The holiday season is just around the corner and before you know it, you'll be dealing with a jam-packed schedule filled with parties and get-togethers. It's easy to get overwhelmed with party planning and cooking, but nothing makes hosting easier than some easy-to-make cocktails. And what's easier than mixers that practically do the work for you? We recently discovered Swig + Swallow mixers and, seriously, they have changed our lives! But don't just do the conventional mixing and that's it. Impress your friends with these yummy variations, courtesy of the company's founder and CEO April Wachtel.
More from MamásLatinas: 7 Warm cocktail recipes perfect for the cold weather
The philosophy behind the Swig + Swallow drinks are simple. There aren't even measurements required. All you have to do is add the spirit of your choice into the mixer bottle. You fill the alcohol up to the dotted line, shake, and you're ready to serve.
Wachtel has a few tips and twists on how to really make these mixers turn into hit party cocktails.
Like most Latinos, you probably have a good amount of friends and family who are all about the margaritas and this drink is bound to hit the spot for some.
For tastier margaritas
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What you need: Tequila and the Swig + Swallow Margarita
How to do it: "We prepare our Margarita with fresh lime and an agave orange cardamom syrup. So all you need to do it add a quality tequila of your choice," says Wachtel. "Our mixer works great with any 100% Agave tequila. Or you can swap in a Mezcal for a smokier version. Add a slice of jalapeño or a dash of Tabasco or Sriracha for a spicy finish."
For delicious daiquiris
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What you need: Rum and Swig + Swallow Daiquiri
How to do it: "A daiquiri is a thing of beauty: rum, lime, and sugar, shaken so it's icy cold," says Wachtel. "If you swap in gin or vodka for the rum, you have a classic Gimlet. You can use most types of rum in the daiquiri for a range of flavors (avoid using Blackstrap or over-proof), and adapt flavors by adding the bitters of your choice, or any fruit, herbs, or fall spices. Sugar Island Spiced Rum is a great option for fall, with a dusting of fresh cinnamon to enhance the spice. Swap in gin or bourbon and serve over ice with lots of seltzer for variation."
For the best mojitos ever
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What you need: Rum and Swig + Swallow Mojito
How to do it: "A classic mojito is best with a light rum, letting the mint shine through, but there's infinite ways to adapt beyond the classic," says Wachtel. "Add a dash of bitters, or a few slices of cucumber for simple adaptation. Or add a pinch of herbs like thyme or rosemary for an additional herbaceous layer. To completely overhaul the drink, substitute an aged rum for light, add a dash of bitters, and substitute champagne for seltzer water, and viola, you have the contemporary classic cocktail, the old Cuban."
For some outstanding Moscow mules
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What you need: Bourbon and Swig + Swallow Moscow Mule
How to do it: "A Moscow mule is classically made with vodka, but you can swap in bourbon to make it Kentucky Mule; or tequila, rum, gin, etc. to make classic drinks that fall under cocktails called Bucks," says Wachtel. "Add a dash of bitters, or crushed berries if you're feeling really crazy."
These expert variations on classic cocktails will help get the holiday festivities going that require no mixology skills whatsoever. Best of all, you'll impress your guests. Sounds like a win-win situation to me!
