Maple Grove resident Grant Lavrenz serves as the bar manager at Khâluna, an acclaimed Laotian restaurant in Minneapolis. Photo: Monique Chaisavan Sourinho
When it comes to cocktails for hosting a party, Grant Lavrenz recommends shopping your home bar first. “Use stuff you have at home,” he says. “Just open a cupboard, and play around with what you have.” He recommends freezing fruits or vegetables and making infused vodkas or gins. “Then, just add soda water,” he says.
Lavrenz says syrups are a great way to offer guests a tasty beverage with or without alcohol, and he loves making his own syrups, using things from his kitchen.
Considering which bottle of liquor will satisfy most taste palates? Lavrenz recommends tequila. “A nice clean blanco,” he says. “It’s people pleasing and the most versatile and familiar.”
Lavrenz says there’s no need to buy a lot of alcohol before hosting. “Less is best,” he says, noting that when it comes to mixed drinks, “One bottle is more than enough to go around. Never buy more than is needed.”
Creating a signature drink for your party gets the thumbs up from Lavrenz. “Everyone likes a themed drink,” he says, recommending Instagram and TikTok for ideas. But if you’re short on time or creativity, Lavrenz says you can never go wrong with a good ol’ Rum Punch—or, consider batching Khâluna’s Old Fashioned.
Khâluna Old Fashioned
“The Khâluna Old Fashioned has been a crowd favorite from the beginning and has held a coveted spot on our beverage menu ever since. In my opinion, this Old Fashioned is a 3-in-1, perfect for everyone. Everyone has their favorite take on these classic cocktails, whether it be bourbon, rye or brandy. It’s been a classic for years for a reason; it’s a drink everyone can love … I hope that this recipe brings much joy and laughter to you, your family and friends this holiday season. Cheers!” —Grant Lavrenz
Palm Syrup:
- 16 oz. filtered water
- 16 oz. palm sugar
In a small pot measure one cup of water and one cup of sugar. On a low heat bring to a boil slowly, stirring sugar until melted. Let cool for 15 minutes. Syrup is ready to use.
Khâluna Old Fashioned:
- Iwai 45 whiskey
- Old Overholt In-Bond rye whiskey
- Torres 10 Year Brandy – Spanish brandy
- Bitter Cube Cherry Bark vanilla bitters (cocoa, bitter almond, vanilla, fennel and star anise)
- Large MN Rock ice
Single Use:
- 1 oz. Iwai 45 Japanese whisky
- ½ oz. Old Overholt In-Bond rye whiskey (It can be substituted with your favorite overproof rye.)
- ½ oz. Torres 10 Year brandy (I recommend not substituting, but it can be for any Spanish style brandy.)
- ½ oz. Palm Syrup* (Above Recipe)
- grapefruit peel, for garnish
Pour over MN Rock in a Marta Tasting Glass, and quickly stir. Garnish with a grapefruit peel.
Batch:
- 8 oz. Iwai 45 whisky
- 4 oz. Old Overholt rye whisky
- 4 oz. Torres 10-Year brandy
- 4 oz. Palm Syrup
- 4–5 oz. filtered water
- 16 dashes Cherry Park vanilla bitters
Add ingredients into a pitcher. Funnel into an empty 750ml bottle, and store in your refrigerator for quick and easy access. Because you added water to this cocktail, it is now diluted and ready to serve. Pour 2–3 oz. over ice, and serve to your guests. Enjoy!
