{"id":17365,"date":"2026-08-24T14:29:39","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T12:29:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dineplan.com\/blog\/?p=17365"},"modified":"2026-08-24T14:31:26","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T12:31:26","slug":"give-batched-cocktails-a-chance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dineplan.com\/blog\/give-batched-cocktails-a-chance\/","title":{"rendered":"Give batched cocktails a chance"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Blog Post Section” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Content” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||30px||false|false” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s my hot take: Batched cocktails are a gift to cocktail lovers and bartenders everywhere.<\/p>\n

For some reason, when I say “batched cocktails” people tend to respond with a variation of moans, grunts and “ew is it from a can?” There is a public perception that batched cocktails are somehow a lazier, more generic version of a made-to-order, classic cocktail. They are not!<\/p>\n

In a bid to make more people celebrate this overlooked method, I\u2019ve written a what-why-where of batched cocktails.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”What is a batched cocktail?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

What is a batched cocktail?<\/h4>\n
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Firstly, they are not<\/em> from a can. That is a “canned cocktail” (obviously) and is an entirely different thing that I will not be devoting time to (sorry not sorry). Batched cocktails are prepared ahead of time and work best with spirit forward recipes that don\u2019t contain fresh fruit juice.<\/p>\n

Preparing these before service allows the bartender to accurately measure, taste, adjust and (most importantly) standardise their recipe so that your dirty martini is a perfect salty velvet every damn time. A good batched cocktail should be ice cold, balanced and taste exactly the same as the last one you had.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Why are they important and seriously overlooked? ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Why are they important and seriously overlooked?<\/h4>\n
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Have you ever gone to your favourite bar, ordered your usual drink and been sorely disappointed? I have. That\u2019s because with classic cocktails like a Negroni, martini, Boulevardier, Old Fashioned or espresso martini \u2013 anything spirit forward \u2013 no two bartenders make it the same way. Even if it’s something standard like a Negroni with a 3:1 ratio of gin, vermouth and Campari, bartenders can always slip up, stirring a drink for a second too long or pouring a fraction more of something and ruining the drink\u2019s balance.<\/p>\n

If you can guarantee that every single time you go to your local, your bartender will be there to make your favourite version of {insert cocktail here} then I am very happy for you. But I know for sure that every time I go to the Gin Bar on Wale Street, Noel isn\u2019t going to be there to make me a dirty martini the way I like it. Even worse, what happens if Noel gets another job? Provisions need to be made for when this day comes.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Where to find a good batched cocktail in Cape Town?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Where to find a good batched cocktail in Cape Town?<\/h4>\n
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By now you\u2019ve probably gleaned that I really love dirty martinis. I\u2019ve had many incredible martinis. I\u2019ve also had many very, very<\/em> bad ones. The terrible experiences have taught me a very important lesson:<\/p>\n

Martini time is sacred. DO NOT WASTE IT ON EXPERIMENTING WITH AN UNKNOWN BAR\/BARTENDER.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve already revealed my go-to spot for a made-to-order martini \u2013 the Gin Bar, no surprises there. But when I heard about Hope Provisions opening a bar on Park Road, I immediately knew they\u2019d be pouring a good one. You can\u2019t be a gin and vodka distillery and not know how to make a decent martini.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>A post shared by Hope Distillery & Provisions Store (@hopedistillery)<\/a><\/pee><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n