around a little longer than a glass with more surface area. Second, dropping a berry or two into that beverage might be a little more satisfying in a deep glass. Third—it just looks nice!
Now that you have your mimosa bar ingredients, we have a few final tips to keep in mind:
Variety is important, but don’t overdo it. A few options in each category still creates a lot of opportunities to mix and match.
Make sure there’s lots of color unless you’re going trendy and monochromatic.
Be sure to pour the bubbly first—it just mixes better.
Our selection of bubbly can’t be beaten! Visit your nearest Payless Liquors location to stock your next mimosa bar.
Summer is the time when we soak up the sun outdoors and enjoy extra time with loved ones—especially with fun summer celebrations. Whether you’re planning a menu for a birthday party, a retirement celebration, or a housewarming, cocktails always liven up the party. Best of all? You can use different flavors to highlight your theme inspirations. Think tiki drinks for a Hawaiian theme, or bubbly for a slightly more refined affair.
Rather than assigning bartender duties to someone who will miss out on some of the fun, mix up these punches for your festive fete. Keep the sipping fun and responsible!
Breezy “Rum” Punch
Originally consumed by sailors as an alternative to beer, the classic rum punch has been around since the 17th century. In time, it gained popularity in mainland Britain and has been enjoyed by party-goers ever since. While our recipe doesn’t include rum, it still packs a punch. This “Rum” Punch is an easy cocktail to mix up in a batch and enjoy all afternoon.
Ingredients:
2 c vodka 1 750 mL bottle La Marca Prosecco
2 L bottle of lemon lime soda
2 c pineapple juice
2 c orange juice
2 c raspberries
2 c sliced strawberries
Fresh mint
Combine all liquid ingredients and stir carefully to fully incorporate. Add fruit to the concoction, and carefully stir again. Gently ladle into cups, then top with mint garnish. Be sure to use a container with a lid, and store on ice. Sip, sip, enjoy!
Tiki Afternoon Punch
Tiki drinks gained popularity in the early 1930s, when the man best known as Donn Beach started mixing up these delightful libations. Many of these cocktails were quite elaborate, created with 10 or more ingredients. Our Tiki Afternoon Punch is a simplified version of those classic drinks.
Ingredients:
1 750 mL bottle Seagrams Vodka
2 c fresh lime juice
3 c pineapple juice
Lime wheels
Pineapple wheels
Mint
Maraschino cherries
In a glass beverage dispenser, combine all liquid ingredients. Stir gently to fully incorporate flavors. Add in lime wheels and pineapple wheels, and gently stir. Add ice to the concoction and cover. After dispensing into cups, garnish with mint and a Maraschino cherry.
Bubbly Punch
We love a good fizzy cocktail, especially ones that take advantage of the bright, bold flavors of a classic Prosecco. Prosecco is the Italian counterpart of your classic champagne, but it features flavors that are a bit sweeter and lighter, like honeydew and pear. The bubbles are also less aggressive—instead of being in the nose, they are light and soft. We think Prosecco is the perfect complement to a fun summer punch.
Ingredients:
1 750 mL bottle Ruffino Prosecco
1 c Svedka Vanilla vodka
3 c pineapple juice
3 c seltzer water
2 c pineapple wedges
2 peaches, sliced thinly
Ice
Extra pineapple wedges
Mint
Combine all the liquid ingredients in a large, screw top jar. Stir gently to fully incorporate. Add 2 c pineapple wedges, sliced peaches and ice, and gently stir these ingredients into the liquid mixture. Close the lid. After dispensing, top the beverage with a pineapple wedge and mint. Enjoy.
Payless Liquors has everything you need to make these fantastic summer punches. Stop in and concoct your favorite!
Whiskey, or whisky, comes with a lot of opinions. Spirit lovers know that whiskey is a mighty beast, frequently enjoyed in the late evenings sitting around a fireplace in the dead of winter. While this may not be true for all whiskey purists, what is true is that whiskey doesn’t usually conjure up images of summer. Whiskey enthusiasts can rejoice because Bourbon Barrel Aged Rums are perfect for summer sipping.
