How to keep a thirsty crowd sated on the Fourth and beyond
dpankey@dailyherald.com
You've got burgers to grill, pasta salad to make, the table to set, so the last thing you want to be thinking about is playing bartender at your own Fourth of July cookout.
Rather than welcoming guests with the offer of a freshly muddled mojito (delicious, yes, but a bit of an effort), pitcher cocktails are a quick and easy way to refresh a thirsty crowd.
“Instead of frantically shaking or stirring to order, coolly pour guests something lovely from a pitcher,” Nicole Aloni writes in 2007's “The Backyard Bartender.”
The challenge, especially with the temps we've had recently, is keeping the drinks icy cold. Start with well-chilled ingredients; consider making room in the freezer for bottles of juice, wine and spirits.
Bigger ice cubes melt more slowly, so splurge on the chunky cubes (not the hollow tubes) from the ice chest at the local grocery store to keep your pitchers colder and more intensely flavored for longer. Or, freeze your own ice cubes from juices used in your concoctions to help keep the drinks tasting fresh.
We've assembled a collection of adult-leaning and kid-friendly potions for your patriotic party. Just make sure the pitchers are clearly labeled.
If you're not the one hosting the cookout this year, consider a lively pitcher cocktail as your contribution to the festivities. It's sure to get you invited back next year.