Ingredients (again, I put my ingredients in parts – for batching this is especially useful as 1 can be 1 shot or 1 liter - just maintain the proportions. Because this is batching, I’m getting a little more granular with the proportions…  1/8 of a single shot is not too different from 1/4 in terms of actual liquid and bartenders’ ability to measure it, but 1/8 of a liter is quite different from 1/4…)

1 Tequila (not too fancy)

4/5 Cointreau

1/5 Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur

1/2 Pomegranate juice

1/8 jalapeno infused tequila (sooo easy too make, but it tends to run hot, hence the small amount)

Lime juice from as many limes as there are shots in the mix

Combine all the ingredients in a pitcher and stir with a few cubes of ice to chill it a bit.  Set it out with an ice bucket.  Be sure to fill the glasses with ice before pouring – it needs the chill, and the water.

Why does this work?  Well, pink is a pretty color, the heat of the jalapeno appeals to people who don’t like sweeter drinks usually, and the sweetness and fruityness appeals to those who do.  The heat and ginger also keep people from guzzling a cold drink on a hot day and ending up schnockered.  So far it’s been popular…

EE has been a guacamole-making fiend this summer, and I highly recommend serving guac and chips with the tray above.  Then, take the whole party out for cheeseburgers.  It never gets old.

Perfecting the luxury of a functional bar tray is an ongoing challenge here.  Tessa thinks this EE-creation is a good one:

Water.  Ice.  Glasses.  Cocktail.  Soda.  Napkins.  Minimal unnecessary clutter.

ALSO: The tall, slim pitcher featured in the photo is invaluable when hosting 4+ people for drinks.  It was a wedding gift long ago, and not an expensive one, so I highly recommend the purchase of something similar if you don’t have one.  Mixing one batch of drinks in this is far easier than making an individual drink for so many people, but it’s still a pretty small quantity, so there’s no quality compromise.  Setting a batch of good, fresh cocktails on the bar tray is a quick and easy substitute for a boring decanter.