The rise of the pre-batched cocktail - and why it’s not cheating

Let’s get one thing straight. Prebatching cocktails isn’t lazy. It’s not cutting corners. And it’s definitely not cheating.

It’s the future.

If you’ve ever waited ten minutes for a drink on a Friday night while the bartender juggles tins, garnishes, and eye contact, you already know why prebatch cocktails are blowing up. Whether it’s bottled craft cocktails or full-on draft cocktails from a tap, prebatching is changing how bars, restaurants, and events serve drinks… and it’s changing the game for the better.

So... what exactly are prebatch cocktails?

Prebatching is the process of preparing cocktails in advance, either in bottles or kegs, so they’re ready to pour in seconds. The ingredients are measured, mixed, and sometimes even clarified or carbonated ahead of time. The result? Drinks that are consistent, balanced, and fast to serve, without sacrificing quality.

Why prebatching is taking over

The old-school image of a cocktail being shaken to order is romantic, sure. But in a high-volume setting, it’s often a bottleneck. Prebatched cocktails solve a bunch of real-world problems:

  • Speed: No more lines. Drinks come out fast, which means more happy guests and more revenue.

  • Consistency: Every cocktail tastes exactly like it should. No more off-days or guesswork.

  • Less waste: With pre-measured ingredients, you avoid overpouring and spoilage.

  • Better workflow: Bartenders can focus on guests instead of constantly prepping and shaking.

Prebatching lets you do more, not less

Some of the best cocktail techniques simply aren’t possible à la minute. Prebatching allows us to clarify juices for a crystal-clear highball, carbonate drinks for a perfect fizz, or milk-wash a punch for silky texture and balance. These techniques don’t just save time, they make drinks better, more stable, and often more creative than what can be done on the fly.

But is it still a real cocktail?

Yes. A thousand times yes.

We use the same spirits, fresh juices, house-made cordials and syrups that you’d expect from a top cocktail bar. The only difference is we do the work ahead of time… so you don’t have to.

Think of it like this: your barista doesn’t roast the beans while you wait. Your chef doesn’t make pasta dough à la minute. Prepping in advance is what professionals do. And bartending is no different.

Why we do it

At Alchemy Brothers, we built our brand around one idea: Cocktails that taste amazing and work in the real world. Whether we’re making a clarified highball for a terrace, a spicy margarita for a nightclub, or a seaweed cordial for something a little weirder, we always batch with intention.

We’re not interested in cocktail theater. We’re interested in flavor. And results.

Ready to level up your bar?

If you’re running a venue and want to serve cocktails that are fast, consistent, and crafted with care — hit us up. We offer bottled and kegged cocktails for bars, restaurants and events across the Netherlands. No fluff, no fuss. Just really good drinks.