It’s a week before Christmas and you have no idea what to get anyone. You can either grab some random (most likely ugly) sweaters at the mall or make something yourself. Bottling your own cocktails is a great idea to make a customized six pack for others and if you’re lucky they’ll give you one for all your hard work.
Pre-made, bottled cocktails have been a growing trend, popping up in bars everywhere. Instead of leaving all the booze bottling up to the professionals, pick your favorite drink and premix a few cocktails this holiday season.
To start you’ll need a few basic tools that any home brewing store should have (or else order online):
Brown Bottles
Bottle Caps
Bottle Capper
Small Funnel
Strainer
Here are a few of our favorite recipes to make for friends, family or yourself:
Caramel Apple Cider:
16 Ounces Apple Cider
6 Ounces Apple Brandy
¼ Teaspoon Cinnamon
2 Tablespoons Honey
3 Tablespoons Vanilla Syrup
1 Lemon Juiced
(4 bottles, lasts 1 week)
Mix all ingredients into a large glass jar, stir and strain. Pour into bottles and cap. Serve cold or warm by heating up bottles in a large pot of simmering water
Cherry Whiskey Soda
1 Pint Sweet Cherries
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Water
1 Cup Bourbon
¾ Cup Cherry Syrup
¼ Cup Lemon Juice
1 Cup Club Soda
Pit and stem cherries then chop them roughly. Add sugar, water and chopped cherries to a saucepan. Simmer on low for about an hour, cool and strain your syrup. Combine syrup and cocktail ingredients and bottle immediately.
Homemade Zima:
1.5 oz Vodka
1.5 oz Soda Water
.25 oz Lime Juice
.5 oz Lemon Juice
1 oz water
1.5 tbsp Sugar
1 oz Club Soda
Add all ingredients except club soda to mixing glass. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add the club soda and stir briefly. Pour into a 6-ounce glass bottle and immediately cap. This is one serving but can be easily multiplied.
Breaking out your own homemade cocktail bottles is guaranteed to be a huge hit at any party this winter. We can’t wait to whip up a batch, what kind of cocktail would you bottle?