On July 3, 2000, the world changed forever. Or at least Olathe. Or at least one little building at one little intersection in Olathe. That’s the day Brown Bag Liquor first opened its doors, and we’ve served the Olathe community proudly ever since. This year is a special year, because it’s the year we turn 21. That’s right, the sweet little Brown Bag from down the road is finally old enough to drink. They grow up so fast, don’t they? We’re throwing a little birthday party to celebrate, and you’re invited. Stop by on Saturday, July 3, for a liquor store birthday bash unlike any other. We’ll be giving away lots of fun prizes, like pop-up tents, coolers and other swag. Enter our raffles in-store for your chance to win, and stick around for some other birthday fun (hint: it’s cupcakes). We can’t wait to celebrate with you! And if that’s not enough, here’s what else we’ve got going on in July… 

Fourth of July Canned Cocktails

July 4 was a little muted last year for obvious reasons, but this year is going to be a crazy one. Whether you’re hanging in your cul-de-sac or hightailing it to a lake, you’re going to want to make sure you and your friends are stocked up with all the latest canned cocktail favorites. High Noon, Mule 2.0 and Boulevard Fling Craft Cocktails should all be staples in your canned cocktail rotation by now, but here’s a few more names to add to your list: 

Bacardi Mojito

Austin Cocktails Sparkling Mojito, Sparkling Ruby Red and Sparkling Margarita

Coco Vodka, Coco Lime, Coco Rum

Dogfish Head  Whiskey Sour, Vodka Soda, Vodka Lemonade

Boozy Freeze Pops 

Canned cocktails are here to stay, and if you’re looking to switch it up from classics like Truly and White Claw, this list is a great place to start. Know what else is going to be big this summer? Two words: boozy popsicles. After a year inside, we’re all ready to tap into our inner kid, and there’s no better way to beat the heat than with icy sweet treats that just so happen to be spiked. If you’re new to the boozy freeze pop game, we recommend Truly Lemonade, Naturdays and KC Wine Vine Coolers as the place to start. Tag us on Instagram @BrownBagLiquor and let us know what you think!

Product of the Month: Bacardi Tropical Limited Edition Rum

Our product of the month in July is Bacardi like you’ve never experienced it: Bacardi Tropical, a summer rum that tastes like pineapple coconut and sweet guava. Pour it over ice by the pool or shoot it straight from the bottle – it’s that good. For those of you who like to let your inner mixologist shine during the summer, we’ve got two great recipes for Bacardi Tropical. 

Bacardi Tropical Fro-Tro Piña Colada

2 OZ BACARDÍ TROPICAL FLAVORED RUM

1 1/2 OZ COCO REAL®

1 1/2 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE

Fish Bowl Cocktail

BACARDI TROPICAL
BLUE CURACAO

SPRITE
SWEDISH FISH
SKITTLES

GUMMY WORMS

In-Store Tastings at Brown Bag in July

Below is our schedule for in-store tastings in July, aka the best way to wind down a busy work week on Fridays!

July 2, 4pm-6pm: Bacardi Tropical Rum and Bacardi RTD Varieties

July 9, 4-6pm: Dogfish Head Canned Cocktails

July 16, 4-6pm: Schilling Hard Ciders

July 30, 4-6pm: Flybird Margaritas

For new products, tips and weekly specials, be sure to like Brown Bag Liquor on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. Visit http://brownbagliquor.com/curbside/ to try curbside pickup today. Cheers!

Here’s what’s happening at Brown Bag Liquor in June

June is here, and hopefully it’s brought with it plenty of sunshine and cheer. After a full month of May’s doom and gloom, we deserve it! But even if we can’t catch a break with the weather, things are starting to look up after this crazy year. The Royals are back, movies are coming back to theaters… and yes, we’re bringing back in-store tastings! Nature is healing, and it’s healing fast. June is already gearing up to be a busy month for us at Brown Bag, and we couldn’t be more excited. Here’s what we’ve got coming up this month. 

Hitting the shelves: Indoggo Gin

Snoop Dogg just dropped the hottest gin of the summer, and you’ve got to get your hands on it. Snoop Doggy Dogg’s foray into gin territory is light on juniper berry and strawberry-flavored, with botanicals like orange, coriander and cassia. In other words, it’s perfect for mixing cocktails. So not only is Indoggo our June Product of the Month, but we’re also featuring it in our Cocktail of the Month: The Laid Back. The Laid Back combines Indoggo, pineapple juice and club soda for the ultimate summer refresher. Since Indoggo is low-calorie and sugar-free, you don’t have to worry if sugary cocktails aren’t your thing. Snoop Dogg is a man of the people, and Indoggo Gin was definitely made with us in mind. Try it today!

