You don’t have to be a mixologist to serve drinks that feel special. With quality spirits from Aerodrome Distilling and Vida Caña Rum, even simple recipes taste elevated. These foolproof, party-ready cocktails are easy to assemble, simple to garnish and nearly impossible to mess up. From customizable batch recipes to cozy, slow-sipping classics, these holiday cocktails are designed to help you spend less time behind the bar and more time actually enjoying your own party.
Aerodrome Distilling’s Batch Negronis
Sophisticated, bold and incredibly easy to prepare, the Negroni is a great option for batching cocktails to stay ahead of the game at a holiday party you’re hosting. Provide your guests with an interactive experience and set up a self-serve station, allowing everyone to create their perfect version of the cocktail. For an even simpler approach, batch your Negronis!
No measuring is needed: just combine one bottle each of gin, bittersweet amaro and sweet vermouth in your serving container. Stir, chill, then serve over ice with a classic orange peel. For a seasonal touch, consider adding fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary.
Single Serving: Guests can combine 1 oz of their base spirit, bittersweet amaro and vermouth selections, stir over ice and add garnishes to their taste.
Setting Up Your Self-Serve Cocktail Station
Glassware and Ice | Set out rocks glasses and a bucket with large, square ice cubes.
Base Spirit | Offer Aerodrome Distilling Gin and a mix of additional options to explore the Negroni’s versatility, such as rum, tequila, mezcal or bourbon.
Vermouth Selection | Aerodrome Distilling Vermouth, Carpano Antica Formula, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino or Antica Torino Rosso.
Bittersweet Amaro | Options include Campari, Bruto Americano or Gran Classico.
Garnish Bar | Orange peels (classic), fresh rosemary sprigs and fresh cranberries.
Optional | Frame simple instructions: One cocktail is equal parts spirit, bitter and vermouth.
Vida Caña Rum’s Mrs. Claus
A refreshing cocktail with a dash of seasonal flair, courtesy of Vianney Rodriguez of Sweet Life.
Cocktail Ingredients
- 1 oz Vida Caña 8-year Andean Blend Rum
- 0.5 oz Red Vermouth
- 0.75 oz Lemon Juice
- 0.5 oz Sweet Life’s Hibiscus Cinnamon Syrup
Sweet Life’s Hibiscus Cinnamon Syrup Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 3 cups grated Piloncillo
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup dried hibiscus
Sweet Life’s Simple Syrup Instructions
Bring the water, grated piloncillo and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until all the piloncillo has dissolved. Reduce heat, add hibiscus and cinnamon sticks. Simmer for five minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, allow to steep for 10 minutes. Cool completely. Fine-strain, use to make cocktails. If not using immediately, store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Cocktail Instructions
Add all ingredients to a shaker. Shake and strain into a glass with crushed ice. Garnish with mint, citrus and berries.
Rum Notes: Smooth enough to be sipped on its own, mixed into a bold cocktail or served as a dark rum floater to elevate any drink. You can find Vida Caña 8-year Andean Blend Rum locally at: Liquid Town, Spec’s, WB Liquors, Spanky’s and Total Wine.
