21 Big-Batch Cocktails for Stress-Free Entertaining
Shaking individual drinks for each person at a party isn’t every host’s idea of fun. Planning ahead with big-batch cocktails means that guests can serve themselves, and the host can actually have a good time too. Below you'll find some of our favorite pitcher cocktails and punches, plus some drinks you can put in a swing-top bottle and stash in your fridge or freezer. (Think of it like meal prepping for happy hour.) There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re looking for cocktails made with gin, whiskey, mezcal, amaro, brandy, or rum.
Photo by Kelly Puleio1/21Sneaky Peat
Our digital director knows a thing or two about batch cocktails—she actually wrote a book about them a few years back. Consider this recipe your free preview: This smoky, tart, and softly-spiced fall drink comes from Laura Newman of Queen’s Park in Birmingham, Alabama. It'd make a perfect Thanksgiving cocktail or holiday punch.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell2/21Scotchy Boulevardiers for a Crowd
Mix this simple 4-ingredient cocktail and stash it in a quart-size jar in your freezer. If you like to drink a negroni but you're feeling like whiskey, this is the one for you.
3/21Everything Good Cocktail
This orange-tinged mezcal cocktail is the perfect after-dinner drink for a gathering. It's especially wonderful with a slice of pie.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell5/21Pomegranate Prosecco Punch
Photo by Kelly Puleio6/21Islay and Olive
Martinis are great make-ahead drinks. This variation goes super-savory and briny, pairing vodka with a touch of scotch and olives four ways.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne7/21Aperitif Scorpion Bowls
Lower-ABV communal drinks are ideal for a mellow and lengthy gathering. This one pairs sweet vermouth and whatever amaro you have, plus bitters and sparkling water.
Photo by Alice Gao, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Diana Yen8/21Champagne Punch with Ginger, Lemon, and Sage
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Astrid Chastka, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell10/21Raspberry and Thyme Hot Toddy Punch
As winter arrives, you need to start thinking about hot cocktails for a crowd. This warming punch has a touch of raspberry liqueur, plus rye whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and black tea for balance.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Anna Surbatovich, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson11/21Thanksgiving Sangria
Photo by Peden & Munk13/21Batched Manhattan
Manhattans for everyone! This classy, no-fuss version of the drink features bourbon, but you can also make it with rye.
