Easy large-format cocktail recipes for small gatherings, treating yourself, and everything in between

BY: JOSHUA GANDEE
Beverage Director, Watershed Kitchen & Bar

It’s the end of the week, you’ve done a lot. You’ve logged miles on your new exercise bike, you’ve finally logged out of your final Zoom meeting and you’re ready for some chill couch time. At this moment you are met with a sense of gravity that is unmatched, the weight of which will all but cement you to your cushions. To be broken from the constraints of R&R is an herculean effort in and of itself; even if the task is to make yourself a drink.

Think about how great it feels to have a cocktail at the end of yet another week that felt a lot like last week, and the one before that...and the one before that. Now think about how great it is if someone else makes you that drink. Now, think about what it would be like if that person were you...from the past! Nope, this isn’t an episode of Black Mirror, it’s real life and it’s called Batching Cocktails. Batching cocktails is a lot like meal prep in the sense of you are doing all the heavy lifting in one shot, and can reap the reward each day. Luckily, a well-crafted cocktail is going to taste a little nicer come Friday than that chicken breast and white rice.

If you can make a cocktail then you can make a batched cocktail! Some of your tools might change, but the technique is the same. Instead of using a jigger, you’ll use a measuring cup, and instead of a coupe or old fashioned glass you’ll pour into a bottle or jar, but that’s about it. Some cocktails will batch better than others, and if your favorite drinks require a sparkling element like soda or prosecco, you’ll want to batch all ingredients except for the bubbles (Those can just be added later).

Store your batched drinks in the refrigerator or freezer for freshness, but rest assured knowing the higher alcohol content extends the shelf life of the mixture. I’d recommend drinking them within the month, but just make sure to taste them along the way as flavors can shift slightly (acid from juices changing/sweetness evolving.) As long as you are using something with a sealable top like a mason jar or a bottle with a swing top, then you are in good shape.

Batching cocktails is an easy way to make enjoyable, delicious cocktails without having to dirty up your bar tools every time you want one. With one quick session, you’ll have something at the ready in a bottle or jar, ready to be poured over ice. Let’s dive into some recipes.

THE OLD FASHIONED

This one is available in a 750ml or a 1.75L, and couldn’t be easier to put together.

YOU’LL NEED:

A Glass
Ice

That’s It…

Really, no fooling.

As the original batched cocktail, Watershed Distillery’s Old Fashioned has everything you need for a high quality classic cocktail, pre-mixed in the bottle: Bourbon, bitters, Ohio cherry juice, and a touch of sugar. All you have to do is pour it over ice and you’re ready to go. I know what you’re thinking: “I already knew about the bottled old fashioned, it’s great, I love it.” But I wanted to bring it up to further illustrate my point that batched cocktails can eliminate a few steps when you are just trying to pour a delicious drink and hang out.

THE FREEZER MARTINI

This one is awesome because if you think about a martini, you usually think about all the tools you’ll need to mix it up properly, including the fanciful flair you need to use so everyone knows you mean business. Sometimes you just want a simple martini without the fuss, and that’s where this batched version comes in. Feel free to play around with all three of our gins, your bitters, and your vermouth until you find a build that’s right for you. We’ll get you started with a classic and set you free from there. To make your experience really great, I recommend placing your favorite martini glass in the freezer along with your finished product, to ensure the finished product is restaurant caliber cold.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

4oz Water
4oz Dry Vermouth
16oz Four Peel Gin
8 dashes Orange Bitters
Empty 750ml Bottle
Funnel

Add all ingredients to an empty 750ml bottle (empty gin, wine, whatever you have!) swirl it around, seal it up, and place it in the freezer. When ready to enjoy simply remove from the freezer, shake if slushy and pour. Garnish with lemon peel, orange peel, or olives.

THE BIG BEE’S KNEES

The Bee’s Knees is a great classic cocktail because it contains only three ingredients, tastes great, and can easily be customized to your tastes and creative whims. With its simple construction, the Bee’s Knees highlights the importance of fresh citrus, the flavor a simple syrup can bring, and how to balance it with spirit. Simple swaps showcase different flavors and highlight new cocktails along the way. If you swap the honey and lemon for simple and lime the drink changes to a gimlet, just like that! You can also make different flavored simple syrups, infuse your spirits, or simply swap Four Peel for Guild Gin and you are well on your way.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

10oz Four Peel Gin
5oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
5oz Honey Simple Syrup*
4oz Water
Funnel
Empty 750ml Bottle

*FOR THE HONEY SIMPLE SYRUP:

1c Honey
1/2c Water

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add the honey and water and stir until dissolved. Bring mixture to a light boil then immediately remove from heat. Let cool before using. Making a simple syrup with your honey makes it easier to use in cocktails, but shortens the shelf life. Honey simple should be stored in your fridge for up to three weeks if not being used in cocktails.

Pour all ingredients using the funnel into the empty bottle, then shake to combine. For the lemon juice, make sure to juice through a metal strainer to catch any flesh or seeds. The result will be a cleaner cocktail and will flow nicely in case you use a pour spout. When ready to enjoy, simply remove from the fridge, and pour into your favorite cocktail glass, or over ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel and there you go.

Batching cocktails is a great way to make sure you have your favorites at the ready without the commotion of setting up each time, but they are also a great way to share with others. As the weather warms and invites for socially distant outdoor hangs start flowing then you can pack these into your tote, or have them ready on the table for friends to pour themselves. Making your own labels with tape, gift tags, or other means of creativity is a great way to gift to others as well. Remember, these are a great jumping-off point, but ultimately you’ll discover your own favorite flavors and mixes that will be delightful just the same. If you batch your own mix or ours with Watershed, make sure to tag us so that we may share and hopefully inspire someone else’s next cocktail.

Cheers!
Josh