As Memorial Day Weekend approaches, many people are looking forward to social gatherings, parties, and barbecues with friends and family. And what better way to celebrate the unofficial start of summer than with refreshing cocktails that are perfect for sharing? One great option is to batch cocktails that are not only delicious but easy to make in large quantities to accommodate a crowd.
Colorado’s Old Elk Distillery offers a range of American ultra-premium whiskies that are ideal for creating cocktails to savor during the summer season. One particularly refreshing cocktail includes Bourbon, berries, and grapefruit, providing a burst of vibrant colors and flavors. To make this cocktail, you will need:
– 12 oz Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey
– 8 oz Raspberry syrup
– 12 oz Fresh squeezed grapefruit juice (about 3 grapefruits)
– 1 oz Fresh lime juice
– Top with soda water or Prosecco
– Fresh raspberries and mint for garnish
Simply combine all the ingredients (except the sparkling water or Prosecco) in a pitcher and stir well. Add ice before serving to chill the cocktail. Pour the mixture into cocktail glasses with fresh ice and top with either soda water or Prosecco. Finally, garnish each glass with fresh raspberries and mint for a beautiful presentation.
For a unique and visually stunning cocktail option, consider serving a Watermelon Bourbon Cocktail in a hollowed-out baby watermelon. This cocktail includes the following ingredients:
– 1 Whole baby watermelon
– 6 oz Old Elk Bourbon
– 6 oz Lustau Amontillado Sherry
– 3 oz Cocchi Americano Vermouth (or another blanco vermouth)
– 3 oz Fresh lime juice
– 8 Whole blackberries
– Sprigs of fresh basil
– Ginger Ale
To prepare this cocktail, cut the top off a baby watermelon and scoop out the fruit. Blend the scooped watermelon and strain out any pulp to obtain fresh juice. Mix the fresh watermelon juice with Old Elk Bourbon, sherry, vermouth, lime juice, and ginger ale inside the hollowed-out watermelon. Garnish the cocktail with whole blackberries and fresh basil. For serving, provide multiple straws or cut a small hole in the bottom of the watermelon for a unique dispenser.
If you’re looking for a light and bubbly cocktail option, consider mixing together Malfy Arancia, Mumm Sparkling Brut Rosé, and a dash of Angostura Bitters. This fizzy and flavorful cocktail can be made individually or in a large pitcher for a crowd. Add a cracked cinnamon stick and a Meyer lemon wheel for a delightful garnish that complements the citrusy notes of this refreshing drink.
For a unique and slightly spicy cocktail, try incorporating Olive My Pickle’s Pickle Juice LiveBrines into your recipes. This zesty cocktail includes muddled serrano chile, fresh lime juice, Aji Amarillo Pepper & Mango LiveBrine, Tequila, and Triple sec. Shake all the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker, then strain and serve in a martini glass or over ice in a margarita glass. For an extra kick, rim the glass with salt and chile before pouring the cocktail.
Finally, create a pitcher of fizzy passion fruit cocktail that can serve a group of 4-6 people. This cocktail combines Keeper’s Heart Irish + American Bourbon, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, Chinola Passion Fruit liqueur, and Champagne (or any dry sparkling wine). Mix the first three ingredients in a gallon pitcher filled with ice, then add the bottle of Champagne slowly and stir gently to combine. Serve the cocktail in champagne flutes or coupe glasses for an elegant presentation.
For a savory and refreshing twist on a classic Italian spritz, try Corzetti’s innovative cocktail. This drink combines La Sirene Bitter Artigianale, oregano syrup, fresh lemon juice, jaline jolution, club soda, and Lambrusco in a white wine glass. Serve the cocktail over ice and garnish with a piparra, olive, and cherry tomato for a unique and flavorful experience.
Don’t settle for basic cocktails during your Memorial Day Weekend celebrations. Instead, impress your guests with a variety of refreshing drinks that are perfect for any summer gathering. Whether you prefer fruity, bubbly, or savory flavors, there’s a cocktail recipe out there to suit your taste. Cheers to a fantastic start to the summer season with these delicious and easy-to-make refreshments!