Cocktail ingredients Utah update – August 2013

Utahans should be grateful to the UDABC this year.  In a normal August, the Utah DABC State Liquor Stores enter the summer doldrums by dropping the number of sale items into the depths of the Sargasso Sea.  This year’s doldrums are not so bad: where in August, 2012, there were only 156 items on SPA, this year there is a more respectable, but not very generous, 250.  That is, as my brother used to say, better than a finger in the eye.  August usually marks the beginning of a cooling trend as the days grow noticeably shorter.  This year has been warmer than normal, so when cocktail hour rolls around, Utah’s amateur mixologists should have plenty of takers for their cocktails.  Here are some cocktail ideas that will save you money by taking advantage of the marked down items.

One Rum deal this month is Coruba Spiced Jamaica Rum (CS# 042093), on clearance for $6.52.  If you’re into spiced Jamaica Rum, this bargain might be just what you’re looking for.  While we’re talking inexpensive Rums, you might want to try Cruzan Dark (044486) down 15% to $10.  Try it in one or two of my favorite Rum coolers: the Mojito and the classic Rum and Coke (with lime, of course).

Lovers of Brandy cocktails will be pleased to find that E&J XO Brandy is on SPA for $13 (a 19% 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 liter bottles of Ketel One (CS# 034457 down 10% to $28) and 750ml bottles of Absolut (CS# 034006 down 15% 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 11% to $27).  If you’re looking for something to go into a summer cooler like a Tom Collins, try some New Amsterdam Gin (CS# 031475 down 20% to $12), an excellent economy Gin.  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.