Host A Stress-Free Gathering For Father’s Day With 5 Batch Cocktail Recipes
Having fathers who relish their drink of choice can be quite a rewarding experience for those who are keen to try their hand at mixology. Whether it is a top-shelf single malt or a bottle of wine, spirits often reflect the personality of the drinker in subtle ways. Hosting a special, intimate gathering for Father’s Day means that having a few cocktail options apart from having a well-stocked bar. For a batch cocktail menu that is being especially curated for the occasion, keeping the taste of the ‘man of the moment’ in mind is of utmost importance.
Along with this, incorporating seasonal flavours, fresh and preserved ingredients, simple but stylish cocktail-making techniques, visually striking garnishes and presentation can up the ante with a few simple tweaks and touches. In addition to this, having customised name cards and décor elements which reflect his taste would do wonders to make him feel loved and wanted by all those who love him. The nuances of flavours and composition of thematic cocktails reflect a father’s personality and preferences, along with catering to a larger group, while also being hassle-free for the host to put together. It’s a win all-around!
Manhattan Cocktail
Just like your dad’s sunglasses, this cocktail is one that never goes out of style! What’s more? It even incorporates whisky into the recipe, making it conducive for your dad to naturally opt for this amongst a sea of fruity, fizzy, citrus or savoury options. If anything, the brandied cherry garnish is only a reminder that some things are better vintage (pun intended). Whether this cocktail is served as a precursor to a meal or one to relish sipping during a relaxed evening with family, either way – this is little effort for a big impression.
Handy Tip: Stick to a 2:1 whisky to vermouth ratio while including a 10% provision for water which helps with adequate dilution in batch recipes. Ideally, it is best to dilute the mixture before chilling.
Whisky Beer Lemonade
Nothing spells summer quite like drinking ice cold lemonade while dad is in-charge of cooking up a storm in the kitchen! Now that you’re all grown-up, make an adult version of your childhood beverage that you can serve up in a tall glass – all while donning the roll of a sous chef for your cookery-loving dad. Quality time, a chilled citrusy drink and food awaiting at the end of it – what’s not to love!
Handy Tip: Opt for homemade lemonade as opposed to using store-bought mixture since the sugars in the latter might disrupt the balance of flavour in the cocktail while also affecting its texture and mouthfeel.
Classic Shandy
This simple 2-ingredient drink doesn’t necessarily qualify as a ‘craft’ cocktail but is sure to keep everyone chatty and busy. Bring in the muscle by getting dad to help you open pints of beer as you stir the lemonade, grill some burgers or hot dogs to eat alongside the drink and you’re golden. The best part about the recipe is that pretty much any kind of beer works in combination with the zesty beverage – so be sure to pick what dad prefers best.
Handy Tip: Opt for an English-style IPA as opposed to a fruitier version to avoid clashing flavours with the sweetness of the lemonade. The English-style IPA possesses a mellow bitterness which offsets the flavour while bringing balance.
Tropic Like It’s Hot
While the charm of a classic margarita is quite unmissable, this pineapple-based tequila cocktail is impressive in its profile and presentation. Although not a conventional choice for a cocktail that fits in the Father’s Day theme, this sweet and citrusy drink is versatile enough to make with all kinds of tropical fruit. Want to add an element of fun for a group of people? Serve it in a carved and hollowed out pineapple with cocktail umbrellas and reusable straws.
Handy Tip: Grill the wedge of pineapple to use as garnish to introduce a smoky element and add a complex layer of flavour from the caramelised sugars.
Coffee Old Fashioned Cocktail
Nothing spells ‘dad’ more than this smooth and rich blend of coffee and whisky - two beverages most commonly associated with them. This spin on the old fashioned is a variation that uses mole bitters instead of citrus bitters - giving the concoction its profiles of chocolate and cinnamon, albeit subtly. With a pronounced finish and striking brown colour, replace the coffee liqueur with an Irish one for a dessert-like mouthfeel.
Handy Tip: Avoid adding ice while mixing the drink; refrigerate instead to prevent unnecessary dilution. When ready to serve, add one or two large cubes to the rocks glass and pour over it to maintain an optimum temperature.
Also Read: To Dad, With Love: How I Created A Craft Gift Box For My Father
*All cocktails listed use 30ml serving sizes per individual; i.e. 180 ml liquor measurements serves 5-6 individuals. Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