Hear us out, everything associated with summer extravaganzas — pools, peaceful beachside homes, heaping barbecues of flavorful meat and seafood, freshly shucked corn — works better with rum. There is also no room for error. Any method you choose is acceptable, including rum on the rocks, rum punch, a fun cocktail, or even a large pour consumed neat.
Let’s look at some of the best rum out there for whiskey drinkers:
Zacapa XO
Because Zacapa rum is matured in two distinct bourbon barrels, first in bourbon barrels that had previously been uncharred, then in barrels that had been charred, it is often suggested to bourbon lovers. The whiskey tastes it formerly carried come back to life when the char level is set to #4. The flavors and fragrances of vanilla, cherry, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon all come through and increase the rum’s richness. It continues into sherry casks, which are used to mature a lot of scotch.
Diplomatico Mantuano
The Diplomatico Mantuano Extra Anejo features lots of oak and vanilla notes, as well as lovely dried fruit characteristics. Serve it straight up to convert any bourbon drinker to a rum enthusiast.
The Real McCoy 12
The Real McCoy 12-Year Aged Rum is one of the best rums you’ll ever have. The finest of both the rum and whiskey worlds are combined in this rum from Barbados without any additional sugar or coloring. The fact that it was matured for 10 years in charred American oak bourbon barrels gives it the wood and spice aromas that some of the greatest bourbons are known for. It has just enough sweetness to remind you that you’re drinking rum.
It’s perfect for bourbon drinkers who prefer a little sweetness without the syrupy mouthfeel of a mass-produced beverage.
Rhum Barbancourt 8
For fans of bourbon, Rhum Barbancourt 8 Year is a fantastic rum. It has a lot of depth and funk since it is a Rhum Agricole, and the French oak barrel aging brings out the vanilla and baking
spices that bourbon lovers like from the rickhouse. Barbancourt also finishes with a pleasant, grassy taste and has enough fire to flare up the back of your palate like good rye.
Rhum Clément 10
Rhum Clément 10 Year is the ideal rum for bourbon lovers since it tastes similar to a 10-year bourbon. To replicate bourbon, it also contains a little vanilla flavor and a rich barrel aroma.
Santa Teresa 1796
This rum has flavors of bitter chocolate, almonds, and buttery biscuits in addition to being dry, smooth, and well-balanced. Santa Teresa 1796 is rich with wood and cherry aromas, making it a good choice for whiskey drinkers.
Flor de Cana Centenario 12
This top-shelf aged rum was aged in American oak barrels for 12 years. The result is a very sophisticated, oaky rum with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and honey. It’s a rum fit for a whiskey enthusiast who enjoys patient drinking.
Find Your Favorite at Payless Liquors
Whiskey drinkers needn’t throw out their brew, but rum gives them the option of a complex flavor that’s more suited for summer, especially with the higher-end Bourbon Barrel Aged Rums. Check out our full catalog of rum, and find your new favorite today
Summer is synonymous with music festivals. Whether you’re attending something more bluegrass-focused or a genre with more kick, sprucing up your festival experience with libations is an important decision that you want to get right. From beer to liquor and wine, here are some pairings for your festival experience to suit the vibe.
Lightning Bug Music Festival
The Lightning Bug Music Festival brings beauty, nature, and music together in a weekend-long bluegrass extravaganza. If you’re interested in suiting the ambiance of the venue, there are a few different options you can explore:
● Whiskey. With some of bluegrass’s origins in the Appalachian Mountains, moonshine can be a great addition to your festival journey. While authentic moonshine can’t be found legally, whiskey can certainly do the trick. Maker’s Mark is an excellent option for Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky. For an earthier and more complex flavor, look for our Rittenhouse Whiskey or Bulleit Rye.
