You know the co*cktails that make guests swoon, "That's so pretty!" Well, these are them—and they're remarkably easy to make, even if you're expecting a crowd. With fresh fruit, liqueurs, and all sorts of garnishes, these pitcher drinks for a party bring color and festive flavor to your gathering, in quantities large enough to quench a thirsty group. Scroll through these easy big-batch co*cktail recipes, and you'll discover both perfected classics and exciting new flavors. Now grab your favorite co*cktail pitcher or a large drink dispenser (like this Better Homes & Gardens 2 Gallon Glass Beverage Dispenser, $13, Walmart), and let's get the party started.
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Sangria
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No collection of co*cktails for a crowd would be complete without a ruby-red sangria recipe. With brandy, red wine, and two hits of lemon for extra refreshment, this is a party pitcher drink you'll turn to again and again.
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Apposta co*cktail
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Try this Italian drink recipe, and you'll stop your search for big-batch co*cktails that include gin. This baby has everything going for it: gin, Aperol (a refreshing bitter-orange aperitif), vermouth, and citrus, plus an unmistakable Italian essence. And it's perfect for a crowd: This recipe puts the "big" in big-batch co*cktails—it serves 12 (although you can easily scale it back for a smaller gathering).
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Grilled Peach Frappé
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When the temperature rises and you're looking for refreshing big-batch summer co*cktails, pick up some peaches. Grill the fruit, then toss those juicy lovelies in a blender with fresh lemon, sugar, and a swig of Southern Comfort for one of our coolest (and most creative) pitcher co*cktails yet.
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Orange-Ginger Pomegranate Punch
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Here's a fun make-at-home co*cktail featuring fall and winter flavors: This seasonal punch is built around tart pomegranate juice, along with orange liqueur, Prosecco, and fresh ginger. Give your party pitcher drink an herbal finish with some sprigs of rosemary.
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Big-Batch Margaritas
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Some guests love inventive craft co*cktails, others prefer sticking with the tried-and-true. For the latter crowd, choose a classic pitcher co*cktail recipe such as this traditional margarita. If you're expecting a more adventurous group, tweak this recipe with fresh watermelon juice.
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White Cucumber Sangria
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How do you make one of the world's most refreshing pitcher co*cktails? Start with some of the most refreshing ingredients. Honeydew melon, cucumber, mint, lime, and Sauvignon Blanc (the crispest of crisp wines) team up for one of our most thirst-quenching summer party co*cktails ever.
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Rosé-Cucumber Cooler
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Slightly citrusy and a wee bit floral, elderflower liqueur has been called bartender's bacon because, like bacon, it greatly enhances anything it touches. It's no surprise that the liqueur works beautifully in pitcher drinks for a party. Add it to rosé wine with a little lemon juice for a guaranteed head-turner. For a coordinated look serve the co*cktails from a pitcher with matching drinkware (similar to this Better Homes & Gardens Sage 2.2-Quart Plastic Ribbed Pitcher Set with Tumblers, $17, Walmart).
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Sparkling Golden Sangria
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Unite the warmth of the sun with the coolness of a breeze. This beachy co*cktail includes orange liqueur and mint—among other enticing ingredients—for the perfect summer sipper. This sparkling co*cktail can be made up to 24 hours ahead so the flavors have time to meld.
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Apple-Cinnamon Winter Sangria
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Fruity party pitcher drinks aren't just for summer. They're handy for winter gatherings, too, especially when the party's rife with salty snacks, warming fires, and happy holiday revelers. In this case, dried fruits and cinnamon add a seasonal angle to sangria.
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Spicy Beer Mary
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Beer co*cktails are usually lower in alcohol than spirits, which makes them terrific for late-morning gatherings. This brunch co*cktail pitcher combines your favorite savory bloody mary flavors—tomato, Worcestershire, and hot sauce, to name a few— with lager or pilsner beer rather than vodka.
