Allen's Retail Liquor Store

IRS Blues Martini

2012-04-17T12:08:00.001-07:00

Recipe courtesy Cityscape Bar for Food Network Magazine

Combine in a cocktail shaker with ice:

1½ ounces citrus-flavored vodka (preferably Skyy),

½ ounce blue curaco,

3 ounces lemonade.

Shake, then strain into a chilled martini glass.

Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Drink recipe roundup

2012-04-02T18:47:00.002-07:00

Just a few recipes passed on by customers !!

Incredible Hulk:
Jagermeister and Hpnotiq

Buffalo Sweat:
Beam and Tabasco
ewwwwww!

Boozy Birthday Cake Shots

adapted from pinnaclevodka.com

Yield: 1 shot (but you can make up to 6 at a time in a standard martini shaker)

Ingredients
1 ounce cake flavored vodka
1 teaspoon dry white cake mix
1/2 ounce whipped cream flavored vodka or chocolate liqueur
... 1/2 ounce half & half (10.5-18% fat cream)
whipped cream (for topping)
sprinkles (for topping)

Method
Shake all ingredients in a martini shaker with ice and strain into sprinkle-rimmed (optional) shooter or shot glass and top with whipped cream and more sprinkles.
Notes
The dry cake mix dissolves right into the drink when you shake it up in the martini shaker.

Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2010

2012-01-16T10:07:00.000-08:00

We have a limited supply of this luscious wine from Chile's Central Valley. Its color is a rich, rich, ruby red and it gives a fresh, fruity nose. Initial, front-of-mouth taste is cherry and raspberry with nice hints of spice through the bright and airy finish.

I also tasted it with grilled sirloin, steamed sweet potatoes and mixed vegetables. While there is no indication of astringency on first tasting, when drunk while eating a big, medium-rare steak, there is just enough "bite" to cut through the fattiness of the sirloin. Really, an amazingly, versatile little wine.

Wonder what I will try it with tomorrow night?

Wine Spectator gives it 85 (out of a possible 100) points and its coveted best buy of the week.

"Open-knit, with a fresh core of cherry and raspberry fruit laced with light spice shadings through the breezy finish."

Basic guide to blush wines

2011-11-29T12:17:00.000-08:00

To help you pick a wine you'll enjoy, we came up with a basic guide to wine types. This time, let's look at the blush or pink wines, plus a few lighter reds.

We profile each type of wine we carry, and we help you make sense of what it will taste like, what it goes well with and whether you might enjoy it. Each wine is described in these ways:

Level of sweetness. From really sweet to very dry.
Amount of body. Wines range from light body that is very easy to drink, through full body with lots of flavor, to very full body with intense flavors that can be a challenge!
Taste. Each variety has a one-word (ok, sometimes a two-word) summary. We chose words like floral, fresh, crisp, rich, luscious, fruity, smooth, and spicy to describe the wide range of flavors in wines. I even found little clip art pictures to help you imagine the flavors before you buy. (Ever try to find a picture that describes a taste? It ain't easy!)

Many blush wines
have a taste of fruit,
but they vary in sweetness.

White Zinfandel:

Blush or pink in color
Semi-sweet or lightly sweet
Light body, easy to drink
Tastes "Fruity" like fresh fruits
Drink with pastas and any light dishes
Serve chilled

Sweet Blushes like Franzia Blush and Pink Niagara

Blush or pink in color
Semi-sweet (a little sweet)
Light body, easy to drink
Tastes "fruity" like fresh fruits
Drink with any light dishes
Serve chilled

Dry Blushes like White Merlot, Eye of Toad dry Pinot Noir blush, and Blushing Bastard

Blush or pink in color
Semi-dry (not sweet)
Light body, easy to drink
Tastes "Fruity, Crisp" like citrus
Drink with any light dishes
Serve chilled

Chillable Red:

Light red or dark blush in color
Semi-sweet (very lightly sweet)
Medium body, flavorful
Tastes "Fruity" like fresh fruit
Drink with pastas, ham, turkey
Serve chilled

Red Rose and Burgundy
feel smooth to taste

Red Rose:

Darker blush, light red in color
Semi-dry (not quite sweet)
Light body, easy to drink
Tastes "Smooth" like it feels soft in your mouth, and has a soft fruit flavor
Drink with chicken, beef, steak, fish
Serve lightly chilled

Burgundy:

Dark blush, nearly red in color
Dry (not sweet)
Medium body, flavorful
Tastes "Smooth" like it feels soft in your mouth
Drink with hearty dishes, beef, steak
Serve room temperature

Chianti has a cooking spice taste
and goes well with spicy foods.

