The Bottom Shelf

In the modern world of alcohol advertising, "bottom shelf" have become dirty words. But believe me friends, when it comes down to it, I would bet half the people ordering couldn't taste a difference. That being said, when a customer orders Belvedere you do not give them Bankers Club. What I'm saying is that if you are on a budget, there is nothing wrong with buying that plastic bottle. However, make sure you shop around first. Sometimes, you would be surprised at how much some bottles actually cost. If you want to stay on the cheaper side, I wouldn't go all the way down to Bankers Club. For almost the same price, you can grab the same sized bottle of Svedka. Which, thanks to some wonderful advertising techniques, many find as a recognizable brand which means a premium vodka right? Sure. It certainly tastes better!

There are ways, however, to make the bottom shelf enjoyable. First, you might not want to mix with tonic or club. Because these alcohols tend to be less smooth, you may just feel like you are choking your drink down. Which to me, if you are paying for it at a bar, you might as well enjoy it.

If you are a vodka drinker, mix with cranberry and orange juice, or orange juice and pineapple with a small splash of cranberry. If you are counting your calories, you can mix with soda or tonic, but simply ask for an extra lime (or lemon, for some).

Cheap whisky? Try with sour mix and a cherry. Ginger ale is a safe but enjoyable option as well.

How about some rum? Simple! Pineapple with grenadine. If it's spiced rum, ginger ale is my preference, it tastes like cream soda!

Tequila? make the cheap skinny margarita! mix soda water with a splash of triple sec and two fresh limes. You can use lime juice to save money, but I enjoy fresh limes instead.

Gin? Why are you drinking cheap gin?


Now if you are on a budget for the holidays and looking for a cute and creative gift, you can put that inexpensive vodka to good use! Grab some mason jars, your favorite candy and voila! Candy infused vodka! You can get a wonderful flavor by adding some of those super yummy peppermint sticks (you know the ones, that just melt in your mouth, yeahhhh those ones). Let the candy of your choice soak in the jar for about 2 days or to your desired taste and strain out any excess.

Wrap with a ribbon and maybe attach a packet of hot chocolate, it is guaranteed to make anyone smile on that first snow of the season.



I had so many wonderful blog suggestions in the past few days, I cannot wait to write about everything!