Food Recipe Collections & Favorites 9 Big Batch Cocktails Guaranteed to Delight a Crowd Whip up one of these large batch cocktails or punch recipes pre-festivities, and you'll be free to join the celebration. By Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on December 3, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Repeat after us: You are the host, not the bartender. But the best way to make sure you don't get trapped mixing drinks all night is to plan ahead, and the best way to plan ahead where bartending is concerned is to turn to big batch drinks and punch recipes. To get you out from behind the bar—with a drink in hand, of course—we've devised a roster of supersized, festive cocktails ranging from a refreshing Minty Moscow Mule to an icy Hard Cider Slush designed to fuel your holiday revelry (or any sort of festivities) without ever requiring a cocktail shaker, a bar spoon, or a muddler. These batch cocktails range from the sweet to the complex, so there's sure to be a drink to suit your taste—and the vibe of the party. The cocktail mixer options range, too, so your favorite is sure to be included somewhere. And because big batch recipes are so generously proportioned, if you want to make yours a little stronger or a little weaker, you're free to do so. Now go forth and mix. 18 Refreshing Cocktails for Summertime Entertaining 01 of 09 Bourbon-Campari Punch Christopher Testani This festive holiday drink (on the right) is pretty to look at (thanks to pomegranate juice) and sweet-tart to drink. Bourbon-Campari Punch 02 of 09 Red Sangria With Blackberries Any red wine works for this sangria. Then add a bit of Brandy, sugar, club soda and lots of fresh fruit. Red Sangria With Blackberries 03 of 09 Rum and Pineapple Punch Robyn Lee This pineapple punch actually has an apple cider base and gets its kick from both rum and brandy. Rum and Pineapple Punch 04 of 09 Gin-Cider Punch Christopher Testani This crisp, refreshing drink (on the left) is made with apple cider, gin, and elderflower. Garnish with apples and lemon rounds, Gin-Cider Punch 05 of 09 Golden Ginger-Lemon Vodka Punch Victor Protasio Talk about a big batch drink: This pretty yellow punch recipe yields 16 cups, so you can hydrate (sort of) a crowd with just twenty minutes of work. The drink does need to chill for at least two hours, so plan ahead with your prep before you start sampling. Golden Ginger-Lemon Vodka Punch 06 of 09 Hard Cider Slushie J Muckle; Styling: Rebekah Peppler Part slushie, part serious cocktail, this cider- and bourbon-spiked treat is guaranteed to get even the most self-serious "grown-ups" grinning. Prep the shaved ice the night before and when it comes to party time, all you'll have to do is scoop and pour. Boozy Apple Cider Slushie 07 of 09 Holiday Punch Jennifer Causey This Caribbean-inspired punch was created with the holidays in mind, but you can enjoy this dark, complex drink any time of year. The ingredient list is a little long (nine ingredients, including three types of alcohol), but with a 25-serving yield, it's well worth the trip to the store. Holiday Punch 08 of 09 Minty Moscow Mule Punch J Muckle; Styling: Rebekah Peppler While every bit as smooth and refreshing as the classic vodka cocktail that inspired it, this party-sized version of the Moscow Mule adds one upgrade: a subtle, cool, and inviting note of mint. The spicier your ginger beer, the more fire and bite your punch will have—so choose accordingly. Minty Moscow Mule Punch 09 of 09 White Negroni Punch J Muckle; Styling: Rebekah Peppler This electric twist on the Negroni swaps a yellow-hued French herbal liqueur, Suze, in place of the traditional, ruby red Campari—but still maintains the cocktail's signature well-balanced bitterness. If Suze is hard to find in your area, other fortified aperitifs like Cocchi Americano or Lillet Blanc can be used in its place, though with slightly sweeter results. White Negroni Punch Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit