Recipe Archives | Party on the Rocks

Spiced Cranberry Cocktail

October 9, 2019

Fall has come to the Pacific Northwest! Rain and all, we love the beautiful fall colors, crisp air, and slower pace that comes with the season. On top of that, fall cocktails are simply delicious and we can’t wait to dive into more of them this holiday season!

A few weeks ago we got to test out one of our new favorites at the Sky Valley Celebrates Tour. The tour featured six venues of the newly formed Skykomish River Valley consortium. It was an amazing inaugural event focused on collaboration and sharing to promote venues, vendors, tourism, and lodging in the Skykomish River Valley.

Party on the Rocks was thrilled to be featured at the Gray Bridge Event Venue, which hosted eighteen vendors and over 150 guests. It was a great way for wedding couples and their families to experience a venue and meet with local vendors and community members. As we heard from Gray Bridge Owner Stacy MacGregor, an unexpected “win” of the day was the rainy weather, which allowed everyone to see the rain plan tents in action! It was also the perfect opportunity to feature beautiful fall decor, florals, and of course the Gray Bridge S’MORE station.

We kept the guests warm with our spiced cranberry “mocktail”, adapted from Caroline’s Cooking. This delicious warm drink of cranberry juice, spices, agave, and rum is the perfect fall pairing. We can bet that you’ll be whipping up a batch for each holiday this year!

We suggest making this in a slow cooker ahead of time to have on hand for your next gathering. The slow cook time will infuse the cinnamon, clove, and ginger into something magical.

This is the perfect drink to serve as a mocktail or cocktail, depending on your preference and the occasion. We’re turning up the spice in our recipe below by adding rum or spiced rum for an additional kick!

Make sure to use a high-quality cranberry juice for this recipe, avoiding cranberry cocktails and juice from concentrate. The agave, orange, and cinnamon will give this drink all of the natural sweetness that you need!

Let us know if you make this fall cranberry cocktail! Tag us @partyontherocksseattle on Instagram, and stay tuned for more great recipes!

Spiced Cranberry Cocktail

Ingredients

Makes 5 cocktails

30 oz cranberry juice
15 oz orange juice
2 cinnamon sticks
4 cloves
3 inch piece of fresh ginger
4 T agave
8 oz rum (or spiced rum)
Orange slice for garnish

Instructions

Place the cranberry juice, orange juice, cinnamon, clove, and ginger in a slow cooker on low. Heat for 1-2 hours. If short on time, instead bring to a boil on the stovetop and then simmer for 5 minutes.
Before serving, remove from the heat and stir in the agave and rum.
Strain off the spices to serve. Add an orange slice for a garnish. Enjoy!

Beverages: Party on the Rocks

Venue: Gray Bridge Venue

Photos: Emily Keeney Photography

Floral: Pollen In Love

Rentals: Cort Party Rental; REMEMBER ME Pretty

Remember Me Pretty

What Every Bartender Should Have In Their Bar Kit

August 8, 2019

From measuring ingredients to muddling herbs to straining cocktails and opening beers, bartenders need a variety of supplies to get their job done. Having a good bar kit stocked with the right tools can make the difference between a quick bar line, happy guests, and a happy bartender!

We’re taking you behind the scenes to show you the top ten items every bartender should keep in their bar kit. Whether you’re a professional bartender or just looking to up your at-home mixology game, this post is for you!

1. Cocktail Shaker

A bartender’s best friend, a cocktail shaker is a necessity for your bar kit. We use Boston Shakers, which are two-part shakers consisting of a glass and a metal tin. Another option is a cobbler shaker (which includes a strainer), but we find the Boston Shaker to be the most user-friendly!

2. Cocktail Strainer

The sidekick to the shaker, a cocktail strainer keeps the ice and other non-liquid ingredients out of your final cocktail. Shown above is the Hawthorne Strainer, which works perfectly with a Boston Shaker.

3. Muddler

Mash fruit, herbs, or spices into the bottom of a glass (think a mojito!)

4. Jigger

A jigger is an hourglass-shaped measuring device for accurately pouring alcohol. They come in multiple sizes, with the standard being 1.5 oz on one side and 1 oz on the other.

5. Flat top Bottle Opener

Speed open beer bottles in quick succession with this handy tool.

