Batch cocktails are the perfect solution for hosting a crowd! Whether you use a big batch recipe or multiply your favorite drink, there are so many options that everyone will enjoy.
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Your ultimate guide to batch cocktails
I love hosting, but I know it’s not for everyone. Coordinating food and drinks, making sure your space is cleaned up and being at the mercy of when your guests arrive can be a deterrent for extending an invitation.
While I can’t help with all of those aspects, one thing I highly recommend when hosting is batch cocktails. True, when you see batch cocktails at a bar I’d generally recommend steering clear — that’s a spot where you want time and craft to go into your drink. But when it comes to serving a crowd, big batches save you from playing bartender all night.
You can opt for a true big batch drink, like a punch or sangria, that have a serving size already meant for a group. If you have a favorite drink, or want a signature drink for your event, multiplied cocktails are another option. Infused waters, lemonades and iced teas are perhaps the OG big batch cocktails, offering a non-alcoholic option for all ages to enjoy. In the colder months, warm drinks like hot chocolate, mulled wine and apple cider are a great choice.
How to multiply cocktails
You can multiply most cocktails, but there are some things to consider.
It’s best to choose a drink that doesn’t require a lot of immediate actions, like muddling. For cocktails that do have required actions, it’s better to make a shortcut like mint syrup, which you can use to make batch juleps, mojitos, etc.
Otherwise, it’s as simple as multiplying the ingredients by whatever amount you need, then converting to cups for easy measuring. When you visit the recipe card on any recipe on this site, use the +/- buttons at the top of any recipe card to scale the recipe as you need to.
If you need a little extra help, or host often, the Party Punch Calculator is a great option. Once you have your recipe selected and know the size of your guest list, it will calculate the perfect amount of ingredients for your favorite drinks, along with a budget and shopping list.
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Quick tips for batching cocktails
When it comes to batching cocktails, here are the tips I swear by:
- Make as much as you can ahead. Always make any simple syrup your recipe needs, squeeze any fresh juices and mix all ingredients beforehand, then chill until party time.
- Hold off on any bubbly ingredients (champagne, club soda, ginger beer, etc.) until the party starts. It’ll stay bubbly for a few hours.
- Don’t skip on the non-alcoholic options. Be sure to have a mocktail option like agua fresca, limeade, soda or water for anyone who prefers not to drink.
favorite punch bowls
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Alternatives to batch cocktails
If you’d rather skip the punch bowl * or pitcher, don’t fret. There are some other options to keep guests’ thirst quenched and allow you to mingle.
You can set up a margarita bar, mojito bar or even a bloody Mary bar. By prepping the mixers, booze and garnishes, you let your guests create their perfect drink. If you think people may need some guidance, add a sign at your drink station with the basic recipe to follow.
A make-ahead drink that is pre-portioned is another option to serve a crowd. Cocktail pouches or boozy freeze pops come together quickly and are easy to enjoy while mingling.
The best Batch Cocktails for Parties
These recipes will have you ready to extend an invitation:
Batch cocktails for anytime
Batch cocktails for summer
Batch cocktails for holiday parties
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