:: BIG HUGE AWESOME GINORMOUS NEWS ::

Project Code Name: The Ultimate Adventure

About six months ago, we began a pretty exciting adventure.

Not a physical, hiking down a trail adventure, but more of a “growthventure”, geared towards bringing our mixes into the hands of our target users - YOU!

After months and months of paperwork, hustling, more paperwork, regulations, red tape, new labels, hardship, laughter, even more paperwork, and copious amounts of cocktails…we are proud to announce the “BIG THING” we’ve been alluding to in so many of our social media posts.

So here it goes…drum roll please…

Leisuremann’s Cocktail Mixes are now part of the REI Co-Op!!!

Hooray! - Cheers! - Applause! - Bravo!

Someone said “Speech” - Thank you to everyone who has supported us thus far. We appreciate each and everyone of you and hope you keep drinking cocktails with us for years to come.

Back @ it.

You may be asking yourself now, “As a loyal patron of Leisuremann’s, what does this actually mean?”

Outstanding question.

For starters, effective today, you can order our mixes directly from REI.com, allowing you to reap the benefits of their awesome dividend program and members coupon codes from every jar purchased.

Secondly and probably most important, our mixes will be in an REI store near you. Seriously, you can actually buy a jar of Leisuremann’s Cocktail Mix at an REI brick and mortar location. Wow, right?!

Forecasted to be in the major flagship locations (Denver, Seattle, Washington D.C., Bloomington, & SoHo) starting 10/15 through the end of 2018, we are excited to see what adventures you take with a jar of our mix. By purchasing from your local REI or REI Co-Op online you don’t just support local businesses, you also support outdoor adventure culture.

If you don’t live near one of the flagship stores, no worries, simply go to your local REI and request our mixes for your location. This is a simple way to help REI know what you guys are into, want, and would like to see on the shelves.

If you do live by a flagship location, stop in, buy a jar or four, take some selfies, and post those bad boys to social media, showing the world how much you love cocktails!

Lastly, give us a review on REI.com - find your favorite flavor and tell the other adventurers out there why you love a good Leisuremann’s cocktail.

Overall, getting our mixes into your hands so you can use it for your next trip, adventure, tailgate, backyard party, or just a Netflix and chill night, is and will always be our #1 priority.

So…pretty big news right?

Cheers // Cliff

'Twas the Night before Cocktailmas

'Twas the night before Cocktailmas, and all through the house;

Not a cocktail was mixed not even an ounce;

The bottles were placed by the chimney with care

In hopes that St. Cocktailmas soon would be there,

The kiddos were nestled all snug in their beds

While visions of presents danced in their heads;

Ma in her PJs and I in my cap,

Had just settled in for a sober winter's nightcap,

When down in the den there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the stairs I flew in a flash

Throwing on my robe and combing out my stash

The moon shown bright on newly fallen snow,

Gave the luster of midnight to objects below

When, what to my eyes should magically appear,

But a tipsy old man, drunk, smiling from ear to ear

With glee in his laugh so lively with class

I knew in that moment it must be St. Cocktailmas.

He spoke not words but went straight to his work.

Mixing, testing, tasting, till he turned with a jerk

Extending his hand in front of his face

He gave me a thumbs up and skedaddled my place

Stumbling to his sleigh, to his team he gave cheer

And away they flew, far from near

But I heard him exclaim, as he rode out of sight,

HAPPY COCKTAILMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL…

CHEERS TO A GOOD NIGHT!!!

Know What You're Ordering?

"Don't be afraid, it's just a cocktails"... Should be what most people say to themselves before placing an order for a drink at a bar, right?

Honestly, when asked, most individuals have limited knowledge of what they are actually ordering or the terminology behind drink orders. Though cocktail history is deeply rooted, having just an general knowledge of key terms and practices can not only aid but make your overall cocktail experience that much more enjoyable.

When ordering utilize the spirit first chaser second rule unless the cocktail/drink of your choice has an official name (ex. Old Fashioned or Dark & Stormy) or you prefer a single spirit, which we will get into later. Instead of telling your bartender you would like a cranberry vodka, use your confident voice and state "I would like a vodka cranberry". Also, don't be afraid to be specific. I would like a Ketel One and cranberry or an Absolut and cranberry. This shows your bartender that you didn't get off the 21 train yesterday and affords you the grand opportunity to make the "call" on your own cocktail. Hence the term "call" brands vs "well" liquors, but thats for a different blog.

In conjunction with proper ordering, knowing how you like your spirits served, is crucial. Though terminology varies from bar to bar, city to city, spirit to spirit, and even bartender to bartender, a few cocktail serving methods hold true.

Neat - A single spirit that is unmixed as well as not chilled. This is usually reserved for spirits that by their nature are best served and enjoyed at room temperature.

On the Rocks - A single spirit that is served on or over ice. This is usually reserved for drinks or spirits that are enjoyed cold and with the addition of melting ice brings flavor profiles not achieved neat.

Up or Straight Up - A libation that is shaken or stirred with ice, strained and served sans ice. This is usually reserved for specific spirits and cocktails and is either at the discretion of the bartender or the patron.

Cocktail or Mixed Drinks - An alcoholic beverage crafted of varying ingredients and spirits not limited to flavor or amount that is uniquely its own. Most are named. Refer to them by name and trust your bartender as they usually are the experts. Let your pallet for cocktails roam free!

At Leisuremann's we want you to have an excellent cocktail experience no matter where you go. We sample our mix on the rocks, as we find the slightly cold and mellow melting of an ice cube lends subtle flavor profiles not achieved when consumed neat. With that said, enjoy how you please. The beauty of our mix, as well as most cocktails, is that you can make them your own. Try new things, new spirits, new ratios and overall have the cocktail adventure you desire.

Remember Keep Calm and Cocktail On!

Cheers.

Cliff

$50 Dolla Make You Holla!

Not all spirits are created equal.

This week we came across a very informative video from Business Insider titled "Whiskey Expert's Favorite Bottles Under $50".

In this video, Tommy Tardie, whiskey expert and owner of The Flatiron Room in NYC, breaks down the nuances of 5 whiskeys under $50. Delving into the history of each and giving a little insight as to what makes these 5 whiskeys top of their class. 

To quote Tommy, "There's no best whiskey, it's really just based on your palette." So sit back, make a Leisuremann's Old Fashioned with your favorite whiskey and enjoy this short video!

Thanks Tommy!

Cheers!

-Cliff

One hell of a year!

From its inception, we knew we had something big, not just a product but an authentically honest and no-nonsense brand that is truly experienced by its users. 

2016, in retrospect, has been one hell of a year! Filled with unique places, chance encounters, grand adventures, and even the occasional festival or 3.

To our patrons and supporters, thanks for an awesome 2016. We look forward to even greater things to come in 2017.

To those seeing us for the first time, welcome! Take a look around, let us know what you think, and maybe even order a tin or two. Shop here now!

Have a great NYE and till 2017 - Drink up, be safe and Cheers from the gents @ Leisuremann's!