Batchable cocktails not only save time but also create a festive atmosphere for your spring flings. Whether you want a boozy beverage or a non-alcoholic happy hour, we’ve got two great recipes for you.
But you don’t need a degree in mixology to create your own. The secret is to pick complementary flavors and build on that. Think about how whiskey and cherries, gin and rosemary, or vodka and cranberry go so well together. Once you’ve picked a primary profile, add one or two ingredients that support that palette and a stellar, infused simple syrup to match. Garnish with a flourish—fancy ice cubes or fresh herbs—and your drinks will be your party’s guest of honor!
Find more of my recipes and ideas on Instagram at @mojo_foodco.
Simple Syrup
2 cups water
1 ½ cups turbinado raw sugar
1 sachet of herbs (your choice)
1 whole citrus fruit or 1 tablespoon dried spices
Add as desired: herbs (rosemary, tarragon, sage), spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom), citrus or fruits (pear, lemon, limes, oranges)
Put all ingredients together in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat immediately and let the syrup cool for up to one hour. Drain out all fruits, herbs, or spices. To use, add ½ ounce of syrup for every ounce of alcohol.
Whiskey Sunshine Spritzer
1 ½ cups bourbon whiskey of choice
¾ cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
½ cup rosemary/ginger simple syrup
Sparkling water for serving
Mix whiskey, lemon juice, and syrup in a jar. When serving, fill the glass ⅓-way full and top with sparkling water. Garnish with lemon or rosemary ice cubes, and enjoy! You can also replace the whiskey with vodka or gin with great results.
Posh Palmer
2 pounds fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries
4 lemons or oranges
1 cup fresh mint
½ cup lemon simple syrup
5 cups freshly brewed tea, your choice of flavor
In a blender or juicer, combine the juice of two lemons, ¼ cup fresh mint, and your choice of berry. Add the lemon simple syrup and water to the desired consistency for the “lemonade.” Serve by pouring one part “lemonade” and one part tea into a glass. Garnish with a lemon or orange slice, and enjoy! You can add any type of clear alcohol to this drink to make it boozy.
Batchable Cocktail Tips
Balance: Scale the ingredients based on the number of servings you need. A common starting point is 1-part spirit, ½-part syrup, and 2-parts mixer.
Additions: Infuse spirits or ice cubes with herbs, spices, or fruits ahead of time for added flavor complexity.
Preparation: Prepare garnishes like citrus wheels, herb sprigs, or fruit skewers in advance for easy serving.
Temperature: Keep the mixture chilled until serving to ensure drinks remain refreshing. You can use ice cubes made from the cocktail mixture to avoid dilution.
Label: If you're serving multiple batches, label each one to help guests easily identify their choices.