4 DIY Fall Batch Cocktails: Rum Drinks for Festive Gatherings
Organising a festive gathering at home comes with its fair share of challenges, whether budgetary, spatial or concerning the time and effort that goes behind it. Batch cocktails are a legitimate and convenient way of tackling the problem of lack of time, as well as minimising last-minute effort.
Hence, if you are planning a festive fall gathering at home and are looking for ideas, here are recommendations for fall-inspired batch cocktails you can make with an assortment of seasonal ingredients paired with rum.
Spiced Rum and Apple Cider
The combination of rum and apple cider forms the base for this cocktail which gets its spiciness from the rum, the cinnamon and the cloves. You can prepare this cocktail beforehand and store it in an airtight bottle for months.
Ingredients:
750 ml spiced rum
1 l fresh apple cider
240 ml lemon juice
120 ml maple syrup
2 cinnamon sticks
4 cloves
Ice cubes for serving
Method:
In a large bowl or pitcher, add the spiced rum, apple cider, lemon juice and maple syrup and mix with a stirrer.
Drop the cloves and cinnamon sticks into the vessel and close the lid shut.
Set it aside in the refrigerator for a few days to let the spices get infused into the liquid. The longer you can leave it, the more flavorful it gets.
Strain the liquid to remove the whole spices.
Use this flavoured cocktail for any fall-themed event. Serve it over ice in individual glasses.
Dark Rum and Pomegranate Sangria
Although Sangria is often made with wine, this version uses pomegranate juice and orange juice to infuse the fruitiness associated with Sangria.
Ingredients:
750 ml dark rum
450 ml pomegranate juice
230 ml orange juice
500 ml soda water
1 orange, sliced
1 pomegranate, seeded
Ice cubes for serving
Method:
In a large pitcher, add in the dark rum and the juices of pomegranate and orange, along with the soda water. Mix the concoction thoroughly.
Seal the pitcher with an airtight lid and stash it in the refrigerator till the event.
When serving, use freshly sliced oranges and pomegranate seeds to flavour the drink.
Honey Rum and Pear Sparkler
Crunchy, fresh pears, readily available during the fall season, are used as the base of this rum-based cocktail, along with wild or floral honey.
Ingredients:
750 ml white rum
500 ml pear juice
200 ml floral honey
200 ml water
500 ml sparkling water
Pear slices for garnish
Ice cubes for serving
Method:
Start off by making the honey syrup by simmering equal parts of honey and water in a heavy saucepan over low heat. After a few minutes, take it off the heat and let it cool down to room temperature.
Now, combine this syrup with pear juice and white rum in a large vessel, and keep stirring till all the honey is fully incorporated.
Add the soda water only when serving to prevent the soda from going flat. Garnish with pear slices and serve with ice.
Maple and Rum Ginger Punch
This cocktail combines the spicy notes of ginger with the caramel and toffee flavour notes of maple syrup with dark rum.
Ingredients:
750 ml dark rum
480 ml ginger beer
210 ml fresh lime juice
120 ml maple syrup
500 ml soda water
Lime slices and fresh ginger for garnish
Ice cubes for serving
Method:
Combine dark rum, lime juice and maple syrup in a large punch bowl, and make sure the maple syrup dissolves fully into the liquid.
Now, add ginger beer and soda water to the mix, while gently stirring.
Pour the drink into individual glasses with ice and garnish with slices of lemon and ginger.
You can preserve this concoction in a sealed container for weeks, even months, but make sure to keep the bottles stored away from direct sunlight.
Do remember that like everything, alcohol is best consumed in moderation. Always drink and serve responsibly!
