By Jeb Fiorita & Peter Olson
Summer 2021 has arrived! And while we could focus on what 2020 was, lets focus on today. There is light at the end of “the tunnel” and we are ready for social gatherings, family picnics, BBQ’s, travel as well as sitting in the backyard enjoying a cocktail.
As we write this column the sun is shining, and we are looking forward to great weekend beverage tastings. What comes to mind as a topic is the great selection of Ready to Drink (RTD) or “grab-n-go” canned beverages. Not only has the popularity increased with these beverages, but the quality and product offerings have skyrocketed.
Can we give credit to our old friends of the early 90’s wine coolers…Bartles and James? Possibly. But we want to fast forward to today. There are so many great options from vodka and whiskey to malt based beverages.
One of the most popular is Fishers Island. The great people at Fishers Island launched two new products just in time for summer…Pink Flamingo which has a cranberry flavor and Spiked Tea. These are delicious and complement the original Lemonade based drink.
Another canned beverage which is gaining is popularity is by Litchfield Distillery. The Spiked Lemonade is vodka based and is great cold in the can or over ice with citrus fruit for garnish. Batcherita is a Margarita inspired cocktail with a delicious mix of Agave and Lime. While also great cold out of the can, may we suggest enjoyed over ice with some fresh strawberries muddled in and a lime wedge for garnish. The third option is a cocktail with straight Bourbon… The Litchfielder. Here we have maple syrup and lemon juice mixed in for a sweet tweet. These are great on beach, at the neighborhood BBQ or sitting in the back yard.
We have also seen a large increase in the spiked seltzer market. As not only a seller but also a purchaser, we are amazed at how many products there are to choose from. Almost every major player now offers a spiked product
of some sort. And while many have hit the ground sprinting…High Noon, White Claw and Truly
El Luchador comes in at 8% alcohol and offers three RTD options. The first is the Blood Orange Margarita. This is made with Agave Tequila and natural blood orange flavor. Enjoy it over ice with a fresh orange slice for garnish. Another option is the sparkling Paloma which is grapefruit mixed with Agave Tequila. You can pick your own garnish, but we would suggest the obvious…a slice of grapefruit. Then there is the original…Classic Lime Margarita. Do we really need to explain how to enjoy this one? These are all great options for a relaxing moment either solo or with family and friends.
Summer is time for time spent with family and friends. And while at the beach, in the back yard or traveling, please enjoy and drink responsibly.
The Val’s family wishes you all the best in health and happiness. Please stop by at any one of our three locations between Greenwich and Stamford and say hello.
Jeb is the owner of Val’s Putnam Wines & Liquors with locations in Greenwich and Glenville. Peter is the General Manager of Val’s newest location at 66 Summer Street in Stamford. They can be reached at 203-869-2299.
