One of my good blog friends Blair Reynolds, aka Trader Tiki, took the plunge a while back and decided to give a go of making his cocktailian obsession into a money-making proposition. This sort of behavior is what makes America (not to mention many cocktails) great. Thus far, Blair seems to be not only surviving, but thriving. You can buy his products online and in stores from coast to coast.
Why?
Because he makes a good product. Mouse Trap, path beaten to your door, etc.

What Blair makes is a variety of specialty syrups. As you might be able to tell from his name, he is something of a Tiki drink specialist, and many of his products, such as Falernum, Don’s Spices #2, and Orgeat are closely associated with that school of mixology. But even if you aren’t a Tiki head, those products, and others like his vanilla syrup and peppermint syrup, are great for all sorts of modern cocktails.
Plus, many have awesome labels by the inimitable Dr. Bamboo….

Now, many of the things that Blair sells, you could make yourself. I’ve written about doing so here several times, and doing that sort of thing is a sort of rite of passage for the budding cocktailian. But doing so on a regular basis is a pain in the ass. Just look at what goes into making a batch of Falernum.
Blair’s stuff is reasonably priced and reliable. And, just as a for instance, his Orgeat is better than my own careful, anal retentive efforts, and beats every other commercial Orgeat I’ve tried like Mr. T at a fools’ convention.

I pity the fool who buys Orgeat from some dude other than Trader Tiki!

My point is, you should try his stuff, if you haven’t already. You should do this because Blair’s cool and his product will make your drinks rule. But if that’s not enough for you, how about 15% off any order over $20 this month? Just tell him I sent you.

Um.
“Hi, Doug told me to come buy your product, so I’d like my 15% off, please,” won’t fit in the box….

Fine.
The way you tell the Trader that I sent you is to just enter the phrase ILUVBLOGZ in the coupon field when you order.

Once you get your stuff and use it, don’t forget to come back here and let me know how you like it! Happy Holidays, everyone!