You know the cocktails that make guests swoon, "That's so pretty!" Well, these are them—and they're remarkably easy to make, even if you're expecting a crowd. With fresh fruit, liqueurs, and all sorts of garnishes, these pitcher drinks for a party bring color and festive flavor to your gathering, in quantities large enough to quench a thirsty group. Scroll through these easy big-batch cocktail recipes, and you'll discover both perfected classics and exciting new flavors. Now grab your favorite cocktail pitcher or a large drink dispenser, and let's get the party started.
Sangria
No collection of cocktails for a crowd would be complete without a ruby-red sangria recipe. With brandy, red wine, and two hits of lemon for extra refreshment, this is a party pitcher drink you'll turn to again and again.
Apposta Cocktail
Try this Italian drink recipe, and you'll stop your search for big-batch cocktails that include gin. This baby has everything going for it: gin, Aperol (a refreshing bitter-orange aperitif), vermouth, and citrus, plus an unmistakable Italian essence. And it's perfect for a crowd: This recipe puts the "big" in big-batch cocktails—it serves 12 (although you can easily scale it back for a smaller gathering).
Big-Batch Margaritas
Some guests love inventive craft cocktails, others prefer sticking with the tried-and-true. For the latter crowd, choose a classic pitcher cocktail recipe such as this traditional margarita. If you're expecting a more adventurous group, tweak this recipe with fresh watermelon juice.
White Cucumber Sangria
How do you make one of the world's most refreshing pitcher cocktails? Start with some of the most refreshing ingredients. Honeydew melon, cucumber, mint, lime, and Sauvignon Blanc (the crispest of crisp wines) team up for one of our most thirst-quenching summer party cocktails ever.
Rosé-Cucumber Cooler
Slightly citrusy and a wee bit floral, elderflower liqueur has been called bartender's bacon because, like bacon, it greatly enhances anything it touches. It's no surprise that the liqueur works beautifully in pitcher drinks for a party. Add it to rosé wine with a little lemon juice for a guaranteed head-turner. For a coordinated look serve the cocktails from a pitcher with matching drinkware.
Sparkling Golden Sangria
Unite the warmth of the sun with the coolness of a breeze. This beachy cocktail includes orange liqueur and mint—among other enticing ingredients—for the perfect summer sipper. This sparkling summer cocktail can be made up to 24 hours ahead so the flavors have time to meld.
Tea-Gin Splash
Spike your iced tea to make this satisfying big-batch gin cocktail. Lemon juice, tea, club soda, and gin combine to create a summery concoction that mingles well with fresh fruit and cucumber slices. For a wilder-tasting sip, use a botanical gin rather than a dry gin. Tasty options come from Scotland, Ireland, and California.
Pepino Punch
The dilemma: You're hosting Taco Tuesday, but you want a big-batch cocktail that goes beyond the usual margarita. The solution: the Pepino. This ultra-contemporary cocktail has the sweet-tart angle common to batch summer cocktails but with an ultra-fresh touch of cucumber and the spice of jalapeño.
Strawberry Sangria
Pitcher drinks for a party are even better when they make the most of your trip to the farmers market. When strawberries are at their ripest, bring home a few pints and plunk them into this colorful beverage. Because it doesn't include a brandy (the high-proof ingredient in many sangria pitcher drinks), this recipe is a good choice for day-drinking.
The Porcupine
Thanks to two hits of pineapple—one in the juice and the other as a garnish—drinking this will make you'll feel like you've landed in Hawaii. The fizz comes from a couple of our favorite bubble-makers for pitcher cocktails: prosecco and pale ale beer.
Bourbon Strawberry Smash
Pairing bourbon with fruit is not a novel idea (think of the cherries and oranges in a classic old-fashioned). But with this cocktail pitcher recipe, we've refreshed the combo with strawberries and lemon. Muddled mint adds a cooling touch.
Vodka Lemonade
On the steamiest of summer nights, this vodka pitcher drink is certain to hit the spot. Go the extra mile by squeezing your own fresh lemon juice—your efforts will be rewarded with bright and tangy results. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and cute paper straws.
Watermelon Margarita
Orange liqueur plays up the fruity flavors of this frozen big-batch margarita, which is packed with five cups of fresh seedless watermelon. For extra credit, chill pieces of watermelon a few hours before you serve the drink to use as ice cubes. That way, none of the flavors of this luscious frozen delight will be diluted.
Pineapple-Ginger Punch
If you've never had fresh ginger in a beverage, prepare to fall in love. We adore the way it adds tingle to cocktails. This punch is actually a mocktail, so it will be much appreciated by your guests who don't drink alcohol (although you can add rum or pineapple-flavored vodka if you prefer).
Basil Lemon Drop
If you like lemon drop martinis, this is the party drink for you. Homemade basil simple syrup layers on flavor in this pitcher drink. The herb's minty, clove-like flavor pairs with the sweet vodka lemonade for a complex cocktail.
Peach Aperol Punch
A full pound of fresh summer peaches is the start of this pitcher cocktail recipe. Simmer them with basil and sugar to create a sweet puree. Add in gin, Aperol, sparkling water, and fresh fruit to round out this easy summer drink idea.