In-store tastings are back!

Why is June at Brown Bag different from all other months? It’s the return of in-store tastings! Finally In-store tastings are one of the most fun things we do, and we’ve truly missed not being able to do them over the past year. For those of you who have never been to a tasting, they’re a great way to kick off the weekend – who doesn’t love free booze!? All you have to do is stop by Brown Bag between 4-6pm on a Friday to see what we’re sampling. Here’s our in-store tasting schedule for June: 

June 4th: 4-6pm

Grey Goose Essence Watermelon 750ml

Bacardi Bahama Mama 4pk

Bombay Bramble Gin 750’s

June 11th: 4-6pm

Beam Orange

Beam Ginger Ale Highball

Beam Highball Seltzer

June 18th: 4-6pm

Mule 2.0: Mexican, Caribe, Old Fashioned

June 25th: 4-6pm

Dulce Vida RTD’s cans 4pk – Watermelon, Paloma or Pineapple

Sign up for our Father’s Day Giveaway 

What does Dad want for Father’s Day? Another pair of dress socks, a World’s Best Dad mug? Wrong and wrong! Dad wants booze (obviously), but Dad also wants a Titleist golf bag. Lucky for Dad, we’re giving a Wheatley Vodka Titleist golf bag away for Father’s Day. To enter the giveaway, simply visit us in store or download the Brown Bag app to enter. We’ll be selecting a winner on Friday, June 18, so make sure you sign up by then!

For new products, tips and weekly specials, be sure to like Brown Bag Liquor on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. Visit http://brownbagliquor.com/curbside/ to try curbside pickup today. Cheers!

Drink pairings for the month’s biggest moments 

January is cold, February is boring and March is very, very wet. April is when we finally start to see the light at the end of the tunnel – and May? That’s when the fun begins! From the Kentucky Derby to Mother’s Day to Memorial Day and more, there’s an abundance of opportunities to get together and drink. The following is a list of all the cocktails, drinks and seltzers that you’ve got to try when celebrating in May.

First, you’ve got to try our May Product of the Month: Smirnoff Pink Lemonade Vodka

We’re calling it now: Summer 2021 is the summer of pink lemonade (don’t quote us if we’re wrong, though), and there’s no better place to start than with Smirnoff’s new Pink Lemonade Vodka. Is there any way to kiss the sour goodbye and usher in an era of sweetness than with a drink that allows you to do both? Nope! Smirnoff Pink Lemonade has a tart taste, but it’s balanced by the sweetness of strawberries and raspberries. It’s perfect for mixing or drinking poolside on its own. But don’t take our word for it! Run, don’t walk. 

Sharpen your bartender skills and try the May Cocktail of the Month

May weather calls for day-long brunches, patio sipping and trying something new. Our May Cocktail of the Month is Strawberry Sangria, and it’s perfect for all the above plus happy hours and more! To make it, you’ll need fresh strawberries, an orange and a lemon; sugar, triple sec, soda water and fresh mint. You’ll also need a bottle rosé, and you can’t go wrong with Rosé All Day, truly one of our favorites! For the full recipe, check out this one from A Couple Cooks. Tag us on social if you make it – we want to see your Strawberry Sangria concoctions!

Cinco de Mayo

Life comes at you fast, and so does Cinco de Mayo. One day it’s May 4, and suddenly it’s May 5 and you realize you forgot to prepare for your Cinco de Mayo festivities. If that’s ever been you before, it doesn’t have to be this year. Instead, prepare ahead of time with Cincoro Tequila and Cayman Jack Margaritas. Cincoro Tequila may not have as many championship rings as co-owner Michael Jordan, but it just might be the new gold standard of tequila. Likewise, Cayman Jack Margaritas are one of our favorite entries in the prepared cocktail space. Handcrafted and made with lime juice and agave nectar, Cayman Jack Margaritas truly must be experienced for themselves. So refreshing!

