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

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

What you’ll need:

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

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

5 cups sugar 3 tsp acid blend 1 package wine yeast

1 pound golden raisins

For the first ferment:

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

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

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

For the second ferment:

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

For the final aging:

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

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

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

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.

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.

Since the pandemic, the brickyard has not been open for business, limiting or even canceling the traditional festivities that make the Indy 500 an event that we all know and love. This year, the Indy 500 will return to its former glory, with no crowd limits and all the typical festivities.

Whether you are attending the event in person or watching it from home, it is time to start thinking about what you will be holding as you cheer on your favorite racers. With this list of fun and simple cocktails, you can get into the spirit of the race wherever you may be.

White Lady

If you are a fan of tradition and gin, the white lady is a perfect Indy 500 drink for you. First crafted by Harry McElhone in 1919, the white lady is the perfect combination of sweet and sour. Made with only three simple ingredients: gin, triple sec, and lemon juice, this drink is made for easy sipping on a hot race day.

Recipe:

Step One: Combine two ounces of gin, one ounce of triple sec, and ¾ ounce of lemon juice into a shaker with ice.

Step Two: Shake until extra cold and frothy.

Step Three: Pour into a glass with a lemon twist.

Spiked Milk

Anyone familiar with the Indy 500 knows that it is a tradition that the winner of the race, along with posing for tons of pictures and getting decorated with an elaborate flower wreath, also celebrates by drinking milk. To get into the spirit of the race, try a spiked milk cocktail and prepare to be amazed by its sweet yet refreshing taste.

Recipe: To prepare this drink. You will need to pick up a bottle of Fuzzy’s Premium Vodka. Each drink contains 1.5 ounces of vodka, ¾ of an ounce of Drambuie, 1 ounce of vanilla simple syrup, 1 ounce of cream, and 3 muddled mint leaves.

Step one: Combine all of the ingredients in a shaker, minus the mint leaves, and shake.

Step Two: Pour into a small milk jug or any other glass.

Step Three: Add the muddled mint leaves and enjoy.

Sparkling Grapefruit

Not a huge liquor fan? No problem, one of the best-tasting drinks for a hot, summer race day is a sparkling grapefruit cocktail. This drink is light and will keep you refreshed. In addition, the grapefruit juice will give you that much-needed boost of vitamin C to make sure you remain healthy all weekend long.

Recipe:

To craft this race cocktail, you will need ½ grapefruit juice, ½ Aperol spritz, basil leaves, sparkling champagne, and a grapefruit peel.

Step One: Muddle the basil leaves and throw them into a shaker with ice.

Step Two: Add the Aperol and grapefruit juice to the shaker.

Step Three: Shake consistently and add the mixture to a champagne flute. Top off with sparkling champagne and a grapefruit peel.

Plan Your Race Day with Us

At payless liquors, we have a large variety of liquors to help get the festivities started. Visit us in person or fill out our online order form.

There is no denying that hard seltzers are highly popular, and their popularity shows no sign of slowing down. Hard seltzers are light, refreshing, low in calories, and often contain little to no sugar. Hard seltzers are available in a wide variety of flavors, infusing flavor profiles of fruits, herbs, flowers, soda, and more. White Claw was one of the first seltzer options to really gain momentum, but today, you can find seltzers options from a wide range of companies such as Bud Light, Corona, Truly, and Vizzy. While these seltzers are perfect to be enjoyed alone, they can also be used to create light, refreshing cocktails that are sure to tickle your taste buds.

Must-Try Hard Seltzer Cocktails

When it comes to selecting the perfect seltzer, it depends on your brand of choice. Our list is designed to provide you with base suggestions, but when it comes to your seltzer, don’t be afraid to experiment!

Hard Seltzer Margaritas

Margaritas are one of the best summer beverages to enjoy. They are light, refreshing, and can be enjoyed over ice or blended. You’ll need tequila, limes, triple sec, and your favorite hard seltzer. You can stick to lime flavors to keep it traditional, or you can experiment with other flavors such as mango, watermelon, or raspberry. To make this recipe you’ll use:

· 1.25 oz of tequila

· ¾ oz of triple sec

· ½ oz lime juice

· Top with your favorite hard seltzer

If you want to get the full experience, you can rim your drinking glass with salt. You’ll want a dry glass to avoid water ruining your salt. Simply line the top of the glass with lime juice and delicately dip it into a saucer of salt.

