The Long Road Distillers Guide to Batching Your Cocktails (with Recipes)

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Win your Big Game watch party by batching your cocktails. Leave your guests saying, “Batch, please!”

It’s party time. Your guests are knocking on the door, and you’re still frantically running around with the Mrs. Meyers and paper towels, trying to get every surface of your home game-ready. Your oven is beeping (the buffalo chicken dip is done), and your kids are flying around like extras from a Mad Max movie.

Good thing the cocktails are already prepared

Long Road’s got you covered – you batched your cocktails last night. They’re neatly labeled in the fridge and ready to serve.

Batching your cocktails means less work on the day of your party. Your counter will stay clean. No red drips from an errant dash of bitters. Your jigger and cocktail shaker can rest easy in your bar cart. 

Cut your garnishes a few hours before your party. Store them in a sealed container in your fridge, and you have one less thing to worry about. 

Batch your cocktails for the Big Game (or any party)

With the Big Game just days away, we’ve assembled this guide that covers everything you need to know to whip up world-class batched cocktails. Work out the kinks in your batching game this year – here at Long Road, we fully anticipate a Detroit Lions Super Bowl appearance next year. You’ll want to perfect your batching skills before then.

While the Big Game is one reason to batch cocktails, this guide is evergreen. Make your next backyard barbeque, camping trip, or poker night effortless. Batched cocktails are the perfect solution for large parties because they allow you to interact with your guests (or just watch the game).

Take pride in your cocktails and win your party

You know us. We admire a fine craft cocktail made from scratch. We use honest ingredients and take the Long Road. No shortcuts allowed.

Don’t think of batching cocktails as a shortcut. You’ll be putting all the care and artistry you always put into your cocktails. It’ll just be on a larger scale. Use the freshest ingredients you can source, pair them with our spirits, and your friends will insist that you host the watch party every year.

Once you’ve prepared the batched cocktails, you’ll need glasses, ice, and garnishes to serve. 

Cheers!

What you’ll need

Put that jigger and cocktail shaker away. For batch cocktails, you’ll be using liquid measuring cups. You’ll also need a large container to mix the ingredients in.

And don’t forget about a serving container. Consider repurposing an empty bottle of Long Road spirits (remove the label first). You may want a funnel to facilitate pouring the batched cocktail. Ball jars work well as serving vessels, too.

Got a fancy decanter or pitcher? Great. Use it.

Don’t sweat the math

We’ve provided three of our favorite batch recipes (below), but if you are making a large batch based on your own recipe, don’t sweat the math – it’s easy. You won’t need a graphing calculator, and you don’t need to be an accountant at Plante Moran to crunch the numbers. 

Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you’re making. For example, if you’re aiming for ten servings, multiply the ingredients by 10. So a recipe that calls for 2 oz of Long Road Aquavit will need 20 oz.

Tips for successfully batching your cocktails:

  • Measure your ingredients. Don’t eyeball. Use liquid measuring cups.
  • If you’re batching up more than one cocktail for your party, label your serving vessels so your guests know which cocktail is in which vessel. Displaying the ingredient list is an elegant touch.
  • Don’t add anything sparkling until just before serving. The bubbles will disappear if you add that prosecco, tonic, or soda too early. Pre-batch the other cocktail elements separately, and add the bubbles when it’s time to serve.
  • If you plan on using large ice cubes from a specialty mold, well done. You’re our kind of host. Make several batches of ice cubes before your party, and store them in a large ziplock baggie in the freezer.
  • Store cocktails that are served “up” in the freezer. Don’t add ice. These cocktails are ready to drink. Just pour them into the appropriate glassware and garnish.
  • Store cocktails that are served on the rocks in a sealed container in the fridge.

Old Fashioned Recipe (serves 10)*

The old-fashioned is one of the 🐐 cocktails. This recipe calls for Long Road Straight Rye, but feel free to substitute your favorite Long Road whisky or use Long Road Straight Bourbon.

