5 Ways to Keep Your Liquor Cabinet Stocked Affordably

I’m not sure many of us are throwing formal cocktail parties these days, but friendly gatherings can include a bit of drinking. Most people I know are very flexible about their drinks, but I always try to keep my liquor cabinet well-stocked so that everyone can drink what they like.

But boy, can that be expensive? just doing nothing so many different types Alcohol outside. Even if you just keep it “basic,” we’re talking about:

• vodka
• jin
• rum
• tequila
• whiskey
• wine
• beer

And that’s not considering all breeds. Do you drink light rum or dark rum? White wine or red wine? IPA or Lager? And what about all the mixers?!

You don’t have to break the bank to make everyone happy. If you’re looking to stock your liquor cabinet for spring and summer fun, here are a few ways to do it on a budget.

1. Buy lesser-known or store brands

There’s a fine line between paying more for better quality liquor and paying more for a fancy bottle or a well-known name. (If you’ve ever seen a blind taste test video from a supposed liquor expert, it’s amazing.)

Don’t be afraid to try lesser-known brands or some store brands that can provide great taste at a reasonable price. This is especially true if top-shelf liquors usually make unremarkable mixed drinks anyway.

For example, if you’re going to mix whiskey and cola anyway, you probably don’t need an 18-year-old single malt. A good blended whiskey will do just fine (and be very affordable).

2. Wholesale club shopping

Speaking of store brands, I’d like to mention everyone’s favorite wholesale club. These places can be useful for stocking up on all the basics.

Costco carries the Kirkland Signature brand of liquor (and wine), which is considered very good quality and great value. Sam’s Club’s Members’ Mark House brand is known for its high quality even in its liquor line. In fact, rumors abound that both clubs will produce their alcohol from the same distillery as some of the biggest brands.

3. Look for manufacturer coupons

As with almost any other product, alcohol manufacturers often issue coupons for their products. Unlike other products, these coupons do not typically appear on mail flyers.

Instead, keep your eyes peeled while browsing the liquor store. There are many coupons hanging around the neck of that bottle. (Some liquor stores may display coupons on a board or somewhere in the store. My local liquor store has a bulletin board full of coupons.)

You can also try visiting the manufacturer’s website. Some brands offer printable coupons, especially around new product launches.

This can be a bummer when it comes to alcohol, but you can find great wine deals on most credit card issuer portals. For example, our Amex Offers portal often has deals for a variety of online wine sellers. (Not that it’s anything, but some sites also sell alcohol, so it might be a good fit for both.)

While we’re talking about credit cards, we’d like to point out that purchase rewards can also help you save money. However, liquor stores aren’t typically included in the bonus category (even grocery-linked stores tend to code separately), so you’ll need a good flat-rate card to get the most out of these purchases.

5. Stock up during holiday sales

Some types of alcohol are sold on certain holidays. For example, if you like Irish whiskey, a St. Patrick’s Day special can help you get it for cheap. Likewise, Cinco de Mayo can be a great time to pick up some tequila.

The winter holidays also see plenty of discounts on alcohol (both gift-worthy and family-friendly). At the very least, you can find good value gift sets that include a large bottle and a few small freebies, which can be a great way to try out new varieties.

Bonus tip: You can make your drinks with a fresh mixer

Even if you’re stuck with low-quality liquor, you can still make great cocktails if you pay close attention to the quality of your mixer. whatever you are ~can do make you new must Make it fresh. Freshly squeezed juice always tastes better than juice from a bottle or concentrate.

And don’t forget the decorations. Even cheap cocktails taste better when topped with decorative umbrellas, spiral orange peels, and delicious maraschino cherries.

It doesn’t take a lot of money to keep your guests well lubricated. Try these tips and see how much you can save on your next liquor sale.

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