Summer Sangria

Sangrias are a perfect summer drink. To craft this cocktail, you’ll need a bottle of red or white wine, triple sec, apple cider, and your favorite seltzer. Fresh fruit makes a perfect garnish. Sangrias are highly versatile, making them the perfect drink for experimenting. If you are making a large batch, you can use:

· 1 bottle of wine

· 1 cup apple cider

· 1 can of your favorite seltzer

· ½ cup triple sec

· Fresh fruit

Hard Soda Floats

Bud Light has been a leader in experimenting with how far a seltzer can go. Their newest line of hard sodas has experienced immediate popularity. They offer flavors such as orange soda, cherry soda, lime soda, and cola. For a fun, unique beverage, fill a glass with a few scoops of your favorite vanilla ice cream. Pour your hard soda over the top and enjoy!

Have Fun With It

There is no wrong way to enjoy a hard seltzer. Hard seltzers can be used to replace the mixer in several different popular cocktails. With the wide range of flavors available, you’ll be able to experiment with something new all summer. When you’re looking for the perfect ingredients, Payless Liquors can help. We offer a wide range of hard seltzers, wines, liquors, and all the mixes you need to embrace your creative side. Use our convenient pickup order form to have your supplies ready.

Charcuterie boards provide an array of tantalizing meats, cheeses, and other snack items to create an amazing treat that pairs perfectly with a wide range of wines. When designing a charcuterie board of your own, there are a few key elements to consider. You’ll want to provide a variety of meats and cheeses that are perfectly complemented by great-tasting wine.

What Is a Charcuterie Board?

Charcuterie is the term used for the meat that is a highlight of these popular boards. Most charcuterie boards come with at least three different meat options, ranging in different spice levels and textures. Cheese is the next most popular item for this platter. It is recommended to include at least three different types of cheeses. With cheese, you also want to provide a variety of textures, fat content, acidity, and saltiness.

Other items that can be found on a charcuterie board include pickled vegetables, bread, crackers, olives, fruit that is either fresh or dry, nuts, and some type of spread, such as honey or mustard. After you know what you want on your board, the next step is the wine selection. It is best to choose wines following your meat and cheese choices. Wines are meant to pair with your food flavors, not overpower them.

Pairing Wine With Your Board

Once you’ve decided on your meats and cheeses, you can consider the best wines to complement your selection. The main focuses when it comes to meat are the texture, fat content, salt, and spice. When selecting a wine, you want to focus on acidity, structure, and the undertones it features.

If your board consists of salty mild meats, which are great for beginner boards, you may choose prosciutto or mortadella. These savory meats pair best with a lighter-bodied white wine such as Pino Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. If you are more of a red drinker, light or medium reds, such as a Pinot Noir or a Merlot, pair perfectly. In general, it is best to go with a wine that has high acidity.

Mild spice meats such as peppered salami pair well with light whites such as a sweet Riesling or fruity reds like Malbec. If you are looking to include bold, spicy meats such as bresaola, you’ll want to pair it with a wine that is equally as bold. For red wine, Syrah is a great option, or you can go with Chardonnay for a white wine.

When it comes to cheese, you’ll want to consider a variety of soft cheeses, semi-soft, fresh cheese, and hard cheese. Each category comes with its unique flavors and textures. You’ll want to consider their acidity, fat content, and saltiness. Soft cheese such as brie or robiola pairs well with sparkling whites and light-bodied whites. Semi-soft cheese like asiago, gruyere, and Havarti pair well with a dry wine such as Chardonnay. Fresh cheeses like burrata, goat cheese, and feta pair with medium-bodied whites and reds such as Pinot Noir. Hard Cheeses like aged cheddar or parmesan pair perfectly with bold reds like Chianti.