6. Wine Key

The preferred wine opener, a wine key has a knife to cut the seal on top of the wine bottle, and corkscrew to remove the cork.

7. Pairing Knife & Cutting Board

Cocktails aren’t just about the liquor. For garnishing and flavoring drinks, you’ll need a versatile pairing knife and cutting board to peel and chop fresh fruit and herbs.

8. Pour spouts for the five most common types of liquor

A pour spout fits snugly into the top of a liquor bottle and is essential for smooth, consistent pouring and measuring. We keep pour spouts for the five most common types of liquor in our bar kit: Vodka, Gin, Tequila, Rum, and Whiskey

9. Cocktail Stir Spoon

Not just any old spoon! Also known as a Bar Spoon, this spoon has an elongated handle and is specially designed for mixing around the inside edge of a glass.

10. Two Bar Towels

Thick absorbent bar towels always come in handy. From wiping up spills to drying off your hands and polishing glasses – we always carry at least two with us in our bar kit!

With these ten essential items you are ready to tackle anything the bar throws at you. Feeling inspired to make some cocktails? Check out our recipes for classic and beginner cocktail recipes!

The Best At-Home Margarita

June 27, 2019

Don’t get us wrong, we love going out for a drink with friends, and there are countless amazing options to choose from in Seattle. But for the summer nights where you want to stay home and relax on your porch, THIS is the margarita for you.

Margaritas are actually incredibly easy to make with a few key ingredients. Say goodbye to store-bought margarita mix and hello to our go-to recipe that comes together in a snap.

We make this recipe all the time. With only three simple ingredients, we know you are going to love it!

You’ll need:

Your favorite tequila (we LOVE Sparkle Donkey, local to Seattle!)
Fresh lime juice
Triple Sec

This recipe is so simple, you will be wondering where it has been all your life. As with all the recipes we share, we invite you to mix up the ingredients based on your preferences. We’re a fan of silver tequila, but if reposado is your fave, go for it! You can also substitute Mezcal if you like smokey flavors.

For an orange liqueur we suggest Triple Sec or Cointreau, or you can substitute with St. Germaine for what we’ve coined the “St. Germainarita!”

As for fresh lime juice – that one is non-negotiable. Emphasis on the fresh!

To add an optional touch of flavor in each sip, we love a good salt rim or chili salt rim (see directions below). Let us know if you make or modify this recipe! Tag us @partyontherocksseattle on Instagram, and stay tuned for more great recipes!

Best At-Home Margarita

2 oz Tequila
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz Triple Sec

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a shaker (or stir well)
Pour over your salt-rimmed glass with ice
Garnish with a lime

Chili Salt Rim

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
Lime wedge

Instructions

In a small bowl combine salt and chili powder
Rub the rim of a glass with a lime wedge and dredge in the chili salt

Champagne Cocktail: The French 75

December 27, 2018

How are you ringing in the holiday season? We have you covered with this classic champagne cocktail that will have you coming back time and again.

The French 75 is a delightfully simple cocktail that is full of class. It is always on our go-to list for engagement parties, weddings, New Years Eve – you name it.

This prohibition-era favorite is smooth, clean, and refreshing. Gin, lemon, and champagne combine for a bubbly concoction that is perfect over brunch, before dinner, or throughout the evening.

We love to make it with brut champagne, but you can also tailor to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sparkling wine try a Moscato, or go with extra brut for a dryer finish. You can even substitute a Rosé champagne for a splash of color!

The secret to the French 75? Cold ingredients! Make sure the champagne and gin are ice-cold, we suggest you even chill your glasses! This gives it the fresh, crisp taste that will keep you coming back for more.

What You’ll Need

1.5 oz Gin
0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
0.5 oz Simple Syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
4 oz Champagne
Lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions

For the simple syrup

Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool.

For the French 75

Using zester or paring knife, slice peel from lemon in long, thin spiral. Set aside
Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker*. Add ice and shake for 20 seconds
Strain into chilled champagne flute and top with sparkling wine
Curl lemon peel around your finger to create a twist. Garnish drink and serve immediately!

*If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, add gin and simple syrup to a glass first and mix well. Then add ice, stir 20-30 seconds, and strain into your glass.

Let us know if you make the French 75! Take a picture and tag us @partyontherocksseattle. Stay tuned for other great recipes coming soon!