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Batching cocktails 101: shake, stir, serve
Cocktail
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How to batch-make stirred and shaken cocktails
Batch-making cocktails is a game-changer when hosting parties, BBQs or any occasion where you don’t want to be stuck behind the bar all night. The key difference between stirred and shaken cocktails is how they’re mixed.
Stirred cocktails—like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan—are combined with ice to gently chill and dilute, creating a smooth, spirit-forward drink. Shaken cocktails—like the Whisky Sour and Mojito—are aerated and chilled quickly, giving them a lighter texture and frothy finish.
When making large batches, these differences matter, but the process is simple enough either way.
Stirred cocktails
For batch-making stirred cocktails, scale up the ingredients proportionally and pre-dilute with water if desired. This removes the need to stir each drink individually upon serving.
– Choose your recipe and scale it up – multiply all ingredients to match the number of servings you need.
– Pre-dilute the batch (optional) – make a single serving, measure the volume before and after stirring with ice, and use this to determine how much water to add.
– Chill thoroughly – store in the fridge for at least a few hours, or overnight, to ensure the perfect serve.
– Serve and enjoy – pour into a glass over ice and garnish.
Shaken cocktails
Shaken drinks require aeration, so while you can pre-mix the ingredients, you’ll still need to shake before serving.
– Scale up your recipe – multiply all ingredients by the number of servings you need.
– Pre-dilute (optional) – add 15–20% water to mimic the dilution from shaking with ice.
– Chill the batch – refrigerate for a few hours so it’s ready to go.
– Shake and serve – when it’s time to serve, shake individual portions with ice, then strain and garnish.
– Now that you know the process, here are some classic cocktails that work perfectly for batching.
Old Fashioned
A go-to for whisky lovers, the Old Fashioned is one of the easiest cocktails to batch. Its simple mix of whisky, sugar and bitters makes it ideal for pre-mixing—just scale up the ingredients, pre-dilute if needed, and store in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, pour over ice, add an orange twist, and enjoy Ballantine’s style.
Negroni
The Negroni is a party favourite, and its whisky-based cousin, the Boulevardier, offers a rich, smooth alternative. Both are made with equal parts spirit (gin or whisky), vermouth and Campari, making them effortless to batch. Stir with ice before serving, or pour straight over ice with an orange garnish.
Manhattan & Rob Roy
The Manhattan is a classic stirred cocktail that’s easy to make in bulk. Mix whisky, sweet vermouth and bitters, chill in the fridge, and serve over ice with a cherry garnish. The Rob Roy follows the same formula but swaps in scotch whisky for a richer depth of flavour your guests will be grateful for.
Whisky Sour
A perfect balance of sweet, sour and silky smooth, the Whisky Sour is great for pre-batching. Combine whisky, lemon juice and simple syrup, then refrigerate. Since this cocktail is best served shaken, pour an individual portion over ice, shake well, and strain into a glass.
This is when you want to add egg white for the recipe’s signature frothy top. Or skip this step and make up one of our favourite Whisky Sour variations from cherry to maple flavoured serves.
Kentucky Mule
Refreshing and zingy, the Kentucky Mule is a crowd-pleaser. Pre-mix whisky and lime juice, then refrigerate. Then when your guests are ready for another round, simply pour over ice in a copper mug, topping each drink with chilled ginger beer for the perfect kick.
Mojito
A classic Mojito is always a hit. But our Whisky Mojito is even better, bringing a bit of spice to the night. To batch it, mix Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel, lime juice and mint, then chill. Serve over ice, topping each glass with soda water or ginger ale for that signature fizz.
Paper Plane
For something a little unexpected, try batching the Paper Plane. Made with whisky, Amaro, Aperol,and lemon juice, this modern classic is easy to prepare in advance and guaranteed to get guests talking. Pre-mix, chill and shake with ice when you’re ready to impress.
Batch-making cocktails keeps things effortless when hosting and these pre-mixed classics ensure you always have a great drink ready to go.
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