10 Best Cocktail Keg Recipes for Every Occasion

Introduction

Cocktails are a great way to enjoy a drink with friends, celebrate a special occasion, or just relax after a long day. But making cocktails can be time-consuming, messy, and inconsistent. That’s why cocktail kegs are a brilliant solution for anyone who loves mixed drinks and wants to serve them with ease and convenience.

What are cocktail kegs and why use them?

Cocktail kegs are simply kegs filled with pre-batched cocktails that can be dispensed from a tap. They are similar to beer kegs, but instead of beer, they contain your favorite cocktail recipes. You can make your own cocktail kegs at home using a homebrew kegging system, or you can buy ready-made cocktail kegs from some bars and liquor stores.

There are many benefits of using cocktail kegs, such as:

• Faster service: You can pour a perfect cocktail in seconds, without having to measure, shake, stir, or strain. This is ideal for parties, events, or busy bars where you want to serve drinks quickly and efficiently.
• Greater consistency: You can ensure that every cocktail tastes the same, since they are all coming from the same batch. You don’t have to worry about variations in ingredients, proportions, or dilution. You can also control the carbonation level of your cocktails by adjusting the pressure in the keg.
• Reduced waste: You can avoid spillage, overpouring, or unused ingredients by using cocktail kegs. You can also store your cocktails in the keg for longer periods of time, as long as you keep them refrigerated and sanitized. This way, you can save money and reduce your environmental impact.
• Increased profit: If you are selling cocktails from a keg, you can charge more for them than regular cocktails, since they are perceived as more premium and convenient. You can also save on labor costs, since you don’t need as many bartenders or bar tools to make cocktails.
• Sample-size options: You can offer your guests or customers the option to try different cocktails without committing to a full drink. This way, you can introduce them to new flavors and increase their satisfaction.

How to make cocktail kegs at home

Making cocktail kegs at home is not as hard as it sounds. You just need a few basic equipment and ingredients, and some creativity. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Choose a cocktail recipe that you want to keg. Ideally, it should be a simple recipe with three to four ingredients, and no fresh juices or dairy products that can spoil or separate. Some examples of good cocktails to keg are Mojito, Paloma, Painkiller, Negroni, Sangria, Moscow Mule, Margarita, Old Fashioned, Aperol Spritz, and Gin and Tonic.
2. Calculate how much of each ingredient you need to fill your keg. A standard keg holds about 5 gallons (19 liters) of liquid, which is equivalent to about 80 servings of 8 ounces (240 ml) each. You can use online calculators or apps to help you scale up your recipe accordingly.
3. Dilute your cocktail with water to account for the ice that would normally melt in your glass. A good rule of thumb is to add about 20% water to your cocktail mix. For example, if your recipe calls for 1 ounce (30 ml) of rum, 1 ounce (30 ml) of lime juice, and 2 ounces (60 ml) of simple syrup, you would add 0.8 ounce (24 ml) of water to each serving, or 64 ounces (1.9 liters) of water to the whole batch.
4. Carbonate your cocktail if you want to add some fizz and texture to your drink. You can use a carbonation stone, a diffusion stone, or a carbonator cap to inject CO2 into your keg. You can also use soda water or sparkling wine as part of your cocktail ingredients to achieve the same effect.
5. Transfer your cocktail mix to a sanitized keg using a funnel, a siphon, or a pump. Make sure there are no air bubbles or leaks in the keg. Seal the keg and attach it to a CO2 tank and a regulator. Set the pressure to about 10 to 15 psi (pounds per square inch) and shake the keg gently to force the CO2 into the liquid.
6. Refrigerate your keg for at least 24 hours to allow the cocktail to chill and carbonate properly. You can also store your keg for up to a month, depending on the ingredients and the sanitation level.
7. Connect your keg to a tap and enjoy your cocktail on draft. You can use a picnic tap, a jockey box, or a kegerator to dispense your cocktail from the keg. You can also adjust the pressure and the temperature of your keg to fine-tune the carbonation and the flavor of your drink.