Ingredients:

  • 20 oz Long Road Straight Rye Whisky
  • 5 oz simple syrup
  • 20 dashes bitters
  • Orange peel (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Combine all liquid ingredients into a large container and stir. Pour into the serving jar(s) and seal.
  2. To serve – pour the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange peel.

*Note:

Don’t feel like batching up some Old Fashioneds? We’ve got you! Grab a bottle of Long Road Midwest Old Fashioned, available at all Long Road Distillers locations and fine retailers throughout the state. Each bottle serves at least 4 cocktails! 

Equal Parts Recipe (serves 10)

Equal Parts is a classic Long Road cocktail that combines equal parts of Aquavit, Raspberry Liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup. Garnished with a lime wheel, this cocktail makes the perfect digestif. Skip dessert (or don’t) and treat your guests to an Equal Parts.

Ingredients:

  • 10 oz Long Road Aquavit
  • 10 oz Long Road Raspberry Liqueur
  • 10 oz lime juice
  • 10 oz simple syrup
  • Lime wheel (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Combine all liquid ingredients into a large container and stir. Pour into the serving jar(s) and seal.
  2. To serve – pour the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Super Secret Never Fail Punch Recipe

Punches are another popular batched cocktail. Like good jazz, this recipe is a bit more free-form. Put on some Miles Davis and get creative.

Ingredients: 

  • 1 part sour – usually citrus
  • 2 parts sweet – simple syrups, honey, sugars, sweet vermouth
  • 3 parts strong – a spirit of your choice
    • Vodka, MICHIGIN, Old Aquavit, Bourbon, Sovereign Gin
  • 4 parts weak – water, bubbles, ginger beer, soda
  • Garnish of your choice

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients into a large container and stir. Pour into serving jar(s) and seal.
  2. To serve – pour the cocktail into a highball glass filled with ice. Add a garnish of your choice.

 

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PRESS RELEASE: Less Traveled, a Cocktail Bar by Long Road Distillers, Planned for Cherry Street

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Grand Rapids distillery announces plans for new location in East Hills neighborhood

East Hills Center (of the Universe), Michigan – Long Road Distillers, based on Grand Rapids’ west side, announced plans for a new location coming to the East Hills neighborhood later this spring. The cocktail bar concept will be known as Less Traveled, a nod to the distillery’s way of doing things – with intention, integrity and from start to finish. It will be located at 959 Cherry Street SE.

“Our journey began on the West Side, a place we still call home, over seven years ago” said Kyle VanStrien, Co-Owner of Long Road Distillers. “Our unwavering commitment to taking the long road has led us to this point, where we can now share our craft spirits and cocktails with a new neighborhood on the other side of the river. We’re thrilled to join the East Hills district!”

Plans for Less Traveled include an intimate indoor bar with bar and lounge seating for up to 40 guests. Seating on a new outdoor patio overlooking Cherry Street will have room for up to 45 guests.

“With the evolution of service in our industry over the past few years, outdoor experiences are more important than ever,” said Jon O’Connor, Co-Owner of Long Road Distillers. “Having limited outdoor options at our West Side location, Less Traveled gives us the opportunity to create a vibrant, open-air experience that activates a previously underutilized portion of the block.”

The menu will be a curated selection of cocktails unique to Less Traveled as well as some of the Long Road classics guests have grown to love at other locations. Due to space constraints, there will be no kitchen on-site, but there are plans to offer small snacks for patrons.

Less Traveled will be licensed as an off-premises tasting room for the distillery. All distilling and production operations will still be conducted at 537 Leonard Street NW, where the company operates their distillery and an on-site cocktail bar and restaurant.

Long Road Distillers is seeking Special Land Use approval for Less Traveled from the Grand Rapids Planning Commission on Thursday, February 10. Additional licensing from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and Kent County Health Department will follow in the coming months.

