A party isn’t really a party without some crowd pleasing cocktails. No matter the reason for your event, most guests want to have a yummy drink to enjoy while they mingle and eat snacks.
While throwing a party has many obvious advantages (no need for a designated driver, you choose all the delicious foods, you control the guest list, etc.) there are a couple of drawbacks, including the fact that you’re the official bartender for the night.
Serving mixed drinks at a party can be pretty tricky, not to mention time consuming. Although we know the bartender is often the lynchpin of a successful party, you organized this party to spend time with some of your favorite people, not get stuck behind the bar. It’s time to take all the work out of bartending by learning the art of big batch cocktails – large batches of mixed drinks that you simply make before the party that will hopefully last all night long (although these cocktail recipes are so yummy, there's no guarantee). It’s entertaining at it’s easiest.
These big batch cocktail recipes are worth checking out, especially if you’d rather be spending time with your guests instead of mixing drinks in the kitchen.
Try any of these 27 delicious cocktail recipes and you’re guest will be so delighted, they’ll never want to leave.
Blood Orange Mimosa
A traditional mimosa is an ounce or two (depending who is pouring!) of fresh-squeezed orange juice topped with chilled Brut Champagne but in this recipe you replace those navel oranges with the brilliantly-hued juice from blood oranges. This makes a striking and delicious pitcher drink to serve at your next event.
Via The Kitchn
Fresh Watermelon Mojitos
These Watermelon Mojitos are incredible easy to make, only 6 ingredients and are a perfect refreshing, minty summer cocktail!
Sangria Tinto
While there are many, many, many recipes for sangria out there, nothing beats this simple, classic one. You know it’s going to be delicious every single time.
Vodka mint lemonade or limeade
Easy recipe for vodka mint lemonade or limeade, this refreshing summer cocktail is made with limes or lemons, fresh mint, sugar or honey, water, ice and vodka to taste.
Via Laylita
Pink-A-Colada
Cranberry juice lends a pinkish tint to this cocktail and contributes to its name—Pink-a-Colada. Brighten up this refreshing beverage with fresh fruit and edible flowers.
Via My Recipes
Hard Cider Slush
What could better than a beer slushie? A hard cider slushie of course! Something a touch sweeter and fresher tasting.
Via Real Simple
Basic Bloody Mary
This Bloody Mary mix sticks to the basics: tomato juice, horseradish, hot sauce, celery salt, and Worcestershire sauce. It makes a balanced drink with citrusy brightness and a little heat.
Via Chowhound
Meyer Lemon Whiskey Sours
Need an easy batch cocktail for your next party? These Meyer Lemon Whiskey Sours are simple, seasonal and totally refreshing, especially when paired with some delicious party food.
Apple and Pear Green Sangria
This sweet and tart Sangria smells as good as it tastes. As you take a sip, you get the fragrance of fresh apple cider and crisp sweet pears. You also get a little crunchy snack when you get to the bottom!
Bourbon Peach Lemonade Punch
Bourbon Peach Lemonade Punch with fresh peaches and mint. Make before your event for the sweetness and fragrance of the peaches to infuse the entire punch with flavor.
Pineapple Lime Cooler
Celebrate warmer breezes by sharing a tropical combo: pineapple, lime and just the right amount of tequila.
Bahamian Blaster Party Punch
Bahamian Blaster Party Punch is a simple dump and stir recipe, that is fabulous for all your events and gatherings. The recipe makes a huge 2 gallon batch and can be kept refrigerated for several weeks, so you can use it at more than one party…if there happens to be any left!
Punch Parker
A delightfully fruity summer drink with a kick. With oranges, lemons, limes, raspberries, and pineapple, it’s practically a fruit salad.
Via Food & Wine
Ginger Mojitos for a Crowd
Infusing lots of mint and freshly grated ginger into a simple syrup takes the muddling out of these Mojitos. Since the base of the cocktail is made in advance, all you have to do is add ice and club soda—perfect for parties or your next tailgate.
Via Chowhound
Hot Apple Pie Punch
This awesome crockpot punch is always the hit of the party. Be prepared to give out the recipe.
Via Food.com
Watermelon Hibiscus Lime Cooler
Watermelon Hibiscus Coolers are so refreshing, so perfectly sweet and aromatic and a beautifully impressive, refreshing treat when you have guests.
Via Tasty Yummies
Green Tomato Bloody Mary
A spin on the traditional Bloody Mary, made with green tomatoes and other yummy veggies.
Via Baked In
Coconut Rum Punch
Coconut Rum Punch – a delicious combination of tropical flavors and coconut rum make one mighty tasty party drink!
Via A Night Owl Blog
The Porcupine
This sunny cocktail tastes like Hawaii in a glass, thanks to two hits of pineapple: one in the juice and the other as a garnish. Pale ale and Prosecco create the bubbly base.
Via BHG
Horse and Carriage Chamomile and Gin Punch
You have to try this lightly sweet, effervescent gin-based punch made with chamomile tea and sparkling wine. It was inspired by classic holiday punches but is easily adapted to any season—try it in fall garnished with apples, pears, and cinnamon sticks; in winter with citrus slices and pomegranate; and in spring with edible flowers.
Via Saveur
Sweet Tea Sangria with Fresh Peaches and Raspberries
Sweet Tea Sangria is one of those easy recipes that is so easy to make yet so good that you’ll be making it again and again. Perfect for BBQ’s, brunches or showers.
Strawberry Margarita Punch
Delicious and easy Strawberry Margarita Punch is the perfect cocktail to make for a crowd! Easily made kid friendly by leaving out the tequila.
Blue Hawaiian
A Blue Hawaiian is a delicious drink just teeming with booze. It has rum, blue curaçao, sweet n sour, vodka, and pineapple juice.
Via Haute Dish Blog
Kalimotxo
Just the right mix of sweet and tart, the Kalimotxo makes a surprising (and surprisingly sophisticated) addition to any holiday bar—especially when dressed up with a ruby red maraschino cherry ice ring.
Via Real Simple
Black Rosé
Vodka, rosé wine, blackberries, and lime. A stunning combination…yummers.
Via Chowhound
Prosecco Margaritas
There is just nothing like a crisp, cold margarita to sip on while enjoying a Mexican meal. Both sweet and tart, this bevvy contrasts in the most beautiful way with the flavors and spices of Mexican cuisine.
Red Wine Blackberry Ginger Cocktail
Fruity, fresh, and tart, with a swift kick of ginger — this blackberry and pomegranate cocktail may also be the most crowd-pleasing of the pack.
Via The Kitchn
Save your sanity at your next party by having a few of these make-ahead big batch cocktails mixed and ready to serve.