Get Creating and Pairing

When it comes to creating your perfect charcuterie board, there is no wrong way to do it. You’ll want to provide variety, creating an array of flavors that your guests are sure to love. Having a few different bottles of wine on hand, ranging from light to bold provides the perfect options for your guests. At Payless Liquors, we have a huge wine selection to create your charcuterie pairings. Use our pickup order form, or stop into the store!

For more than three decades, Bell’s has been making a variety of one-of-a-kind, artisanal beers, and as a result, Bells’ breweries have become a preeminent Great Lakes Regional and further.

The Brewery was the first in Michigan to sell beer by the glass and open an onsite pub. Bell’s beer is distributed to 43 states, and their two breweries feature an unparalleled beer garden, a space for concerts, and a taproom and are operated with environmental sustainability in mind.

Bell’s takes pride in their beer and breweries and in an equitable, inclusionary workplace that encourages diversity, individualism, and a business environment that nurtures diverse ideas among their 500 plus employees. In short, Bell’s is craft beer on a mission.

Some Historical Perspective

After arriving in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to attend Kalamazoo College, Larry Bell started humbly home-brewing beer in his basement in the early 1980s. In 1983, in Downtown Kalamazoo, Larry opened a homebrew supply shop.

As word spread about his beer, people requested more samples. Larry responded by opening the Kalamazoo Brewing Co, started brewing beer commercially in a 15-gallon soup pot, and his brewing company sold its first beer on September 19, 1985.

A Bell’s Brewery timeline:

· 1985: Bell’s first brew beer was Amber Ale.

· 1900: By installing a 2-barrel brew system, Bell’s increases brewing capacity.

· 1995; Bell’s debuted their Beer Garden. An outdoor space near the Eccentric Café.

· 2000: Comstock Township, Michigan, becomes the home of Bell’s main Brewery.

· 2005: The Comstock Brewery expands.

· 2010: Oarsman Ale and The Oracle were first brewed; Larry Bell takes home the Brewers Association Recognition Award

· 2015: Improvements at the Comstock Brewery: A wastewater treatment facility called “the Cube” comes online. The Quality lab upgrades its technology game to measure water quality and analyze beer DNA.

· 2020: Bell’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthens through implementing multiple initiatives.

Celebrate Spring. Celebrate Oberon Day

On March 21, 2022. Bell’s Brewery released their renowned seasonal wheat beer Bell’s Oberon and celebrated the release of the beer and being one step closer to spring by celebrating Oberon day at their breweries in Michigan.

Next year, celebrate Oberon Day Like They Do at Bell’s Brewery!

Jameson Whiskey has been a popular Irish Whiskey for a long time. Learn about the who, what, where, when, and how of Jameson Irish Whiskey. We bet that the next time you’re enjoying this smooth Irish whiskey, you’ll appreciate it for more than its smooth taste.

Jameson’s Whiskey: A Long, Proud History in Ireland

In 1786 after stepping off a boat landing in Ireland, John Jameson, a Scotsman, became General Manager of The Steins Family Bow Street Distillery located on Bow Street in Dublin’s Smithfield area. The distillery opened for business in 1780, and by 1805 Jameson wholly owned and then expanded the distillery. In 1810, the whiskey’s name was changed to The John Jameson and Sons Irish Whiskey Company, or for short, Jameson’s Irish Whiskey.

Jameson’s, One of the Biggest Distilleries in the World, Falls on Hard Times

By the 19th century, Jameson’s became Ireland’s biggest distillery and one of the world’s largest. However, hard times fell on the distiller during the 20th century after Ireland’s independence from Britain was declared. Increased tariffs during the trade war with Britain made exporting to one of the distillery’s biggest markets costly. Additionally, Jameson’s largest market, America, was cut off because of prohibition. On the bright side, Scotland’s Whiskey boom surged because of low-cost exports to Canada, which opened the door to smuggling whiskey to America.

Four Factors That Make Irish Whiskey Different

Check out these factors that make Irish whiskey unique.

Its history. While confirmation is impossible, the story is that the distillation process was introduced to Ireland by St. Patrick. Additionally, around 1000 AD, after returning to Ireland from traveling the Mediterranean, monks acquired the knowledge of perfume distillation, and they brought it with them.