● Beer. Beer is a versatile option that can be enjoyed at any time, and the right variety can complement the atmosphere of a bluegrass festival. Abita’s Andygator features a light and crisp mouthfeel and grassy tasting notes. Saison’s are great seasonal choices for your festival needs. Snag a Saison Dupont to really capture those end-of-summer vibes.
● Cider. If you’re looking for something a little sweeter, give the cider a try. Ace Apple Cider features a clean finish and dark honey notes, while Crispin’s The Saint shows off a sweeter finish with just a touch of tartness.
Riot Fest
Riot Fest is another area favorite with a nostalgic lineup as well as up-and-comers. This year’s lineup promises to be a riot, so you want the drinks to go with the fun. Try these options for your Riot Fest experience:
● Vodka. Vodka is a great choice due to its versatility and fairly neutral flavor. You can mix it with just about anything to your taste, whether that’s juice or something with carbonation, and you can enjoy it responsibly all day long. Try our Indiana Vodka Honey Lemon for an interesting twist or stick with your favorite brand.
● Tequila. Nothing amps up a shindig like tequila. From a traditional Margarita to the bright flavors of a Paloma, nothing screams fun quite like tequila. Whether you’re a reposado lover or prefer the more aged Anejo tequilas, Payless Liquors has something for everyone. Try the Cazadores reposado or stick to Patron in a variety of ages and flavors.
● Ready-to-drink cocktails. Cocktails are excellent, but a cocktail that’s already prepared is even better. With perfect serving sizes, and perfect pours every time, ready-made cocktails are the perfect endnote to any music festival. Bols Ready to Enjoy Cocktail Tubes are not only tasty but also conveniently shaped for transport. They maximize flavor while minimizing space. On the Rocks Premium Cocktails are another great option. Carefully curated cocktails made by mixologists, On the Rocks are ready for your glass.
Get Ready for Summer Festivals
While many festivals don’t allow outside food or beverages, nothing stops you from a little pregame happy hour. If you’re camping out, you’ll want to keep your cooler ice cold and ready for your cocktails, and your body well hydrated. That means don’t forget the water and other N/A options too.
Keep your music festival experience as fun as it can be and shop Payless Liquors for all your beverage needs. We have over 20 locations around and outside of Indianapolis, and we’re ready to help you pick the perfect treats for your festival. Don’t forget our weekly ad if you need help picking out your perfect libation. Visit us today!
To pack for a picnic, put some club sandwiches, a seasonal fruit salad, and a delectable beverage in a cooler. There are a variety of delicious picnic drink recipes to suit every taste. Whether you’re a devoted Pimm’s Cup drinker or prefer a Kaliber NA beer, a good beverage might quickly transform your picnic from average to ideal. Try an excellent bottled cocktail or pack the basic ingredients and top them off with soda water once you’re seated and ready for a drink.
Cucumber G and T
You’ll never drink another traditional gin and tonic after trying our light spin on it. Four simple ingredients are all you need to make our beautiful elderflower and cucumber G&T. First, combine Thatcher’s Elderflower Liqueur, your favorite gin, and cucumber slices in a sealable container. When you’re ready to enjoy, top off the mixture with tonic water and enjoy this summery concoction.
Whether you prefer the heavy juniper flavors of a classic gin like Beefeaters or opt for something more citrusy like Whitley Neill, gin and summer go hand in hand.
Pimm’s Cup
Pimm’s Cup is an old standard from the 1840s. With the ageless combination of citrus flavors and a bite of ginger, a Pimm’s Cup is sure to please and will complement whatever goodies are packed in your picnic basket. The classic recipe requires just 2 ounces of Pimm’s and half an ounce of fresh lemon juice and is topped off with ginger ale. We recommend packing your glass with strawberries, mint, and a slice of orange and lemon to really amp up the essence of the cocktail.
Looking to mix up a twist on a classic? Add a splash of bourbon along with the rest of the recommended ingredients for a Southern twist on this bright recipe.
