Mulled Wines and Party-Worthy Punches: All the Cocktails You Need to Serve a Crowd
Save yourself from shaking cocktails all night with these easy recipes that serve a few rounds each.
Photography by Thomas J. Story
Greg DuPree
Save yourself time and worry when it comes to deciding what drinks to serve at your next get-together. These cocktail recipes are super easy to scale up for serving a crowd. Whether you’re in charge of the entertaining at the holidays, find yourself tasked with drink duty for someone else’s event, or are just looking to whip up a big batch of something boozy for a night in with friends, we’ve got you covered.
When it comes to cocktails, it can be daunting to make enough for every partygoer, balancing personal preferences with liquors, bases, and sweetness levels. Plus, you don’t want to be left shaking and mixing all night long. These recipes make for easy accompaniments to any meal (or cookie decorating, or game night) and are made either in the glass they’re served in or a punch bowl—no individual shaking is required.
For a simple sparking drink that makes for a classy toast, try our recipe for a simple Champagne cocktail. All you need to put this one together is a sugar cube doused in bitters at the bottom of a Champagne flute. Top the bittered cube with the sparkling wine of your choice for a flavor combination that will have the entire party asking for a second glass. For an easy setup that will allow guests to make the cocktail themselves, set out a bowl filled with an assortment of luxe sugar cubes and bitters beside a few bottles of bubbly on ice.
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Serve up a warm option with our mulled wine recipe made with white wine, warm spices, and fresh kumquats. It’s a combination few might expect but all will be happy with! Keep reading for more cocktail recipes that are great to serve a crowd.
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Cranberry Tequila Punch
“Tequila is just as versatile as popular spirits like gin and vodka,” says Amanda Haas, who shares this pretty punch from her book The Anti-Inflammation Cookbook.
Champagne Cocktails
The Champagne cocktail is back and super easy to make for a party. It only takes three simple ingredients: A sugar cube and bitters balance the natural acidity of sparkling wine, meaning this cocktail pairs well with a hearty meat and cheese board or a few rounds of appetizers.
Rudolph’s Nose Punch
Reader Patricia Bloodgood of Escondido, California, came up with this bright, juicy, easy punch that practically screams, “Christmas party!” If you’re making it ahead, prepare all of the ingredients and combine them at the last minute with the ice.
Warm Apple Pie Cocktail
This cocktail is essentially a spiced and spiked cider with warm flavors like cinnamon, clove, and allspice. The unfiltered apple juice gives it an opaqueness, and a bit of sweetness is added with the crucial topping of sweetened whipped cream.
Warm Tequila Punch
This fruity punch works for any holiday party. Cookbook author Marcela Valladolid and her aunts sip this as they make tamales for the holidays. This recipe is adapted from one in Valladolid’s cookbook Mexican Made Easy.
Mulled White Wine
A lean white wine that hasn’t been aged in oak works best for this drink. You can make the citrus base up to one day ahead. Add a few fresh lemon, orange, and kumquat slices for a bright garnish.
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