Get Good Booze Cheap

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When Madonna, Barbra Streisand, Harrison Ford, Jennifer Lopez, Woody Allen, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Sting need someone to plan their ridiculously booze-soaked A-list bashes, they turn to veteran party and event planner Jes Gordon. Her 20-year-old/bicoastal firm, jesGORDON/properFUN, produces parties for the stars and big celebrations for executives at Target, Tommy Hilfiger, Nissan, Budweiser, Rowenta, Swatch, and King World Media.

You don’t have the deep pockets of a rock star or global conglomerate when planning your own party, so you’re not likely to shell out Gordon’s retainer. Fortunately, she offered to pass on some of her pointers for putting out a top-shelf alcoholic spread at Joe Six Pack prices. Here are her recommendations on how to get good booze cheap.

Cheap doesn't mean cheapest

Gordon always stresses that a successful party should pack ambition, regardless of a man’s budget.

“Don't bottom feed all the way,” Gordon said from her Los Angeles office. “Just because you have a limited liquor budget doesn't mean you're stuck drinking from the plastic jugs with the easy grip. Don't let the sexy label, name or commercial suck you in because there are plenty of respectable liquors out there for $15 to $20 (such as Captain Morgan, Seagrams, Smirnoff, and Canadian Club).

According to Gordon, the show Mad Men brought the old-school drinks back on board: “The guys I see usually ordering up beers at the bar are now on to a Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Side Car, Tom Collins, etc. It's more of a ‘grown man’ drink rather than just a shot or a beer. Providing simpler drinks like that also help keep costs down.”

Avoid spirit-forward drinks

“Don't feel like you have to spend a fortune on spirit-forward drinks (stronger, purer booze). Look for alternatives like a blended Scotch whisky (malt and grain whisky) or one that blends French cognac and a less expensive brandy to lower costs. Or, try an American brandy that fits well within your budget.”

Gordon explained that mid-priced, $15-per-bottle vodkas like Skyy or Stolichnaya are filtered better than you might realize and won't cause a massive hangover. Old-fashioned potato vodka is absolutely amazing and comes in bulk sizes that you can keep in the freezer forever to use in mixed drinks.

Go for sweet mixes

Gordon explained that sweet drinks go down easier, pack a punch and get a party oiled up with ruthless efficiency.

“If you're fine with sugar, you can get a huge bang for your buck with a premixed cocktail like Southern Comfort Lemonade, which has literally saved many of my party lives.”

If you get away from the harder stuff and stock a solid selection of beers, Gordon urges you to “go seasonal.” Many brands put out seasonal selections for a crafted beer taste without breaking the bank (Blue Moon’s Harvest Moon, Buffalo Bill’s Pumpkin Ale, Sam Adams Summer Ale, etc.).

Gordon’s tips for how to get good booze cheap include some great surprises… Next Page >>