To learn more about Less Traveled by Long Road Distillers, follow along on Facebook (@lesstraveled gr) and Instagram (@lesstraveledgr).

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“Long Road Distillers Wins Dozens of New Honors at National Competitions”

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Long Road Distillers Wins Dozens of New Honors at National Competitions
Distillery earns 25 new medals, plus “Best Of” honors in 2 categories at ACSA and ADI Awards

Long Road Distillers announced their results from two national spirits competitions today. Honors include Double Gold recognition for Long Road Original Aquavit and Raspberry Liqueur, and Gold for Long Road Amaro Pazzo and Dry Gin. The distillery’s Aquavit also earned the title of Best of Class Specialty Spirit and Best of Category, taking home another “Best Aquavit” honor from a major spirits competition. Amaro Pazzo also earned Best of Class and Best of Category accolades as “Best Liqueur” and “Best Coffee Liqueur” in the U.S.

The American Craft Distillers Association (ACSA) held their annual Judging of Craft Spirits Awards virtually on August 24 where results were announced with over 500 entrants in eight categories.
On August 25, the American Distilling Institute (ADI) held an in-person ceremony in Louisville, KY to announce the results of their annual Judging of Craft Spirits competition. Over 1,000 entrants battled for honors in twelve categories.

“It’s always an honor to earn this sort of recognition from the ACSA and ADI competitions,” said co-owner and co-founder of Long Road Distillers, Kyle VanStrien. “The judging panels from both are comprised of our peers and industry professionals who are working with top-quality spirits on a daily basis.”

2021 American Distillers Institute Judging of Craft Spirits Awards Results
Long Road Amaro Pazzo ~ Gold Medal, Best of Category (Coffee Liqueur), Best of Class (Liqueur)
Long Road Original Aquavit ~ Double Gold Medal, Best of Category (Aquavit), Best of Class (Specialty Spirit)
Long Road Raspberry Liqueur ~ Double Gold Medal, Best of Category (Fruit Liqueur)
Long Road Dry Gin ~ Gold Medal
Long Road Nocino ~ Silver Medal
Long Road Old Aquavit ~ Silver Medal
Long Road Polish Falcon Canned Cocktail ~ Silver Medal
Long Road Silver Rum ~ Silver Medal
Long Road Teta’s Lemonade Canned Cocktail ~ Silver Medal
Long Road Grand Absinthe ~ Bronze Medal
Long Road GnT Canned Cocktail ~ Bronze Medal
Long Road Orange Liqueur ~ Bronze Medal

2021 American Craft Spirits Association Judging of Craft Spirits Results
Long Road Raspberry Liqueur ~ Silver Medal
Long Road Dry Gin ~ Silver Medal
Long Road MICHIGIN ~ Silver Medal
Long Road Silver Rum ~ Silver Medal
Long Road Apple Brandy ~ Bronze Medal
Long Road Orange Liqueur ~ Bronze Medal
Long Road Grand Absinthe ~ Bronze Medal
Long Road Old Aquavit ~ Bronze Medal
Long Road Aquavit ~ Bronze Medal
Long Road Straight Bourbon ~ Bronze Medal
Long Road Straight American Whisky ~ Bronze Medal
Long Road Polish Falcon Canned Cocktail ~ Bronze Medal
Long Road Teta’s Lemonade Canned Cocktail ~ Bronze Medal

Long Road’s line-up of spirits can be found at their four tasting rooms in Michigan, as well as at over 2,500 retailers and restaurants throughout the state.

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Let Us Help You Host a Virtual Happy Hour This Holiday Season

Celebrating with your friends, family or work team looks a lot different in 2020.

Let Long Road help brighten spirits and host a virtual happy hour with your group this December!

We offer over a dozen different cocktail kits for you and your team to make in the comfort of your living room. We have experienced bartenders and brand representatives ready and willing to jump on your virtual call to offer an overview of Long Road Distillers, an introduction to our spirits, and a quick tutorial on making your drinks at home.