10 Cocktail Keg Recipes to Try

Now that you know how to make cocktail kegs at home, here are some recipes that you can try for different occasions. These recipes are based on 5-gallon (19-liter) batches, but you can scale them up or down as needed.

Mojito

A refreshing and minty cocktail that is perfect for summer parties or tropical-themed events.

Ingredients

• 12 cups (2.8 liters) of white rum
• 12 cups (2.8 liters) of lime juice
• 24 cups (5.7 liters) of simple syrup
• 12 cups (2.8 liters) of water
• A bunch of fresh mint leaves

Method

1. Muddle the mint leaves with some simple syrup in a large container.
2. Add the rum, lime juice, and water and stir well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a keg and carbonate it with CO2.
4. Refrigerate the keg for at least 24 hours.
5. Serve the mojito over ice and garnish with more mint leaves.

Paloma

A tangy and fizzy cocktail that is ideal for brunches or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 12 cups (2.8 liters) of tequila
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) of grapefruit juice
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) of lime juice
• 12 cups (2.8 liters) of simple syrup
• 18 cups (4.3 liters) of soda water

Method

1. Combine the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup in a large container and stir well.
2. Transfer the mixture to a keg and add the soda water.
3. Refrigerate the keg for at least 24 hours.
4. Serve the paloma over ice and garnish with grapefruit slices.

Painkiller

A creamy and tropical cocktail that is great for beach parties or tiki-themed events.

Ingredients

• 12 cups (2.8 liters) of dark rum
• 24 cups (5.7 liters) of pineapple juice
• 12 cups (2.8 liters) of cream of coconut
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) of orange juice
• A pinch of nutmeg

Method

1. Whisk together the rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, orange juice, and nutmeg in a large container until well combined.
2. Transfer the mixture to a keg and carbonate it with CO2.
3. Refrigerate the keg for at least 24 hours.
4. Serve the painkiller over ice and garnish with pineapple wedges and cherries.

Negroni

A bitter and boozy cocktail that is suitable for sophisticated occasions or after-dinner drinks.

Ingredients

• 16 cups (3.8 liters) of gin
• 16 cups (3.8 liters) of sweet vermouth
• 16 cups (3.8 liters) of Campari
• 16 cups (3.8 liters) of water

Method

1. Combine the gin, vermouth, Campari, and water in a large container and stir well.
2. Transfer the mixture to a keg and carbonate it with CO2.

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3. Refrigerate the keg for at least 24 hours.
4. Serve the negroni over ice and garnish with orange peels.

Sangria

A fruity and festive cocktail that is perfect for picnics or holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

• 24 cups (5.7 liters) of red wine
• 12 cups (2.8 liters) of orange juice
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) of brandy
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) of simple syrup
• A variety of fresh fruits, such as apples, oranges, lemons, limes, berries, and grapes

Method

1. Cut the fruits into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large container.
2. Add the wine, orange juice, brandy, and simple syrup and stir well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a keg and carbonate it with CO2.
4. Refrigerate the keg for at least 24 hours.
5. Serve the sangria over ice and garnish with more fruits.

Moscow Mule

A spicy and refreshing cocktail that is ideal for warm days or nights.

Ingredients

• 12 cups (2.8 liters) of vodka
• 24 cups (5.7 liters) of ginger beer
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) of lime juice
• A handful of fresh mint leaves

Method

1. Bruise the mint leaves with a muddler or a spoon in a large container.
2. Add the vodka and lime juice and stir well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a keg and add the ginger beer.
4. Refrigerate the keg for at least 24 hours.
5. Serve the Moscow mule over ice and garnish with lime wedges and more mint leaves.

Margarita

A classic and zesty cocktail that is suitable for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 12 cups (2.8 liters) of tequila
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) of orange liqueur
• 12 cups (2.8 liters) of lime juice
• 12 cups (2.8 liters) of simple syrup
• Salt and lime wedges for rimming the glasses

Method

1. Combine the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup in a large container and stir well.
2. Transfer the mixture to a keg and carbonate it with CO2.
3. Refrigerate the keg for at least 24 hours.
4. Rim the glasses with salt and lime wedges before serving.
5. Serve the margarita over ice and garnish with more lime wedges.

