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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Reader Recommendations => Topic started by: lbmustache on April 25, 2016, 06:28:34 PM

Title: Beverage dispenser recs?
Post by: lbmustache on April 25, 2016, 06:28:34 PM
After having several events/parties and schlepping inadequate amounts of punch/alcohol/etc. in a regular pitcher, I am looking to upgrade to a beverage dispenser.

I found one at Home Depot for $20 (this one (http://www.amazon.com/Circleware-Yorkshire-Beverage-Dispenser-Glassware/dp/B00A1WMKKU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1461630450&sr=8-3&keywords=beverage+dispenser+circleware) on amazon). However, I was concerned about the rust some people mentioned and the longevity of the plastic spigot.

Does anyone have any recs? Do I need to go expensive ($50+), or should I buy a cheap one and maybe add a steel spigot to replace the plastic one? Anything 1gal + is a good size. I don't mind "investing" the money into a good one as I will use it fairly often. Any advice is appreciated!
Title: Re: Beverage dispenser recs?
Post by: greaper007 on April 25, 2016, 08:37:54 PM
I use the home depot  orange drink cooler (10gal) to mash my beer for home brewing.    I replaced the plastic spigot with a ball valve and it's worked great for about 6 years now.    That one is running 45 bucks now, but the five gallon one is only 25 and seems to be constructed fairly similarly.
Title: Re: Beverage dispenser recs?
Post by: MarioMario on April 26, 2016, 01:20:56 PM
Any good recipes for punch?

At the last event I went to someone made punch with a base of coors light with pineapple juice and vodka.  If it sounds bad its because it wasn't good, but surprisingly drinkable for something made out of beerwater.
Title: Re: Beverage dispenser recs?
Post by: lbmustache on April 26, 2016, 04:40:23 PM
I use the home depot  orange drink cooler (10gal) to mash my beer for home brewing.    I replaced the plastic spigot with a ball valve and it's worked great for about 6 years now.    That one is running 45 bucks now, but the five gallon one is only 25 and seems to be constructed fairly similarly.

Hmm good idea! I was hoping for something a little "prettier" but I might be able to work with that. Thanks!

Any good recipes for punch?

At the last event I went to someone made punch with a base of coors light with pineapple juice and vodka.  If it sounds bad its because it wasn't good, but surprisingly drinkable for something made out of beerwater.

I am going to guess they used coors light as a cheap "filler" for the drink. You can do this with cheap red wine or white wine instead (even two buck chuck), any type of juice (those $2 minute maid ones from the store work fine) and any type of alcohol to go with the flavors. For example, white wine + tropical punch + rum or vodka (could be flavored depending on what flavors are in the punch). Or red wine + cranberry/pomegranate/etc. juice + brandy or vodka. You can add cut fruit to class it up a bit, and now it's like a sangria.

I never measure anything so I can't give you an exact # for everything. For anything fancier, Pinterest is a good resource.

Since you have the wine, you don't need to add a ton of the liquor unless you want people drunk very fast. ;)