Simple Sangria
The best place to enjoy a bottle of pre-mixed sangria is on a tablecloth with a hotdog. This classic summer drink is easy to prepare and wonderful to share. Enjoy a cup of red wine, Spanish brandy, and diced fruit, topped with sparkling water, to celebrate the warm evenings.
Make sure to pick the correct wine, know which mixers to use, and choose some delectable optional additions for your sangria recipe. You could consider a lighter choice for a base like the Umberto Moscato, or even opt for a bubbly such as Chandon Brut for an effervescent spin. From there, pick out a variety of fruits like peaches and apples for a more exciting mix.
Aperol Spritz
For a picnic, there is no better drink than the Aperol Spritz. The Aperol Spritz is a traditional summer beverage that is bubbly, lemony, herbaceous, mildly bitter, and gently sweet. This beverage is well-known around the world and attained its peak popularity in the 2000s. This drink has its origins in the 1950s. For years, people have been captivated by this Italian drink,
and the buzz is justified. For a less bitter taste, opt for a little less Aperol and a little more prosecco. If you’re looking for the drink to be lighter and less boozy, up the amount of club soda, and cut back a little on the prosecco and Aperol. The best thing about the Aperol Spritz is it can be customized to your taste.
Shop for Your Picnic Cocktails Today
With summertime in full swing, your picnic basket is begging for you to bring along any of these beverages. From bright citrus notes to rich and mineral tastes, each concoction will highlight different palettes. We have a wide variety of liquors for you to choose from to make your favorite picnic cocktails. Shop Payless Liquors today!
Creating your own cocktails at home is a great way to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. This goes beyond using different liquors and mixers. If you are someone who enjoys gardening, odds are you’ve planted fresh herbs. These herbs can make a great addition to a variety of sauces, soups, and other food recipes. Herbs can also be an excellent addition to a number of different cocktails. Your home garden can have the fresh ingredients you need to kick any cocktail up a notch.
Mint
Mint is a refreshing herb that goes great in a number of different cocktails. Mint is most commonly recognized in a mojito. All you need to make a perfect mojito at home is fresh mint, simple syrup, clear rum, soda water, and lime. Just follow these steps to make a crisp and refreshing mojito:
Place 2 limes, 4-5 mint leaves, and ½ ounce of simple syrup into the bottom of a glass. Simple syrup is sugar and hot water combined and cooled in equal parts. You’ll muddle these ingredients together
Leave muddled ingredients at the bottom of the glass and fill with ice to the rim
Add 2.5 ounces of rum to your glass
Shake rum and ingredients together before adding soda water
Add soda water and enjoy
Mint can also be used to create the classic Kentucky Derby cocktail, a Mint Julep. You’ll need bourbon, sugar (you can use your simple syrup), mint, and crushed ice. A Pimm’s Cup is another popular summer cocktail. Pimm’s is a gin-based liqueur that is commonly topped with ginger ale and garnished with mint, cucumber, and other veggies and fruit.
Basil
Basil offers a savory-sweet flavor with a peppery edge. Basil can be added to almost any type of cocktail for an added flavor, especially for cocktails that are on the sweeter side. A popular cocktail option is the Pineapple Basil cocktail. To make this cocktail you’ll need:
Place 4-5 basic leaves into a glass with freshly squeezed lime.
Add ice to the top of the glass
Add 1.5 ounces of your favorite gin
Top with pineapple juice and club soda
You can also use basil to create a refreshing Strawberry Basil Lemonade. All you need for this cocktail is strawberry vodka, sliced strawberries, basil, and lemonade.
Rosemary
Rosemary provides piney notes that are great as an additive to the cocktail as well as a simple garnish. Rosemary does a great job of balancing out flavors. A Rosemary Greyhound is a light and refreshing drink that is perfect for summer. To create a rosemary greyhound, you’ll need:
Place rosemary in your cocktail glass and top with ice.
