New Year's Eve parties will be ringing in 2014 soon, and if you've decided to host a shindig at your own digs, you've probably been mulling over what flavor Jell-O shot you'll be serving.
But if you'd rather have the real thing without all the mess, waiting, and mixing -- and don't have a mixologist handy -- just visit your nearest liquor store for LIQS, a new line of ready-made shots that deliver the essence of a fresh-mixed cocktail and the convenience of a ready-to-drink shot right to your own home.
LIQS launched in South Florida in October as the world's first line of premium, ready-to-drink shots. Born from the minds of cofounders, entrepreneurs, and Miami Beach party aficionados Michael Glickman and Harley Bauer, LIQS solves the problem for consumers looking for a quality product, minus the bar and the bartender.
Hailing from New York, Glickman has spent much of the past decade at his seasonal home in Miami Beach -- one place where he saw a need for a portable, high-quality alcoholic beverage. The dream didn't become reality until he met business partner Bauer, former chief development officer and West Coast partner for Crumbs Bake Shop, who helped to finance and market the product.
Glickman said he and Bauer chose South Florida as their launch site because they believe it to be the perfect market for the Floridians' outdoor, party lifestyle. "We were inspired by the growth and trends taking place within the premium cocktail and ready-to-drink markets," said Glickman. "We wanted to [offer] a solution that would give people access to delicious shots in any setting and without a bartender."
Each shot recipe is an original created by both founders, who brought a mixologist onboard during the final stages to help enhance the recipe. After six months, dozens of tastings (and probably hangovers), and countless recipes for each flavor, the duo finally decided on the final lineup: four signature flavors including Tequila Cinnamon Orange, Vodka Cucumber Lime, Vodka Lychee Grapefruit and Vodka Kamikaze. The cocktail shots have anywhere from 80 to 120 calories in each 50ml container, and use 45-proof vodka and 55-proof tequila to "pack the perfect party punch."
Far from the "test-tube"-style shooters sold in some nightclubs, Glickman and Harley want you to keep in mind that LIQS are like mini handcrafted cocktails. Made of premium ingredients like anejo tequila, six times distilled vodka and unique natural flavors, LIQS are low-calorie, low-sugar, preservative-free, and kosher. They're also American-made and are packaged in high-quality, reusable -- and recyclable -- plastic shot cups.
LIQS Cocktail Shots are sold in packages of three for $9.99 and can be found at large retailers across South Florida from Delray Beach to Coral Gables, including Crown Wine & Spirits, Big Daddy's Liquors, I Love Liquor, and other South Florida retailers. Visit LIQSshot.com, or find them on Facebook and Instagram.
Follow Nicole Danna on Twitter, @SoFloNicole.
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