If you’re anything like us, you’re going to be hosting (or attending) at least a handful of holiday gatherings in the next few weeks. On top of the appetizers, heavy meals, and lively conversation with friends and family, it’s also a great time of year for cocktails.
In my years of writing about (and drinking) alcohol, I’ve realized one important thing when it comes to holiday get-togethers. Nobody wants to spend the whole evening making cocktails after cocktail for their guests. Constantly shaking up drinks is a sure-fire way to miss out on all the seasonal revelry and conversations about holidays past.
Lucky for you, this is where large-batch cocktails come in. As the name suggests, a large-batch cocktail is a premixed, larger version of your favorite mixed drink. Often prepared and served in a pitcher or punch bowl, this cocktail format is the perfect choice for winter soirees. The best part? There are many classic drinks to choose from.
The best large batch cocktails
Now that you’ve learned about the appeal of large batch cocktails during the holidays (and beyond), it’s time to find some make for your guests. Below, you’ll find some of the easiest large-batch cocktails. As a bonus, we’ve included the ingredients for each and simple, step-by-step directions.
Margarita
Ingredients:
4 cups Blanco tequila
2 cups Cointreau
2 cups freshly squeezed lime juice
½ cup agave syrup
Preparation: In a glass pitcher, pour in the Blanco tequila, Cointreau, freshly squeezed lime juice, and agave syrup. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until guests arrive. When ready to serve, rub a lime wedge around the rim of every glass and dip it in salt. Add ice and pour in the premade Margarita.
Bloody Mary
Ingredients:
4 cups tomato juice
2 cups vodka
1.5 ounces Worcestershire sauce
1.5 ounces fresh lemon juice
1.5 ounces horseradish
½ ounce hot sauce
2 dashes celery salt
2 dashes cracked black pepper
Preparation: Pour the tomato juice, Worcestershire, horseradish, lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, celery salt, cracked black pepper, and vodka into a large glass pitcher. Stir gently to combine. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before your party. Pour into pint glasses. Garnish with a celery stick.
Salty Dog
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh grapefruit juice
2 cups of vodka
Coarse salt
Lime wedge
Club soda topper
Preparation: Pour fresh grapefruit juice and vodka into a large glass pitcher. Stir to combine, cover, and refrigerate until your guests arrive. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a glass, then dip it in coarse salt. Pour in the premade Salty Dog cocktail. Top with club soda and a lime wheel.
Mojito
Ingredients:
2 cups white rum
2 cups club soda
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup fresh lime juice
1 cup mint leaves
Lime wheels
Preparation: In a large glass pitcher, gently muddle the sugar and mint leaves. Add lime juice and muddle gently. Pour in the rum and club soda. Stir gently to combine everything. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Pour into ice-filled rocks or Old Fashioned glasses. Garnish with a lime wheel.
