Why Fizzy Ingredients Have To Wait For Batched Cocktails
No matter what kind of party you're hosting, serving your drinks batched is a solid idea. The concept is simple, and according to Imbibe, it can be a real game-changer when you're hosting.
Instead of spending a whole night preparing drinks for your guests behind the bar, you can knock it all out at once by making a big pitcher of punch that serves six. That's what batching is: crafting cocktails in bulk. Now, you have more time to mingle instead of spilling gin all over your shoes all night.
This practice is so genius in its simplicity that even expert bartenders from the Rainbow Room have used the technique, according to ShakeStir. But while the concept works great for most varieties of drinks, cocktails made with some fizz might have to wait. Those effervescent drinks may be pretty, but they pose a small challenge in the face of batching.
The problem with batching an effervescent cocktail
While your favorite cocktail might be a blackberry gin fizz recipe, you should think twice before choosing it to batch. Cocktail caterer Talmadge Lowe explained to Imbibe that drinks made with fizz pose a problem in the face of batching; they'll go flat if you add the sparkling component too soon.
Now, this doesn't mean you can't batch any drink that's made with carbonation. The Spruce Eats explains that drinks made with soda or sparkling wine tend to batch well. But if you want to preserve that interesting mouthfeel, you'll have to add an extra step to the process and put the sparkling ingredient in just before serving the drinks.
Better yet, you can leave the sparkling addition out and have your guests add it themselves. (We'd argue that's better than having to refill 20 glasses full of whiskey sours all night long.)
Some of the best cocktails to batch
When you're deciding which drinks to serve in bulk at your next bash, consider the preferences of your guests. If you're not sure where to begin, a cerveza margarita is a great go-to. This drink gives the classic fruit-forward flavors of a margarita while introducing a bitter edge, thanks to the splash of beer.
According to Food & Wine, sticking to iconic cocktails, such as the cosmopolitan, is always a safe bet. And while a classic house margarita is a good choice, bartender Julio Xoxocotla tells Forbes that another easy option for guests is his Forget Me Not cocktail. This summery drink is easy to make, only requires five ingredients, and appeals to those looking to try a little something new. All you need for this cocktail is tequila, watermelon, lime, and grapefruit juices, and agave.
Another solid option for a batched beverage is punch. Unlike other cocktails, punch is meant to be consumed in bulk; try bartender Julie Reiner's Boat House Punch (via Liquor.com). To make it, simply combine Aperol and elderflower liqueur with lemon, orange, and grapefruit juices, then top it all off with sparkling rosé for something both flavorful and distinctive.