Don't play bartender all night! Instead, whip up one of these easy batch cocktails so everyone can serve themselves throughout the party.
22 Easy Batch Cocktails to Sip at Your Next Party
Published on Apr. 28, 2025
It’s fun to serve party guests a special cocktail. But standing over your bar cart all night? Not so much! That’s where the beauty of big-batch cocktails comes in. There’s still an exciting cocktail to sip on all night, but it’s made hours in advance, and guests can serve themselves. Easy!
Summery drinks are the main focus here. Bright, refreshing and served over ice, these easy batch cocktails are perfect for backyard barbecues, pool parties and summer holidays spent outside. I love to whip up easy batch cocktails for picnics, too, to make the outing feel that much more special. They just pair so well with summery picnic food ideas!
Flavor profiles abound, with lots of in-season fruit like berries, stone fruits and watermelons at the helm. (Any excuse to buy a summer watermelon, right?). I love enjoying them with one or two of our barbecue desserts. Lemon and lime-forward drinks are plentiful here, too, pairing well with barbecue recipes and that elusive bowl of esquites. Even Tajin makes an appearance, because we love a bit of spice in our cocktails.
While you’ll find many spiked big-batch cocktails, we’ve also included a few nonalcoholic options. When I throw a party, I always whip up nonalcoholic cocktails so anyone abstaining isn’t subjected to the kids’ cooler. Mix up our strawberry mocktail, sparkling lemonade or fruit punch so everyone can feel included.
1/22
Peach Sangria
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
5 min
Servings
about 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
White wine lovers will swoon for this crisp and gorgeous sangria. The star of the show is the sliced fruit, followed by a potent pop from peach schnapps. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 158 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
The scent of summer is a bushel of fresh peaches. Between peach schnapps and loads of fresh peaches (and an entire bottle of white wine), this gorgeous sangria is like sunshine in a glass.
2/22
Watermelon Mojito
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
We added watermelon to the classic mojito recipe for an extra sweet (and pink!) spin on the classic Cuban cocktail. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 171 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Watermelon cubes are freshly muddled for the truest watermelon flavor possible. If you don’t like the sediments sitting at the bottom of the glass, blend the watermelon cubes, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve and only use the watermelon juice instead. Turn the recipe into a batch cocktail by multiplying the ingredients based on how many servings you’ll need, then build everything in a pitcher instead of a glass.
3/22
Cucumber Margarita
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
A cool and refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, this cucumber margarita combines the bright flavors of lime and triple sec with the crisp and earthy flavors of cucumbers. The cucumbers provide enough sweetness that you can skip the simple syrup for this beverage! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 238 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
As if margaritas weren’t refreshing enough, cucumber juice lends its cooling, vegetal flavor to this iconic drink. It relies on the natural sugar found in tequila and lime to sweeten it ever so gently, but it’s more earthy than anything. Pair this tipple with grilled steak recipes and savory barbecue side dishes. For a batch cocktail version, multiply the ingredients based on how many servings you’re going to need, then build the recipe in a pitcher instead of in a cocktail shaker.
4/22
Spiked Lemonade
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings (about 2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Rum gives a tropical addition to this fabulous homemade lemonade. If you have vodka on hand, try that instead of the rum. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 296 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (56g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
A pitcher of lemonade evokes happy childhood memories. Add a splash of rum or vodka, and this nostalgic drink turns into a refreshing boozy sipper.
5/22
Strawberry Drink Mocktail
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
During the dog days of summer, my family looks for a cold, thirst-quenching drink. I like this strawberry cooler because it's sparkling, refreshing and fast and easy to make.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 116 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
While this strawberry drink is a mocktail at heart, you can easily add a smooth vodka, light rum or gin to this easy batch cocktail. The extra strawberry garnish is non-negotiable, though.
6/22
Margarita Sangria
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This sangria is reminiscent of a margarita with its tequila and agave kick! —Andrea Rivera, Westbury, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 204 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
My two favorite words! Margarita’s tequila and limes come together with sangria’s white wine and fruit to create this batched beverage.
