Fandango Catering and Events Offers Ideas for Cocktails by the Batch Part I

At Fandango Catering and Events we use a variety of methods to serve cocktails and other beverages at our clients' events. Today we offer ideas and four recipes for cocktails you can make by the batch for your event. For events where there won't be a bartender and you'd like to serve a signature cocktail, making cocktails by the batch can make things easier. Cocktails by the Batch: Pitcher vs. Poured There are 2 basic kinds of cocktails by the batch: Pitcher and poured. Actually, the idea is the same but the difference lies in whether you leave the prepared cocktail batch in a pitcher for self service (you can do this with a bartender too and it's easier for the bartender) or you pour the batch out into glasses. The easiest way is to leave the prepared cocktail batch in pitchers (or a beverage dispenser or a punch bowl) for guests to serve themselves. It's best to put out at least 2 pitchers (or 1 bev dispenser or 1 punch bowl as these typically hold more than pitchers) so you don't have to refill so quickly. Or you can pour (or have a bartender or helper pour) the prepared cocktail batch into glasses that you line up so your guests can just grab them. The pour method is more work as you have to spend time filling glasses before guests arrive and then keep filling new glasses to have out for guests to take. But the lining up of glasses does look nice, though it's more work. Generally one signature cocktail per event is enough. You can also serve wines and/or beers and and at least one non-alcoholic beverage. Four cocktail recipes to make by the batch (each recipe serves 4-5): Mimosas Fill a pitcher half full of orange juice. Fill the other half of the pitcher with champagne, cava, or prosecco. Stir lightly. Bellinis Fill a pitcher half full of peach nectar. Fill the other half of the pitcher with champagne or prosecco. Stir lightly. Sidecar Punch 1/2 cup brandy 1/2 cup cherry juice from a jar of maraschinos 1/4 cup lemonade 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice 2 tbsp. Triple Sec Cubed and crushed ice Combine in cocktail shaker with a few ice cubes, shake vigorously, strain. Make two batches and pour into a pitcher that will hold them. Can also dilute with sparkling water or ginger ale. Bloody Mary 3 cups tomato juice 3/4 cup vodka 4 tsp. lemon juice 2 tsp. Worcestershire 1/2 tsp. celery salt 1/8 tsp. hot pepper sauce Dash pepper In pitcher combine ingredients, stir. Enjoy! Kristina Ríos de Lumbreras, Ph.D. Fandango Catering and Events http://www.fandango-catering.com/