With all the public holidays coming up – and the relaxing of restrictions – who wouldn’t want to throw a get-together or two?
The Queen of Domestic Arts, Martha Stewart, lists her top three entertaining tips as: “1. Pay attention to your guests. 2. Interact with them. 3. Feed them fine food and wine.” It’s a lot to juggle. So, what’s the key to keeping your guests fed and hydrated AND spending time with them? Well, that’s easy, plan ahead.
With a little forethought and some help from ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters, you can spend the time saved catching up and enjoying a cocktail! Here are batch cocktails, featuring the star ingredient ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters, that you can make before the festivities get started.
The Lazy Rock Shandy
The ultimate thirst-quencher, there isn’t much more refreshing than a Rock Shandy. This party-sized serving is just the way to get your soiree started.
Ingredients
(4 servings)
- Berries
- Fresh citrus such as oranges, limes, and lemons, sliced
- 600ml soda water
- 600ml lemonade
- 10 – 12 dashes of ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters
The night before, be sure to freeze your selection of berries and citrus slices in ice trays with water. On the day of your bash, just before your guests arrive, place the ice in your serving jug, and add the soda water and lemonade before topping with ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters. Before pouring, give the jug a good stir with your swizzle stick.
Manhattans by the Jug:
A classic cocktail, the humble Manhattan is simple to whip up and sophisticated – making it perfect for guests with discerning tastes.
Ingredients
(4 serves)
- 1 cup bourbon
- 2/3 cup vermouth
- 4 dashes of ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters
- Ice
- 4 orange twists, for garnish
- 4 fresh cherries, for garnish
Just as guests arrive, combine the bourbon, vermouth, and ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters in an ice-filled serving jug and stir until well-chilled. Then strain the chilled mixture into ice-filled whiskey glasses and garnish each drink with an orange twist wrapped around a fresh cherry – and serve!
Strawberry & Basil Mojito with Angostura:
Mojitos are always a crowd-pleaser, and these strawberry and basil versions add a fun kick that is light, refreshing, and a winner cocktail in our opinion.
Ingredients
(5 serves)
- 9 – 10 strawberries
- 20 – 30 basil leaves
- 350ml white rum
- 115ml simple syrup
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- Sparkling or soda water
- Ice
- 8 – 12 dashes of ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters
- Strawberry slices, for garnish
- Basil leaves, for garnish
In your serving jug, muddle together strawberries, basil leaves, white rum, simple syrup, and lime juice. Add soda water, stir, and top with ice and your ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters. Once you are ready to serve to your guests, garnish with a handful of basil leaves and some strawberries.
Trinidad Rum Punch:
As the home of the House of Angostura, the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago know a thing or two about making a great cocktail. And this Trinidad Rum Punch is sure to be a favourite at your next gathering.
Ingredients
(12 serves)
- 125ml water
- 250ml brown sugar
- 625ml high-quality dark rum
- 125ml lime juice
- 125ml citrus juice of your choice
- 12 dashes of ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters
- Crushed ice
- 1 nutmeg
In a small saucepan, heat the water and sugar until it dissolves. Then remove from the heat and leave to cool. Once cooled, in a punch bowl or a large serving jug, combine the rum and fruit juice, before adding the ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters and the syrup. Once you are ready to serve, pour the cocktail into glasses half-filled with crushed ice, and finish off by grating a little nutmeg on top of each glass.
No party is complete without ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters, so make sure the bottle with the yellow cap and oversized label has a special place of honour.
For more information on the Angostura range and delicious food and cocktail recipes please visit www.angosturabitters.com.
Follow Angostura South Africa on Facebook /Angostura South Africa and Instagram @AngosturaZA for fun facts, recipes and brand updates.
