Cocktails for a Crew

We all have our strengths, and one of mine happens to be I make a good cocktail! Whether it's shaking up a classic or getting creative with fresh ingredients, I take pride in seeing the smile on someone's face when they take that first sip. I rarely follow a recipe; I just love mixing things up and seeing what happens.

As a result, I am more inclined to offer to bring the beverages rather than dessert (I am not a baker!) So whether I am off to a tailgate, the beach or just a fun gathering with friends, I like to make a big batch of fun. This way my bartending job is done and people can just help themselves. I always have lots of ice, club soda, tonic water and ginger beer available; some like to take the edge off my heavy hand:)

Here are some of my go-to batched cocktails (remember I don’t follow recipes, so this is more about the ingredients) and the vessels I swear by for transporting and keeping them cold.

Margarita

Who doesn’t love a fresh, not too sweet marg?! When I’m making them by the glass, I never use a mixer but I do use some when making them in large quantities. Here are the ingredients I use and also some suggestions to add a little twist.

Blanco Tequila blend - I typically use a mix of Don Julio Blanco and 21Seeds Valencia Orange (or 21Seeds Cucumber Jalapeno for a spicy marg)
Lots of fresh lime juice - either squeezed by hand (this is my favorite countertop appliance!) or buy at your grocery store if they have fresh squeezed juices
Margarita Mixer - I like Stirrings or Filthy, or for a spicy mix, Hella Habanero
Then a couple juiced oranges, lemons or grapefruits if you wish
Options to add: jalapenos, fresh watermelon juice, ginger beer, cucumber, blood orange

Cucumber Watermelon Mint Refresher

This is great if you want a non-alcoholic drink or it pairs well with Vodka. I blend fresh watermelon chunks, sliced peeled cucumbers, mint leaves and ice to create a slushy consistency. Then pour in a large pitcher with club soda, fresh squeezed lime juice, vodka and garnish with mint leaves.

The Bermuda Triangle

This is a brighter take on a dark & stormy. I blend fresh pineapple chunks with coconut water to create a juice - you can strain if there’s pulp or froth. Then mix with Goslings Black Seal Rum, ginger beer and lime. When choosing ginger beer, decide if you want extra spicy (Reed’s), balanced (Maine Root or Fever Tree) or sugar free (Barritt’s). Yes, I love ginger beer and I’ve tried them all!

Batching Rules

Start with your base and slowly add the booze, tasting as you go. If you want a more accurate measurement, go off the size of your pitcher - 64 ounces is about 8 drinks, so depending on whether you want a stronger cocktail or not, that’s about 16 ounces of booze.
Don’t add ice to the mix. Fill cups and pour over the ice when ready to drink.
Have slices of limes, lemons, oranges to garnish.
Bring cups - ideally reusable
Make more than you think you need!