Entertaining a crowd requires some planning and efficiency when it comes to serving drinks. Preparing large batches of cocktails ahead of time can save you time and energy during the event. To make things easier, consider making classic cocktails or fruity punches in advance. Whether you’re hosting a party for 25 or 250 guests, here are 25 big-batch cocktail recipes that will help you serve your crowd with ease.
Pineapple-Rum Cocktail
Brewing up a tropical storm in a glass is easier than you think, and this refreshing pineapple-rum cocktail is the perfect recipe for crowd-pleasing. With its sweet and tangy combination of pineapple juice and light rum, it’s a drink that will transport you to a tropical paradise with every sip. To make it in a large batch, simply multiply the ingredients and mix them together with ease.
Combine pineapple juice, rum, and a splash of lime juice in a pitcher, giving it a quick stir to incorporate all the flavors. Pour over ice into cups or hurricane glasses for a refreshing drink that’s perfect for any occasion. Garnish with lime wheels or pineapple fronds to add a pop of color and freshness.
Vodka-Thyme Lemonade
Unlock the secret to elevating your lemonade game with an earthy twist, courtesy of thyme simple syrup and a hint of vodka. This refreshing drink combines the brightness of fresh lemons with the subtle depth of thyme, creating a unique flavor profile that’s sure to impress. To make this herbaceous masterpiece, start by brewing a batch of thyme simple syrup. Simply combine sugar, water, and fresh thyme leaves in a saucepan, then heat until the sugar dissolves.
Allow the mixture to cool before straining out the solids. Next, mix the thyme syrup with freshly squeezed lemon juice and vodka in a large pitcher or punch bowl filled with ice. Stir well to combine, then garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme for a visually appealing touch. Get The Full Recipe
Classic Sangria
The quintessential sangria is a staple in any cocktail roundup due to its simplicity, flavor, and crowd-pleasing qualities. To make this classic wine punch, you’ll need to combine red wine, brandy, orange juice, lime juice, sliced apples, oranges, and grapes in a large pitcher or drink dispenser. Allow the mixture to chill for a few hours so that the flavors can meld together. Once it’s ready, serve the sangria over ice with an optional garnish of a slice of orange or apple.
Pineapple-Raspberry Bellini
Unleashing the tropical flavors of the classic bellini, this refreshing twist is perfect for warm weather gatherings or any occasion that calls for a fruity fusion of sweet and tart. To create this delightful drink, combine pineapple juice and fresh raspberries in a pitcher. Muddle the raspberries gently to release their natural sweetness and then add a splash of club soda for added effervescence. Finish by topping with sparkling wine and stir gently to avoid losing any of the flavorful layers.
Serve this exquisite cocktail in champagne flutes and garnish each glass with an additional raspberry, allowing its delicate flavor and vibrant color to elevate the overall presentation. Get The Full Recipe
Stonefruit Sangria
Juxtapose the sweetness of summer’s stone fruits – including cherries, peaches, nectarines, and plums – with the crispness of white wine, a squeeze of lime juice, and the sparkle of ginger ale. Combine sliced stone fruits in a large dispenser, chill before serving over ice for a refreshing summer drink.
Kentucky Half-and-Half
Kick back and indulge in this refreshing cocktail that’s a modern take on a classic Southern favorite – sweet tea. Infused with the richness of bourbon and the tanginess of lemon, this boozy twist is sure to be the perfect punch for any warm-weather gathering or outdoor soiree. To make it, start by brewing a large batch of black tea, then mix it with bourbon and lemon syrup in a large pitcher.
Fill glasses with ice and top each one off with the tea mixture, garnishing with lemon wheels and fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and fragrance.
Aperol Gin Punch
Gathering inspiration from classic cocktails, this refreshing drink combines the vibrant flavors of Aperol and gin with the subtle nuances of Lillet Blanc and citrusy lime juice. This expertly balanced large format cocktail is perfect for special occasions or gatherings, making it an excellent choice for entertaining guests.
To prepare, stir together gin, Aperol, Lillet Blanc, and freshly squeezed lime juice in a drink dispenser before adding ice cubes and garnishing with basil leaves and edible flowers.
