Quench your guests’ thirst with batch cocktails

Next time you have people over for a summer soiree, don’t get stuck playing bartender. As a host, it’s your responsibility to entertain your guests, but make sure you get to enjoy your party, too! Instead of tailoring cocktails to suit each attendee’s whims, try whipping up a batch cocktail that’s light, refreshing and sure to wet everyone’s whistle. Grab your favorite pitcher. A few of our favorite watering holes are sharing cocktail recipes to get the party started.

IN THE AIR TONIGHT Serves 28
Provided by Venkman’s

In true rock star fashion, Venkman’s has a batch cocktail big enough for a summer rager. According to Michael Hall and Bryn Rouse of Venkman’s, “It’s a little bit Pimm’s Cup, a little bit Tom Collins—or Phil Collins, if you will.”

16 oz. Pimm’s No.1
16 oz. Deep Eddy lemon vodka
8 oz. Hendrick’s Gin
16 oz. ginger liqueur
16 oz. simple syrup
15 dashes Angostura bitters
33-ounce bottle of club soda

Stir ingredients from Pimm’s No. 1 through the Angostura bitters in a pitcher. When ready to serve, pour 2.5 ounces of the cocktail over ice into a Collins glass and top off with club soda.

Venkman’s
740 Ralph McGill Blvd., 30312
470.225.6162
venkmans.com

EXTENDED VACATION Serves 4
Provided by Bon Ton

As quirky as Bon Ton itself with unusual cocktail additives such as banana and sage, the Extended Vacation lends itself nicely to outdoor parties. Tyler Blackgrave, Bon Ton’s bar manager, says the tropical tipple can be kept at room temperature until you’re ready to serve it.

1 ripe banana
1 handful sage leaves
1 handful mint leaves
10 oz. Miro Extra Dry vermouth
3 oz. Blanc Agricole rum
2 oz. lemon juice
4 oz. pineapple juice
2 tbsp. honey
8 dashes absinthe
4 dashes Angostura bitters
Optional: additional mint and sage for garnish

Muddle the banana, mint and sage in a cocktail shaker. Add remaining ingredients through honey to the cocktail shaker and “dry shake” (without ice) vigorously. Pour into a pitcher and add dashes of absinthe and bitters. Serve over crushed ice in a tulip glass, and garnish with mint and sage leaves.

Bon Ton
674 Myrtle St., 30308
404.996.6177
bontonatl.com

NEGRONI RESERVA Serves 6
Provided by Varuni Napoli

Served on tap at both of Varuni Napoli’s locations, the Negroni Reserva is owner Luca Varuni’s favorite bevanda.

6 oz. Ford’s dry gin
6 oz. Campari
6 oz. Carpano Antica Formula Rosso vermouth
6 dashes of barrel-aged bitters
Optional: orange peel for garnish

Stir ingredients with ice. Strain into a pitcher or bottle and chill until ready to serve. Serve in a lowball rocks glass and garnish with orange peel.

Varuni Napoli
Krog Street Market
99 Krog Street N.E., 30307
404.500.5550
Midtown
1540 Monroe Drive, N.E.,
30324
404.709.2690
varuni.us

STORY: Lia Picard
PHOTOS: Erik Meadows