Cocktails for a crowd: 3 Drinks You Can Make Ahead of Time
Jump to Recipe
Photo Credit: Tom Pumford
When it comes to home entertaining, the advice I always give is simple— do as many things in advance as possible. From decor and setup to making playlists--anything you can do in advance will save you time and stress the day of your event. What’s something I like to take care of in advance when I’m entertaining? I pre-make my cocktails.
Pre-making or batching cocktails is a sure fire way to save time and make sure the drinks never stop flowing. Batch cocktails can be made up to a day in advance and stored in a closed container like a pitcher or jug overnight to chill. And they’re perfect for holiday gatherings big or small.
Gatherings for the holiday season might look a little different this year. But if you are hosting a small group of friends and family, I highly recommend batch cocktails. Not only does pre-making drinks make hosting less stressful, it takes the focus off of mixing and serving. And puts it where it should be-on loved ones. And most importantly, your guests can pour for themselves so you don’t get stuck behind the bar all night.
So I’m blessing you with 3 easy batch cocktail recipes you can make ahead of time. These cocktails for a crowd are guaranteed to please. And will solidify your spot as hostess with the mostest.
CRAN-GINGER PUNCH
Makes 1 Pitcher (about 4 servings)
Ingredients:
1 cup cranberry juice
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup lime juice
1/4 cup simple syrup
1 cup vodka
1 cup ginger beer
Find the recipe here.
APPLE CIDER SANGRIA
Makes 1 Pitcher (about 6 servings)
Ingredients:
3 cinnamon sticks
2 apples, chopped
1 orange, sliced
1 (750ml) bottle of any red wine
1 3/4 cups cider ( recommend Trader Joe’s Spiced Cider)
1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tbsp agave or other sweetener
juice from 1 lemon
See the full recipe here.
ELDERFLOWER RUM FIZZ
Makes 1 Pitcher (about 4 servings)
Ingredients:
1 cup elderflower liqueur (i.e. St. Germain)
1/2 cup lime juice
1 1/2 cups light rum
1 cup of water
sparkling wine
Find the recipe here.
There are many elements of home entertaining that can cause stress. What your guests are drinking shouldn’t be one of them. Batch your cocktails for your next event so you can have one less thing to worry about. And you can spend more time with the people you love. Since we can’t see our loved ones as often as we’d like, those moments without distraction are so important-now more than ever before.