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Tea-Gin Splash
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Spike your iced tea to make this satisfying big-batch gin co*cktail. Lemon juice, tea, club soda, and gin combine to create a summery concoction that mingles well with fresh fruit and cucumber slices. For a wilder-tasting sip, use a botanical gin rather than a dry gin. Tasty options come from Scotland, Ireland, and California.
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Pepino Punch
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The dilemma: You're hosting Taco Tuesday, but you want a big-batch co*cktail that goes beyond the usual margarita. The solution: the Pepino. This ultra-contemporary co*cktail has the sweet-tart angle common to batch summer co*cktails but with an ultra-fresh touch of cucumber and the spice of jalapeño.
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Strawberry Sangria
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Pitcher drinks for a party are even better when they make the most of your trip to the farmers market. When strawberries are at their ripest, bring home a few pints and plunk them into this colorful beverage. Because it doesn't include a brandy (the high-proof ingredient in many sangria pitcher drinks), this recipe is a good choice for day-drinking.
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The Porcupine
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Thanks to two hits of pineapple—one in the juice and the other as a garnish—drinking this will make you'll feel like you've landed in Hawaii. The fizz comes from a couple of our favorite bubble-makers for pitcher co*cktails: prosecco and pale ale beer.
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Bourbon Strawberry Smash
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Pairing bourbon with fruit is not a novel idea (think of the cherries and oranges in a classic old-fashioned). But with this co*cktail pitcher recipe, we've refreshed the combo with strawberries and lemon. Muddled mint adds a cooling touch.
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Watermelon-Mint Coolers
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Remember to choose at least one nonalcoholic choice for the abstainers at your co*cktail party. Watermelon, mint leaves, lime, and ginger ale make this mojito-inspired choice much more interesting than the usual club soda with lime. (For those who do drink, see the alcoholic version for a great watermelon pitcher co*cktail!)
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Vodka Lemonade
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On the steamiest of summer nights, this vodka pitcher drink is certain to hit the spot. Go the extra mile by squeezing your own fresh lemon juice—your efforts will be rewarded with bright and tangy results. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and cute paper straws.
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Watermelon Margarita
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Orange liqueur plays up the fruity flavors of this frozen big-batch margarita, which is packed with five cups of fresh seedless watermelon. For extra credit, chill pieces of watermelon a few hours before you serve the drink to use as ice cubes. That way, none of the flavors of this luscious frozen delight will be diluted.
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Pineapple-Ginger Punch
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If you've never had fresh ginger in a beverage, prepare to fall in love. We adore the way it adds tingle to co*cktails. This punch is actually a mocktail, so it will be much appreciated by your guests who don't drink alcohol (although you can add rum or pineapple-flavored vodka if you prefer).
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Basil Lemon Drop
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If you like lemon drop martinis, this is the party drink for you. Homemade basil simple syrup layers on flavor in this pitcher drink. The herb's minty, clove-like flavor pairs with the sweet vodka lemonade for a complex co*cktail.
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Peach Bellinis
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When you're searching for a celebratory summer drink, keep these Champagne co*cktails in mind. Sweet peaches and uplifting sparkle bring cheer—as does the fact that this drink requires only five ingredients, one of which is ice.
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Coconut Cream Island Punch
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We love the classic rum co*cktails like mojitos and mai tais. But we also adore the ones that introduce inventive flavor combinations, such as this recipe. Star fruit is the unexpected pleasure here (it's a beautiful garnish), and mixing the rum with grapefruit soda and coconut sorbet brings a refreshing balance of sweet and tart. Cheers!
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The Aloha Shandy
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Shandy is typically a half-and-half mixture of lemonade and beer. Although those flavors are included in this version, we also punched it up with tropical passion fruit juice (or mango juice—your choice!) Serve this shandy with a lemon slice garnish at your next summer party.
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Peach Aperol Punch
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A full pound of fresh summer peaches is the start of this pitcher co*cktail recipe. Simmer them with basil and sugar to create a sweet puree. Add in gin, Aperol, sparkling water, and fresh fruit to round out this easy summer drink idea.