It’s popularly assumed that whiskey had its start during the middle ages, either in Ireland or Scotland and the first whiskey distillery allowed in the British Isles was Bushmills in 1608. And by the 1890s, Ireland had over 30 influential distilleries producing Irish whiskey.

The Way It’s Spelled. Near the end of the 19th century, convention dictated that Irish (and Americans) produced “whiskey” while the Scots (and Canadians) manufactured “whisky.” According to John Ayto, author of the Gluttons Dictionary, the spelling distinction was more market-driven than linguistic.

Additionally, whiskey is a derivative of the Irish word meaning “water of life.”

Aging, Alcohol Volume, Grain Mix, and Location. The standards for Irish whiskey are high.

Irish whiskey must:

• Be aged for three years, at least.
• Contain minimum alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40%.
• Grain must be 50% barley, at least, with the remainder being wheat, rye, or regular barley.
• Must be distilled and aged on the Isle of Ireland, as per the Whiskey Conservancy.

The Specialized Production Process of Irish Whiskey. Here’s a highlighted overview of the extensive process of distilling Irish whiskey.

• Malting and Fermentation.
• Washing and Distillation.
• Aroma (perfume) created by storage barrels.

Also, before entering the barrels to age, Irish whiskey is distilled three times, while Scotch whiskey is distilled only twice before being barreled.

If you’re ready to try some Irish whiskey, consider one (or all) of these four types of Irish whiskeys:

1. Single Malt Irish Whiskey
2. Pot Still Irish Whiskey
3. Grain Irish Whiskey
4. Blended Irish Whiskey

10 Need to Try Irish Whiskey Cocktails

While the smoothness of Irish whiskey makes it perfect for sipping neat, don’t overlook it as the ideal whiskey for mixing a delicious drink.

Experience the versatility of Irish whiskey by trying these drinks.

• McGlashan
• Good Cork
• Psycho Killer
• Brotherhood
• The Nose to Cocktail
• Irish Blonde
• Irish Coffee
• Irish Old Fashioned
• Dubliner
• Emerald

You can get the recipes for these Irish Whiskey drinks and more by visiting this article: 20 Irish Whiskey Cocktails to Try Right Now.

Can’t wait to try them? Pre-order and pick up the ingredients from our store!

Sources:

https://www.whiskyflavour.com/blog/what-makes-irish-whiskey-different/

https://www.liquor.com/slideshows/irish-whiskey-cocktails/

Since the mid 18th century, Arthur Guinness and his heirs have guided the Guinness Brewery while honing their craft.

Their expertise in beer brewing is known and appreciated in 150 countries, and they currently produce over 20 world-class beers. Inspired by the pioneering spirit of the founder, Arthur Guinness, and the batches of legendary stout created over 200 years ago at the original Brewery, the always enterprising brewers at Guinness carry on the tradition but evolve their lines of beer through their innovation and experimentation. As they put it, their greatest work is yet to come, never resting on their laurels. Here are five fun facts about Guinness Beer. Sláinte!

1. Guinness Beer Is the World’s First Nitro Beer

Michal Ash (1927-2016), who joined Guinness in 1951, was a mathematician turned brewer. He thought serving Guinness Beer in draught and adding nitrogen would transform the beer. Guinness’s famous “surge and settle effect” was created by Ash’s “Easy Serve” system, which is why Guinness is the world’s first nitro beer.

2. Guinness Beer Won the Queen’s Award for Technological Achievement.

In 1991, Britons voted Guinness’s Rocket Widget, the top invention of the past 40 years, beating the internet in the voting!

Not surprisingly, the original widget was patented in Ireland by Guinness, and Guinness’s ingenious, world-famous device delivers the draught experience in a can. When the beer can ring is pulled open, Guinness’s widget (a nitrogen-filled capsule) releases a surge of bubbles when opening the can, result-ing in Guinness’s unmistakably smooth beer.

