Shopping List For Hosts: Prepping Fall-Themed Batch Cocktails For A Festive Night In
When one dons on the home hosting cap during the festive season, it becomes necessary to be on top of the food and drink game, which is perhaps one of the most important elements during these occasions.
Inevitably, along with the culinary fare, lots of planning and list making goes into the making of the cocktails that would be served at a festive party. And come fall, batch cocktails like sangrias and spiced rum punch are often prepared to cater to numerous guests at one go.
Preparing these cocktails means making a detailed list of all the ingredients that would be required to blend a flavourful recipe.
This is particularly essential for those occasions when one is hosting a festive gathering at home for intimate friends and family. These gatherings are meant to be cosy and comfortable affairs. And while the task of shopping for each drink might seem a bit overwhelming, fret not, we have it all covered.
Read on below to glimpse into a shopping list that is essential for hosts who are prepping fall-themed batch cocktails like a moscow mule or rum punch at home:
Base Spirits
The first item on one’s shopping list for fall cocktail-making is base spirits. Cocktails require spirits which can embody a lot of flavour so they blend well with mixers and juices to deliver good taste.
During the festive season, spirits like vodka, spiced rum and bourbon can be used to prepare cocktails like rum punch, hot toddy and moscow mule. One can also opt for a bottle of premium red and white wine each to prepare sangria at home.
Have in store at least two bottles of each spirit which can be used to concoct two to three different kinds of cocktails for the evening.
Mixers And Juices
Along with spirits, the next most essential item in one’s shopping cart for the festive season is mixers and juices. When making fruit juices at home seems a tad difficult, go for those mixers that are readily available in stores but contain very little added sugar.
This is because excess sugar can make a cocktail much sweeter than intended and it would lose out on some of its taste. While making a list of mixers, here are some of the most essential items that ought to make it into one’s checklist: tonic water, sparkling water, ginger beer, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, pulpy orange juice.
Fresh Fruits
Along with spirits and mixers, also make a list of the fresh fruits that will be required for juicing, muddling or preparing garnishes for different cocktails.
Buy fruits depending on the drinks one has shortlisted for the festive night in, so that sangrias would mean going heavy on pears and apples.
And while preparing pitchers of margaritas and mojitos in bulk, it is essential to stock up on lemons, limes, grapefruits, pineapples and assorted berries for their tangy flavours.
Herbs And Spices
It is possible to harvest herbs from one’s home garden but buying some fresh produce like basil or mint can also come in handy if the plants are yet to be in bloom. Go for fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme and basil if a gin and tonic blend is on the menu and buy a whole bunch of mint if one is planning to craft the perfect mojito pitcher.
When it comes to preparing warmer drinks like spiced rum punch or hot toddy, also add cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise and cloves among other spices to the shopping list.
Sweeteners, Syrups And Liqueurs
Another essential element in one’s shopping list for cocktail making is sweeteners and liqueurs. Elderflower liqueur, pumpkin liqueur, Irish cream liqueur are only among some of the spirit-based mixers that are essential for blending diverse drinks.
Along with that, sweeteners like honey, agave syrup and infused simple syrups can also be added to the shopping cart particularly when one is making tequila or gin-based cocktails.
Do remember: like everything, alcohol is best consumed in moderation. Serve and drink responsibly!