Mother’s Day

No two moms are alike, and the same can be said for On The Rocks premium cocktails (was that corny? At least we aren’t talking about corn whiskey!). This writer is a huge fan of On The Rocks cocktails and has turned all his friends on to them. Whatever Mom’s drink-of-choice is, On The Rocks probably has it in their lineup. Every flavor is great, but we highly recommend the Mai Tai flavor and  The Cosmopolitan for Mom. And for the moms who like their wine to sparkle on their special day, you can’t go wrong with Chandon Brut Rosé. Plus, it pairs well with salmon, sushi and lamb – just in case you need any Mother’s Day dinner ideas

Memorial Day

Remember when we said that Summer 2021 is going to be the summer of pink lemonade? We still stand by that, but we’d like to open our prediction to include lemonade in general. Every drink tastes better by the pool or grill on Memorial Day, but trust us when we say that nothing will taste better than an ice-cold lemonade seltzer. We’ve got no shortage of them, either – you can pick up lemonade seltzers today from Vizzy, Hard, Bud Light and Truly. A fun thing to do would be to do a blind taste test with your friends and see which one you all like best! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any more good ideas for Memorial Day activities. We’re full of them. 

For new products, tips and weekly specials, be sure to like Brown Bag Liquor on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. Visit http://brownbagliquor.com/curbside/ to try curbside pickup today. Cheers!

Grilling season is coming!

Spring has sprung, and after a chilly winter and rainy March, warmer weather is finally on its way. And with warmer weather comes a new season of grilling with the neighbors, Sunday cookouts with extended family and weeknight drinks in backyards and on porches. While there’s nothing wrong with sticking to your usual beverages of choice, spring is the best time to switch things up and try something new. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover something that becomes your go-to drink for summer 2021 and beyond. Here’s our recommendations for drinks to try in April. 

A to Z Rosé

It’s just like they always say: April showers bring… rosé? Okay, no one actually says that, but you will be once you see what A to Z has up its sleeve. If you haven’t hopped on the rosé bandwagon yet, now is the perfect time. A to Z Rosé is the perfect springtime wine, with an aroma of strawberry and watermelon and notes of honeydew, pear, citrus and more. It’s sweet but light, pairing well with picnic favorites like cheese boards, chicken salad and fruit medleys. Quite frankly, no brunch is complete without a bottle of A to Z Rosé, and you’ll see what we mean once you try it for yourself!

Crook & Marker Seltzer

The hard seltzer war wages on in 2021, but a new favorite of ours has emerged: Crook & Marker. As “the hard seltzer for people who don’t like hard seltzer,” it’s definitely a must-try for those of you who haven’t been able to get behind the likes of White Claw and Truly. With only 80 calories per can and no artificial sweeteners, Crook & Marker Seltzer is a drink you can truly feel good about (see what we did there ). Crook & Marker flavors include Margarita, Spiked Lemonade, Classic Iced Tea and Cocolada. And for a limited time, you can get a Margarita variety pack for free with the purchase of any other Crook & Marker variety pack. Not to play favorites, but that Margarita pack is pretty, pretty good. 

21 Seeds Tequila

If there’s one thing we know, it’s that warm weather is synonymous with tequila; change our minds. 21 Seeds Tequila is fresh fruit-infused tequila that was created with the vision that tequila should be just as approachable as a can of beer or glass of wine. It’s this ethos that has made 21 Seeds incredibly successful since its berth, winning multiple awards from Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America annual convention in 2019, including Gold, Best of Show and best in category. 21 Seeds comes in multiple flavors, including Valencia Orange, Grapefruit Hibiscus and Cucumber Jalapeño. You can’t go wrong with any of them, though of course this writer is privy to anything with a little kick. The best part of 21 Seeds is that it’s great for mixing into cocktails and even better on its own. For recipes, check out the 21 Seeds website.

Cafe Agave Spiked Cold Brew

Spring is for sunrises, and to be sure you’re up early enough to catch them, you’re going to need some cold brew. That’s where Cafe Agave Spiked Cold Brew comes in. With 12.5% alcohol and actual gourmet coffee, it’s a spiked cold brew that actually tastes as good as the buzz it gives. Cafe Agave comes in four flavors: Caffe Mocha, Espresso Shot, Salted Caramel and Vanilla Cinnamon. There’s caffeinated goodness for every coffee lover here, and the best part is that you don’t have to mix it yourself. Or maybe the best part is the mouth-watering flavors. Or the 12.5% alcohol. Or the sweet buzz you get from it. As you can see, there’s a lot of best parts. Try it today!

