We are currently in the middle of New Year’s holidays. For those who will be hosting guests, the question about drinks is just as important as the gift.
As in many cases, the rule here is simple: Don’t do it too often.
Kara Newman, wine enthusiast and editor of Wine Enthusiast’s spirits section, says that people want simple drinks. “I believe this is a result of long recipe books that made it impossible for half the ingredients needed to make cocktails in our kitchens.
His book, “Shake. Stir. Take a sip. Enjoy. It is a good idea to make drinks ahead of time and keep them in the fridge. Don’t worry about measuring cups. Just pour all ingredients into a pitcher and mix them together.
Ann says, “This is the beauty of cocktails in equal measures: they can be made at any quantity.” You don’t have to follow any recipe. You don’t even have to use a measuring cup. Any glass will do.
Robert Simonson, the New York Times’s most famous author on cocktails and spirits wrote a book that will help those who are interested in making drinks for guests. Simonson’s book “3-Ingredient Cocktails” explains that classic cocktails have survived the test of time. They are, in general, simple.
He says that Manhattan would not be possible if it had only eight ingredients. “After years of bars offering pretentious cocktails, I believe there is now a return towards simplicity. Complex cocktails will always be in their place, but they are best served at bars where professionals work.
Simonson notes that, aside from Newman’s book, there will be other books, such as “The One-Bottle Cocktail” written by Maggie Hoffman. These books show us that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on ingredients to achieve great results at home.
We have five fantastic recipes to help you make your favorite cocktail. Make sure you use high quality alcohol. For example, you should buy two bottles of vodka and not five. Jim Mehana’s words are a good guideline. Quality is more important than quantity this holiday season.
This cocktail was created by the author for an event in an architecture gallery. This drink does not contain any dark ingredients that could ruin the white interior. This drink is an evolution of “Harvard”, a classic made with brandy.
You will need 12 portions.
Mix all ingredients, except for the zest, in a large pitcher. Mix again with ice. Mix in another pitcher. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serve in wide, chilled glasses. Each glass should be decorated with a lemon zest spiral.
Negroni, which is made up equal parts Campari, sweet vermouth, and gin, can be prepared in large quantities. Lynette Marrero, a New York bartender, created this variation. The rich, dark tones of aged Rum combined with a delicious Amontillado really invoke caramel without being too sweet.
You will need 12 portions.
Mix the rum, sherry and aperol in a large pitcher. Mix the rum, sherry and aperol together with ice. Let it cool. Then strain it.
The simple, three-ingredient punch can be made in just three minutes. It got its name because it has three ingredients. Gin is an excellent alternative to dark alcohol used in punch. The slight bitterness in aperol creates contrast and a wintry ambience.
You will need 12 portions.
In a pitcher, combine the gin with the aperol. Mix well and let cool. Mix the sparkling wine gently with the shaker before serving.
The cocktail can be served in rocks glasses. Garnish with cranberry berries.
This cocktail is also known as the “old-fashioned Tequila of the Millionaires”. Combining two types of tequila gives this cocktail a whole new meaning. The Don’s Mix, which combines cinnamon and grapefruit is known as Don’s Mix. This recipe is for your closest friends.
You will need 12 portions.
Mix all ingredients in a large pitcher except for the grapefruit sprouts. Mix the ingredients together with half a cup water. Before serving, store in the fridge.
The cocktail can be served in rocks glasses. Garnish with raspberries
For Cinnamon Grapefruit syrup, heat cane syrup (or sugar and water in equal amounts) for five minutes. Add two to three cinnamon sticks. Once the syrup has cooled, stir in the zest.
Levy makes this three-ingredient holiday punch every year. It takes just three minutes to mix. Trifecta Punch is its name. Gin is an excellent alternative to dark alcohol used in punch. The subtle bitterness of the Aperol creates a wintery atmosphere.
You will need 12 portions.
In a pitcher, combine the gin with the aperol. Give it a shake and let cool. Mix the sparkling wine gently with the shaker before serving.
The cocktail can be served in rocks glasses. Garnish with cranberry berries.