7/22
Summertime Tea Mocktail
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can’t have a summer gathering around here without this sweet tea to cool you down. It’s wonderful for sipping while basking by the pool. —Angela Lively, Baxter, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup (calculated without tequila): 102 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
This nonalcoholic summertime tea makes 18 servings. It’s perfect for a get-together with the extended family, hosting a graduation party or any other excuse you can come up with to throw a backyard barbecue in the summer sun.
8/22
Cranberry Mimosa
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mimosas are just so elegant for Sunday brunch. My recipe uses tart cranberries to balance the sweetness of champagne and orange juice. —Shannon Stephens, Lake in the Hills, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 163 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
Mimosas are known for being so easy, they hardly need a recipe. Here, they get an upgrade with tart cranberries, creating a gorgeous sunset in the glass. But this addition still keeps the drink extremely easy. Puree orange juice, lemon juice and cranberries together. When you’re ready to serve, pour the juice into glasses and top with sparkling wine. (These are the best champagnes for mimosas.)
9/22
Rum Punch
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Similar to planter's punch, this sweet rum punch also includes orange juice. Add a cherry or pineapple garnish for a festive look. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 258 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
To make this rum punch for a crowd, multiply the recipe by the number of servings you need. Skip the cocktail shaker and ice. Instead, give the ingredients a good stir in a pitcher or punch bowl the night before. When it comes time to serve, pour the rum punch over plenty of ice, and have garnishes at the ready.
10/22
Fruit Punch Mocktail
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
5 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
This pink cooler is deliciously thirst-quenching on a warm day. Seeing its color, folks guess it might be pink lemonade. They're pleasantly surprised to discover the bubbly blend includes cranberry, pineapple, orange and lemon juices. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 105 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
If you haven’t heard, vintage recipes are in. Serve this big batch cocktail in the punch bowl that your grandmother passed down to you ages ago. This mocktail can be spiked if need be, or you can leave out a bottle of vodka nearby for anyone that wants in.
11/22
Mint Julep
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 cups syrup)
From the Recipe Creator:
It wouldn't be Kentucky Derby Day without this mint julep recipe! But, really, this Kentucky Derby mint julep recipe is good anytime. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 197 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
Even if you’re not throwing a Kentucky Derby party, a mint julep highlights all the best flavors and scents of spring and summer with real mint and a fruity bourbon that has notes of cherry and pear.
12/22
Kentucky Mule
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bourbon lovers will love this Kentucky mule recipe. It's the same as a Moscow mule, but replaces the vodka with bourbon. Serve the cocktail in a copper mug to keep it cold. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 169 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 12mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Kentucky mules one-up a mint julep with the fizzy addition of zippy ginger beer. If you’re batching this cocktail hours ahead of time, then don’t pour in the ginger beer until serving.
13/22
Bourbon Slush
Skill Level
Advanced
Total Time
10 min
Servings
24 servings (6 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
At our holiday parties, Bourbon Slush is definitely a favorite. Have fun experimenting with different teas when you make it. We like black tea, green tea and orange spice. —Darcene Sigler, Louisville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 196 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Bourbon slush is a summertime hero. The ingredients are not blended with ice; that would water it down! Instead, bourbon, frozen orange juice concentrate, lemonade concentrate and brewed tea are blended together and then frozen granita-style. Scoop into cups, pour lemon-lime soda on top and serve this cooling potion.
14/22
Tajin Limeade Mocktail
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tajin is a blend of chili peppers, salt and lime. I sprinkle it on a lot of food, but I've found it's really delicious in limeade. —Amanda Phillips, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 126 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 749mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Here, Tajin doesn’t just line the glass rim. We added an effortless extra step by making gorgeous ice cubes out of the spice and lime mixture, too. These two Tajin components add the perfect amount of heat without making guests sweat.
15/22
Coconut Mojito
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
A bubbly coconut mojito is the perfect drink to stir up when you want something light and refreshing. Made with the creaminess of cream of coconut and coconut rum, it gets a tropical spin from lime juice and a hint of freshness from mint. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 326 calories, 5g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Coconut, mint and lime—is there anything more refreshing than that? To turn this into a batch cocktail, multiply the recipe by how many servings you need, then build it in a pitcher instead of a glass, leaving out the club soda and ice. Cover and refrigerate the pitcher before the party starts. When ready to serve, pour in glasses over ice, then top each one with the club soda.