Orange-Mint Margarita
Yellowing glassware and fresh flavors can make any gathering a memorable one. To create an elevated twist on the classic margarita, combine the zesty essence of oranges with the refreshing taste of mint. Start by muddling the orange and mint together to release their oils and flavors, then mix in tequila, Cointreau, and a squeeze of lime juice. Pour the mixture over ice in glasses that have been rimmed with salt for an added touch of sophistication.
Finish each drink with a slice of orange and a sprig of fresh mint, allowing the colors and aromas to blend together harmoniously.
Lemony Spiked Sweet Tea
Mixing things up with a grown-up twist on sweet tea is always a delight. This spiked version combines the refreshing flavor of orange pekoe tea with the warmth of rum, creating a unique blend that’s perfect for adults. Brew a large batch of tea using orange pekoe tea bags and let it cool down. Once ready, mix in lemon juice and simple syrup to taste, then stir in the rum to give it a nice kick.
Chill the mixture before serving over ice, garnished with slices of lemon and fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and fragrance.
Fresh Grapefruit-Campari Cocktails
Sometimes, it’s exciting to experiment with new flavor combinations by pairing classic cocktails with seasonal ingredients. In this case, we’re blending the bitter and citrusy notes of a Negroni with the tangy sweetness of grapefruit. To make this refreshing cocktail, start by mixing equal parts of grapefruit juice and Campari in a large dispenser.
Rose Sangria with Nectarines and Strawberries
Just imagine sipping on a refreshing glass of homemade sangria, infused with the sweet flavors of floral and fruity rosé wine. To create this delightful drink, start by mixing the base of rosé wine with sliced nectarines, juicy strawberries, and a splash of lemon-lime soda. Once combined, let it chill in the refrigerator for a while before serving over ice and garnishing each glass with a strawberry half and a sprig of fresh mint for added flair.
Smoky Lemon Margarita
Head to the southwest for inspiration on how to elevate the classic margarita. Instead of using tequila, try incorporating mezcal into your recipe. This smoky spirit adds depth and complexity to the cocktail. To make a pitcher of mezcal margaritas, combine the spirit with lemon juice, orange liqueur, and agave syrup in a large mixing bowl. Fill glasses with ice and pour the mixture over the top, finishing each drink off with a charred orange half as garnish.
Strawberry Ginger Smash
Giving your Moscow Mule a twist is easier than you think, and it starts by creating a homemade strawberry syrup. To make this syrup, simply mash fresh strawberries with some minced ginger to bring out their natural sweetness and spiciness. Once you have your syrup ready, mix it with ginger beer and vodka for a delicious variation on the classic cocktail.
This sweet and spicy blend is perfect served over ice in copper mugs, but don’t forget to add a few strawberry fans as garnish for an extra touch of elegance. Get The Full Recipe
Aperol Jasmine Spritz
Gifting a refreshing twist to the classic Aperol spritz, we introduce the floral edition infused with jasmine syrup and sparkling wine. To create this unique flavor combination, start by making jasmine syrup by steeping dried jasmine flowers in sugar syrup. Combine the syrup with Aperol, club soda, and sparkling wine for an effervescent blend. Finally, serve over ice and garnish with a sprig of rosemary to complete the look.
Fizzy Fruit Punch
Unlock the sweet flavors of summer’s freshest fruits with this revitalizing fruity punch recipe. Unite a medley of chopped fruits such as juicy berries, ripe peaches, succulent pineapple, and luscious mango with refreshing orange and cherry juice. To give it a twist, top with sparkling water or ginger ale for a lighter version, or add a splash of rum or tequila for a more spirited take.
Hibiscus-Honey Iced Tea
Understandably, some people prefer to create their own unique blends, steeping hibiscus tea bags alongside orange pekoe tea leaves to craft a truly one-of-a-kind floral iced tea experience. To take it to the next level, consider sweetening with honey and adding a splash of rum for a perfectly refreshing summer drink. Serve over ice with lime wedges to add an extra touch of citrusy flair.
