The doorbell rings. Someone needs a place for their coat, the oven timer is going and you’re still squeezing limes. We’ve all seen how quickly “just a few friends” turns into a busy evening for the host.
A little preparation makes room for the part you actually wanted: sitting down together. Here’s an easy apple-and-ginger cooler you can start before guests arrive.
APPLE & GINGER COOLERS FOR FOUR
Combine 12 oz apple juice, 3 oz fresh lime juice and 2 oz simple syrup in a covered pitcher. Stir and refrigerate until serving. For simple syrup, stir equal parts sugar and hot water until dissolved; cool before using.
When you’re ready, divide the mixture among four glasses filled with ice. Top each glass with about 3 oz chilled ginger beer and stir gently. Add a thin apple slice or lime wedge.
Taste the first glass before finishing the others. Apple juice and ginger beer vary in sweetness, so you may prefer a little more lime or less syrup next time. If you need a strictly alcohol-free drink, check the ginger beer label.
For guests who want a cocktail, add 1½ oz bourbon to their glass before the ginger beer. Keep the pitcher alcohol-free so guests can choose. Label the options clearly rather than asking people to explain why they aren’t drinking.
WHY WE KEEP THE BUBBLES SEPARATE
Make the juice mixture ahead, but leave the ginger beer sealed until serving. It keeps its sparkle better that way. A pitcher with all the fizzy ingredients added hours earlier won’t have the same lively finish.
GIVE YOURSELF A SMALL HEAD START
Clear a space for glasses and water. Chill the mixers. Have ice ready and keep a clean towel close by. Put food and drinks where guests can find them without gathering in the kitchen doorway.
You don’t need a complicated menu. A drink you’re happy to make, a thoughtful alcohol-free option and a warm welcome go a long way.
WHEN YOU’D RATHER HAND OVER THE BAR
For a larger private party, wedding or company celebration on Florida’s Gulf Coast or in Western Washington, Bene Rosa’s can help plan and serve the bar so you can spend more time with your guests. You purchase the alcohol; we help shape the bar experience.
Share your date, venue, guest count and service hours at https://www.benerosas.com/consultation. Choose “Proposal only” to request a proposal without payment. A proposal request does not reserve your date.
Cheers,
Brianna & Frank Buffone