Episode Summary: In this episode of The Cocktail Academy, Damian explores the art of batching cocktails, a perfect technique for summer barbecues, parties, and gatherings. Damian delves into the history, benefits, and practical tips for batching cocktails, ensuring you can enjoy your event without being tied to the bar. Featuring the classic Bramble cocktail, this episode provides a step-by-step guide on how to batch cocktails efficiently, from choosing the right recipes to scaling, diluting, and garnishing for a flawless presentation.

· Omission: when adding the dilution and you have calculated the % of water to add, make sure you multiply that by whatever factor you are using. We used 14 in the worked example in the episode….. sorry I forgot to mention that.

Highlights:

• Introduction to Batching Cocktails: Understanding the concept and historical roots of batching.
• Featured Cocktail - The Bramble: Recipe and tips for making this classic gin-based cocktail.
• Benefits of Batching Cocktails: Time-saving, consistency, waste reduction, and enhanced hospitality.
• Techniques and Tips for Successful Batching: Choosing suitable cocktails, scaling recipes, managing citrus, and adding dilution.
• Advanced Batching Tips: Handling bitters, adjusting sweetness, creative garnishing, and recommended resources for further reading.
• Join the Batching Movement: Share your batching experiences on social media and connect with us for more tips and recipes.

Key Takeaways:

• Time-Saving and Convenience: Batching cocktails allows you to prepare in advance and enjoy your party.
• Consistency and Quality: Ensure every cocktail tastes perfect with precise measurements and techniques.
• Creative Presentation: Enhance your batch cocktails with beautiful garnishes and thoughtful presentation.

Resources Mentioned:

• Superjuice expert, Kevin Kos: https://www.kevinkos.com
• Recommended Book: "Batched and Bottled: Cocktails to Make Ahead" by Max and Noel Venning.
• Social Media:
• Instagram:
• TikTok:
• Facebook

The Cocktail Academy Site

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Host Damian Cole chats with Jack McGarry, the co-founder and managing director of The Dead Rabbit in New York City. From his humble beginnings in West Belfast to becoming the International Bartender of the Year, Jack shares his incredible journey and the philosophy behind creating one of the world's most celebrated cocktail bars. Discover the secrets behind The Dead Rabbit's unique blend of Irish pub culture and high-end cocktails, and learn about Jack's plans for the future.

Highlights:

• Early Beginnings: Jack discusses his start in the cocktail world, working at the Hunting Lodge in West Belfast.
• Journey to the Merchant Hotel: The transition from local pubs to high-end cocktail bars, and the significance of working at the Merchant Hotel.
• Creating The Dead Rabbit: The inspiration behind The Dead Rabbit, combining Irish pub culture with world-class cocktails.
• Awards and Recognition: How The Dead Rabbit became an award-winning bar, including its designation as the world's best bar.
• Irish Whiskey Focus: Jack's commitment to promoting Irish whiskey and its current market state.
• Future Plans: Upcoming expansions of The Dead Rabbit, including new locations and innovative concepts like McGarry's.
• Advice for Aspiring Bartenders: Tips on making quality cocktails at home, the importance of fundamentals, and recommended cocktail books.
• Favorite Cocktail Stories: Jack shares iconic moments from his career, including making the world's most expensive Mai Tai.
• Quickfire Questions: Fun and insightful rapid-fire questions about Jack's preferences and pet peeves in the cocktail world.

Key Takeaways:

1. Commitment to Quality: Jack emphasizes the importance of using quality ingredients, precise measurements, and proper techniques to create exceptional cocktails.
2. Understanding Tradition: He advocates for a strong foundation in traditional cocktail knowledge before innovating and creating new drinks.
3. Irish Whiskey Advocacy: Jack's dedication to promoting and educating people about Irish whiskey is evident throughout the episode.
4. Innovative Concepts: The Dead Rabbit's blend of Irish pub culture and high-end cocktails sets it apart, and upcoming projects promise to continue this trend.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Dead Rabbit: Website
• Recommended Books:
• "Spirits and Cocktails" by Dave Broom
• "Imbibe!" by David Wondrich
• "Punch" by David Wondrich
• "The PDT Cocktail Book" by Jim Meehan
• "The Bar Book" by Jeffrey Morgenthaler

Connect with Jack McGarry:

• Instagram: @jackmcgarry1
• LinkedIn: Jack McGarry

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Featured Cocktail of the Week: The Sunflower

• Created by Sammy Ross of Milk and Honey fame.
• Recipe:
• 20ml (3/4 oz) London Dry Gin
• 20ml (3/4 oz) Cointreau
• 20ml (3/4 oz) Elderflower Liqueur (e.g., Saint Germain)
• 20ml (3/4 oz) Fresh Lemon Juice
• Optional: Absinthe rinse for added complexity.
• Shaking and serving tips: Chill your glass, shake ingredients with ice, strain into a coupe glass, garnish with a twist of lemon or orange.

Setting Up Your Home Bar

• Start with what you like: Choose spirits based on your preferences to avoid unnecessary purchases.
• Keep it simple: Fewer bottles mean less confusion and cost.

Essential Spirits

1. Gin

• Versatile for cocktails like Clover Club, Sunflower, Gin Martini.
• Start with a gin you already like or try a new one for variety.

1. Vodka

• Neutral spirit, good for cocktails like East 8 Hold Up.
• Choose a decent quality vodka; no need to splurge.

1. Rum

• Diverse flavours from different regions (Cuban, Jamaican, etc.).
• Great for Daiquiris, Mai Tais, Mojitos.

1. Tequila

• Growing in popularity, essential for Margaritas, Palomas, and more.
• Choose a good quality tequila to start.

1. Whiskey

• Wide variety (Bourbon, Rye, Irish, Scotch).
• Perfect for Manhattans, Bee's Knees, Tipperary.

1. Brandy

• Commonly used for classic cocktails like the Sidecar and Jack Rose.
• Start with a good Cognac or apple brandy.

Essential Liqueurs

• Orange Liqueur: Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Curacao for Margaritas, Sidecars, Cosmopolitans.
• Elderflower Liqueur: Adds a unique flavour to many cocktails, versatile.
• Coffee Liqueur: Trending choice like Mr. Black for espresso martinis and other coffee-based drinks.

Vermouth and Amaro

• Vermouth: Essential for martinis and Manhattans. Keep it in the fridge to extend its life.
• Amaro: Adds complexity to drinks like Negronis and Aperol Spritz.

Bitters

• Non-Potable Bitters: Angostura, aromatic bitters for depth and complexity in cocktails.
• Potable Bitters: Like Campari and Aperol, great for various modern cocktails.

Final Tips

• Start simple: Begin with a few essential spirits and liqueurs.
• Gradually expand your collection based on your growing preferences and cocktail experiments.
• Keep vermouth in the fridge and consider buying smaller bottles to avoid waste.

Closing Remarks

• Follow the podcast on your favorite platform and leave a review please

• Home bar essentials
• Must-have spirits for home bar
• Best liqueurs for cocktails
• Cocktail recipes for beginners
• How to set up a home bar
• Essential cocktail ingredients
• Best gin for cocktails
• Classic cocktail recipes

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