25 Batch Cocktails for Easy Party Planning

Batch cocktails are a game-changer for anyone hosting a gathering. By preparing multiple servings in advance, you can save time and enjoy the party alongside your guests. Whether you’re planning a casual weekend get-together or a festive holiday celebration, these large-batch drinks allow you to serve delicious refreshments without the last-minute rush.

Ready to simplify your next event? Here are 25 easy large batch cocktails to impress your guests and make party planning a breeze.

Table of contents:

• Classic cocktails
• Refreshing cocktails
• Seasonal cocktails
• Batch mocktails

1. Negroni 

Category: Classic cocktails

A vibrant and slightly bitter Italian classic cocktail, the Negroni combines equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth. Its bold flavor profile makes it a sophisticated choice for any gathering. Preparing it in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully and enhances the overall experience.

• Tip: Mix and store in the fridge up to three days ahead. Serve over ice with an orange peel.

2. Old-fashioned 

Category: Classic cocktails

This timeless cocktail features a smooth blend of bourbon or rye, a touch of sugar and aromatic bitters. Its simple yet complex flavor makes it suitable for batch preparation, especially when you want to serve a more refined drink to your guests. Add an orange twist before serving to elevate its aroma.

• Tip: Mix spirits and syrup ahead. Stir with ice before serving to chill and dilute slightly.

3. Manhattan 

Category: Classic cocktails

A Manhattan is a refined, spirit-forward cocktail that balances rye or bourbon with sweet vermouth and bitters. It can be easily pre-batched and stored chilled. When garnished with a cherry, it offers a polished presentation, perfect for entertaining.

• Tip: Pre-batch and store chilled — don’t add ice. Serve in coupe glasses with brandied cherries.

4.  Martini (dry or dirty) 

Category: Classic cocktails

A sleek, minimalist drink, a martini is made with gin or vodka, and optionally a splash of vermouth or olive brine for a dirty variation. It’s one of the most iconic gin cocktails, known for its crisp, clean flavor that leaves guests wanting more.

• Tip: Keep a pre-diluted batch in the freezer for a perfectly chilled, ready-to-pour martini.

5. Boulevardier 

Category: Classic cocktails

A warm and complex cocktail, the Boulevardier is a delightful variation of the Negroni, featuring whiskey instead of gin. Its rich, bold flavors are elevated when stirred and chilled ahead of time. Garnish with an orange twist just before serving to add a citrusy aroma to this comforting classic.

• Tip: Stir and chill ahead, then garnish with an orange twist.

6. Gin fizz 

Category: Refreshing cocktails

This effervescent cocktail combines gin, fresh lemon juice and a touch of sugar, topped with soda water for a bubbly finish. It makes one of the lightest, most refreshing pre-made cocktails you can serve on warm days. Opt for variations like an elderflower gin fizz to add a floral note to this classic.

• Tip: Mix the base (everything but soda) ahead; top with soda when serving.

7. Grapefruit Tom Collins 

Category: Refreshing cocktails

A vibrant twist on the traditional Tom Collins, this version uses fresh grapefruit juice to add a tart, citrusy flavor. It’s one of the brightest, most citrus-forward summer cocktails, a wonderful complement for your afternoon gatherings or brunches.

• Tip: Mix the base in advance. Store cold and add soda before serving.

8. Cucumber basil cooler 

Category: Refreshing cocktails

This lively cocktail features muddled cucumber and fresh basil, combined with gin and a splash of citrus. It’s a light beverage with a naturally vibrant flavor profile that’s great for hot weather or outdoor entertaining.

• Tip: Muddle the basil and cucumber ahead and strain before chilling.

9. Rosé lemon spritz 

Category: Refreshing cocktails

Light and bubbly, this spritz combines rosé wine with fresh lemon juice and a splash of sparkling water. It’s an elegant yet easy-to-make drink that’s great for batch cocktails, offering a delicate pink hue and citrus aroma that can uplift any gathering.

• Tip: Chill all ingredients; combine right before serving for bubbles.

10. White wine citrus sangria 

Category: Refreshing cocktails

This bright, fruity sangria combines dry white wine with fresh citrus slices and a touch of sweetener. An easy and vibrant beverage for warm-weather occasions, it’s perfect for outdoor entertaining. Prepping ahead allows the flavors to meld as it chills overnight.

• Tip: Soak fruit overnight for more flavor; add soda just before serving.

11. Mango rum punch 

Category: Refreshing cocktails

This vibrant summer drink is ideal for big batch cocktails, combining ripe mango purée with dark and overproof rums to create a sweet and slightly tart beverage. It offers a tropical flavor balanced with a slight kick that can heighten any outdoor event or celebration.

• Tip: Mix all but the citrus; add lime just before serving.

12. Watermelon margarita 

Category: Refreshing cocktails

A refreshingly light twist on the classic margarita, this recipe uses fresh watermelon blended with tequila and lime juice. Whether it’s served frozen or on the rocks, it’s incredibly easy to make and the perfect way to cool down on hot days. 

• Tip: Puree and strain watermelon juice a day ahead; store chilled.

13. Blackberry mojito 

Category: Refreshing cocktails

Bursting with ripe blackberries and fragrant mint, this drink can be a lively summer mocktail or cocktail, depending on your preference. It has a delightful fruity flavor with a hint of tartness and a beautiful deep purple hue that makes it stunning for summer evenings or sunny brunches.

• Tip: Make everything except the soda ahead, then add the soda just before serving.

14. Cucumber gin lemonade 

Category: Refreshing cocktails

This cooling, herbaceous beverage combines crisp cucumber juice with zesty lemon and smooth gin. It’s a revitalizing summer drink with a subtle sweetness. The fresh ingredients make it a great choice for relaxed gatherings on warm days.

