Freezer Door Cocktails Are The Simplest Way To Serve A Crowd

Making a batch of cocktails in a big pitcher is one of the golden hacks of hosting a party. Simply prep several drinks in one vessel and pour out on demand as each guest makes an appearance. However, there's another cool trick on the block that can turn things up a notch when it comes to being ultra-prepared for serving a crowd — making freezer door cocktails. These delectable beverages are exactly what they sound like: cocktails that you've prepared in advance (directly inside a liquor bottle) and popped in the freezer door so you can use them as needed. Having said that, there are a few straightforward rules to keep in mind. 

Firstly, to make several servings of freezer door cocktails, you'll need to decant some of the liquor from your bottle into a cup to make space for the other liquid ingredients. Then, you can add your mix-ins directly to the original bottle. For example, if you want to make a dirty martini, you'll need to add a splash of vermouth and some green olive brine into either a bottle of vodka or gin before giving it a gentle shake. To make a simple cosmopolitan cocktail, combine your vodka with triple sec, cranberry juice, and vermouth. The key to making freezer door cocktails is to remember to dilute the alcohol with a dash of water to replace the ice cubes you'd normally place at the bottom of your glass when freshly preparing them.

As the freezing point of the ethanol in the distilled spirits, like whisky, rum, gin, and vodka, that are used to make cocktails is so low (-173 degrees Fahrenheit), it's unlikely your drinks will reach a temperature cold enough to turn solid in your regular home freezer that's set to a minimum of 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Extra ingredients mixed into your cocktails, such as fruit juice, brine, or sweeteners like simple syrup, will alter this freezing point. However, it's still unlikely that they will cause your drinks to become solid or slushy-like because you'll only be using a small amount overall. Using high-proof alcohol will also prevent the risk of your cocktails freezing.

Once your cocktails have chilled overnight, you'll be able to pour your guests a drink at your leisure (better yet, leave the bottle out and allow them to help themselves so you're freed up to handle the appetizers and snacks). As you won't be messing around with ice cubes at the last minute, service will be streamlined, fuss-free, and easy. Just remember to give the bottle a little shake to redistribute any juices or syrups that have collected at the bottom. If you prefer the entertainment value of preparing and serving your guests fresh cocktails, consider freezing the leftovers from your big batch for yourself!