9 Holiday Cocktails Curated for Bowling Centers By Nichole Thomas As someone who has bartended in a bowling center on the busiest of league nights, I understand the fine line between crafting a delightful cocktail and creating a chaotic mess behind the bar. While some cocktail specials sound fantastic on paper, they often fall short when put into practice— whether it's because they take too long to prepare during busy league nights, feature ingredients that spoil too quickly, or are simply too niche for our regulars to embrace beyond the first order. To truly succeed in a bowling center environment, a cocktail must be simple to make, use readily available ingredients, and, most importantly, taste great. With that in mind, I’ve curated a list of cocktails that strike the perfect balance. These drinks are not only easy to whip up, but they also utilize everyday ingredients that can be found behind most bars. Consider adapting these recipes or even holding a social media vote to see which holiday cocktail your patrons would like to see featured this season. This way, you’ll create a sense of community and excitement, ensuring that your bar remains a vibrant part of your bowling center experience.
WINTER OLD FASHIONED Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 1/4 oz spiced simple syrup 1 oz triple sec or 2 dashes angostura bitter Orange slice for garnish Instructions: 1. Mix the Cocktail: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz of bourbon, 1/4 oz of spiced simple syrup, and 1 oz of triple sec (or add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters instead). 2. Stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir gently for about 15-20 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients. 3. Serve: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice. 4. Garnish: Add an orange slice to the glass for garnish. At first glance, this seems like a pretty fancy cocktail...well, yes it is. But it is quick to whip up and will be enjoyed by all your bourbon lovers.
THE GRINCH Ingredients: 1.5 oz vodka
1/2 oz blue curacao 4 oz pineapple juice 1/5 oz lemon juice 1/5 oz simple syrup Instructions: 1. Mix the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine 1.5 oz of vodka, 1/2 oz of blue curaçao, 4 oz of pineapple juice, a squeeze of lemon juice, and 1/5 oz (similar to a squeeze) of simple syrup.
2. Shake Well: Fill the shaker
with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to thoroughly mix and chill the ingredients.
Tip! The color may come out a bit turqoise instead of green, depending on the brand of ingredients and the measurements. You can add green food coloring at the shaking step if needed. 3. Strain and Serve: Fill a glass with ice and strain the mixture into the glass. 4. Garnish (Optional): For a festive touch, consider garnishing with a cherry. As far as looks go, this drink will definitely stand out, but the taste will be simple enough for league bowlers to enjoy for weeks. 2b.
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