Old Fashioned

A smooth and strong cocktail that is great for sipping or relaxing.

Ingredients

• 16 cups (3.8 liters) of bourbon
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) of simple syrup
• A few dashes of Angostura bitters
• A few orange peels and maraschino cherries for garnishing

Method

1. Combine the bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters in a large container and stir well.
2. Transfer the mixture to a keg and carbonate it with CO2.
3. Refrigerate the keg for at least 24 hours.
4. Serve the old fashioned over ice and garnish with orange peels and cherries.

Aperol Spritz

A light and bubbly cocktail that is perfect for aperitifs or summer evenings.

Ingredients

• 16 cups (3.8 liters) of Aperol
• 32 cups (7.6 liters) of prosecco
• 16 cups (3.8 liters) of soda water
• A few slices of orange for garnishing

Method

1. Combine the Aperol, prosecco, and soda water in a large container and stir well.
2. Transfer the mixture to a keg without carbonating it further, since it is already sparkling enough.
3. Refrigerate the keg for at least 24 hours.
4. Serve the Aperol spritz over ice and garnish with orange slices.

Gin and Tonic

A simple and refreshing cocktail that is easy to make and enjoy.

Ingredients

• 16 cups (3.8 liters) of gin
• 32 cups (7.6 liters) of tonic water
• A few slices of lemon or lime for garnishing

Method

1. Combine the gin and tonic water in a large container and stir well.
2. Transfer the mixture to a keg without carbonating it further, since it is already sparkling enough.
3. Refrigerate the keg for at least 24 hours.
4. Serve the gin and tonic over ice and garnish with lemon or lime slices.

Conclusion

Cocktail kegs are a fun and convenient way to enjoy your favorite cocktails at home or at any event. They are easy to make, store, and serve, and they offer many advantages over traditional cocktails. You can experiment with different recipes and ingredients, and impress your guests or customers with your cocktail skills. Try these 10 cocktail keg recipes for every occasion, and cheers to a good time!

FAQs

• Q: How long do cocktail kegs last?
• A: Cocktail kegs can last for up to a month in the refrigerator, depending on the ingredients and the sanitation level. However, it is recommended to consume them within a week for optimal freshness and flavor.
• Q: How do I clean and sanitize my keg and equipment?
• A: You can use a commercial keg cleaner and sanitizer, or you can make your own solution with water, bleach, and vinegar. You should rinse your keg and equipment thoroughly with hot water before and after each use, and sanitize them with the solution. You should also replace the seals and gaskets of your keg regularly to prevent contamination.
• Q: How do I adjust the carbonation level of my cocktail keg?
• A: You can adjust the carbonation level of your cocktail keg by changing the pressure and the temperature of your keg. Generally, higher pressure and lower temperature result in higher carbonation, and vice versa. You can use a pressure gauge and a thermometer to monitor these variables, and experiment with different settings until you find your preferred level.
• Q: How do I serve my cocktail keg?
• A: You can serve your cocktail keg using a picnic tap, a jockey box, or a kegerator. A picnic tap is a simple and portable device that attaches to the keg and dispenses the cocktail through a hose. A jockey box is a cooler that contains ice, water, and a coil that chills the cocktail as it passes through. A kegerator is a refrigerator that holds the keg and has a tap on the door. You should always keep your cocktail keg cold before and during serving.
• Q: How do I make my own cocktail recipes for kegging?
• A: You can make your own cocktail recipes for kegging by following some basic guidelines. First, choose a simple recipe with three to four ingredients, and no fresh juices or dairy products that can spoil or separate. Second, scale up your recipe to fill your keg size, and dilute it with water to account for the ice that would normally melt in your glass. Third, carbonate your cocktail if you want to add some fizz and texture to your drink. Fourth, transfer your cocktail mix to a sanitized keg and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours. Fifth, enjoy your homemade cocktail on draft!