Pop a Bottle, Crack a Can...Tear Open a Pouch?

The next big thing in the world of alcoholic beverages is here, and it has arrived in a big way! Frozen pouch drinks have quickly emerged as a major contender in the market and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. If you’re unfamiliar with these pouches, they are pre-mixed cocktails, enjoyed frozen and look like large adult juice boxes. Many major brands have hopped on the pouch bandwagon and are offering their own versions of ready-to-serve frozen cocktails. Brands such as Smirnoff, Parrot Bay, and Island Squeeze have all seen great success since their entry into the pouch game. 

According to Advertising Age, sales of alcohol pouches jumped 153% to $154 million in the year ending June 23, 2012. Consumers can choose from a wide variety of perfectly-mixed frozen pouch cocktails including daiquiris, pina coladas, margaritas, and frozen wine.

So what is it about these pouches that make them so successful? In a word, ‘convenience’. Pouches allow consumers to simply reach into the freezer and retrieve a fully-prepared mixed drink. Being able to enjoy a delicious margarita at a moment’s notice makes these pouches highly appealing to today’s consumers. And for those green-minded consumers: these pouches are more environmentally friendly than other forms of packaging.

GAP Promotions has been at the forefront of pouch merchandising innovation. We’ve created durable pouch rack solutions that achieve maximum exposure for brands. Check out some of our awesome pouch racks below, and click here for ordering information. You can also call GAP at 888.88.GOGAP or email sales@gappromo.com for completely custom pouch rack solutions.

Collapsible A-Frame Pouch Rack

H-Rotor Spinner Pouch Rack

High Capacity Hook Rotor Spinning Pouch Rack

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GAP PROMOTIONS AT THE 2012 NBWA

Join GAP Promotions in San Diego for the 75th NBWA

GAP Promotions will be exhibiting at the 75th National Beer Wholesalers Convention Monday, October 15th from 12:00-4:30pm. The GAP Team can be found at booth #403 in the Douglas Pavilion. We invite you to stop by and discover how GAP Promotions can help build brands, enhance floor presence, and increase sales, through our promotional products. 

GAP Promotions is a promotional products agency specializing in unique mass displays and creative dealer loaders to fit any budget. Check out a few we have at this year’s show, including singles innovation and pouch rack solutions. While you are speaking with one of our talented account managers, try your hand at a game of pong for a chance to win Antigua gear branded with your favorite NFL team’s logo. 

For more information of the 75th NBWA Annual Convention and for a full schedule of events, head over nbwa.org/convention and if you are already planning on attending the show, don’t forget to soak up some warm Southern California sun.

FALL HAS ARRIVED

As the crisp, cool air rolls in, it’s apparent that summer is coming to an end. While many prefer the warmth of the summer, there is something soothing and nostalgic about the fall. With autumn come thoughts of warm apple crumble, pumpkin patches, and brilliant foliage. Autumn is about that familiar, sweet calm with family and friends before the winter cold creeps into our bones.

One of the best parts of the changing of the season is the myriad delicious seasonal fall beers. Most breweries offer pumpkin-flavored or Oktoberfest-inspired beers, which truly capture the spirit of autumn. Magic Hat Brewing Company has a “Participation” Variety Pack, which includes beers like Hex (their Oktoberfest offering) and Hocus Pocus. Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest Lager, which blends hints of caramel and German hops, and Yuengling Oktoberfest are other tasty fall choices.

If you like pumpkin beers, look no further than Blue Moon’s Harvest Pumpkin Ale. This wonderfully autumnal beer incorporates pumpkin, cloves, and nutmeg into a perfect concoction, reminiscent of a fresh pumpkin pie. Wachusett Pumpkan is another notable pumpkin beer, easily identified by its Jack-O-Lantern adorned cans and distinctly cinnamon flavor.

If beer isn’t your thing, you might try a spiked apple cider made with Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey (see recipe below). This is a truly festive autumn party beverage whether you heat it up or keep it cool. It can also add a perfect touch as you cozy up by the fire with a good book and a blanket.

And, to boost your fall sales try promoting your brands with GAP’s stylish hoodies and jackets available in beautiful fall colors. A custom-logoed picnic tote or fleece blanket are also sure to catch the attention of leaf-peepers and other outdoor adventurers.

