16 Big Batch Cocktails for Any Type of Get-Together

When you're planning a party or holiday dinner, why spend time offering individual drinks to everyone at the table? Cocktails are easy to serve in large quantities—you can make a batch ahead of time and let the flavors develop while accommodating many people, all at once. Big-batch drinks (including favorites like pitchers of sangria or bowls of punch) are just as easy to whip up as any other option—you just need the right recipes to get you started. One of our favorites? This fun spin on a classic '90s cocktail. The Cosmopolitan gets a make over when mixed with ginger ale. Limes and oranges help add bright, citrus flavor while cranberry juice adds the nostalgic pink color. The whole batch gets cooled down with a frozen ring of tart cranberries.

Cocktail presentation doesn’t get much cuter than this. The whimsical, large-batch cocktail is perfect for summer, thanks to the frozen melon balls that add a pop of color and help keep the drink cool while serving. The simple drink is made from vodka and orange liqueur mixed with seltzer, all served in a makeshift gumball machine.

This super simple cocktail recipe is fruity and refreshing, which means it’s perfect for any time of year. While pomegranate is typically a winter fruit, the rich, boldly-flavored juice is just as delicious in summer or spring as it is in winter or fall. Mint adds the perfect kick to this tequila-based batch cocktail.

Sangria always tastes better when it’s made in advance so the flavors have time to marinate and develop. This recipe takes just 10 minutes to throw together, but the longer you let the apples, peaches, raspberries and citrus sit with the wine, calvados and sugar, the more delicious it will taste. Serve with a little sparkling water on top of each glass.

Though mojitos are usually associate with summertime, they’re super refreshing any time of year. In fact, this recipe would be perfect for a holiday brunch thanks to the addition of festive flavors from cranberries and mint. Simply mix together the simple ingredients then place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill. When ready to serve, top with sparkling water or ginger ale and a sprig of mint.

Long Island iced tea is a refreshing drink no matter where you live. Instead of the traditional sour mix, we’ve swapped in bright, vibrant grapefruit juice for a flavorful kick. The party classic can be made ahead of time too, but be sure to add in the cola just before serving.

This fun cocktail recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare, and requires another 15 minutes of cooling time in the refrigerator. Light and dark rum combine with orange juice, coconut water, grenadine, pineapple juice and sugar to make a hearty beverage that’s perfect for sharing. Garnish with maraschino cherries for extra sweet flavor.

What happens when you combine a margarita and sangria? This fruity, potent punch! Lime combines with pineapple and orange juice to create a flavorful drink that’s easy to sip on a hot summer day. Serve with a homemade lime-pineapple iceberg that melts more slowly than standard ice cubes.

If you’re looking to make a delicious cocktail that’s a little fancier than other big batch drinks, look to this blueberry ginger mojito recipe. A homemade simple syrup sweetens the vodka-based drink, while grated ginger adds zippy spice. Blueberries, mint and limes add extra fresh flavor to the pitcher of refreshing mojitos.

This classic cocktail gets a fun spin when mixed with the traditional Italian aperitif, Aperol. It’s a fun and fruity take on the bourbon-based drink, and a ring of cherry ice makes a festive garnish. This easy recipe can yield up to 56 servings, so it’s perfect for serving at a big party.

This refreshing drink requires just five ingredients and can be made in five minutes flat. Bourbon, elderflower liqueur, grapefruit juice and sparkling water combine to make a drink that’s flavorful and refreshing all at the same time. Garnish with sliced grapefruit rounds for extra color and flavor.

Ready in just 10 minutes, this fruity drink is perfect for entertaining. Light and dark rums combine with passion fruit juice, pineapple juice, orange juice and grenadine to make a drink that’s strong and flavorful. Don’t forget the almond extract—it adds a bit of nuttiness that adds the perfect complement to all those fruity flavors.

Bloody Mary’s are a brunch party staple, but why make individual drinks when you can make one big pitcher for sharing? This recipe includes all the classic ingredients—like tomato juice, horseradish, celery seeds and Worcestershire sauce—all mixed together in one big batch. That way, the flavors have an opportunity to mix together and you save yourself time prepping and cleaning up.

Hard cider is perfect for sipping on a cozy fall day, and this recipe takes full advantage of an appliance most of us already have in our kitchens—the slow cooker! It’s an easy make-ahead cocktail that stays warm and helps your home smell delicious. Be sure to add the alcohol just before serving to preserve its potency.

When thinking about big batch cocktails, sangria is the drink that most often comes to mind. This recipe combines two types of wine with citrus-flavored rum, all of which marinates together with fresh fruit like pineapple chunks, limes, lemons, grapes, oranges and Granny Smith apples. Let the fruit sit with the wine for about two hours, then serve over ice.