For a full list of our April products of the week, as well as tips and weekly specials, be sure to like Brown Bag Liquor on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. Visit http://brownbagliquor.com/curbside/ to try curbside pickup today. Cheers!

Here’s what’s coming in March at Brown Bag Liquor

He’s making a list and checking it twice – St. Patrick will discover your favorite Irish drinking vice. St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and we’re celebrating with cocktails and deals inspired by Ireland all month long. Take a peek at what’s to come, and be sure to wear green when you stop by the store!

March Cocktail of the Month: Irish Sour Apple

Kick spring into high gear with the Irish Sour Apple cocktail from Park Ranger John. Whether you want to sip by yourself or enjoy it in the company of friends, it’s the perfect drink for St. Paddy’s Day season. You’ll need Jameson Irish Whiskey, Smirnoff Sour Apple Vodka, tonic water, green apple slices and ice cubes. You can’t go wrong with Granny Smith, but we also recommend using Shamrock Apples for obvious reasons, if you can find them. Once you’ve collected your ingredients, you’ll want to use a cocktail shaker and strainer and cocktail spoon for best results. To make the drink, all you have to do is add the Jameson, Smirnoff and ice cubes to the shaker. Stir for 25 seconds using your cocktail spoon, then strain into your glasses over ice. Add in a little of your topic water and garnish with your Shamrock apples, and voila – your St. Patrick’s Day festivities are off to the races. 

Sons of Erin Irish Whiskey

Restless Spirits Distilling Company first opened in North Kansas City in 2015, and since then, their gin has been named the Official Gin of the Boston Red Sox and their Dufy’s Run Vodka was named one of the best vodkas by USA Today. Their Sons of Erin Irish Whiskey is right at home among these giants, and you can get it 10% off between March 8 and March 14. Made in collaboration with a distillery in Dundalk, Ireland, Sons of Erin is a sweet whiskey that makes good on its promise to honor its heritage. You could use it to make your favorite whiskey cocktails, but we recommend enjoying this one straight. 

Rebel Irish Cream Latte

Between March 15 and March 21, save 10% on Rebel Irish Cream Latte. A brand new addition to the Rebel lineup, the Irish Cream Latte pairs notes of Irish whiskey with the refreshing taste of coffee beans in the morning. Made with 100% Arabica coffee, it’s the ideal way to ease into your St. Patrick’s Day drinking. Hard coffee in a can – what’s not to love? But get it while you can – we have it on good authority that this limited edition flavor will only be around until the end of March. Maybe with a little luck of the Irish, it’ll stick around longer. 

For a full list of our March products of the week, as well as tips and weekly specials, be sure to like Brown Bag Liquor on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. Visit http://brownbagliquor.com/curbside/ to try curbside pickup today. Cheers!

One thing we learned in 2020 is that, while going out and doing stuff is nice, it sure is nice to just hang out at home with your loved ones, too. So this Valentine’s Day, skip the dress-up and overpriced cocktails. Instead, enjoy a night in with our Valentine’s Day and drink pairing recommendations. Whether you’re celebrating with your Galentines via Zoom or cherishing a little extra time with your spouse, our list has something for every taste. Like booze. Our list has lots of that.

Girls Night: Friends with Benefits x Stella Rosa Imperiale Rosso Lux

Starring Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake, it’s safe to say Friends with Benefits is a certifiable modern romance classic. The plot is right there in the title – two friends try to add sex to their relationship without complicating their friendship – but let’s be honest, we aren’t here for the plot. Kunis and Timberlake are hilarious together, and their jokes pair perfectly with a glass of Stella Rosa Imperiale Rosso Lux. With a flavor profile of fresh strawberries and red berries, a glass of Stella Rosa is the perfect semi-sweet complement to one of the sweetest rom-coms of the 2010s. 

Boys Night: Superbad x Sam Adams Wicked Easy IPA 

Although Superbad might seem like a strange pick for a Valentine’s Day flick, hear us out. Since its 2006 release, many movies have tried and failed to capture bromance as elegantly, realistically, and of course, as raunchily as Superbad. Once you look past the endlessly inventive and quotable crude jokes, you’ll see the sweet story of two best friends at the cusp of adulthood, trying to figure out if there’s a place for each other in the big, scary world after high school. We recommend pairing your viewing with a six-pack of Sam Adams Wicked Easy, a refreshing, kick all the way back, crushable, sippable (is that a word? Is now) go-to when you need light beer big on flavor that’s as drinkable as Superbad is watchable.