Royal Apple Cider

Ingredients:

· 1.5 cups Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey

· 8 cups apple cider

Combine Crown Royal and apple cider in a large pot and heat until warm. Pour into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick (optional).

As always, enjoy responsibly.

THE PERFECT MOSCOW MULE

Seems like everywhere you look today, some fancy mixologist in some chic, unmarked tavern in NYC is inventing a new recipe like a “Rose Peartini” or the “Blackberry-Gin Fizz.” As innovative and exciting as new drink recipes may be, there is something special about the tried and true recipes of yesteryear like the “Tom Collins,” the “Manhattan,” and the simple but perfect “7&7.” Recently, the popularity of these classic cocktails has been on the incline.

Shows such as “Mad Men” and “Magic City” (both set in the 1960s) may be credited for the revival of “retro” drinks across the country. Retro is in. From television shows to home décor, the styles and trends from five and six decades ago are “in” and cocktails have followed suit. One drink that has made an enormous comeback within the last year, the Moscow Mule, has been around since the early 1940s.

First mixed in 1941 by John G. Martin and Jack Morgan, the Moscow Mule is a simple recipe with basic ingredients. Vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer are all one needs to concoct this refreshing, citrusy cocktail. What makes the Moscow Mule stand out from other vodka drinks is the signature stout copper mug in which they should be served. The copper mug not only plays a role in the identity of the drink, it also keeps it extremely cold.. Chorus lines of copper mugs can be found on more and more bar backs everyday, some even feature the establishment’s logo. (BoozeNews)

If you still haven’t tried a Moscow Mule, or if you are just looking for a great drink recipe to enjoy at home, try our favorite version, perfected by GAP’s very own Drew Murray!


The Perfect Moscow Mule

-Start with the standard 24oz. Copper Mug (Has to be the real deal, full copper, not tin- lined)

-Fill a quarter of the way with ice.

-Roll a fresh lime, to release the juices.

-Cut a round slice of lime (so that it looks like a spoke of a wheel) from the center of the lime.

-Take one of the lime “halves” and squeeze the juice over the ice.

-Throw that same half, into the mug on top of the ice.

-Fill halfway with ice.

-Place the round slice of lime at the top of the ice.

-Take your favorite vodka (I like Tito’s) and pour it directly over and through the lime slice, so that it acts as a filter. While pouring, count 4 long seconds (sometimes I treat myself to 5)

- Pour a whole can of your favorite ginger beer, (I strongly recommend Gosling’s), through the lime slice in the same fashion.

-Stir your beverage and enjoy.

Enjoy your Moscow Mule responsibly!

THE OLYMPICS ARE HERE!

Every four years, the Olympic Summer Games unite the world in celebration. The Summer Olympiad will take place in London, England from July 27^th through August 12^th.  A total of 306 events will be held across 26 sports. Most are familiar with the Olympic staples: Gymnastics, Track & Field, and Swimming. However, a number of previous sports might come as somewhat of a surprise. 

Tug of War – from 1900-1920

Rope Climb – in five Olympics from 1896-1932

Solo Synchronized Swimming – from 1984-1992

Roque (a form of Croquet) – in 1904

Source

While it would have been cool to watch some of these seemingly unusual events, there are certainly plenty of upcoming events to be excited about. Further, the Olympics provide ample opportunity for sampling new drinks and even learning about other cultures. Michael Phelps, Serena Williams, Men’s/Women’s Basketball, Misty May-Traenor, and Natalie Coughlin are all expected to bring home medals for the United States. And be sure to check out Steven Lopez, US Taekwondo Champion. He won Gold at the 2009 World Championships, and Gold at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics and this might be his last games. Let’s cheer him on! Source

Some say that the premier event of the Olympics is the Men’s 100m Dash. This year’s favorites are both from Jamaica. Usain Bolt is the current “World’s Fastest Man” and the 2008 Gold Medalist in the event. However, he has some serious competition from his own countryman, Yohan Blake who finished faster than Bolt in the Jamaican Olympic Trials. This is likely to be a very exciting event and one that might be well-complemented by a Red Stripe Jamaican Lager.

The global celebration might also spark interest in cocktails with an international flair. For example, with London six hours ahead of those of us on the east coast, us, we might find ourselves watching events during late morning brunch. This is the perfect opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy a Circoc Peach Bellini (1.25 oz. Ciroc Peach, and a splash of Champagne), a true taste of France. You might as well, as the French Minister of Sport expects France to be very busy this Olympics, with a target of 41 medals, and 14 Gold! 