Add 1.5 ounces of your favorite vodka
Top with grapefruit juice
Shake and enjoy
Stop Into Payless Liquors
If you have the herbs, we have the liquor and mixes you need to create a summer cocktail that is fresh and satisfying. Herbs are a great way to experiment with your cocktails to awaken flavors you’d never suspect. You can stop into our store or use our pickup order form for on-the-go convenience.
There is just something about unwinding with a refreshing cocktail in the hot summer months. Whether you are soaking up the sun while enjoying a good book or making a splash in the pool, the best way to cool off is with sangria. Sangria is a light and refreshing cocktail that typically includes a wine base, fresh fruit, and a mix of juices to create a drink so tasty you’ll forget it has alcohol. Sangria can be made with red or white wine. This creative cocktail is great for those who don’t consider themselves wine drinkers. When you’re looking for your next favorite summer cocktail, consider the classic yet versatile sangria.
Sangria History
It is believed that the concept of sangria originated more than 2,000 years ago when the Romans were expanding their reach and planting vineyards along the way. Water wasn’t safe to drink at the time, so it was often fortified with wine, spices, and herbs. The earliest version we are most familiar with was made in England and France in the 1800s. In the United States, sangria was popularized after its formal arrival at the 1965 World’s Fair in New York. Sangria is often associated with Spain but tends to be a more popular drink for tourists than natives.
Selecting Your Wine
The best part about making sangria is that the possibilities are truly endless. You’ll want to start by selecting your wine. A bold, fruity, dry wine is ideal, as is a crisp white wine. Since you can add numerous ingredients to a sangria, you can choose any affordable bottle of wine. Your wine selection should make up the bulk of your sangria.
Add Liquor
Many sangria recipes call for adding a bit of liquor to enhance the flavor. If you are working with red wine, brandy or rum will pair well with the flavor profiles of the wine. If you are working with white wine, a silver rum can work well, as can vodka. You should have one-part liquor to 2-3 parts of wine, depending on how strong you want your sangria to be.
Sweetener
Sangria cocktails tend to be on the sweeter side. This is achieved through the addition of fruit, as well as a sweetener. This could be brown sugar, cane sugar, or simple syrup. All you need to make simple syrup is equal parts sugar and hot water. This simple solution is a great additive to sangria, mojitos, and flavored margaritas. If you want to keep the sugar amount low, you can substitute agave nectar. You can also add citrus soda and other mixers to balance out the liquor and wine.
Fruit
You can’t go wrong when it comes to your fruit selection. Berries such as blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries make a perfect addition to a red wine sangria. Citrus fruit such as oranges and limes, as well as peaches, and grapes work well with white wine. You can even add mint when you want to add another layer of refreshment.
Experiment and Enjoy
There is no wrong way to create a sangria. If you add too much of one ingredient, you can compensate with another. Payless Liquor is a one-stop shop for all your ingredient needs. We can help you create the perfect sangria for your tastes. Stop into our store or use our convenient pickup-order form and we’ll have all you need ready to go.
Margaritas are a great summer drink that is approachable to all kinds of drinkers. Margaritas are one of the most commonly ordered summer beverages. They are light, refreshing, and never go out of style. Whether you are looking for the perfect cocktail to serve at your next get-together, or you want to treat yourself after a long day working in the backyard, a margarita is always a great answer. Whether you want to keep it classic or experiment with something new, a margarita is always the perfect option for the long days of summer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making a margarita is quite simple. Margaritas are so famous that it is common to find premixed options at your local liquor store. These are great options for quick, on-the-go cocktails, but you have little control over the measurements of alcohol to mixer. If you want to make your own margaritas, ingredients you’ll typically require include:
Tequila
Triple Sec
Limes
Margarita salt
Ice
Margarita mix or your favorite type of sour
Optional: fruit purees, jalapenos, flavored salts, and a blender
Classic Margarita
There is nothing wrong with sticking to a great classic. If you want to make your classic margarita at home, follow these few simple steps:
First rim your glass with a thin layer of lime juice. Turn your glass upside down and delicately tip in your salt until you get the desired coating. There must be no other water or moisture in the glass. This can ruin your salt, or make it difficult for the salt to stick.
