Meet Rick Ralston, Owner of Absolute Liquors

delivers precisely what you would expect from an establishment that sells spirits and festive libations. In short, it's fun.

The store is bursting with color and sparkling holiday garlands. A tiny, blonde teacup Pomeranian sits quite silently and daintily, waiting to be lavished with affection from customers.

It's a clean, bright, warm and all-around comfortable place to stock up on spiked eggnog and White Russian ingredients. Rick Ralston is at the front counter with a face as bright as his store and more than willing to share his story with the town. 

North Branford Patch: How did you come to own a liquor store?

Rick Ralston: In college I worked at a liquor store. It was very profitable at the time. I learned the trade and now I'm my own boss. It's recession proof. 

North Branford Patch: What do you enjoy the most about operating out of North Branford?

Ralston: I grew up here, I went to so I know most of my customers already. I've got a great clientele, a really nice customer base. 

North Branford Patch: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? 

Ralston: I travel a lot. I like ice hockey, I've played my whole life. I actually used to work at a ski resort in Colorado right out of college. It was all college kids getting paid three hundred bucks every two weeks. I also participate in drinking and I work out a lot. 

North Branford Patch: What makes your business unique?

Ralston: It's a friendly little area. I know everybody by name, what they drink. We're not a big business that's going to push you out the door, some people can sit here and talk for hours. 

North Branford Patch: Do you have any events coming up?

Ralston: We have a tasting this Friday. We normally have wine tastings every Thursday, but this week it's on Friday. 

North Branford Patch: What are your thoughts on Blue Laws keeping liquor stores closed on Sundays?

Ralston: I like having Sundays off. Most states are open 12 to 6 on Sundays. I think Connecticut and Massachusetts are the last two states to have no liquor sales on Sunday so it's only a matter of time. But I'm in here on Sunday anyways cleaning up and filling out orders. 

North Branford Patch: What is your favorite part about your job?

Ralston: The customers, without a doubt. I've been here 15 years now. 

North Branford Patch: What is one thing you would like to convey to potential customers?

Ralston: We're friendly, we're helpful, we'll do whatever it takes to keep your business. We're a local business and we're not looking to take advantage of anyone. We have a good time around here.