Pre-Drinking Indoors Is Out; Pre-Batched Drinking Outdoors Is In - Here's Everything You Need To Know

We are half-way through the long Bank Holiday Weekend, and what normally is a day for batch-cooking for the long week ahead, is replaced with a new kind of prep-work. Aptly named pre-batching, this skill allows you to pre-prep cocktails to drink alfresco. And with the country re-opening only slightly, there has never been a better time to let your inner mixologist shine and shake things up a little (some stirring may also be required). According to Joe McCanta, current recipient of the TOTC Spirited Award for Best International Brand Ambassador; Bacardi’s Global Head of Education and Mixology, there has been a 1,200% increase in thirsty consumers hoping to nab the last spot in… well.. any beer garden and with outdoor seating at an all-time high, alfresco dining is back - and this time, she came to play.

Putting together his top tips on how to spritz and sip, McCanta’s delicious tricks and thirst-quenching recipes will make you the envy of any park this season - just remember to drink and stay safe and responsible.

But what exactly is pre-batching?

Well, simply put - pre-batching is the cocktail equivalent of your weekly meal prep but more on the liquid side of things. By taking just a little bit of extra time at home to pre-create your favourite cocktails you can maximise the time spent soaking up the sun, sipping on spirits and socialising (at a safe distance) with your tipples all ready to go and not a Gin in a Tin in sight.

St Germain Sprit

Choose Your Cocktail Carefully

Classic cocktails such as a White Russian or a Whisky/Gin Sour that calls for dairy or egg products are best left for another time and another place. Unfortunately these sorts of ingredients can separate over time, particularly if exposed to warmer temperatures. So make sure to opt for lighter ingredients which are more likely to stand the test of time such as a fruit juice or soda water.

Freshen Up

To keep your cocktails as fresh as possible, hold off on adding the aforementioned fruit juice or mixer until the day of consumption. Bubbles, in particular, should definitely be added as the finishing touch, as carbonated drinks can lose fizziness quickly – and no one likes a flat cocktail! Mix everything together [the night] before a get-together and then have a bottle of cold soda water ready to go as the final touch. Just pour, finish and go.

It’s All Cool

Of course ice is a nice way to cool your cocktail but it also serves as a dilutant to create a more balanced taste. However, if you don’t fancy lugging an ice bag to your picnic, simply add a splash of water to your pre-mix and keep chilled in the fridge until time to consume.

Don’t Bottle It Now

You may be tempted to opt for glass bottles when pre-batching cocktails but in actual fact a metal thermos is the best vessel of choice for keeping drinks super chilled! You can even freeze your bottle the night before for optimal chilling time, so all that’s left to do it sit back, sip and enjoy!

When In Doubt - Garnish

Garnishes are a great way to take your cocktail to a whole new level and can quickly transform simple serves into summer showstoppers. Use pre-sliced citrus fruits such as lemon, lime or grapefruit, they’re easy to prepare and can simply be thrown in a zip lock pouch ready to add at the last minute! Seasonal fruits such as berries, are also great for adding a touch of summer sweetness, or for those who have been nurturing a herb garden over lockdown, a sprig of homegrown mint or rosemary is a perfect addition to a whole heap of delicious concoctions.

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3 of Joe’s Favourite Cocktail Recipes to Pre-Batch

Grey Goose

Grey Goose® Le Grand Fizz a La Russe

This cocktail is such a fantastic upgrade to your standard Vodka Tonic - made for the more sophisticated palate with a bittersweet spritz packed with zesty citrus notes and finished with herbal sprigs for a delicate yet delicious serve.

30ml GREY GOOSE® Vodka
15ml Peach Liqueur
15ml Fresh Grapefruit Juice
60ml Premium Tonic Water
Thyme
Grapefruit Wedge

1. Combine all ingredients except the tonic water over cubed ice in a large wine glass.
2. Stir and top with tonic.
3. Garnish with grapefruit wedge and sprig of thyme for added flavour.

Bombay Sapphire

Bombay Sapphire Gin and Tonic Spritz

Think of this one like a Gin and Tonic with a spritz of glamour. By mixing some classic serves in with the traditional and then adding some crisp finishers this will soon become your summer-go-to thats fresh, light and delicious

30ml Bombay Sapphire
15ml Martini Bitter
15ml Lemon juice
15ml Lemon honey syrup
Premium tonic water
½ orange wheel

1. Add Bombay Sapphire, Martini Bitter, lemon juice and honey syrup into shaker and shake
2. Strain into spritz glass
3. Fully fill the glass with cubed ice and top with premium tonic water
4. Garnish with ½ orange wheel

Martini Fiero

Martini Fiero and Tonic

Bold, colourful and ice-cold - the perfect bittersweet cocktail that is perfectly served with tonic and ice with an orange slice, this F+T packs the maximum flavour with minimal fuss. Our kind of cocktail.

70ml Martini Fiero
70ml Tonic Water
Orange Wedge for Garnish

1. Pour both together
2. Serve over ice with an orange garnish