Chianti:

Dark blush, nearly red in color
Dry (not sweet)
Medium body, flavorful
Tastes "Spicy" like cooking spices
Drink with Italian foods and spicy dishes
Serve at room temperature

Sangria:

Dark blush, or Light Red in color
Sweet (really sweet!)
Light body, easy to drink
Tastes "Very Fruity" with fruit flavoring the wine
Drink with Mexican foods, spicy dishes
Serve chilled or over ice. Great with fresh fruit added to it!

Concord wines are almost as sweet
as candies.

Sweet Reds like Concord

Red (but so sweet, we put it in with blushes)
Sweet (really sweet!)
Light body, easy to drink
Tastes "Luscious" like juicy candy
Drink with any light dishes
Serve chilled

Pay with your phone at the liquor store

2011-11-22T06:37:00.000-08:00

We've got a new payment system. It's easier, a little greener for the environment and kinda cool.

If you pay by credit card, you'll notice we swipe your card using the iPad, instead of a traditional credit card terminal.

And instead of handing you a paper receipt, you can get your receipt by text message or email.

And if you have an iPhone or Android phone, you can download the app and then pay with just your phone! You can learn about it Square Card Case.

Finally, a word about security. Your info is all encrypted all the way from the scanner to the processor. None of your info is stored on our system, and there is no paper copy to fall into the wrong hands. The payment processor, Square, is fully compliant with all the industry standards for security.

We love it, and we hope you will, too.

Thanksgiving week hours

2011-11-21T06:52:00.000-08:00

Wondering when Allen's will be open during Thanksgiving week? We'll be here as much as the law allows!

Monday: 10am to 9pm
Tuesday: 10am to 9pm
Wednesday: 10am to 9pm
Thursday: closed
Friday: 10am to 9pm
Saturday: 10am to 9pm
Sunday: closed

Don't forget! Saturday is Shop Small Saturday, and hey, the liquor store counts! :)

Basic guide to red wines

2011-11-15T13:44:00.001-08:00

To help you pick a wine you'll enjoy, we came up with a basic guide to wine types. We'll start with the red wines.

We profile each type of wine we carry, and we help you make sense of what it will taste like, what it goes well with and whether you might enjoy it. Each wine is described in these ways:

Level of sweetness. From really sweet to very dry.
Amount of body. Wines range from light body that is very easy to drink, through full body with lots of flavor, to very full body with intense flavors that can be a challenge!
Taste. Each variety has a one-word (ok, sometimes a two-word) summary. We chose words like floral, fresh, crisp, rich, luscious, fruity, smooth, and spicy to describe the wide range of flavors in wines. I even found little clip art pictures to help you imagine the flavors before you buy. (Ever try to find a picture that describes a taste? It ain't easy!)

Pinot Noir is fruity,
but not sweet

We'll start with the softest, easiest to drink reds, and go up from there.

Pinot Noir and Beaujolais:

Dry (not sweet)
Medium body, flavorful
Tastes "Fruity" like fresh fruit
Drink with turkey, fish, ham, roast beef
Serve lightly chilled

Merlot feels smooth to taste

Merlot:

Dry (not sweet)
Full body, very flavorful
Tastes "Smooth, Soft Fruit" like it feels soft in your mouth
Drink with roasts and beef dishes
Serve at room temperature

Cabernet Sauvignon:

Cabernet feels kind of square
in your mouth

Dry (not sweet at all)
Full body, very flavorful
Tastes "Herbal, Square" (not smooth!)
Drink with roasts and beef dishes
Serve at room temperature

Shiraz:

Very dry (not at all sweet)
Full body, intensely flavorful
Tastes "Big, Intense" with a powerful flavor
Drink with spicy dishes, peppery foods, spiced or marinated steak
Serve at room temperature

Shiraz and Zinfandel
feel BIG and INTENSE
in your mouth.

Zinfandel:

Very dry (not at all sweet)
Full body, intensely flavorful
Tastes "Big, Intense" with a powerful flavor
Drink with spicy dishes, peppery foods, spiced or marinated steak
Serve at room temperature

Red Wine Blends like Shiraz/Cabernet, and Cab/Merlot:

The big red blends
feel softer than the
Shiraz or Zinfandel alone.

Dry (not sweet)
Full body, very flavorful
Tastes "Softer" like it feels soft in your mouth, compared to Shiraz or Zinfandel
Drink with pizza, rich foods, peppery dishes, steak
Serve at room temperature

Next time, we'll talk about the burgundies, chillable red, red rose and other red wines.

How to speak beer

2011-09-24T06:48:00.001-07:00

Here's a great introduction to the world of beer, all in one cute graphic.

Source: Pimsleur Approach

Toad Hollow Rose

2011-08-16T16:04:00.000-07:00

One of our long-time favorites, Toad Hollow Eye of Toad Rose, was named a Bargain Pick by Cooking Light Magazine.

They described it with "hints of cherry, violets and pepper. Bone dry."