Interested? Fill out the short form below and we’ll get in touch soon!

Virtual Happy Hour Inquiry

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Wine Enthusiast: The State That Quietly Became the Midwest’s Craft Spirits Capital

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By Kara Newman

Of all the states in the great Midwest, no one has more distilleries than Michigan.

Since 2008, when the Michigan Liquor Control Commission made several big changes to the state’s distilling law, the industry has grown by leaps and bounds. As of 2019, the state was home to 78 distilleries, according to the American Craft Spirits Association.

“One of the things that makes a spirit uniquely Michigan is a focus on Michigan ingredients,” says Tammy Coxen, co-author of Cheers to Michigan: A Celebration of Cocktail Culture and Craft Distillers. For example, “a ton of distilleries are getting their grains from within a few miles of [the] distillery.”

Michigan is a large, diverse state that produces a wide range of spirits from Montmorency cherry liqueurs to aquavit. Coxen says that if she had to pick one spirit to embody Michigan, it would be gin.

“That’s where we see some Michigan distilleries doing some very interesting things,” she says, from Ann Arbor Distillery’s seasonal gins to Long Road Distillers’ MichiGIN, flavored exclusively with Michigan-grown botanicals, including the juniper berries.

But if she gets to pick two spirits? “Rye.” Specifically, bottlings made with state-grown rye. Examples include Two James, Journeyman and Grand Traverse, as well as newcomer Mammoth Distilling, which works with heirloom strains of rye.

Yet, what really distinguishes the state’s distilleries is a strong sense of community, Coxen says.

“They’re so creative and passionate about their craft, and they’re willing to share,” she explains. “They want people to know how they do it, and why they’re so proud of their product.”

Here are nine notable Michigan distilleries worth seeking out for your next pour.

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Long Road Distillers: Opened in 2015 as the first craft distillery in Grand Rapids, Long Road has a robust list of spirits. Many feature local twists, like MichiGIN or Amaro Pazzo, an amaro collaboration with local coffee roaster Madcap.

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Read full article on Wine Enthusiast here.

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Grand Rapids Magazine: Long Road Distillers nominated for multiple readers’ choice awards

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By Ehren Wynder – August 21, 2020
Long Road Distillers was once again nominated as the best distillery in the country in multiple categories as part of the annual USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards.

The company announced it was nominated as the Best Craft Specialty Spirits Distillery, Best Craft Gin Distillery, and Best Craft Brandy Distillery for 2020. This marks the fourth time Long Road was nominated in the Best Craft Specialty Spirits Distillery category.

“We’re incredibly proud to receive nominations in multiple categories again this year,” said Kyle Van Strien, co-owner and co-founder of Long Road Distillers. “We’re fortunate to be part of a thriving craft beverage scene in Michigan. While it feels odd to celebrate such honors in light of the challenges our industry is currently facing, we’re happy for the attention it can bring to our region.”

Over its five-year history, the distillery gained national and international attention for its award-winning lineup of craft spirits, including gins, vodkas, liqueurs and whiskeys.

Long Road Distillers is one of 20 nominees in each category from around the country chosen by a panel of American spirits experts.

The nominating panel includes Wayne Curtis, spirits and cocktail author of books including “And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World in Ten Cocktails”; Brian Christensen, publisher and editor of Artisan Spirit Magazine; Ziggy Eschliman, founder of ZigStyle and award-winning radio host; Eric Grossman, a food and beverage writer and author of Craft Spirits; and Jack Robertiello, a writer and acclaimed wine and spirits judge.

The public will choose the winners by casting votes on 10best.com/awards. Each person may vote for their favorites once per day until Sept. 14. Winners will be announced Sept. 25.

