Sometimes you want a mixed drink, but you won’t want to mix it. The solution? Bottled cocktails. Despite their less-than-fantastic reputation, pre-bottled cocktails have come a long way. Here are five actually good bottled cocktails for a low-fuss, high-quality time:
1. CRAFTHOUSE COCKTAILS
Created by Chicago bartender Charles Joly, Crafthouse offers three drinks:
- Moscow Mule: Crafthouse takes this classic cocktail and runs with it, using high-quality ginger beer that’s more spicy than sweet.
- Paloma: This popular summer drink is the combination of blanco tequila, lime, and Crafthouse’s house-made, all-natural grapefruit soda.
- Southside: The traditional recipe includes gin, mint and lemon, but Crafthouse substitutes the lemon with lime for a refreshing twist.
Each 750 milliliter bottle is $20, at 10-15 percent ABV.
2. BULLY BOY DISTILLERS’ HUB PUNCH
Bully Boy’s Hub Punch is a rum “infused with fruits and botanicals.” This cocktail was inspired by the original Hub Punch recipe, first prepared at the Hub Hotel in Thousand Island Park, N.Y. before it was brought to Boston and made popular in the 1800’s.
Remember that this option isn’t a true mixed cocktail. Here’s one way to enjoy it:
- 1 part Hub Punch
- 2 parts soda water
- 2 parts ginger ale.
Each 750 milliliter bottle is $29 at 35 percent ABV.
3. WATERSHED DISTILLERY’S OLD FASHIONED
Columbus, Ohio-based distillery Watershed offers a delicious Old Fashioned. Ingredients include bourbon, bitters, raw sugar and Ohio cherry juice for a bold flavor with just a hint of sweetness.
Each 750 milliliter bottle is $35, at 35.1 percent ABV.
5. CAMPARI BOTTLED NEGRONI
This reliable favorite is a combination of London dry gin, Cinzano sweet vermouth and, of course, Campari.
Each 1 liter bottle is $40, at 25 percent ABV.
4. HOCHSTADTER’S SLOW & LOW ROCK & RYE
This limited-release concoction is made with eight-year-old 100-proof rye, honey, orange peel, and “a pinch of rock candy.” Not for the faint of heart, it is best enjoyed in small sips, and with lots of ice.
Each 750 milliliter bottle is $35, at either 42 percent or 50 percent ABV.
COMING SOON: COURAGE+STONE
Keep your eye out for comedian Aisha Tyler’s cocktail line, set to launch this fall. The cocktail-enthusiast’s line will include a whiskey Old Fashioned (with rye), a gin Old Fashioned (with grapefruit bitters), and a Black Manhattan.
Article published by Liquor.com