Got your hands on The Dan’s Cocktail Book? Pick up these spirits with major My Dan’s savings.
Lara is the Editor in Chief of Dan’s Daily. Each month, she scours the list of 300+ My Dan’s member offers to find her favourite deals – the bottles you’ll definitely want to grab while the price is right. Join My Dan’s for free to get low prices, exclusive offers and access to member-only events and experiences.
There are two things you need for excellent cocktails: a solid recipe and a sexy deal. Good news – we’ve got you covered on both fronts.
The Dan’s Cocktail Book (written by the experts on the Dan’s Daily team) has just landed on shelves. She’s a beauty – 68 recipes you’ll actually use, spanning everything from three-ingredient serves to cocktails for a crowd (and a tonne more in between). Every recipe has been tested (and tasted) to perfection, it’s easy for anyone to follow, and includes all the tips and tricks you need to nail it without the stress. Basically, this book is proof that making cocktails at home doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Phew and phew.
On that note, because I’m incapable of talking about cocktails without also talking about bargains, I’ve picked some absolute crackers from the current round of My Dan’s offers to help you make many of my favourite recipes from the book. Here are three killer bottles that’ll stock your bar and show off exactly what this book (and you) can do.
And guess what? The book is on My Dan’s member offer right now too – nab your copy for just $30. All offers are available in-store and online until 5 November, so hop to it.
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1. Espolòn Tequila Reposado
If you’ve only ever mixed with blanco (AKA silver) tequila, take this fab opportunity to step things up with reposado. Aged between two and 12 months, it brings a little extra depth – oak, spice and all things nice.
Sometimes the price of aged tequila can make people hesitant to use it in cocktails, but Espolòn Reposado hits that perfect sweet spot: quality liquid at an approachable price (even more so right now). It’s fantastic in several of my favourite recipes in The Dan’s Cocktail Book – like the Rosita (essentially a Negroni that swaps gin for reposado) or the Oaxaca Old Fashioned (a twist on the original’s bourbon). It also shines in our Spicy Pickle Margarita – the mellow spice stands up to the punchier flavours beautifully. And if you’re a Bloody Mary fan, try using our standard recipe, just swap the vodka for reposado – you’ll end up with a seriously good Bloody Maria.
2. Licor 43
At this point, it feels like every flavour on the planet has been fashioned into a liqueur, so it can be hard to know what’s worth buying (and taking up precious shelf space). Licor 43 gets overlooked, but it ticks all the boxes. This Spanish classic is sweet but complex – with vanilla, citrus and gentle spice all layered through (thanks to its namesake 43 ingredients).
It’s most famous in the supremely easy and tasty Carajillo – equal parts Licor 43 and espresso, poured over ice – but my pick is the Oliveto, potentially my favourite recipe in the book. It combines Licor 43 with gin, lemon, egg white and a splash of extra virgin olive oil to create something silky, citrusy and borderline genius. Imagine a liquid lemon tart.
Bonus tip: Licor 43 is also brilliant in desserts – tiramisu, French toast, cheesecake – or try our Sticky Date cocktail if you want to drink your dessert instead.
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Click image to shop
3. Archie Rose Straight Dry Gin
When it comes to Australian gin, Archie Rose don’t miss – and their Straight Dry Gin is proof you don’t need to spend a fortune to get something exceptional. It’s part of the Sydney distillery’s Fundamentals range, which means the quality is top-notch but it’s a little simpler than their other gins. That makes it both perfect for mixing and cheaper – plus you can take an extra $10 off that price right now.
In the bottle you’ll find a blend of sustainably sourced, local botanicals (think lemon myrtle, orange peel and pink peppercorns) and a strong juniper backbone – it’s crisp, classic and a wonderfully versatile house gin.
So, what would I make with this? There are stacks of killer gin recipes in The Dan’s Cocktail Book. You could use it to make that Oliveto I mentioned earlier – or perhaps a Rocket Gimlet, the Pineapple & Gin Punch, a Cherry Spritz, an Enzoni, or a Brown Butter & Sage Sour. Basically, if it calls for gin, this bottle will rise to the challenge.
