The Bathtub Cocktail Is the New Shower Beer
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My friends are drinking cocktails in the bath. I’ve never done it—my tub is tiny—but lately, I keep seeing them post photos of luxurious drinks as part of a setup that sometimes includes flickering candles, soothing music, and hardcover books. Frankly, I’m jealous. But it also leaves me wondering: What makes a good bathtub cocktail? Since I’m not an expert here, I polled some friends, coworkers, and bartenders to find out their preferred drinks for the bath, plus crucial tips for making it work.
Some of these pros focused on the melting issue—a hot tub is sure to warm most drinks quickly, so if you’re going with something served up, you might want to just make a half-pour, or putting a big ice cube in something you normally wouldn’t, like a Sazerac. Some bath-time drinkers warned against using actual glassware anywhere anyone’s barefoot, and unbreakable insulated tumblers have the added benefit of keeping your refreshing beverage cool. Others reminded me that mixing alcohol and a hot bath is potentially dangerous, because it can cause dizziness and even fainting. Whatever your bath time drink of choice, proceed with caution, hydration, and plenty of ice.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert2/13The Classic Margarita
Devotees of the bath margarita are seeking out something cooling and salty. Consider an insulated cup to slow down the melt.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton3/13Bushwick Thirst Killer
It’s worth remembering that you can make a deeply flavorful and refreshing bath beverage without any alcohol. Try this coconut-water based number or consider any of these nonalcoholic drinks.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton4/13Old-Fashioned
A big cube of ice will last longer than little chips, which is why many folks reach for this (or a simple pour of whiskey) for bath-time sipping. “An old-fashioned is good,” says my friend Angharad Coates, “because it’s nice to clink ice cubes while lying in a warm bath. Bourbon is also just a good liquor for rumination.”
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton6/13Warm Comfort
Not feeling whiskey? This toddy pairs calming chamomile tea with tequila for a soothing sipper.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell7/13Dry Martini
I was skeptical about bath martinis—unless, perhaps, they’re on the rocks—until I spoke with Christina Turley of Turley Wine Cellars, who occasionally posts Instagram photos of a steaming-hot bathtub spanned with a tray that holds a book and a martini. “Like a martini, taking a bath seems too indulgent, too expensive, too lazy. So combining the two feels like the most louche thing imaginable and I couldn’t love it more.” She continues, “There’s a ‘balance’ joke in here somewhere as well—the baths I draw are so scalding as to make my skin burn, and the martinis I shake are so cold my hand sticks to the glass.”
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton8/13Rosie Ranch Water
The unofficial drink of West Texas is just right for cooling off wherever you are, including a hot bath. This version has a stellar spicy, floral salt rim.
Photo by Paul H. Christian, Food Styling by Michele Figliuolo9/13Mint Julep
Bartender Drew Record has perhaps the most elaborate drinking-in-the-bath routine I've heard of: “I like to match my bath drink to the scrub or soap I’m using, so usually something with mint,” he says. “A nice cold julep makes a great counterpoint to a hot bath and almost feels like you are in the drink with all the fresh mint smells swirling around.”
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton10/13French 75
Bubbles and bubbles just belong together. Consider keeping an ice bucket handy for top-offs.
Photo by Zachary James Johnston11/13Attitude Adjustment
Take your shower beer to the tub with this drink from the folks behind the Violet Hour in Chicago.