Source

If Bellini’s aren’t your thing, try a refreshing, European Lager such as Peroni Nastro Azzurro. Nastro Azzurro is Italian for “Blue Ribbon,” as the bottle’s label suggests. In Italian culture, the Blue Ribbon is given as a top honor, representing the highest quality. Many Italians are looking to grab top honors this year at the Olympics, especially Niccolo Compriani who will be competing in the Shooting/Rifle competitions. He’s 24, and already has won Gold at the 2009 European Championships, and Silver at the 2010 World Championships. Source

At GAP, we are very much looking forward to cheering on the US teams.  And, whatever your favorite events or refreshments, please enjoy the games responsibly.

IT'S WEDDING SEASON

In the words of Jeremy Grey from the hit movie Wedding Crashers “What do you like better, Christmas or wedding season?...The answer would be, um, wedding season!”

Wedding season, traditionally spans June through September but varies depending on geography. It’s the time of year when new life is blooming and love is in full swing. While many of us are gearing up for beach weekends and cookouts with family and friends, others are anxiously awaiting the wedding days of their sons, daughters, best friends, or loved ones. It may even be their very own big day!

Before the wedding day, there is much planning to be done to ensure that everything goes smoothly. One must prepare for the bridal shower, engagement party, and rehearsal dinner for the future bride and groom. And don’t forget the ever-important bachelor and bachelorette parties. To enhance these events, consider buying custom champagne glasses for the bride-to-be with her new initials or custom beverage napkins for the rehearsal dinner with the wedding date and/or a meaningful quote.

Blinged-out bridal party t-shirts and tanks are all the rage for showers and bachelorette parties. And don’t let the brevity of the marriage turn you off from the very cool custom tracksuits that the Kardashian clan sported when Kim and Kris tied the knot. Customized gifts such as flasks and other keepsakes are very popular for bridal parties and groomsmen. And, while most of you know GAP for its innovative items to promote beverages, we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves when it comes to enhancing a wedding party. Whether for you or for a friend, please feel free to reach out if you are looking to add that something special to your wedding events.

Once the showers and parties have come and gone, the wedding day finally arrives! While the wedding ceremony itself authenticates the marriage, many people look forward to the reception when the serious celebrating begins. And what is a celebration without delicious cocktails to enjoy throughout the night? It’s time for dancing, singing, and, most importantly, trying some new beverages at the open bar. Whether you prefer vodka or whiskey, beer or wine, we’ve suggested some beverages below that are perfect choices for the next wedding reception.


Ciroc Champagne Cosmo
Featuring Ciroc Vodka
1 oz. Ciroc Vodka (25 oz. per bottle)
1 dash(es) Grand Marnier (25 oz. per bottle)
1.5 oz. cranberry juice
.5 oz. fresh lime juice
1 oz. champagne

Tall, Dark and Smooth
Featuring Seagram’s 7 Crown Dark Honey Whiskey
1 oz. Seagram’s Crown Dark Honey Whiskey
3 oz. cola or diet cola

Something Blue
Featuring HPNOTIQ
Ingredients:
2 oz HPNOTIQ
2 oz white wine
1 oz Ginger ale

Memorial Day: Kicking Off The Summer

Grab the hot dogs, hamburgers, shades, and flip-flops - Memorial Day Weekend is three weeks away! It’s the unofficial start to the always-too-short season of barbecue, biking, boating, and beaching. Celebrated across the United States to honor the men and women who lost their lives serving in the Armed Forces, Memorial Day is both a holiday of remembrance and a celebration of the sacrifices made for this country. 

Over this three-day weekend, families and friends across the nation will fire up their grills, break out the SPF, and undoubtedly spend hours trying to navigate the ladder golf setup instructions. Whether you’re bouncing from sandbar to sandbar or kicking back in the shade, you’re going to want to include your favorite refreshing beverage. Summer calls for lighter options that help beat the heat and elicit that satisfying “ahhhhh” after every sip. 

Here are some of GAP’s summertime favorites: 

Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy – An exceptional lemonade-infused wheat beer perfect for those late afternoon barbecues. Light, citrusy, and refreshing – everything you want from a beer in the summer. 