• Tip: Mix ahead and chill overnight. Strain before serving for a clean pour.

15. Citrusy Aperol spritz 

Category: Refreshing cocktails

This summery spritz combines Aperol with prosecco and soda water, creating a bubbly and flavorful drink. It’s light, slightly sweet and suitable for making ahead. Serve over ice with orange slices as a garnish.

• Tip: Mix the base (Aperol and prosecco) in advance, then add the soda water before serving.

16. Sparkling apple cider cocktail 

Category: Seasonal cocktails

This batch cocktail combines rich apple cider with bourbon and seasonal spices for a comforting mix. The spiced aroma and smooth flavor make this an ideal beverage for fall and winter celebrations.

• Tip: Mix the day before for a deeper, spicier flavor.

17. Cranberry cocktail 

Category: Seasonal cocktails

Bursting with tart cranberries and fragrant orange liqueur, this vibrant cocktail offers a pleasant balance of sweetness and citrusy notes. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices for a festive addition to any seasonal table.

• Tip: Mix everything but the sparkling wine ahead of time. Add fresh cranberries when serving.

18. Mulled wine

Category: Seasonal cocktails

This classic beverage combines red wine with warming spices, orange slices and a splash of brandy. It’s a comforting drink that’s perfect for chilly evenings, especially during the holiday season. Preparing it in advance allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a rich, aromatic experience.

• Tip: Simmer gently, then store cooled in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat before serving.

19. Fall sangria with cinnamon 

Category: Seasonal cocktails

A seasonal twist on classic sangria, this variation is one of the most delectable, easy mixed drinks that combines dry red wine with apple, pear and cranberry slices, accented by cinnamon. It’s a fruity beverage that’s great for Thanksgiving or other autumn get-togethers. Making it ahead allows the flavors to mingle beautifully.

• Tip: Let it sit for at least four hours before serving for full flavor.

20. Pomegranate rum punch 

Category: Seasonal cocktails

Featuring fresh pomegranate juice and bold rum, this striking punch is one of the most refreshing, easy batch cocktails that is also visually stunning. The combination of tart pomegranate and sweet citrus makes for an invigorating seasonal sipper. It’s simple to prepare in advance and perfect for entertaining even the pickiest guests.

• Tip: Flavors will deepen overnight, so prepare a day ahead and keep refrigerated.

21. Citrus mint cooler 

Category: Batch mocktails

This revitalizing batch mocktail combines fresh citrus juices with a hint of mint simple syrup for a bright, invigorating flavor. Perfect for summer gatherings, it offers a refreshing balance of tangy and herbal notes, making it a fantastic choice for a cooling non-alcoholic beverage.

• Tip: Make the base ahead of time and add soda when serving.

22. Watermelon lime refresher 

Category: Batch mocktails

A vibrant and hydrating drink, this mocktail blends fresh watermelon and lime juice with mint and honey to create a naturally sweet and tangy flavor. It’s the ideal thirst-quenching beverage for summer parties or casual sipping on hot days.

• Tip: Store the juice base for up to two days in the fridge.

23. Apple ginger sparkler 

Category: Batch mocktails

This sparkling mocktail features a spicy and sweet apple ginger syrup combined with fresh lemon juice and finished with sparkling water for a lively fizz. It’s a flavorful, non-alcoholic drink that’s perfect for entertaining kids and adults alike.

• Tip: Mix everything except soda ahead; add sparkling water when pouring.

24. Blueberry lemonade 

Category: Batch mocktails

This batch mocktail combines the vibrant sweetness of fresh blueberries with zesty lemon juice for a refreshing, tangy beverage. Perfect for hot summer days or outdoor gatherings, it offers a beautiful, bold flavor that’s both satisfying and visually stunning.

• Tip: Strain for clarity and refrigerate overnight.

25. Cranberry rosemary fizz 

Category: Batch mocktails

A festive and aromatic mocktail, this is one of the most beloved Thanksgiving drink ideas that combines cranberry juice, rosemary syrup and fresh lemon juice, topped with tonic water for a sparkling finish. Its balanced sweetness and herbal aroma make it an elegant choice for holiday parties or seasonal gatherings.

• Tip: Make the syrup and mix the base ahead of time. Add tonic right before guests arrive.

Tips for batch-making cocktails

Here are some essential tips to help you simplify the batch-making process and serve perfectly crafted drinks every time.

• Measure carefully: Use ounces instead of shots for precise proportions and balanced flavors.
• Add fresh citrus last: Incorporate citrus juice or zest right before serving to maintain fresh flavors and prevent bitterness.
• Hold the bubbles: Add sparkling ingredients just before serving to keep the drinks fizzy.
• Account for dilution: Either add about 1 ounce of water per serving or serve over ice to prevent overly strong cocktails.
• Keep ‘em cold: Use large-format ice blocks or frozen fruit to chill your drinks.
• Prep garnishes separately: Store garnishes in airtight containers and let guests add their own for a customizable experience.
• Test first: Make a single batch and taste test to adjust the sweetness or balance before scaling up for your crowd.

Instacart makes batch cocktails easy

Whether you’re looking for versatile mixers in easy-to-make vodka cocktails or some zero-proof mocktails to elevate your beverage game, these ideas can help you transform basic mixers and spirits into extraordinary drinks.

Making batch cocktails is a great way to streamline your hosting duties and ensure everyone enjoys a refreshing drink. Pre-mixing beverages saves you time, letting you relax and mingle with your guests. With the added convenience of ordering ingredients through Instacart, you can easily gather everything you need to create crowd-pleasing drinks for your next event.