Cocktail ingredients Utah update – August 2015

Corpse Reviver No. 2

Utah Rye Whiskey lovers should be grateful to the UDABC this month.  As you may remember from these posts, usually there are no Rye Whiskeys marked down in Utah.  This month there are two, and good ones, too!  Pendleton 1910 Canadian Rye and Bulleit Rye Whiskeys are all on sale this month (over 10% off).  Whether you like them for sipping, or in a Manhattan or a Sazerac, this is a great month to stock up on Rye!  Except for the Scotches, there is a passable selection of Whiskeys on SPA this month.  In other news, a new offering from High West: Rocky Mountain Rye 16 Year is now available for a price!  Crown Royal Rye is another new product.

Two years ago, the Utah DABC State Liquor Stores seem to have begun a new pattern.  Rather than enter the doldrums in August, they have maintained an average level of items on SPA, this month there is a respectable 315 items marked down, slightly more than in July.  August usually marks the beginning of a cooling trend as the days begin to grow noticeably shorter, but it’s still warm enough that Utah’s amateur mixologists will have plenty of takers for their cocktails when cocktail hour rolls around.  Here are some cocktail ideas that will save you money by taking advantage of the marked down items.

Brandy cocktail lovers will be pleased to find that E&J XO Brandy is on SPA for $13.5 (a 21% reduction); try it in a Sidecar (or any other cocktail calling for Brandy), where it will hurt your wallet far less than using your favorite Cognac.  Deals on Vodka this month include Grey Goose (CS# 034433 down 12% to $30) and Absolut (CS# 034006 down 16% to $17).  Try these in a White Russian or a Vodka Martini.

A classic Gin cocktail from The Savoy Cocktail Book is the Corpse Reviver No. 2.  This month you might want to try one using Bombay Sapphire Gin (CS# 028236 down 15% to $23).  If you’re looking for something to go into a summer cooler like a Tom Collins, try some New Amsterdam Gin (CS# 031475 down 19% to $13), an excellent economy Gin. 

Purists may be offended by the Rum deals this month, all of the Rums on sale are spiced or flavored except for Captain Morgan White.  If you are so inclined, you can check out the selection and try one in one or two of my favorite Rum coolers: the Mojito and the classic Rum and Coke (with lime, of course).  You can check all of the prices for yourself by clicking through to the “SPA Product List” to open a price book in PDF format that shows all of the markdowns for the current month; then search on “gin” or the product of your choice. 

Cocktail ingredients Utah update – July 2015

Frozen Margarita for hot summer evenings.

July is usually the hottest month of summer, this year it may lose out to June, but there’s still an adequate supply of hot weather in store for Utah.  Hot weather means that when cocktail hour rolls around, Utah’s amateur mixologists should have plenty of takers for their cocktails. The number of items on SPA (Special Price Adjustment) this month dropped from just over 400 in June to just over 300 in July, so if you want to make some great cocktails, there are some good cocktail ingredients on sale this month at the Utah DABC State Liquor Stores. 

When it’s this hot (i.e. high 90’s to 100 for several days in a row), my thoughts turn to frozen drinks, and for some reason that makes me think of Rum.  My wife and I will enjoy a nice Piña Colada or two every so many hot evenings.  If you limit your Piña Coladas to light Rum, Bacardi’s is on sale this month, but if you don’t mind an off-color drink, go with the Mount Gay Eclipse Rum (CS# 042666 down 14% to $19).  It also goes well in two of my favorite Rum coolers: the Mojito and the classic Rum and Coke (with lime, of course). 

As hot as it is, you are probably looking for some great summer cooler cocktail recipes in time for your barbecue or pool party, or just to enjoy after mowing the lawn.  Here are some suggestions that will save you money by taking advantage of items that are marked down this month.

The classic Gin cooler for hot weather is the Gin and Tonic.  This month you might want to try one using New Amsterdam Gin (1750ml CS# 031473 down 11% to $24), an excellent economy Gin.  It goes well in a Tom Collins, too.  If you’re more interested in a Classic Martini, pick up some Hendricks Gin (CS# 028625 down 8% to $34) or some Bombay Gin (CS# 028206 down 17% to $19).  No, it’s not a cooler, but it sure does taste good!

Deals on Vodka this month include liter bottles of Ketel One (CS# 034457 down 10% to $28) and liters of Absolut (CS# 034007 down 7% to $25).  If you like cranberry juice, try these in a Cosmo Cooler, a descendant of the classic cocktail.  If you like your Whiskey drinks (Bourbon anyone?) I can recommend a Mint Julep, so pick up a liter of Evan Williams Single Barrel (down 7% to $27) and find some mint.

Some of my favorite mixing Tequilas are marked down this month: try El Jimador Reposado (CS# 089278 down 15% to $17), or the Blanco (down 15% to $17).  Both of these go well in a classic Margarita (or enjoy one frozen), or in two great Tequila coolers: the Margarita Cooler and the Tequila Mojito.