Fill with ice
Add 1.5 ounces of tequila
Add ¾ ounces of triple sec
Top with margarita mix
You can use a shaker to mix well or build the cocktail in a different glass than the one you have salted.
Squeeze in lime and enjoy!
If you prefer your margarita blended instead of on the rocks, you’ll want to top it off with more ice after adding your ingredients before putting it into the mixer. Mix until it blends smoothly. Be sure to remove any limes before blending.
Experiment With Flavor
Flavored margaritas allow for endless possibilities when it comes to new ways to enjoy a classic margarita. Some of the best flavors to try include:
Mango
Passion fruit
Blueberry
Watermelon
Strawberry
There are a variety of different purees available on the market, including all-natural or artificial. All you need to do is follow the classic margarita recipe but add in your puree. How much you add is entirely up to you. It is suggested to start at a ½ ounce and build from there. Just remember to give it a good shake before enjoying it!
Experiment With Heat
Nothing beats a spicy margarita. It creates a next-level cocktail that is sure to impress. You can use jalapeno, or habaneros if you want a kick. You can purchase extracts or use fresh peppers. You’ll follow the same classic recipe, adding your desired level of spice. You can even add your fruit purees as well. A mango-habanero margarita is a burst of flavor your taste buds are sure to love.
Get Your Ingredients Today!
Summer is the perfect time to sip on a margarita. It is sure to be a party favorite and makes for a nice, refreshing beverage to unwind with. Stop into Payless Liquors to pick up your supplies or use our pickup form and we’ll have your order ready for you.
Summer is the perfect time to experiment with different liquors to create the perfect drink for sipping in the hot sun. When people think of summer refreshments, cocktails made with tequila or rum tend to come to mind. This summer, however, you’ll want to add another refreshing liquor to your stock. This liquor is cachaca. Cachaca is known as the spirit of Brazil and will make a great addition to your home selection.
What Is Cachaca?
Just as tequila is unique to Mexico, cachaca can only be produced in Brazil by law. It is a spicy, sweet, and fruity clear liquor that is distilled from fermented sugarcane juice. There are over 3,000 legal distillers that produce cachaca, but it is also produced across the country by smaller, family-owned distillers. Many historians credit cachaca as Latin America’s first distilled beverage.
When cachaca first started making waves in the U.S., it was easier for marketers to sell it as a Brazilian rum. This ultimately ended up creating more confusion because cachaca’s flavor profile and distilling process are significantly different. It wasn’t until 2013 that the Brazilian and U.S. governments agreed that cachaca would be clearly labeled for what it is, dropping the word rum.
Cachaca vs. Rum
Rum is typically created using sugar by-products such as molasses. Rum is also aged in sherry or bourbon barrels. Rum is known to have a sweeter taste on the tongue, which is why it makes for a great summer cocktail base. Cachaca, on the other hand, is made with freshly-pressed sugar cane juice. Cachaca is either rested in a steel vat and bottled immediately or stored in barrels made with wood native to Brazil such as Brazil nut, zebrawood, Brazilian amburana, balsam, teak, and more. Flavor can vary, depending on the distilling process and if the cachaca was stored in wooden barrels.
Types of Cachaca
Cachaca is classified by color. There are two main types of classification:
Also referred to as white, silver, classic, or traditional, this type of cachaca is unaged and rested in a steel vat before bottling. If it is stored in a wooden barrel, the storing process doesn’t affect the color, and it doesn’t exceed one year.
This cachaca is yellow in appearance due to the aging process. To fall under this category, the cachaca has to be aged for at least one year.
How to Enjoy Cachaca
There are several different ways to enjoy cachaca. If you are purchasing a top-shelf option, these are best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. It also makes for an excellent shot when you want something simple that can go down smooth. You can also try the caipirinha, which is the country’s national drink. All you need is cachaca, lime, and sugar. If the flavor is too intense, you can add a light layer of soda water or sprite.
