Adding a shot of cherry or vanilla flavoring to your favorite pop is something that’s been done for years, and now the flavor trend has taken hold when it comes to adult beverages. The trend even spurred a new law that makes it easier for restaurants and bars to store these flavored creations.
Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division spokesperson, Tonya Dusold explains. “Previously the products had to be used for immediate consumption, which we defined as within the same business day. So you could mix up your margaritas in the morning and whatever was left at closing time did need to be poured out. The new law changed that so these things can be stored,” Dusold says.
The drinks can now be kept for 72 hours before they have to be dumped. “It does give the bartenders and mixologists a little bit more freedom to come up with some more interesting flavors than just using the premixed flavors,” according to Dusold. “Yes, you can buy flavored vodkas from us, but where hearing (bout) things like basil and grapefruit vodka and mint and strawberry, and those aren’t products that are being manufactured on a large basis, so these restaurants and bars have a chance to do some more interesting things on a local level.”
There are a few things that can’t be put into drinks. Dusold says the infusions must be free of added flavors or ingredients, that contain hallucinogenic substances, caffeine or stimulants. The IABD has been working with businesses so they follow the rules of the new law.
She says they’ve also worked with the restaurant association as well. “They’re putting out booklets that contain labeling requirements, and record-keeping templates as well, and those are all available on our wesbsite at: www.IowaABD.com,” Dusold says. The new law took effect under emergency rules on July first and Dusold says they are working on through the normal rule-making process to adopt them as well.
That process includes a public comment meeting at IABD headquarters in Ankeny at 10 a.m. August second.