They paired it with their Picnic-Perfect Lobster Rolls. Sounds good to us!

Toad Hollow blogged it, too.

The new investment plan

2011-08-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

Seen online....

If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Delta Airlines one year ago, you would have $49.00 today! If you purchased $1,000 of shares in AIG, you would have $33.00. If you purchased $1,000 of shares in Lehman Brothers, you would have $0.00 today. But, if you purchased $1,000 worth of beer, drank all the beer, turned in the aluminum cans for recycling, you would have $214.00, therefore the best current investment plan is to drink heavily & recycle. It is called the 401-Keg Plan

How to spike punch with 190 proof grain alcohol

2011-06-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

Making some trash can punch or cowboy kool aid? Here's how much Everclear or 190 proof alcohol to add to reach your target, or at least get close.

For 1 Gallon of punch:

to get 3%-4%: add one half of a 200ml bottle of Everclear
for 5%-6%: add 200 ml
8%-10%: 375 ml
12%-15%: 750ml

2 Gallons:

for 3%-4%: add 200 ml
5%-6%: 375 ml
8%-10%: 750 ml
12%-15%: 1 liter

3 Gallons:

3%-4%: 375 ml
5%-6%: 750 ml
8%-10%: 1 liter
12%-15%: 1.75 ml

5 Gallons:

3%-4%: 750 ml
5%-6%: 1 liter
8%-10%: 2 liters
12%-15%: 3 liters

10 Gallons:

3%-4%: 1 liter + 375 ml
5%-6%: 2 liters + 375 ml
8%-10%: 5 liters
12%-15%: 6.5 liters

15 Gallons:

3%-4%: 2 liters
5%-6%: 4 liters
8%-10%: 6 liters
12%-15%: 9 liters

20 Gallons:

3%-4%: 3 liters
5%-6%: 5 liters
8%-10%: 9 liters
12%-15%: 13 liters

30 Gallons:

3%-4%: 4 liters
5%-6%: 7 liters + 750 ml
8%-10%: 12 liters
12%-15%: 19 liters

OK, have fun, and be careful with that 190 proof!

How many calories in wine, liquor and beer

2011-04-13T12:53:00.000-07:00

Counting calories in drinks isn't easy, but we have this handy table to give you some guidelines.

A shot is 1.5 ounces.

Spirits: Whiskey, vodka, rum, gin

80 proof : 1 shot = 97 calories
90 proof: 1 shot = 110 calories
100 proof: 1 shot = 124 calories

Beer:

6% alcohol : 12 ounces = 151 calories
Light: 12 ounces = 98 calories

Wines:

Dry wines: 3.5 ounces = 87 calories
Sweet wines: 2 ounces = 80 calories
Champagne: 3.5 ounces = 91 calories
Dry vermouth: 1 ounce = 33 calories
Sweet vermouth: 1 ounce = 44 calories

Please note that these are approximate. Use them only as an estimate, ok? Thanks.

How to Read a Wine Label

2011-03-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

First, do you like the way it looks? While this is not important to the taste of the wine, it can be part of the overall enjoyment.

Now, down to brass tacks as it were.

The most important things on the label are the: grape (Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Pinot Grigio, etc), the winemaker (Ste Michelle, Little Penguin, Toad Hollow, etc), and the vintage (2008, 2010).

the grape because it will immediately tell you whether it's the type of wine you like or want to drink,
the winemaker because some are good and some are not,
the vintage because some years are better than others.

"Table wine," is a blend of different grapes from different vintages; that doesn't mean it's not good. "California wine" can mean a blend of grapes from anywhere in the state, not just where they grow best. If a wine's from Napa or Sonoma, it will say so.

Don't worry about words like "reserve" and "private selection," Basically, they mean nothing; they're just marketing ploys. Pretty much the same for bin or bottle numbers. However, if you find a bin number from a particular vintner that consistently yields a pleasant wine, time after time, by all means, seek it out.

Labels are like sign posts: they can help you.

Drink recipe: Shady Leprechaun

2011-03-09T10:00:00.001-08:00

The Shady Leprechaun

1 1/2 fluid ounces dark rum
1 pint Irish stout beer (e.g. Guinness®)
DIRECTIONS:
Pour the rum into a pint glass, then slowly pour in the stout.

Thanks to Maesz for finding this one!

A delicious limited edition merlot

2011-02-27T16:44:00.000-08:00

.
2008 Chateau Ste Michelle Merlot Columbia Valley Indian Wells

This is absolutely everything a merlot should be and more:

Fruity and floral to the nose with a "come on in, this is fine" seduction;
dark and rich;
a soft taste full of blueberry, black plums, with a nod to something dried--this year's raisins or maybe currants;
and on the end there is just the barest hint of pepper to make it interesting;
the finish is incredibly, lingeringly easy.