So find a shady spot when you get home from work, kick back, and enjoy a nice summer cooler or a delicious cocktail.

Cocktail ingredients Utah update – June 2015

Put some Scotch to good use in a
Bobby Burns Cocktail.

June brings the beginning of summer, and with summer comes hot weather (upper 90s this weekend).  Hot weather and yard work make for thirsty people, so when cocktail hour rolls around Utah amateur mixologists should have plenty of takers for their cocktails. Just in time, the number of items on SPA (Special Price Adjustment) in Utah this month rose from around 260 for May to over 400 in June.  That means there are some quality cocktail ingredients on sale this month at the Utah DABC State Liquor Stores, so you can get what you need to make some tall coolers or stir up some great cocktails.  Here are some ideas on how to use this month’s sale items to improve your cocktail offerings.

Irish Whiskey lovers will be happy to discover that Jameson Black Barrel is now on SPA for the first time since it became available in Utah last year for $30 (from $35); I had a chance to taste this one in Portland three years ago and can tell you that you will enjoy it.  Rye aficionados are in luck this month, too: Bulleit 95 Rye is marked down 11% to $25, along with George Dickel for those seeking a lower price point.  As for Bourbons, there are about a dozen on sale this month, including single barrel offerings from Basil Hayden and Elijah Craig.  If you like Mint Julep (I know I do), you might want to try one with Gentleman Jack (down 9% to $29.5). 

Lovers of Scotch Whiskies should be happy this month: there are ten single malts and six blends marked down just in the 750ml size.  The single malts range from ten to 16 years old, so enjoy.  The blended Scotch Whiskies include Johnnie Walker 12 year old ($35) and Chivas 12 year for $32.  If you’re searching for a Scotch cocktail to try this month, consider trying the classic Bobby Burns.

There are not a lot of Rums on SPA this month, but you might want to try some Appleton Estates VX (14% to $19) in a Mojito or the classic Rum and Coke.  June 14 was World Gin Day (we missed it), but there are only a few Gins marked down this month.  If you love Gin and Tonics to cool down in the hot weather, you might want to stock up on New Amsterdam Gin (CS# 031475 down 19% to $13), an excellent Gin for the price. Try some Tanqueray ($23) in a Classic Martini. 

As to any other sale or clearance items, if you see a great deal on anything at your local state store that other cocktailians might enjoy, post a response to this article.  See the following list “Suggested by the author” for information on how to use the Utah DABC website.  You can check out what else is on sale (e.g. the wines, etc.) by clicking through to the “SPA Product List” to open an online price book in PDF format that shows all of the markdowns for the current month.

Cocktail ingredients Utah update – May 2015

Good Gin makes an Aviation
as fresh as the sky itself!

The number of items on SPA (Special Price Adjustment) at the Utah DABC State Liquor Stores this month dropped off again this month into the middle two-hundreds; that’s normal for May.  There are, still, some quality cocktail ingredients available this month, so you might be able to get what you need to shake up some great cocktails.  Here are some ideas on how to use this month’s sale items to improve your cocktail repertoire.

Once again, there weren’t a lot of Bourbons on sale for the derby last week; if you’re into Evan Williams, you’re set.  Otherwise if you want a Mint Julep or a BLT, I hope you still have some in your bar.  There’s not much in the way of blended Scotch Whiskies marked down this month either: liter bottles of Chivas Regal 12 YO are marked down around $5 to $40 and the 1750 ml bottles of Dewars White Label are marked down to $47.  If you’re searching for a Scotch cocktail to try this month, consider going outlaw with a Rob Roy.

Martini lovers will be pleased to know that they don’t have to go thirsty this month.  Hendricks Gin (8% to $34 makes an excellent Classic Martinis).  The other pick of the Gins this month is the large bottle of Tanqueray (marked down 4% to $45) goes well in a Campden Cocktail; this little known cocktail is one you should try. If you love Tanqueray Gin and Tonics while sitting in the yard in the summertime, this might be a good time to stock up.

The selection of Tequilas this month is not bad!  This month Milagro Silver is marked down 13% range to $26 and the Reposado is marked down 9% to $30. Combine them with Gran Gala Orange Liqueur (an excellent, low cost Triple Sec marked down 14% to $19) to make a dynamite Margarita.  You will also find 1800 Silver (9% to $30) on sale.

As to any other sale or clearance items, if you see a great deal on anything at your local state store that other cocktailians might enjoy, post a response to this article.  See the following list “Suggested by the author” for information on how to use the Utah DABC website.  You can check out what else is on sale (e.g. the wines, etc.) by clicking through to the “SPA Product List” to open an online price book in PDF format that shows all of the markdowns for the current month.