3. Guinness’s Bubbles Sink Because of the Shape of the Pint Glass

A pint glass is designed wider at the top than the bottom. The ingenuity of this design influences the head formation. A Guinness poured down the side of a pint glass creates a circulatory pattern. This pour pattern drags bubbles to the bottom of the glass, and the glass design allows more space, so bub-bles rise from the middle instead of the side, resulting in a creamy head.

4. The Perfect Pint of Guinness Pours in 119.5 Seconds

If you want to enjoy the perfect pint of Guinness, you’ll need to wait almost two minutes between the first and second pour for the beer to settle. According to Guinness, achieving the ideal Guinness pint takes 119.5 seconds. Some things are truly worth the wait. If you’d like to know more about how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness, you’ll find a fact sheet on the Guinness website.

5. Guinness Had Originally Leased Its Brewery in Dublin for 9,000 Years.

At St. James’s Gate in Dublin, Arthur Guinness started his business brewing beer in 1759 by locking in an annual rent of 45 British pounds sterling after paying an initial 100 British pounds sterling for the next 9,000 years. The lease for the property, which was a four-acre, dormant brewery before Arthur Guinness’s use, was voided when the property was purchased by the company and expanded its brew-ing operation to 50 acres.

We hope you found these five fun facts about Guinness Beer entertaining and educational. And now reward yourself with a Guinness for getting a bit smarter — pre-order and pick up from our store!

Sangria is a beautiful, refreshing cocktail that elevates any warm weather gathering. At its earliest inception, this cocktail first began in 1100 B.C. in Spain. It eventually travelled to France and England in the 1700s and 1800s. For centuries, people have enjoyed this fruity wine cocktail. Sangria continues to be a favorite drink for many people because of its vast recipe possibilities.

How to Make Sangria

So, what makes a perfect sangria? You need a delicious wine, fruit juice, and a complimentary blend of fruits and spices.

First, choose the wine. In traditional Spanish recipes, sangria is made with a red wine, chopped fruit, orange juice, and often brandy. Feel free to use your favorite red wine. If you choose a sweet red wine, we recommended limiting the sweetness of the other ingredients you add to your sangria so it doesn’t become overwhelming.  Low-tannin and fruity wines like Garnacha (also referred to as Grenache) and Pinot Noir are most recommended for sangria. This is because they taste great when chilled and are not too bitter.

Some more modern spins may include sparkling beverages like ginger ale or added sugars. Sometimes, these ingredients can make the sangria too sweet. We suggest using fruits or natural sweeteners such as honey to increase or balance the sweetness instead. If your sangria is too sweet, adding citrus juice like orange or grapefruit juice can help decrease the level of sweetness to your liking.

Another tip for a perfect sangria is using fresh fruit in their prime ripeness and preferably when in season. Berries and peaches are excellent additions during the summer months. The fall and winter seasons are a great time to use citrus fruits, apples, and pears.

Let the fruits steep in the wine for at least two hours, allowing the flavor to make its fullest impact. For added depth or balance, it’s common to use a modest amount of liqueur such as Aperol or Limoncello.

Create Your Own Sangria Recipe

Perhaps you’d like to take an unconventional approach, or maybe red wine just gives you a headache. Whatever the case may be, the world, or in this case the sangria, is your oyster.

To switch things up, we suggest trying a white wine or rosé to craft your perfect sangria. White and rosé wines are naturally lower in tannins than red wine, making them excellent bases for this chilled cocktail.

To make a delicious white wine sangria, you can adjust the fruit and herb mixture. For example, you can include peaches, pears, green apples, lemon, and fresh mint. For a bit of depth, you can add a couple sprigs of rosemary or basil if you like it herby.

For a rosé sangria, what better way to craft a refreshing pink cocktail than adding pomegranate juice, watermelon, oranges, and strawberries!

Finally, since sangria is served chilled, we recommend keeping it in the refrigerator and serving it over ice by the glass. When you place ice directly into the sangria pitcher, the ice will melt and dilute your beautifully crafted beverage.

Whether you chose a traditional red or opt for a white or rosé sangria, Payless Liquors has you covered. You can fill out our online order form to select your wine and then pick up your order.