Ready to mix cocktails

CONVENIENT COCKTAILS: Bootblack Brand owner Paul Kubiski hopes to simplify homemade alcoholic drinks with his cocktail syrups. / PBN PHOTOS/MICHAEL SALERNO
CONVENIENT COCKTAILS: Bootblack Brand owner Paul Kubiski hopes to simplify homemade alcoholic drinks with his cocktail syrups. / PBN PHOTOS/MICHAEL SALERNO

Paul Kubiski is trying to take the complexity and expense out of the modern cocktail, making it easier for people who want a nice drink at home, not an investment in stocking a full bar.

His Bootblack Brand syrup, now sold in two varieties, is making its way to Rhode Island vendors. Kubiski launched sales in May 2016, and is based at the Hope & Main food incubator in Warren.

Sold in liquor stores, artisanal food shops, and some specialty markets, including Clements’ Marketplace in Portsmouth and Stock Culinary Goods in Providence, Bootblack syrup is poured from a sturdy glass bottle.

The formula is simple. “If you take one part Bootblack, two parts spirits and a third part of a seltzer, soda or juice, you have a balanced cocktail,” he said.

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The initial offering, Ginger Cardamom Lime, was joined by Cranberry Jalapeno Lime in August.

Each syrup includes at least 10 ingredients. In the case of Cranberry Jalapeno Lime, the list includes fenugreek seed and warm and spicy allspice.

Kubiski, who is also a graphic artist, designed the labels, as well as the syrups. He’s looking for unusual flavors, “combinations that people haven’t thought of yet.” •

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