Celery-Lime Gimlet
Adding an unexpected depth to the classic gimlet, the combination of celery and lime creates a refreshing twist on this timeless cocktail. To start, gently press the leaves and tender stalks of celery together in a mixing glass with freshly squeezed lime juice and gin. Next, fill the mixing glass with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
Finally, strain the mixture into chilled glasses or mugs and garnish with additional celery ribs and lime wheels for a visually appealing finish.
Big-Batch Lemon-Mint Julep
Taking inspiration from classic mint julep recipes, it’s surprisingly easy to scale up production. To make a large batch, try infusing simple syrup with fresh mint leaves instead of just using it as an afterthought. Once the syrup is infused, pour it over bourbon in a large pitcher and give it a good stir. Then, fill your julep cups with crushed ice and pour the mixture in to taste. Don’t forget to garnish each cup with a sprig of fresh mint – you’ll need about 16 for a big batch!
Daniel Webster’s Punch
Elevate your next gathering or party with this classic boozy punch, which has its roots in the 1800s. Named after a famous statesman who adored it, this cocktail concoction combines oleo saccharum (a citrus syrup), black tea, rum, sherry, red wine, and an assortment of spices for a truly unique taste experience. To prepare this impressive drink, mix all the ingredients together in a large dispenser, then add a block of ice to chill it before serving.
Garnish with festive flair using citrus wheels, pineapple chunks, star anise, and freshly grated nutmeg to complete the look.
Pina Colada
Combine the exotic allure of the tropics with this timeless tiki drink, expertly recreated in punch form for a memorable gathering. In large batches, blend together pineapple juice, rich coconut milk, and rum to create a refreshing base, then pour over ice to serve. Garnish each glass with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, a few chunks of fresh pineapple, or a maraschino cherry for added flair.
Clerico
Surrounded by the vibrant colors and enticing aromas of fresh fruit, this Spanish punch is a refreshing twist on traditional cocktails. Combining white wine, brandy, and an abundance of chopped fruits such as peaches, strawberries, grapes, and banana, creates a delightful blend that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings. To prepare, combine all the ingredients in a large container and allow them to chill before serving over ice.
For added flair, garnish each glass with a slice of banana, creating a visually appealing presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
Negroni Sbagliato
Opening up a new take on the classic negroni cocktail, this refreshing variation incorporates prosecco and club soda into the original mix of Campari, sweet vermouth, and gin. To prepare, simply combine all the ingredients in batches before serving over ice, garnished with slices of orange and sprigs of fragrant rosemary for a delightful touch.
Boozy Frozen Lemonade
Combine refreshing summer flavors with a grown-up twist on classic frozen lemonade by mixing together lemon juice, vodka, and tarragon simple syrup. This makes for an effortless make-ahead option that’s perfect for hot days when you need a cool pick-me-up. To create these popsicles, simply pour the mixture into ice pop molds and freeze until solid. Once frozen, serve your adult-only lemonade pops chilled and garnished with a sprig of fresh tarragon for added flavor and visual appeal.
Lillet-Vodka Cocktails
Often overlooked in the world of mixology, Lillet is a French aperitif wine that deserves more recognition for its versatility in crafting unique cocktails. When paired with citrus vodka, it creates a refreshing and tangy flavor profile that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings or a light dinner party. To create this delightful cocktail, simply combine 2 oz of Lillet with 1.5 oz of citrus vodka, then mix with 4 oz of orange juice over ice in a shaker filled with ice.
Shake well to combine and strain into chilled glasses. Garnish each glass with an orange slice and a sprig of fresh basil for a pop of color and fragrance that elevates the overall experience.
Yellow Watermelon Margaritas
Awaken your taste buds to the sweetness of summer with a refreshing twist on the classic margarita. By combining the juiciness of yellow watermelon with the zing of lime syrup, the kick of tequila, and the subtle charm of elderflower liqueur, you’ll create a delightful drink that’s perfect for hot summer days. To make serving a breeze, simply blend all the ingredients together, then pour them into popsicle molds and freeze until solid.
Once frozen, pop out your treats and garnish with lime wheels for a vibrant touch.