And really, if you’ve never had a night in to watch Superbad with the boys, wyd? 

Date Night: Date Night x Love Potion Drink 

Who says date night at home can’t be extravagant? Put the “extra” in “extravagance” with this Love Potion Drink recipe, a shiny red concoction for which you’ll need vodka, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, orange juice, grenadine and strawberry hearts. For a lighthearted date night, we recommend pairing The Love Potion cocktail with what else – the movie Date Night. The comedy stars Steve Carrel and Tina Fey as a couple whose romantic night out goes awry when they steal another couple’s dinner reservations. Let’s just say it won’t have you missing long waits at restaurants any time soon. 

There you have it! Do Valentine’s Day right with a movie night and a little help from Brown Bag. For hand sanitizer and masks, tips and weekly specials, be sure to like Brown Bag Liquor on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. Cheers!

Disclaimer: We are not health and fitness experts. We are a liquor store. 

If your goals got a little off track last you, you aren’t alone. 2020 was a dumpster fire, and just getting up every day and putting pants on was an achievement in and of itself (not that this writer can claim he did that every day).  But hey, that’s what January is for – taking a deep breath, having a fresh reset and getting your life back on track, whatever that means for you. For us, that means opting for lighter drink options (some of the time!) and (maybe) trying new workout routines. If you’re looking for lighter drink options, look no further: You can substitute your weekly beverages-of-choice with these low calorie options that are just as satisfying without sacrificing any flavor. 

Week 1: Cupcake LightHearted Wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir & Rosé

Cupcake LightHearted Wines offers all the joys of your favorite bottle of Cupcake Wine, with just 80 calories and less than 1 gram of sugar per serving. Experience the creamy flavors of pear, apple and vanilla when you sip on Cupcake LightHearted Chardonnay; the crisp lemon and apple of Cupcake LightHearted Pinot Grigio; the notes of strawberry, plum and nutmeg of Cupcake LightHearted Pinot Noir, and the sweet hint of grapefruit and watermelon of Cupcake LightHearted Rosé. And the best part? Less sugar means easier* hangovers. 

*Hopefully, at least.

Week 2: Ketel One Botanical Infusions: Peach, Grapefruit & Cucumber Mint

Now, we’re not saying Ketel One Botanical is the most refreshing vodka on our shelves… but we’re not not saying that, either. Made with real botanicals and infused with natural fruit essences, Ketel One Botanical Infusions are made with no sugar, artificial sweeteners nor artificial flavors. It’s your favorite vodka’s favorite vodka; it’s your personal trainer’s drink of choice* after a long day of doing personal training stuff. But for real – Ketel One Botanical Infusions are the real deal, with just 73 calories and 0 carbs per serving. Pick up a bottle of Peach & Orange Blossom, Grapefruit & Rosé or Cucumber & Mint today. 

*This absolutely cannot be proven. We have no idea what vodka personal trainers like to drink.

Week 3: Fitvine Wines

Fitvine is made for people who want to enjoy their wine and feel good about it. It’s gluten-free and vegan, and we carry Fitvine in Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc. Oh yeah, and it’s delicious. Since 2015, Fitvine has been perfecting its process of extended fermentation that allows for less than 1 gram of sugar per bottle, fewer sulfites and no flavor additives – all without lowering alcohol content. Not too shabby, if you ask us. 

Week 4: Woodchuck 100 Calorie Variety Pack, with Black Cherry, Cranberry Lime, Watermelon, and Citrus

Woodchuck 100 is hard cider made with bold flavor. The variety 12-pack includes Black Cherry, Cranberry Lime, Watermelon and Citrus flavors. Each can is only 100 calories (nice!), contains 2 grams of sugar and 0 added sugar (woo!) and about 5 grams of carbs (not bad!). A can of Woodchuck 100 (or five) is a pretty sweet way to wind down the week, and it’s a fun switch-up from your ciders and other canned beverages. Who knows, it might just turn into your 2021 drink of ice. 

There you have it! By adding in the occasional lower-calorie beverage to your rotation, we know you can reach your New Year’s goals. For more hand sanitizer and masks, tips and weekly specials, be sure to like Brown Bag Liquor on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. Cheers!