Cocktail ingredients Utah update – April 2015

Tanqueray Taj Cocktail
A concoction with Gin and Midori

When Utahans walk into the Utah DABC State Liquor Stores this month they will find that the number of marked down items has increased; the number of items on SPA (Special Price Adjustment) increased from around 350 last month to almost 400 for April.  Cocktailians who need to stock their bars can find some nice bargains.  There are some quality cocktail ingredients available this month, so dust off your wallet and your wallet and your shaker and get ready to mix some great cocktails.

There are a handful of Bourbons on SPA this month; let’s hope they are holding them in reserve for the Derby next month, always a big day for Bourbon.  In the 750ml size there is only one Single Barrel offering marked down: Basil Hayden 8 Year (7% to $40).  Sip it, or you can make a very good Manhattan, or perhaps even a Boulevardier.  One Scotch Whisky marked down this month that you might want to pour into a cocktail like a Blood and Sand, is the Johnnie Walker Red that has an 11% mark-down to $25.  Johnnie Walker 12 Year 750 ml. is marked down 7% to $40.

The Rum deals are few and far between this month if you don’t count the “Spiced and Flavored” category.  Appleton Estates VX is marked down 14% to $19, you might want to experiment with a Rum Old Fashioned.  Fortunately, the UDABC didn’t forget about you Tequila lovers.  There are 16 Tequilas (Platas, Añejos and Reposados) on SPA.  My favorites include Herradura Añejo at $51.  This month Familia Camarena Silver and Reposado are both marked down 15% to $17.  It’s Margarita time! 

If you need some Dry Gin, Tanqueray Ten is marked down 9% to $29.  Try it in a Classic Martini.  Always reliable Tanqueray is marked down $3 to $22 (try it in a Tom Collins).  If you like Vesper Martinis, Ketel One (it’s great with a lemon twist) is also on SPA for $21.  There are also deals on Belevedere and Effen, as well as the usual multitude of flavored Vodkas that are better not mentioned.

There are a couple of Liqueurs marked down this month.  Amaretto Di Amore ($12) goes great in Mai Tais and is marked down around 14%.  Disaronno Amaretto is marked down to $23.  Midori Melon Liqueur is marked down 10% to $19; try it in a Tanqueray Taj.

As to any other sale or clearance items, if you see anything at your local state store that other cocktailians might enjoy, post a response to this article.  See the following list “Suggested by the author” for information on how to use the Utah DABC website.  You can check out what else is on sale (e.g. the wines etc.) by clicking through to the “SPA Product List” to open a price book in PDF format that shows all of the markdowns for the current month.

Cocktail ingredients Utah update – March 2015

The French 75 has a reliable kick...

When Utahans walk into the Utah DABC State Liquor Stores in March, they will be pleased to see that sale tags are a little more in evidence than they have been during the last couple of months, but not overwhelmingly so.  The number of marked down items has increased from January and February lows into the “average” range.  The number of items on SPA (Special Price Adjustment) rose from around 270 last month to almost 350 in March.  A few quality cocktail ingredients are available this month, so get ready for some great cocktails, but this is not a real bar-stocking opportunity.

With an incredible lack of timing (just like last year) there is only one(!) Irish Whiskey on SPA for St. Patrick’s Day this month: Tullamore Dew.  If you enjoy Bourbons, selections this month range include Knob Creek and Elijah Craig 12 Year, both marked down around 5%.  If you want to make a Manhattan, or perhaps a Boulevardier, try some.  This month you might want to stock up on your favorite Liqueurs.  Liqueurs like Underground Herbal Spirit ($26) and Frangelico ($23) are on sale, and also an excellent Triple Sec substitute that works well in Margaritas: Gran Gala Orange Liqueur (14% to $19).

The UDABC didn’t forget about you Tequila lovers this month.  There are 13 Tequilas on SPA with ten Platas and Reposados (there are four different 1800’s marked down).  With seven different Platas... it’s Margarita time.  Rum seems to have been overlooked this month.  If you like Dark Rums, Mount Gay Eclipse Barbados Rum is marked down over 15% to $17, try it in a Rum Old Fashioned, but that’s about it for Rums. 

If you need some Gin, you can get Beefeaters for $21 or a good “economy Gin”, New Amsterdam (CS# 031475), is marked down 13% from $16 to $14 (try them in a Tom Collins).  If you have an open bottle of sparkling wine, but you’re in the mood for something a little stronger than a Champagne cocktail, try a French 75 – a reliable Champagne (and Gin) cocktail that is sure to have just the kick you need.  If you’re more into Vodka Martinis, Tito’s Handmade is marked down 10% to $18 this month.

As to any other sale or clearance items, if you see anything at your local state store that other cocktailians might enjoy, post a response to this article.  See the following list “Suggested by the author” for information on how to use the Utah DABC website.  You can check out what else is on sale (e.g. the wines etc.) by clicking through to the “SPA Product List” to open a price book in PDF format that shows all of the markdowns for the current month.