Mike’s Hard Lemonade – This tasty beverage swirls lemon flavor in just the right amount of carbonation for that ultra-refreshing taste. Stake your claim near the cooler. 

Jamaican Sunrise w/Smirnoff No. 21 – Even if you live in the ‘burbs and lounge on a 10 ft. square patch of lawn, you can still feel as though you’re on a tropical island. Fill a highball with ice. Add 1.5 oz. Smirnoff No. 21 and 4 oz. pineapple juice. Float 0.75 oz. of grenadine on top. If you own a steel drum, now would be the appropriate time to play it.*

Parrot Bay Mango Daiquiri, Frozen – It’s the perfect drink to cool you down when the mercury gets too high. No blender required – just freeze and squeeze. Tiki Bar not included. 

Let GAP complement your drink choice with stylish and functional products that will keep you cool, refreshed, and ready to take on the summer months. 

Customizable Portable Lounging Hammock

Custom Four Loko Can Shaped Toss Game

Custom Jose Cuervo Surfboard

*Recipe found on drinkmixer.com

SEE YOU IN VEGAS!

In four days Las Vegas will play host to the 69th WSWA Annual Convention and Exposition. Some of the largest wine and spirits brands in the world will gather at Caesar’s Palace to mix, mingle, and exhibit their products to increase their brand recognition. Expect lots of sampling!

GAP Promotions (Booth #313) will exhibit game changing displays and products specifically created for the WSWA audience. Our booth is designed to showcase both On-Premise and Off-Premise creative solutions that can be tailored to enhance any brand or company with the ultimate goal of increasing awareness and boosting sales. Whether you represent one of the largest spirits companies in the world or an up-and-coming distillery, we will have some creative solutions for you to showcase your brand and stay within your budget.

Be sure to stop by and check out all the cool ideas we have on display. From racks and displays to glorifiers and bar service, you will see some eye-catching ideas that will ignite your creative juices. Speak with our friendly staff and discuss on-the-spot ideas to help your business succeed.

Come and try your luck playing our March Madness Basketball Pop-A-Shot Challenge as you cheer for your favorite team.

We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!

-The GAP Team

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

St. Patrick’s Day gives us that much-needed boost as we await escape from the winter doldrums and look toward spring. The patron saint and national apostle of Ireland, credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland, likely never imagined that he would be the impetus for the creation of, ‘hold your shillelaghs’ and green beer! 

The wearing of the green has been celebrated since the 17th century, and so has the wearing of shamrocks. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in America took place in New York on March 17th, 1762 to honor Irish soldiers from the British army that were stationed in the United States at that time. Today, the United States celebrates St. Patrick’s Day more prolifically than any other country in the world – go USA!!! And, it is one of the highest-ranking days for alcohol consumption of the year as the Irish and wannabee-Irish clink pints at pubs all over the country.

Saint Patrick’s Day is mired in traditions, both new and old. It is a day for celebration, a day to honor the Patron Saint of Ireland, a day to eat some great Irish food and drink Irish beer and whiskey, and perhaps even watch a parade.

The annual event kicks off with Countdown to St. Pat’s events and promotions to get us geared up for the one-day celebration on March 17th. Promotional products abound including green wearables, blinky buttons, openers, hats, beads, coasters, banners, and signage. GAP has everything one might need for a successful St. Patrick’s day O’Celebration with an array of promotional items, displays, and fixtures. 

St. Patrick's Day Event T-Shirt

Foam Leprechaun Ears

Glossy Event Poster

Of course, no St. Pat’s event is complete without choice beverages and traditional foods. Here are a few of our favorite drink recipes, as well as one for Guinness and Bailey’s infused chocolate cupcakes that’ll knock the paddy cap off your head! 

1. Green Beer. Beer is a favored drink among the Irish and the Irish of the Day. Favorite Irish beers are Guinness and Kilkenny but any Irish stout works. Just add a bit of green food coloring to the glass.

2. Irish cider. Magners Original Irish Cider is found in many bars this time of year.

3. Irish Coffee. Originally created in Limerick, Ireland, if you drink enough you’ll be reciting bad limericks with everyone at the bar. Mix a half shot of Irish whiskey into a cup of hot coffee. Stir in some sugar to taste. Top off with a splash of Irish cream.

4. Frozen Leprechaun. Mix equal parts Bailey’s, Kahlua, peppermint schnapps and milk; blend it all with ice and then top it off with a sprig of mint.

