Are you Entertained

A sign of a job well done!

So I recognized an opportunity when I saw one. I was invited out on a “Goodbye Margaritaville” bar crawl. Yes I know what you’re thinking and “No” unfortunately I did not make it to the end. I wasn’t wasted, I’m just not in a physical state to be doing all that walking anymore. Regardless I had a blast and it was great seeing some of my coworkers that I miss dearly.

BYOB

So in the invite I saw pregame and “BYOB”. I love seeing this on an invite these days. The reason is it’s an opportunity to share my passion. Before I delved into the world of mixology I have to admit I hated when it was a byob party. I mean I might as well drink my own booze in the comforts of my own home. Even way back when I was in college I refused to throw a party without providing food and drink. But that’s a whole other story that I want to go into in a future post.

Now I’m not bashing BYOB. I have  been to some pretty crazy BYOB’s. I completely understand why it’s done. Entertaining can be expensive and it’s hard to please everyone. So I just wanted to make that clear.

This is my chance

So like I said these days I see this as an opportunity to add a little something extra that people don’t expect. I have tested out different ways to travel with cocktails. This is a newer version that I tested during the summer. This works well with larger groups of people. It’s less to carry and even less work to serve. This allows you to have a quality cocktail with the hard work done ahead of time. So let’s get down to it!

Travel bar list

First thing to decide is how many you will make. I tend to do 3 choices. Each will contain a different base liquor.

  1. One that is a guarantee. It’s something that is safe that you know most will enjoy.
  2. A possible guarantee. One that you think is good and want to test out.
  3. One wild card. I guess you could call it my “outside of the box” choice.

Check list

  • 2 travel bags (you can find them at larger liquor stores)- these bags will have individual slots to insert your bottles
  • Index cards- I always list ingredients in case of allergies, drug interactions or just plain preferences
  • Large glass jars
  • Cocktail base- this includes liquor, syrups, fruit and juices.
  • Toppers- this is your seltzers, sparkling sodas, etc. I suggest having at least 2 options. I tend to choose a sweeter option such as sprite or my go to Italian limon soda and seltzer or tonic for those who wanted less sugar. I highly recommend smaller 4 packs. Just easier for transfer
  • Smaller plastic cups. This allows for more distribution and avoidance of over intoxication.
  • Small cooler that can fit a small bag of ice that .
  • Last but not least a bag of ice

Don’t forget your cocktail tools

Now let’s make some travel cocktails

These recipes are the cocktail bases. I usually serve them on ice and finish them off with topper. With that being said I have had people say they are great just on ice alone.

**Take note that your container may alter your measurements. That is why When I do the recipes the measurements are according to the containers I had available. Typically it roughly equals out to: liquor (2/4 container) syrups(1/4 container) and juices(1/4 container). The taste will be a bit stronger but the intention is to add a topper when serving.You can always taste and adjust. My jars are larger. I purchased a 4 pack at Target for $10.

Now ahead of time, so I don’t sound repetitive when I say “double strain” I mean pour through shaker strainer into a small strainer. See image below.

So now on to cocktail number 1. This is my guarantee

Blue Basil Lemonade

  • 1 cup vodka
  • 1/2 cup limoncello
  • 1/2 cold pressed lemonade
  • 1/4 cup blueberry syrup
  • 1/4 cup of simple syrup
  • 1/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • Handful of fresh basil
  • 1 lemon sliced into wheels

Add blueberries, basil leaves (ripped up), blueberry syrup and simple syrup to shaker. Then muddle for about 2 minutes. Then add lemon juice. Muddle again. Then double strain onto your jar.

Then add vodka, limoncello, lemonade and lemon wheels. Make sure to allow it to sir for a few hours before serving.

Next up is number 2 which was my wild card.

Orchard Medley

  • 1 cup bourbon
  • 1/2 cup apricot liquor
  • 1/2 cup pear liquor
  • 1/2 cup pear syrup
  • 1 cup apricot juice
  • 1 plum
  • 1 pear

Add plum and 1/2 pear chopped up. Then add pear syrup. Muddle for 2 minutes. Add pear and apricot liquor and muddle again. Add 2 ice cubes shake and double strain into jar. Add bourbon, apricot juice and other 1/2 of pear slice up.

Now on to number 3. This is a possible guarantee. I think it’s a winner but I have to test it out first.

Orange Pom

  • 1 cup white rum
  • 1/2 cup Aperol
  • 1/2 cup PAMA pomegranate liquor
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate simple syrup
  • 1/2 cold pressed orange juice
  • 1/2 fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 1/2 pomegranate
  • 1 blood orange sliced into wheels

Add pomegranate and pomegranate simple syrup to shaker. Muddle for 2 minutes. Add aperol and PAMA and Muddle briefly. Add 2 ice cubes, shake and double strain into jar. Add both orange juices, rum and blood orange slices. Let sit for at least a couple hours before serving.

Now you’re ready to impress. Remember to taste test (you don’t have to get wasted, just a sip) and adjust to your liking. You have to like it before you serve it.

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