Cocktails for Camping
With large group events and traditional modes of travel curtailed for the foreseeable future, there’s no doubt that the summer of 2020 has some camping in store. ⛺️⛰In our home town of Crested Butte, Colorado, we see the draw of the open air and mountain views in the number of camper vans and pop-ups arriving daily on our main street, Elk Avenue.
We’re always happy when campers make a stop at the Tasting Room, but if you’re heading to a nearby camp destination in your neck of the woods, don’t forget that it’s possible to take happy hour with you. And it doesn’t have to be wine in a box! (Though we’ll never judge if that’s part of your camper bar…)
You can enjoy your favorite cocktails by “batching” them ahead of time and transporting them in a thermos or container that won’t break. No cooler? No problem. Mountain streams and cold lakes make for a nice alternative. And the recipes below will give you a place to get started (though if you’re not feeling up to the challenge and just happen to be in Crested Butte, this summer we’re offering cocktail kits through our takeout menu, noon to 7 pm daily).
3 of our favorite camping cocktails
These cocktails are simple to make and never short on flavor. You’ll be living the life of luxury no matter how far from civilization you might be!
Ex Gratia Manhattan
Our founder and owner Karen Hoskin came up with this tasty treat for her 50th birthday celebration. When she and her husband Brice had cocktail leftovers, they packed them up in a stainless steel vessel and put them in their camper. They never go bad and don’t need to be refrigerated. Plus, so tasty on a cool Colorado evening!
The Ex Gratia Manhattan, dreamed up by Karen, makes a great addition to trailer camping and backpacking—no need to refrigerate! Photo credit Blake Wisz.
The cocktail recipe:
1.5 oz Montanya Oro Rum
1/2 oz Golden Moon Ex Gratia (also made in Colorado)
1/2 oz of Carpano Antica Vermouth
1/2 oz of water
The flavor profile is really complex but goes down smoothly thanks to the water. These can be made individually or ahead of time as a batch. Try adding an amarena or Luxardo cherry as an infusion.
Ti’ Exclusiva
This can be a great recipe to make “on trail” because limes travel well while backpacking. The ingredients are also simple.
Carry your Montanya rums in a canvas flask for easy availability. Available in our online merchandise store!
Ti’ Exclusiva Recipe (serves one)
1 Fresh Lime, juiced
.5 oz Simple Syrup
2.5 oz Montanya Exclusiva Rum
Mix together, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a lime twist.
Simple Syrup
(to be made ahead)
2 cups water
2 cups sugar
Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Let cool. Refrigerate for up to two weeks (in a cooler or a mountain stream works too!).
Caldera
Karen and Brice’s river running friends love to take batches of the Caldera on river trips. It lasts 3-4 days in a thermos or storing it in a creek at night, or up to 30 days in a cold cooler for a longer trip, like the Grand Canyon.
One such river adventure with Caldera cocktails!
Caldera Recipe (batched to serve four):
2 squeezed limes
5 oz honey lavender syrup
12 muddled mint leaves
1.5 cups cucumber-infused Montanya Platino Rum
Shake and strain. Take along a jalapeño and garnish cocktails with a floating jalapeño slice or two.
Check out camping stores and companies like Zoetica to find reusable cups that will work for your morning coffee and your camping cocktails.
Honey Lavender Syrup
3 cups honey
1 cup water
1 cup dried lavender blossoms
Bring honey and water to a light simmer, stirring often. Turn off heat. Add lavender and stir until mixed. Let cool. Jar. Let sit for 3 days. Strain.
Cucumber Infusion
Remove all peels and seeds from one cucumber. Cube the cucumber flesh and add to one bottle of Montanya Platino Rum. Infuse for 4 days.
Have a rum cocktail you like to enjoy while camping? Let us know in the comments below!
You Might Also Like:
The Case for Making Your Own Cocktails
Plus 4 Tips to Keep it Simple
The Little Book of Cocktails
A free eBook with tips to make delicious cocktails at home with real, whole ingredients.