The art of mixing a deliciously well-made cocktail is a wonderful and creative endeavour, but it can also be time-consuming and demanding, especially when you're hosting a large gathering or simply want to unwind after a long day. This is where the art of batching cocktails comes into play. Here we'll explore the world of batching cocktails, its benefits, and how to do it effectively, so you can drink better, together, with less stress and more time for your guests. Batched cocktails also make a wonderful personalised gift, whether for a special occasion or in place of a bottle of wine when invited to friends so give it a try!
Instead of preparing individual drinks, by mixing up larger quantities in advance and storing them in bottles or jars, not only do you save time but it can elevate your cocktail experience in several ways:
1. Consistency: When you batch cocktails, you ensure that each serving is consistent in flavour and strength. No more worrying about getting the proportions right with every individual drink.
2. Efficiency: Batching is efficient, especially when you're hosting a party or a gathering. It frees you from playing bartender all night and allows you to enjoy the party alongside your guests.
3. Speed: With pre-mixed cocktails on hand, you can serve drinks quickly and effortlessly. Just add ice and a garnish and you’re good to go!
4. Experimentation: Batching cocktails also opens up opportunities for experimentation. You can infuse flavours, create unique twists on classics, and explore new combinations on a larger scale.
What to batch?
Choose Your cocktails carefully:
Select cocktails that are well-suited for batching, such as classics like Negronis, Manhattans, or Old Fashioneds. These cocktails even have a tendency to mellow and improve with time, making them perfect for pre-batching. Note that not all cocktails are suitable for batching - opt for drinks that won't degrade in flavour or quality when stored together and avoid cocktails with perishable ingredients like egg whites, milk or even citrus juices unless you are going to consume them in less than 48 hours.
How to batch?
Batching cocktails involves a few key steps to ensure that your pre-mixed drinks are well-balanced and ready to enjoy:
1. Calculate the Recipe: Scale up the cocktail recipe according to the number of servings you need. Ensure that your measurements are precise to maintain consistency.
2. Dilution Considerations: If the cocktail requires dilution (such as a stirred cocktail which is served without ice), factor in the right amount of water. Dilution is an essential part of many cocktails, and batching should replicate this process as closely as possible. When you stir a Manhattan for example, there will be approx. 15ml-25ml dilution (up to 20%) so if you are making a round of 6 @100ml each add an extra 120ml or water to the 600ml of bourbon/vermouth mix.
3. Mix and Chill: Combine all the ingredients in a large container and stir well. Then, chill the mixture to ensure that the flavours fuse together.
4. Bottle and Label: Once the cocktail is ready, transfer it to clean, sterilised bottles (you don’t need to with spirit-only drinks, but it is advisable for lower abv blends and for cocktails with fresh juices). It’s wise to label each bottle with the cocktail name and date of preparation. If it’s for a gift, you can make it as extravagant as you like and it’s often useful to give serving instructions (type of glass to use, garnishes to enhance the cocktail and whether it should be served over ice) for the recipient’s benefit.