All of these drinks can be enjoyed in moderation. Whatever you end up doing and drinking on St. Patrick’s Day, please celebrate responsibly! If you are partaking, arrange for designated drivers or taxi cabs to get you home at the end of the night.

And don’t forget to wear your green to avoid being pinched!

Guinness Cupcakes with Bailey’s Irish Cream Frosting

Cupcakes:
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup Guinness stout
2/3 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, sifted
1 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda
2 eggs
½ cup sour cream

Frosting:
½ cup unsalted butter
4 cups confectioner’s sugar
1 pinch salt
3 tablespoons Bailey’s Irish Cream (or Carolan’s)
1 tablespoon milk
Green sprinkles, optional

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 24-30 cupcake cups, or fill with paper liners.

2. In a saucepan, heat the butter, Guinness, cocoa powder and brown sugar, whisking often until butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool at room temperature.

3. In work bowl of a stand mixer, sift together salt, flour, white sugar and baking soda. Add the cooled Guinness mixture and beat on medium for 1 minute. Add eggs and sour cream and beat on medium for 2 minutes or until smooth.

4. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake cups. Bake in preheated oven 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean. Cool in pan 20 minutes, then remove and transfer to a cooling rack until completely cooled.

5. Meanwhile, in (cleaned) work bowl of stand mixer, cream butter until very light and fluffy. Add salt, and slowly add confectioners sugar. Do not run the mixer above low, or the sugar will spray all over your kitchen. Add a couple of spoonfuls at a time until all is absorbed into the butter. Add Bailey's and milk (and optional green food coloring) until spreadable consistency is achieved.

6. Frost cupcakes with Bailey's frosting. Top with green sprinkles, if desired.

food.com

WINTER IS "FINALLY" HERE

We’ve experienced the eerie feeling of 60-degree weather in December, and the presence of green grass, even after the first of the year. We’ve had a couple of bursts of snow but, I think we can all agree it doesn’t really look like winter around here - yet.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac (n.d.), predicted that, this winter, the Boston area would be drier than normal, “with near-normal temperatures but above-normal snowfall” (para 1). The coldest periods were predicted to be in mid-December and early and mid-February. Mid-December wasn’t half bad, in my opinion, and we can handle a couple of cold weeks in what is already the shortest month of the year anyway. Right?

The snowiest periods were predicted to be in mid-December, mid- and late January, and late February. Knowing this, we can’t help but lose a little faith in these predictions and and/or get really concerned about February.  

For some, winter is a joyous time filled with skiing, snowboarding, and even ice fishing (I just don’t get the attraction of this one). For others, winter is all about escaping the outdoors entirely, under a blanket, on the couch with a good book (more likely a Kindle or an iPad but book sounded better) and a beverage of some sort. Brown spirits appear to be making a big comeback this year, so whether you spent the day on the slopes or under an afghan, you might enjoy a lovely Hennessy cognac or a smooth Crown Royal.

Regardless of the winter activity, GAP has targeted ideas to help promote your brand in the most extreme (or not so) extreme winter climates.

This completely custom Captain Morgan and Smirnoff snowboard looks great mounted on the wall or used to carve up the slopes.

  
This custom designed Smirnoff winter scarf makes for a great prize or giveaway at any bar or slope side event.

This custom Yuengling die-cut metal fireplace can be used all year long, but will heat up any outdoor winter event. It also works great as a dealer loader.  

Here are a few more of GAP’s favorite winter warmers to hold you over until barbeque season.   

The Gin Toddy 

Ingredients:
1 1/4 oz Tanqueray London Dry Gin
3/4 oz lemon juice
2 oz boiling water
1 tsp sugar
cinnamon stick for garnish 

Build the ingredients into a wine goblet.
Stir well.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick. 

Baileys Irish Coffee 

1 part Bailey's® Irish cream
1 partblack coffee 

Mix the hot coffee with Bailey's. Enjoy!

After Dinner Mint 

1/2 oz white creme de menthe
3/4 oz Southern Comfort® peach liqueur
1/2 oz Stolichnaya® vodka
Fill with hot chocolate 

Shake vigorously and serve.

Please enjoy winter responsibly.
 
Sources:
Almanac.com
Drink Recipes from:
Drinkmixer.com