Now that lockdown is easing and spring garden parties and picnics are in full swing, there has never been a better time to release your inner-mixologist and learn how to pre-batch your cocktails like a pro for your next social outing. Here are some tips courtesy of Bacardi Ltd’s Global Head of Education and Mixology, Joe McCanta on how to make your cocktails the envy of the park this season.
JOE MCCANTA’S TOP 5 TIPS TO PRE-BATCHING COCKTAILS
- Fresh is best – pre-batching can save a ton of time when you are having a picnic or drinking outdoors and this extra bit of prep will enable you to maximise time spent basking in the sunshine and socialising with friends. To keep your cocktails fresh, hold off adding fruit juice or mixer until the day of consumption. Bubbles, in particular, should definitely be added as the finishing touch, as carbonated drinks can lose fizziness quickly – and no one likes a flat cocktail! One of my personal favourites is the Grey Goose Le Grand Fizz, I’ll mix everything together before a get-together and then have a bottle of cold soda water ready to go as the final touch.
- Avoid dairy and eggs – Unfortunately, these sorts of ingredients can separate over time, particularly if exposed to warmer temperatures. Lighter ingredients – such as a fruit juice or soda water – are more likely to stand the test of time and make for a fresh-tasting cocktail! A couple of my favourites are a St-Germain Spritz, Bombay Sapphire Gin Mule, and a Martini Fiero & Tonic.
- Ice matters (but not why you think!) – Of course ice is a nice way to cool your cocktail but it also serves as a dilutant to create a more balanced taste. Don’t fancy lugging an ice bag to your picnic? Simply add a splash of water to your pre-mix and keep chilled in the fridge until time to consume. Even better, invest in a cooler box for super chilled cocktails, even when on the move.
- Go for the garnish! – Garnishes are a great way to elevate your cocktails and can quickly transform simple serves into summer showstoppers that will be the envy of your fellow parkgoers! My go-to garnishes are pre-sliced citrus fruits such as lemon, lime and grapefruit. Easy to prepare and can simply be thrown in a zip lock pouch ready to add at the last minute! Seasonal fruits, such as berries, are also great for adding a touch of summer sweetness, or for those who have been nurturing a herb garden over lockdown, a sprig of homegrown mint or rosemary not only tastes great, but will impress your friends too.
- Choose your vessel wisely – Many are tempted to opt for glass bottles when pre-batching cocktails, but in actual fact a metal thermos is the vessel of choice for keeping drinks super chilled! You can even freeze your bottle the night before for optimal chilling time, so all that’s left to do it sit back, sip and enjoy!
Here are some of the best recipes for pre-making cocktails from Bacardi Ltd:
GREY GOOSE® SUMMER SQUEEZE
The perfect balance of juicy blood oranges and smooth Grey Goose vodka, the ultimate refreshing Spritz.
Ingredients
30ml GREY GOOSE® Vodka
1 Wedge of blood orange squeezed
35ml Soda Water
Method
- Fill glass 2/3 full with ice, pour ingredients over and stir.
Garnish with fresh blood orange wedge and fresh cherries for a burst of colour.
GREY GOOSE® LAVENDER PRESSÉ
A garden cocktail that captures the essence of summer, crafted with GREY GOOSE®, freshly squeezed lemon juice and soda water.
Ingredients
30ml GREY GOOSE® Le Citron Vodka
15ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp fine granulated white sugar
70ml soda water
Method
- Fill glass 2/3 full with ice, pour ingredients over and stir.
- Garnish with fresh lavender and a wedge of fresh lemon.
GREY GOOSE® LE GRAND FIZZ A LA RUSSE
“The GREY GOOSE® Le Grand Fizz a la Russe is a fantastic summer update to a vodka and tonic”
It’s sophisticated and interesting – a bittersweet Spritz packed full of zesty citrus notes. If you’re looking to impress guests at your garden party or BBQ this summer, why not garnish with thyme sprigs fresh from the garden?”
Ingredients
30ml GREY GOOSE® Vodka
15ml Peach Liqueur
15ml Fresh Grapefruit Juice
60ml Premium Tonic Water
Thyme
Grapefruit Wedge
Method
- Combine all ingredients except the tonic water over cubed ice in a large wine glass.
- Stir and top with tonic.
- Garnish with grapefruit wedge and sprig of thyme for added flavour.
Grey Goose bottle is available on Amazon for £36.84