premade cocktails

Of the many hot topics up for debate in the world of alcohol, it can be said that Convenience versus Craftsmanship poses one of the biggest points of contention. On one hand, there are those who insist that a ready-made cocktail does not even come close to one that has been made to order. On the other, some might argue that while the taste may or may not be comparable, ready-made cocktails do not fall very far behind, with the added bonus of consistency and convenience.

While we firmly believe in everyone’s right to drink how and what they please, we cannot deny that the debate in question is an invigorating one. It is only logical that we then dig a little deeper and shed some light on both camps to present a fair argument before you, as an audience can draw your own conclusions to make the most informed decisions.

That said, let us then delve into what makes a cocktail, a cocktail? And does consuming one that is pre-made mar the experience that comes with it?

 

Most Popular Cocktails

When doing comparisons, we figured it is only right to compare apples to apples as the saying goes, and in a loose sense since the very notion that ready-to-drink cocktails and made to order ones are the same is being argued. To lessen the variables, narrowing it down to a couple of selected cocktails and comparing the most popular ones is a no brainer.

For that, we refer to 2020’s best-selling classic cocktails around the globe according to Drinks International (DI), a trade publication for the alcohol industry. For their latest iteration released in January of this year, DI surveyed, weighted, and ranked 100 of the world’s top bars most-ordered drinks. Originally a list of 50, we zoomed in straight to the top 10 and selected 3 cocktails which also has ready-made counterparts.

Another facet to cocktails is of course, who makes them. Every avid cocktail drinker would most definitely have a preferred watering hole for their cocktail of choice, and it is for this reason that we chose LAIBA Beverages as the brand to compare against. An award-winning, craft-bottled cocktail brand started by Michael Chen, the former bar manager of The Roosevelt and bartender at Eau-De-Vie Sydney, ranked as the 13th best bar in the world. Their cocktails are three-time award-winners from the prestigious San Francisco World Spirit Awards which were accredited by an expert panel of judges who awarded all their entries with honors.

 

Whiskey Sour

What do you do when you want to jazz up a pretty straightforward drink like Whiskey? Well, enter the Whiskey Sour. At the heart of it, a Whiskey Sour is whiskey that is lifted by some citrus (usually lemon juice) and balanced out with some sugar. It makes what is usually perceived to be a stiff drink reserved for more mature audiences into a more approachable drink for those who might not be all that keen on whiskey in general.

Whiskey Sour is ranked as the 7th most popular drink worldwide in 2020 and it comes as no surprise. It is relatively simple, encourages skeptics to give whiskey a chance and most importantly, allows for improvisation. Depending on which bar you go to, the drink is served with little fanfare save for some garnishing for presentation.

LAIBA’s version of the drink called the LAIBA Sour consists of Single Malt Whiskey, Lemon, Nutmeg & Hazelnut Infused Salted Caramel, Apple, Angostura Bitters and Scrappy's Chocolate Bitters; definitely a step up from the basic recipe. While making a basic whiskey sour at home is achievable, we cannot imagine going through the same effort to recreate LAIBA’s or any of your favorite bar’s recipes without spending a significant amount of time and money purchasing each individual component. In our book, a handy ready-made cocktail to have stocked up for guests or special occasions at home when going to a bar is out of the question.

 

Espresso Martini

Coming in at 6th place just in front of Whiskey Sour on the Top 50 list is the hate it or love it cocktail, the Espresso Martini. Generally made with vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso or brewed coffee and sugar syrup, the Espresso Martini is essentially a coffee lover’s version of a Jagger Bomb, if you will. Both serves the same purpose of keeping your buzz and your energy level up throughout the night.

LAIBA’s Cold Brew Martini is a spin off from the original using cold brew coffee in place of espresso together with Vanilla Infused Vodka, Black Rum and Salted Caramel. If you are a stickler for traditions and insist on only freshly pulled espresso being used in your Espresso Martini, then obviously LAIBA’s version is not for you. This is also based on the broader assumption that you are a coffee lover to being with.

Alternatively, a Modern Irish Coffee which we have discussed in detail previously, might be a more attractive option for those who are just as serious about their coffee as they are about their alcohol.

 

Old Fashioned

Probably both misleading and yet the most aptly named cocktail is the Old Fashioned. Misleading, because contrary to what the name suggests, the Old Fashioned is the most popular drink in the world in 2020. Yet, this makes so much sense because it is old fashioned, as in, a classic, and never goes out of style as proven.

But do not be fooled though, despite being a simple drink, it is fairly difficult to make it just right, the way you would be served the cocktail in a bar. This has to do with the method of stirring the ice to dilute the spirit, usually bourbon or rye, just enough before adding some bitters, sugar and garnish. Of course, if you spent enough time on it at home, you would eventually discover the best way to make a perfect Old Fashioned fit to your tastes. That said, your favorite version of the drink might be from a Bar that uses their own recipes which you cannot emulate at home.

LAIBA’s Earl’s Old Fashioned might just be the perfect in-between. Made slightly different using Earl Grey Tea Infused Single Malt Orange Whisky, Vanilla Salted Caramel, Scrappy's Orange Bitters and Angostura Bitters, this ready-made cocktail also packs a punch with a 26.3% ABV. Add an orange twist and you could very well imagine yourself trying out the timeless classic at a new Bar in town- from the comfort of your own home.

 

Honorary Mentions: Ready-made Cocktails

While we fuss over which is better, it is also important to note the Whys’. Two of the biggest motivating factors for ready-made cocktails are without a doubt, convenience, and shelf life. To exemplify this, we only have to look at a typical problem most people would have experienced after spending a night out drinking – the hangover.

The Bloody Mary is often considered a hangover cure and is just as much an experience as it is a cocktail. Sure, your favorite Bar might serve it up with bright, interesting garnishes and even whole dishes to go with it when you head out for brunch. But what about the times when even getting out of bed is too much effort? On those days, you will thank your lucky stars for your pre-hangover stroke of genius in stocking up on LAIBA’s Bloody Mary, especially when that day happens to be a work day. It might not come with all the bells and whistles, but it definitely gets the job done.

Or how about those exotic cocktails whose ingredients generally would not stand the test of time? Say you are in the mood for a Pina Colada and the pineapple in your fridge has all but gone bad and your favorite Bar is some distance away. That LAIBA I Am Coconuts you bought a year ago on a whim might just serve as a great alternative in pinch. In fact, with an average of 18 to 36 months shelf life, it could easily satisfy your in-the-moment cravings for a time much later than that.

We can concur that not all cocktails can give you the same experience ready-made as it can when made to order, but we would also have to concede that there are moments where they shine. And with reputable brands, their recipes might even best some Bars at the same cocktails.

 

Ready-to-drink Convenience

As if the promise of convenience when purchasing read-to-drink cocktails is not enough, here at Cellarbration we take it a step further by making it convenient to purchase convenience. You will be able to find most of the LAIBA products mentioned on our website and upon purchase, we offer free alcohol delivery right to your doorstep. Whether it is for now or potentially 36 months later, you will never know when that ready-to-drink cocktail might be an absolute gift to yourself and/or your guests. And with the pandemic situation looking like it could go either way, a couple of delectable ready-to-drink cocktails at home with close friends and family during the holidays might be a better option than a visit to the bar.