16/22
Mixed Berry Sangria
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a light, tasty beverage to serve with spoons so everyone can enjoy the fresh berries once the sangria is gone. — Linda Cifuentes, Mahomet, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 134 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
Sparkling white wine (like Prosecco or Champagne) mix with white cranberry juice, light rum and a mixture of summer berries in this crisp and refreshing sangria. I like to lightly freeze the berries so they act as extra ice cubes without watering down the drink.
17/22
Sparkling Lemonade Mocktail
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Who doesn't love chilled lemonade on a hot summer day? Made with club soda, this version is slightly bubbly and bursting with citrus flavor. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 313 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 26mg sodium, 83g carbohydrate (77g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
The quick addition of club soda turns ordinary lemonade into a drink that feels extra special. While you can keep this as a mocktail, feel free to add in vodka.
18/22
Rose Wine Cocktail
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an easy way to dress up wine for a party. Other fruit, like watermelon balls or sliced peaches, can be used in place of the strawberry slices. —Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 122 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
When wine is mixed with other ingredients, there’s no need to splurge on a good bottle. Grab the best rose under $15 for this batch cocktail, and mix it with the homemade raspberry-grape syrup and the fresh strawberries.
19/22
Easy White Sangria
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Using white wine makes my version of sangria a little lighter, yet it still has the same wonderful sweetness. Frozen fruit allows me to serve this any time of year. Nothing beats this white sangria recipe. —Sharon Tipton, Orlando, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 147 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
Let’s face it: Sangria recipes make the perfect big batch summer cocktail, especially a light sangria like this. Here, frozen fruit keeps the sangria nice and cool without watering it down as ice would.
20/22
Caipirinha
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
The essential ingredient in this Brazilian cocktail is Cachaca, a liquor made fresh sugarcane juice. Its distinctive herbal flavors pair perfectly with fresh lime. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 165 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Caipirinhas are like mintless mojitos. Think of this popular Brazilian drink as more tart-sweet than earthy-sweet. Paired with a grilled steak, it’s unbeatable.
21/22
Summertime Watermelon Punch for a Crowd
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
30 min
Servings
32 servings (6 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I attended a patio party years ago where the hostess had a clever watermelon bowl with a scalloped edge and filled with this punch. It was the hit of the party, and she was kind enough to share the delicious punch recipe with me. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 81 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
You won’t believe just how well watermelon, white wine, ginger ale and orange juice can work together in a cocktail. You’ll probably need an entire watermelon for this one (that’s around 10 pounds), but it’s easy to halve the recipe if needed.
22/22
Citrus & White Grape Juice Party Punch Mocktail
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
5 min
Servings
32 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I was looking for a punch that wouldn't stain expensive prom dresses and tuxedos. Everyone loved this! You can mix the first four ingredients ahead of time, refrigerate and add the soda right before serving. —Karen Ballance, Wolf Lake, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 119 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 17mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Just look at those colors! It really can’t get any easier than this. The recipe calls for white grape juice, but you can sub in white wine, if desired.
Easy Batch Cocktails FAQ
Can you make sparkling big-batch cocktails ahead of time without the carbonation falling flat?
Yes! Follow the directions all the way through, but don’t add the carbonated drink. Refrigerate the batch cocktail until you’re ready to serve. Come party time, pour the carbonation into the pitcher or simply top off each drink with the carbonation. Leaving out the carbonated portion until the very last moment keeps it fizzy and fresh.
How can you securely transport these picnic drinks?
If your pitcher doesn’t have a secure top, pour the batch cocktail into mason jars with a screw-top lid. Those will contain the liquid well. Once you arrive at the picnic or party, pour the liquid into the pitcher to serve.
How far in advance should you make batch cocktails?
The furthest ahead of time you should make your batch cocktail recipe is the day before serving. However, if the recipe contains fresh fruit or herbs, wait to add those components into the pitcher until a few hours before serving. Otherwise, they will break down, making the drink look cloudy and unappetizing. And as mentioned above, don’t add any carbonated portion until you’re ready to serve.
