Simple Pitcher Cocktails
Uh oh, you have people coming over
BY: JOSHUA GANDEE
Beverage Director, Watershed Kitchen & Bar
In this series we’ll be sharing recipes for cocktails you can make in advance for your next party or backyard BBQ and serve straight from a pitcher. Why? Let us count the reasons why we love a good pitcher punch:
We’ve all been there: you put together the days’ menu, from what chips to buy to what seasoning to put on the chicken. You’ve picked up ingredients, chairs, decorations, napkins, plates, games for kids, games for adults -- you’ve thought of everything. What drinks are you going to serve? Oh...you forgot about that part? It’s okay! It doesn’t have to be difficult to entertain in the drinks department if you follow the S.P.F. method. S.P.F has you covered in the summer against harmful sun rays, and answers the question of what drink to serve your guests.
Just stick to Simple. Pitcher. Fresh.
Simple: Not too many ingredients, doesn’t require extra steps, or, more importantly, extra trips to the store. Think Watershed Four Peel Gin, fresh squeezed lemonade, and soda.
Pitcher: Making a big batch of punch or cocktail into pitchers makes it easy on your guests to pour a refill, or for you to float around the party topping people off as you make your rounds.
Fresh: Any fresh fruits or herbs available for garnish or infusing spirits are the icing on the cake when it comes to at-home bartending.
Try this simple recipe out and watch the delight in your guests eyes when you get to tell them how easy it is.
Recipe
PATIO PITCHER
1 bottle Watershed Four Peel Gin
2 cups Lemon Juice, preferable fresh squeezed
2 cups Fine Sugar
2 cups Water
Stir in a pitcher until sugar is dissolved.
If you’d like, add 1-2 fresh cut peaches with some ice to the pitcher and gently stir with a wooden spoon, topping with seltzer.
To serve, place a peach slice and sprig of thyme into a glass and pour the punch in.
Feel free to take some liberties with this recipe. You can swap out the juice, the type of sugar, and even the fruit and herbs that are freshest and in season as the summer progresses. Your drink doesn’t have to be difficult or kill your prep time to be remembered and delicious. Cheers to you, and cheers to summer cocktails.