These 4 Cocktails Are Perfect For The Afternoon To Evening Transition Hour
When you are hosting a weekend gathering at home, you would work through afternoon menus well into dinnertime repasts. The cocktail roster would also undergo shifts to denote the moving hours such that different blends would make an appearance in the evening than the ones offered at an afternoon luncheon. And then there is that in-between period, the beautiful transition phase from afternoon to evening, a time of the day when twilight falls and it is neither dark nor light. Progressive cocktails which move from lighter to darker variations as this transition period occurs could be among some fascinating choices which you offer your guests at this time of the day. Here’s more on these mixes:
Baileys Cold Brew Fizz
The transition period from afternoon to evening is perhaps one of the most interesting hours of the day. During this twilight hour, you can craft drinks which move from light and fresh to smooth and mellow, especially while hosting a slow, weekend gathering. One such cocktail that would hit this brief is the Baileys cold brew fizz.
This is a drink which brings together a smooth and velvety Irish cream liqueur with cold brew and fizzy soda in an effervescent yet deeply flavoured cocktail which becomes a gentle and fresh bridge from light to dark notes.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur or any premium cream liqueur of choice
- 60 ml cold brew coffee
- 30 ml club soda
- Ice as required
- Coffee beans for garnish
Method:
– In a cocktail shaker containing ice, add 30 ml Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur or any premium cream liqueur of choice and 60 ml cold brew coffee and shake well. Transfer into a tall highball glass filled with ice and top this off with 30 ml club soda. Garnish with a couple of coffee beans.
Whisky Ginger Highball
This cocktail might need no introduction, and its appearance in the in-between period is quite inevitable. It is crisp, fresh and slightly spicy — all the characteristics that would mark a drink well-suited to the transition phase.
The drink can be built in a tall highball glass over ice, with a citrusy lemon peel garnish that builds into its bright flavours. Layered and lightly spiced, it is an elegant and fizzy cocktail, adequately fresh and autumnally inspired.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Black And White Blended Scotch Whisky or any other premium whisky of choice
- 90 ml ginger ale
- Ice as required
- Lemon peel for garnish
Method:
– In a cocktail glass filled with ice, build 30 ml Black And White Blended Scotch Whisky or any other premium whisky of choice and 90 ml ginger ale in order. Garnish with a lemon peel.
Also Read: No Fuss Cocktails For Slow Days: My Favourite 3-Step Recipes For Lazy Afternoons
Baileys Whisky Flip
If you are looking for a more luxurious alternative for the in-between drink, a flip cocktail featuring Baileys and a good quality whisky might be the go-to. The drink is rich and dense, meant for slow sipping as the dusk settles in.
The smooth, creamy and gently frothy effect of the cocktail will be able to suit the transition vibe. Garnished with dusted nutmeg, the drink will also feature an aromatic and spiced finish that progresses from golden hues to darker colours as the afternoon fades into evening.
Ingredients:
- 15 ml Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur or any premium cream liqueur of choice
- 15 ml blended Scotch whisky
- 1 whole egg
- Ice as required
- Nutmeg dust for garnish
Method:
– In a cocktail shaker, dry shake 15 ml Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur or any premium cream liqueur of choice, 15 ml blended Scotch whisky and 1 whole egg. Add ice as required and shake again. Strain into a coupé glass and dust with nutmeg powder.
Spiced Whisky Espresso
An even darker cocktail for those moments when the light gives way to a mellow dusk, this is a drink brought together by blending good quality whisky with freshly brewed espresso. The deep flavours of the spirit pair well with the earthy and aromatic notes of coffee to deliver a cocktail that is full of complexity and robust, rich flavour notes.
The cocktail can be garnished with a cinnamon dusting which contributes a spicier and darker effect that is well-suited to the latter half of the transition period when the evening has all but set in.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Black And White Blended Scotch Whisky or any other premium whisky of choice
- 15 ml espresso
- 1 tablespoon spiced maple syrup
- Ice as required
- Cinnamon dust for garnish
Method:
– In a cocktail shaker containing ice, add 30 ml Black And White Blended Scotch Whisky or any other premium whisky of choice, 15 ml espresso and 1 tablespoon spiced maple syrup. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with cinnamon dust.
Key Takeaways:
– Progressive cocktails which move from lighter to darker variations could be among some fascinating choices which you offer your guests during the afternoon to evening transition.
– These are drinks which move from light and fresh to smooth and mellow flavour notes and can be served during the in-between period on slow weekend evenings.
– Baileys cold brew fizz, whisky ginger highball and spiced whisky espresso are among some of these light to dark cocktails, well-suited for the transition period.
FAQs:
– Why are different cocktails required for the afternoon to evening transition?
Dusk, or the period in which afternoon morphs into evening is an interesting hour of the day which is neither light nor dark. That’s why some cocktails can be concocted specifically for this transition period which match the in-between vibe.
– What are the flavours that are generally apparent in these cocktails?
Making in-between cocktails is all about moving from light and fresh flavours to smooth and mellow notes. That’s why spices like nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger and earthy elements like espressos and cold brews are flavours that make an appearance in these cocktails.
– Which are some of the drinks that can be prepared during the in-between period?
Cocktails like the smooth Baileys cold brew fizz, the whisky ginger highball, a Baileys honey flip and a spiced whisky espresso are among some of the drinks that can be prepared during the in-between hour.
All cocktails listed use 30 ml liquor measurements for single serves. Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