Give It a Try
Cachaca is a refreshing, unique liquor that is sure to impress. At Payless Liquors, we are proud to carry this brand. Ask for it by name next time you stop in or use our convenient pickup form.
As the temperatures begin to rise, it is about time to hit the store for new floaties, pool snacks – and yes, cocktail ingredients. There are so many different cocktail recipes to try that it can be a bit overwhelming, but in order to have the most relaxing summer possible, skip the hassle and stick with easy-to-make, few ingredient cocktail recipes that will get you spending your summer how you deserve. Check out these fun and easy recipes!
1. Blender-less Frozen Margarita
There is nothing better than sipping your favorite cocktail with your feet dangling in the water, but it is not always easy to keep your drink cold once you are relaxing in the summer rays. This is why some pre-drink prepping can be your best friend on extra sweaty days. If you are looking to enjoy an icy cold drink without the hassle of making a mess in your kitchen and dirtying up a bunch of dishware, try a blender-less frozen margarita.
Ingredients: In order to make this cocktail a reality, all you will need is 2 oz of your favorite tequila, 2 oz of a juice of your juice (strawberry and mango juice work nicely), 1oz lime juice, 1 oz agave syrup, .5 oz of water, and salt.
Recipe:
Step One: Use a glass to combine all of the ingredients except the salt. Stir thoroughly.
Step Two: Pour the drink into a sealable freezer bag, and ensure that as much air is out of the bag as possible.
Step Three: Place the bag in the freezer. Try to make it as flat as possible.
Step Four: Leave in the freezer for about 2-3 hours or until slushie. Be careful that the ingredients do not fully freeze otherwise you will not be able to pour the drink out.
Step Five: Rim a glass with salt and pour in the ingredients to enjoy a nice slushie beverage.
2. Vodka Spritzer
Not everyone is a fan of wine, but just because wine isn’t your go-to doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a delicious beverage with all the perks of sparkling sangria. A vodka spritzer is an easy and delicious drink perfect for the poolside.
Ingredients: All you will need is your favorite vodka, soda water, cranberry juice, simple syrup, fresh strawberries, and fresh lemons. Try experimenting with different ingredient combinations in order to find the perfect ratio for you. This also allows you to decide how much fun you would like to have.
Recipe:
Step One: Pre-wash and chop your strawberries and lemons. You can use however many you desire.
Step Two: Pour your fruit into a pitcher.
Step Three: Add the vodka, cranberry juice, and simple syrup into the pitcher, and let marinate with the fruit for at least 30 seconds. Don’t let marinate for longer than four hours.
Step Four: Add ice to a glass and pour in the mixture. Top with soda water and enjoy.
Pick Up Your Liquor Today
At Payless Liquors, we have a wide variety of liquor to satisfy all of your cocktail fancies. To get your perfect pool day started, use our online order form, or visit our store today.
It’s almost time to celebrate dad, and you may be wondering just how you can let him know how special he is to you. Aside from watching football, grilling some hamburgers, and reminiscing around the bonfire, nothing says I love you like a few packs of beer or a bottle of his favorite liquor, and you’re in luck, we have just the wide range of selection to make his holiday one he will never forget.
Unsure of what he will like? Check out this list of some of our Father’s Day recommendations:
1. Founders Dirty Bastard
Looking to try something a little different with dad? Why not give Founders Dirty Bastard a go. This Michigan-crafted, scotch-style ale has scents of single malt scotch, oaky bourbon barrel, smoky sweet caramel, and roasted malts. Containing an ABV of 8.5%, you will be amazed at just how smooth this beer really is. This is no beer for the weak, making it perfect for a tough and proud guy like your dad.
2. BrewDog Hardcore IPA
For all the IPA loving dads in the world, BrewDog Hardcore IPA is a perfect Father’s Day beverage to share with dad. This Scottish beer has an ABV of 9.2% and relies heavily on the flavor of the hops and not malts. With a rusty red hue, it looks just as appealing as it tastes. With each sip, prepare to enliven your tastebuds with strong flavors of grapefruit, pine, and caramel. Neither you nor dad will have tasted anything like it, creating an experience to remember and a new shared favorite beverage.
