How To Get Freezer Cocktails Right For Your House Party – Here Are Your Top Doubts, Answered
A number of frozen-style drinks, well beyond the classic margarita, can be prepared at a house party you decide to host in warm climes. These hot weather conducive drinks require just a tad bit of prep and numerous questions might arise in the mind of an amateur mixologist around getting these concoctions just right. Here are some of these doubts around preparing freezer cocktails and mocktails, deconstructed and answered.
Which are some of the frozen-style drinks that can be prepared during warm weather – other than margaritas?
Freezer-friendly cocktails such as the margarita include alternatives like negronis, daiquiris, boulevardiers and old pals which can be mixed and stored in the freezer to be brought out whenever guests arrive at a house party in warm weather.
What exactly are these freezer cocktails?
Very simply, freezer cocktails are those drinks which can be pre-mixed and stored in the freezer until it is time to serve them. These drinks are designed to be extra cold, proportioned enough to become adequately diluted when they are being served, and are ready-to-pour blends without the need for last-minute shaking or stirring.
Can all cocktails and mocktails be turned into freezer-style drinks?
Not particularly. Certain drinks simply cannot freeze well. Drinks which contain fresh herbs, too much citrus or dairy are among those cocktails and mocktails that don’t do well in frozen form. On the other hand, spirit-forward drinks like negronis or martini cocktails, and of course the margaritas, are among mixes which easily adapt to this consistency. The caveat lies in the dilution — too many elements whose flavours shift upon melting are those which are best avoided while planning freezer-style drinks.
Which spirits work well in freezer cocktails?
Spirits such as gin, vodka, rum and whisky act as straightforward base liquors to make freezer cocktails. About 30 ml of smooth, balanced whiskies like the Johnnie Walker Black Label or any other premium whisky of choice can be put to use to blend boulevardiers or old pals, for introducing its flavours into these complex concoctions.
Also Read: Desserts And Cocktail Pairing Ideas For Your Next House Party
How long can freezer cocktails and mocktails be stored?
When stored in a tightly sealed clean bottle or jar, freezer cocktails can sustain in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 weeks. However, cocktails and mocktails with citrusy touches like sherbets or negroni variations ought to be consumed within a week so the acidity of the blends remains fresh enough for the house party.
What are a couple of essential serving tips to keep in mind while making freezer-style drinks?
One pro tip is to always serve frozen drinks in chilled glasses with fresh garnishes. As well, keep the frozen cocktail or mocktail bottle in the freezer between serves so every drink remains suitably icy and chilled.
What is the best way to adjust dilution in frozen cocktails and mocktails?
While making freezer-style cocktails, remember to add water that amounts to 20% to 25% of the total volume before freezing. This will in effect mimic the dilution that occurs when the drink is shaken or stirred with ice.
As for mocktails, add about 15% to 20% of the total volume. With this, the flavours of the fruity or herbal ingredients added to the non-alcoholic mix will remain adequately concentrated. The drink will melt gradually when it is served on a warm day, diluting more and more once served.
What kind of containers should be used to store freezer-style cocktails?
Swing-top glass bottles or screw-cap liquor bottles are the best containers to store freezer-style cocktails. Clean and dry them before adding the drink mix. Avoid using plastic containers, which run the risk of cracks and breaks when the temperature falls in the freezer. Containers with loose-fitting lids are also best kept away because this can take away from the aroma of the drinks.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