“Unlike many competitions where the judging takes place behind closed doors, this contest puts the power in the hands of those that enjoy our spirits and those who have supported us over the past several years,” said Jon O’Connor, co-owner and co-founder of Long Road Distillers. “We’re humbled by these nominations and hopeful that we can spread the word far and wide to take home a few new honors for Grand Rapids.”

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MLIVE: Long Road Distillers rolls out 3 popular drinks as new canned cocktails

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The last five years of serving up their hand-crafted cocktails has shown Long Road Distillers which of their drinks consistently rise to the top of the “most popular” club.

The Grand-Rapids-based distillery has selected a trio of drinks from this list to be the first releases of its new canned craft cocktail line.

They’re rolling out these three little numbers in 12-oz cans, which are available for purchase in 4-packs:

· The Polish Falcon ~ Long Road Original Vodka, house made ginger beer and lime juice.

· Long Road GnT ~ Long Road Dry Gin and house tonic.

· Teta’s Lemonade ~ Long Road Original Vodka, house lavender syrup, fresh lemon juice and rosewater.

“We’ve always had a dream to put some of our favorite cocktails into a ready-to-drink format,” said Jon O’Connor, co-owner and co-founder of Long Road Distillers. “We were finally able to focus on fine-tuning recipes and acquiring the licenses and equipment necessary to can a product that lived up to our exceptionally high standards.”

The canned cocktails all have a 10% ABV. And each can is equal to a little more than one regularly-poured cocktail, so you can feel free to share – or not.

Releasing them in 4-packs makes it easy to grab-and-go on your way to a picnic, to the beach, or just to take back to family or friends.

“We understand that convenience is king, particularly during the summer in Michigan,” said Kyle VanStrien, co-owner and co-founder of Long Road Distillers. “We’re excited to bring some of our favorites to market, and we look forward to expanding offerings and distribution footprint in the future.”

The cans are now available for purchase from Long Road’s tasting rooms in Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Boyne City.

Want to be super efficient and make the pick-up process touch-free? You can order the 4-packs in advance for takeout through Long Road’s website here.

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Long Road Distillers Releases New Line of Ready to Drink Canned Cocktails

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Long Road Distillers has rolled out a new line-up of canned craft cocktails. The Grand Rapids distillery based the new offering on a few of their most popular cocktails since opening their doors over five years ago.

“We’ve always had a dream to put some of our favorite cocktails into a ready-to-drink format,” said Jon O’Connor, co-owner and co-founder of Long Road Distillers. “We were finally able to focus on fine-tuning recipes and acquiring the licenses and equipment necessary to can a product that lived up to our exceptionally high standards.”

Four packs of the following cocktails are now available for purchase:

  • The Polish Falcon ~ Long Road Original Vodka, house made ginger beer and lime juice.
  • Long Road GnT ~ Long Road Dry Gin and house tonic.
  • Teta’s Lemonade ~ Long Road Original Vodka, house lavender syrup, fresh lemon juice and rosewater.

The canned cocktails offer a convenient way to enjoy Long Road spirits without the legwork of mixing up a drink at home. Simply crack open a chilled can and enjoy. Each offering is 10% alcohol by volume in a 12oz can, containing the equivalent of slightly more than one cocktail per can.

“We understand that convenience is king, particularly during the summer in Michigan,” said Kyle VanStrien, co-owner and co-founder of Long Road Distillers. “We’re excited to bring some of our favorites to market, and we look forward to expanding offerings and distribution footprint in the future.”

To start, Long Road canned cocktails will be available for purchase from their tasting rooms in Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Boyne City.

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Long Road Distillers Nominated as Best Distillery in the United States

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Grand Rapids distillery, Long Road Distillers, has been nominated as the Best Distillery in the country in multiple categories as part of the annual USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards. On Monday, the company announced it has been nominated as the “Best Craft Specialty Spirits Distillery”, “Best Craft Gin Distillery”, and “Best Craft Brandy Distillery” for 2020. This marks the fourth time that Long Road was nominated in the “Best Craft Specialty Spirits Distillery” category.