3. Crown Royal Noble Collection
Treat dad like royalty with a spin on your favorite Canadian whiskey. Combined with a Canadian rye, a coffee still whiskey, and a bourbon style whiskey, which creates a deep gold whiskey fit for a king. With each sip, you and dad will be delighted by tastes of tart fruits, sweet caramel, and toasted grains. The flavor will linger, creating an unforgettable experience until the last sip. Dad will feel like a king when you sip this beverage with him on his special day.
4. Tanqueray London Dry Gin
If you have a more traditional dad, then don’t worry. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a refreshing gin and tonic on a hot summer day. Tanqueray London Dry Gin has been a beloved gin for decades and will really let dad know you care about his tastes. When you pick up a bottle of Tanqueray Gin, you are promising dad a day he will remember with one of his favorite people: you.
Celebrate Dad the Right Way
Our dads are some of the most important people in our lives, and they deserve to be treated right this Father’s Day. Don’t let the holiday creep up on you without thinking about what you could do to really make him smile on his special day. Before the holiday passes you by, let Payless Liquors assist you by filling out our online order form or take a trip to our store where you will find a wide variety of all your favorite liquors and beers.
Memorial weekend is an eventful and special day for many people around the country. Typically, when we think about our ideal Memorial Day, we think about the first day out on the boat, heading out to the pools, barbeques with friends and family – and of course, lots of cold drinks.
In order to be properly prepared for the upcoming holiday, don’t wait till the last minute to decide what you will be drinking. So grab those hotdogs, whip up some hamburgers, and check out our list of recommended beers, liquors, and seltzers in order to make it a Memorial Day you are sure to remember. Bells Oberon
If you are a beer lover looking for the perfect Memorial Day beverage, pick up a pack of Bell’s Oberon. This citrusy wheat ale is a smooth and refreshing beverage that is sure to impress your senses with its rich orange color and its hoppy character. Since this beer is only available seasonally, Memorial Day is the perfect occasion to give this Michigan-made beer a try and fall in love with the taste of summer. Truly Rose and Tropical Variety Pack
Not everyone loves beer, and if you are not a beer lover, you shouldn’t feel excluded from the holiday festivities. Instead, pick up a case of our Truly Rose and Tropical Variety Pack. This pack of Truly combines all the best tastes of summer including mango, pomegranate, pineapple, passion fruit, and of course, rose. Truly makes drinking easy, because there is no finagling with complicated recipes and ingredients or figuring out the correct portion sizes and hoping it tastes good. With Truly, you know that every sip will taste like the beach.
Mermaid Lemonade
Looking for a fun cocktail to get you into the holiday spirit? Look no further than this a Mermaid Lemonade. This tasty rum cocktail is perfect for those who like to avoid a strong taste of alcohol. Presentable and photo-worthy, this drink will be perfect for your Instagram story and is a sure way to impress all of your friends.
Ingredients (Serves four):
1 Cup White Rum of choice
¼ Cup Blue Curacao
2 cups lemonade
2 cups ice
Maraschino cherries (as many or as few as you prefer)
Lemon Slices
Recipe:
Step One: Add approximately ¼ cup of ice to four glasses.
Step Two: To each glass, add ½ cup of rum and a small amount of Blue Curacao.
Step Three: Add another ¼ cup of ice to each drink.
Step Four: If you are feeling extra fancy, use an umbrella skewer and add a lemon slice with cherries to each drink and enjoy.
Visit Us Before Your Holiday
At Payless Liquors, we have all the beer, seltzer, and, liquor variety for every type of drinker. We can help you to make your holiday perfect by ensuring that you get everything you need. Get started with your holiday preparation today by filling out our online order form, or stop by our store in person and allow us to assist you.