We have only a limited supply, so snatch it up. It is too good to be left sitting on a shelf.

Buy it.

Drink it.

Enjoy.
.

Beer basics

2011-01-26T13:28:00.000-08:00

Lager, pilsner, porter, stout... What are all these beer types? Here are just the basics:

Lager: golden-colored, effervescent brew that's been fermented slowly
Light beer: lager with reduced carbohydrates and calories
Pilsner: lager with a strong hops flavor
Malt liquor: lager with high alcohol content
Ale: rapidly fermented brew with distinctive hops flavor and aroma
Bock, porter, and stout: dark malty ales that range in taste from sweet to bitter

Want to know more? Read the Beer 101 guide.

What to do with all those empty bottles

2011-01-17T15:41:00.000-08:00

A customer passed along this idea, on what to do with empty bottles.

awesome tumblers made from used Absolut bottles. Each glass has been created by cutting the top off of a 1 liter bottle and measures 7″ tall by 3 1/2″. Not a fan of Absolut? The designer, WVGlass also boasts a Grey Goose version as well.

Found at Inhabit.com.

Liquor gift sets are out

2010-11-16T10:59:00.000-08:00

Every year, liquor is a popular gift. This year, we have 27 different gift sets or packages to chose from.

The glasses, flasks, shots, and other goodies are all at no extra cost. The price is still the same as the liquor item alone.

Come get 'em, while you have the best selection. They go fast!

Thanksgiving Store Hours

2010-11-15T10:27:00.000-08:00

11/24/10 Wednesday - 10am to 9pm
11/25/10 Thanksgiving Day - Closed
11/26/10 Black Friday - 10am to 9pm
11/27/10 Glad its over Saturday - 10am to 9pm

That's it until Christmas and it will be here in 39 days!!!

And here's our last minute Thanksgiving wine advice.

NWOSU Football

2010-11-13T05:42:00.000-08:00

Today is your last chance to attend a NWOSU home football game! I'll be there rooting for the Rangers and clapping along with the Northwestern Marching Band! The sun is shining, the game starts at 1pm so come on out and have some fun! Ride Rangers Ride whoohoo!!!

Easy Thanksgiving wine choices

2010-11-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

"What's a good wine for Thanksgiving?" Our advice is to keep it simple!

Pick just one white wine. The range of tastes at Thanksgiving covers spicy, rich and everything else we can pile on, so a medium-bodied white wine is a good choice. Medium bodied means it is not too strong in flavor, and not to light. Just right to work with lots of different foods.

Rosemount Traminer Riesling has long been our favorite recommendation. It goes with all kinds of food and is easy for all the adults to enjoy. It has a nice spice to it that works well with the spices at Thanksgiving.

Other good Thanksgiving wines include Sauvignon Blancs, Pinot Grigios and Gewurtztraminers.

If you would really prefer a red wine, try a Pinot Noir or Malbec. Both are medium reds that also get along with many different foods.

When life gives you lemons... make Lemonade!!!

2010-07-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

2 cups water
1 cup ice
1 cup fresh lemon juice
4 ounces vodka
1 lemon sliced into rings

In a small saucepan bring water and sugar to a simmer. Cook until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool. Fill a large pitcher with ice, stir in simple syrup, lemon juice, vodka, lemon rings and enjoy.

This sounds yummy!!!

2010-07-14T08:50:00.000-07:00

Strawberry Basil Mojito

3 fresh strawberries
3-5 fresh basil leaves
2 oz. simple syrup
2 oz. white rum
crushed ice
club soda

Slice the strawberries and place at the bottom of a tall glass along with the basil leaves. Pour in the simple syrup and muddle the mixture. Stir in the rum and top with crushed ice. Top off with club soda and garnish with strawberry slices

Mom's original margarita recipe

2010-07-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

For a long time, Mom's favorite margarita recipe has been the same:

3 parts tequila
3 parts triple sec
2 parts lime juice

Shake with ice. Serve in a salt-rimmed glass.

Mom is partial to Sauza Hornitos tequila, and fresh squeezed limes.

And be warned: these things have a serious kick!

Persian Lime Martini

2010-06-13T12:05:00.000-07:00

My friend Martin Lindeskog (@Lyceum) sent me his recipe for a Persian Lime Martin(i), dedicated to the people fighting for regime change in Iran.

1 jigger / measurement cup Martini Bianco, white vermouth.
1 jigger / measurement cup fresh lime juice.
1/2 jigger / measurement cup Bombay Sapphire gin.
ice cubes
soda water
lime wedge

Put ice cubes, vermouth, gin, and lime juice in a highball glass. Stir with a spoon. Add soda water and a lime wedge. Serve with a straw.

Sounds refreshing! Thanks, Martin.