Over their five-year history the distillery has gained national and international attention for their award-winning, locally-sourced and craft-distilled line-up of spirits, including gins, vodkas, liqueurs and whiskies.

The public will choose the winners by casting votes on 10best.com/awards. Each person may vote for their favorites once per day until Monday, September 14. Winners will be announced on September 25. Quick links to Long Road’s nominations can be found at https://longroaddistillers.com/10best/.

Long Road Distillers is one of 20 nominees, in each category, from around the country that were carefully chosen by a panel of American spirits experts. The nominating panel includes Wayne Curtis, renowned spirits and cocktail author of books including “And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World in Ten Cocktails”, Brian Christensen, publisher and editor of Artisan Spirit Magazine, Ziggy Eschliman, founder of ZigStyle and award-winning radio host, Eric Grossman, a food and beverage writer and author of Craft Spirits, and Jack Robertiello, a writer and acclaimed wine and spirits judge.

“We’re incredibly proud to receive nominations in multiple categories again this year,” said Kyle VanStrien, co-owner and founder of Long Road Distillers. “We’re fortunate to be part of a thriving craft beverage scene in Michigan. While it feels odd to celebrate such honors in light of the challenges our industry is currently facing, we’re happy for the attention it can bring to our region.”

The distillery is quick to point out how these awards are different from many other competitions, and that they will be relying on their loyal supporters and the community in West Michigan to help them top the list of winners.

“Unlike many competitions where the judging takes place behind closed doors, this contest puts the power in the hands of those that enjoy our spirits and those who have supported us over the past several years,” said Jon O’Connor, co-owner and founder of Long Road Distillers. “We’re humbled by these nominations and hopeful that we can spread the word far and wide to take home a few new honors for Grand Rapids!”

Long Road’s no-shortcuts approach to crafting spirits and a dedication to using locally sourced ingredients has earned them numerous honors and awards, as well as international acclaim for some lesser-known spirits categories, such as Aquavit. Their spirits can be found at the distillery on Grand Rapids’ West Side, at tasting rooms in Grand Haven and Boyne City, and at over 2,100 retailers, bars, and restaurants throughout the state of Michigan.

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Coalition of restaurant, bar owners launch new ‘Michigan Restaurant Promise’ to protect public health

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A group of 86 Michigan restaurant and bar owners today announced a new initiative to ensure the health and safety of their employees, customers and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. By signing the Michigan Restaurant Promise, restaurant and bar owners commit their establishments to upholding the State of Michigan and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention safety guidelines.

“COVID-19 has had a significant impact on West Michigan and many businesses – particularly bars and restaurants – have suffered,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “It’s great to see this group rally together to protect the health and safety of their employees, customers and our community.”

“It’s frustrating to see bars and restaurants not enforcing the health and safety guidelines laid out to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” said Chris Andrus, owner of Mitten Brewing. “Those establishments threaten to undo the many sacrifices our community and industry have made and undermine the hard work of establishments like mine committed to keeping the public safe.”

“As restaurant owners and managers, we feel a sense of responsibility for the health and well-being of our employees, our guests and the community at large,” said Kris Spaulding, owner of Brewery Vivant. “That’s why we started this initiative – to show our communities we are taking this seriously and are committed to protecting their health and safety.”

“Though our entire industry is fighting for survival, our greatest concern is the safety of our team members and guests,” said Kyle VanStrien, owner of Long Road Distillery. “We are committed to working together and holding one another accountable, and I am proud to sign onto this pledge.”

“Small businesses are the heart of West Michigan and it’s great to see this group of local restaurant and bar owners be leaders in putting people first,” said Hanna Schulze, president of Local First. “The Michigan Restaurant Promise can serve as a model for other communities to hold their local businesses accountable and encourage them to prioritize the health and wellbeing of their employees and customers above all else.”

Learn more about the initiative by visiting MiRestaurantPromise.com.

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