Cocktail ingredients Utah update – November 2014

Salt Lake City cocktailians will be disappointed to see that the Special Price Adjustment (SPA) list this month is a lot leaner than it was last month (down from 419 to 329).  This is the normal pre-December slump that we experience every November; Santa Claus comes in December, and his SPA list is usually very generous.  We will soon be presented with a cornucopia of liquor oriented gift items and sparkling wines for New Year’s celebrations.

Remember: November is the time to start looking up… to the top shelf, that is.  Boxed gift items that are usually found on the top shelves of the Utah State Stores. These promotional packages usually contain a bottle of liquor and items like logoed glasses or a shaker for about the same price as the bottle without the gift (quality of these “extras” varies).  These deals are great for gifts (given or received), or for stocking your bar.

For those who love Vodka Martinis, this month it’s liters of Skyy Vodka that are marked down from $22 to $19.  There are also a bunch of other Vodkas and the usual large number of flavored Vodkas on SPA.  The standout Tequila deals this month are a pair of El Jimadors: the Reposado and the Blanco are both marked down from $20 to $17.  Regular readers will know that a good Silver (or Plata or Blanco) is an essential ingredient in the ever popular Margarita, but this Reposado also makes outstanding cocktails.

If you were hoping for some Gin this month, you’re almost out of luck.  One good bet is Tanqueray Rangpur Gin, marked down from $25 to $22. Try it in a Tom Collins.  New Amsterdam Gin, an excellent economy Gin, is marked down this month (CS# 031475 down 20% to $12).  If you have an open bottle of sparkling wine and you’re in the mood for something a little stronger that a Champagne cocktail, try it in a French 75 – a reliable Champagne (and Gin) cocktail that is sure to have just the kick you need. 

November is not totally devoid of deals in the cocktail area, however.  If you’re into Bourbons, and if you like something a little pricier, Jack Daniels® Single Barrel (CS# 026906) is available for $47 (that’s a generous $3 off) should make a great Bourbon Manhattan.  All (both!) of the Scotch Whiskies marked down this month are blends, so if you’re looking for something to put into your top-shelf Rob Roy you can get a bottle of Chivas Regal 12 Year marked down 9% to $32.

Regarding 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.