32 Big-Batch Summer Cocktail Recipes To Help You Keep Your Cool
Make sure everyone has a drink in their hand at all times.
If you're wondering how to really stay cool this summer, have we got the solution for you: a signature big-batch cocktail. Why sweat playing bartender at your BBQ when you can just make a supersized Moscow mule punch? Best of all: You absolutely don't need to be an expert bartender to make any of these party-pleasing big-batch cocktails. Simple proportions (and layering your ingredients) are your friends here, especially with classics like Negronis and sangrias in your back pocket.
With our help, you'll have more time enjoying your own party and less time bonding with your cocktail shaker. Really any cocktail can be made in large batches when you mix it in the right order: alcohol first, then flavorings, then any fruit or bubbly at party time. Martinis and Negronis are one of our top no-fuss big-batch cocktails, as they don't use fruit juices, citrus, or bubbly. Planning on slushies? Consider using frozen fruit when blending to keep them smooth and not icy or watery.
Need enough cocktails for larger than a crowd (like a wedding)? A bowl of punch is easy to keep on stand-by and replenish when needed as is the case for our Blue Hawaiian-inspired boozy fishbowl or this super-simple Prosecco punch.
These big-batch summer cocktails are sure to refresh everyone at your summertime soirées, BBQs, and get-togethers. Whether you're a tequila crowd, wine fans, or more into rum, there's a big-batch cocktail with your name on it. Need to kick off the party quickly? We have easy shots for that. For more boozy summer ideas, check out our favorite vodka drinks too!
Frozen Sangria Margarita
For when you just can't choose between a refreshing margarita or a fruity pitcher of sangria. Because why should you? Even better, the proportions of this cocktail make it super-easy to make large batches. Maybe even too easy.
Get the Sangria Margarita recipe.
Boozy Sour Watermelon Slushies
For when you just can't get enough of arguably the best Sour Patch Kids flavor—watermelon! Feel free to infuse any of your favorite flavor of the candy in vodka too—you really can't go wrong.
Moscow Mule Punch
Basically one enormous Moscow mule. Which means that you don't have to play bartender all night.
Get the Moscow Mule Punch recipe.
Strawberry Frosé
You don't need to go to a bar to enjoy frosé. With a good blender, it's super easy to make it yourself. Our favorite addition? Strawberries. They add the perfect amount of sweetness and body to the summer cocktail.
Get the Strawberry Frosé recipe.
Red Sangria
To achieve even more fruity flavor, we love swapping in blackberry brandy over regular brandy. We also have a delicious white sangria too.
Get the Red Sangria recipe.
Rainbow Sangria
Layering fruit in the glasses makes for the prettiest sangria presentation. If you don't want to bother, add it to the pitcher—the sangria will still be pretty as hell.
Get the Rainbow Sangria recipe.
Creamsicle Punch
Take your love of Creamsicles to another (boozy) level! Swap in orange sorbet for even more citrusy flavor.
Get the Creamsicle Punch recipe.
Giggle Juice
When shared with your girlfriends, this bubbly mix of vodka, Prosecco, and lemon-lime soda will definitely make you smile.
Get the Giggle Juice recipe.
Brunch Punch
One big batch of this bubbly punch = Sunday Funday all day. It's simple math, really.
Get the Brunch Punch recipe.
boozy sherbet punch
This creamy, fruity punch is so easy to customize. Want a dairy-free version? Add in your favorite sorbet!
Get the Boozy Sherbert Punch recipe.
Piña Colada Sangria
One sip will transport you to the tropics. We love charring the pineapple on the grill to garnish!
Get the Piña Colada Sangria recipe.
Blueberry Lemonade Margaritas
This might be the most easy-drinking cocktail on the list. We bet you'll be adding this blueberry syrup to your drinks all summer long.
Get the Blueberry Lemonade Margaritas recipe.
Negroni
This bittersweet-botanical Italian cocktail is the ideal to make in big batches. No crazy ratios to memorize: You just stir in the three ingredients in equal parts!
Get the Negroni recipe.
Touchdown Punch
Your team scored and this punch is the best way to celebrate. It's the bubbly victory that pairs amazing with your favorite game day party foods.
Get the Touchdown Punch recipe.
Deep Blue Vodka Punch
If Shark Week is basically your Christmas, then consider this our gift to you. Be sure to prepare the "lifesaver" well in advance so that it's fully frozen. As the ice cream melts, it will create foamy white waves, making the punch extra creamy. You just might need a bigger punch bowl.
Get the Deep Blue Vodka Punch recipe.
Prosecco Punch
Has there ever been a more perfect brunch punch? Cheers to this drink with some cinnamon rolls and breakfast strata!
Get the Prosecco Punch recipe.
Rosé All Day Punch
For the bottomless brunch that just won't stop. *Insert cheers Boomerang here*
Get the Rosé All Day Punch recipe.
Pink Lemonade Sangria
We love sipping on this pink lemonade with a grown-up, bubbly twist. Add the club soda and sparkling rosé just before serving to keep it as fizzy as possible.
Get the Pink Lemonade Sangria recipe.
Margarita Punch
Did more people RSVP for your BBQ than you imagined? No sweat, these margs are ideal for a crowd.
Get the Margarita Punch recipe.
Tipsy Mermaid Punch
We want to be where this vibrant blue punch is. Ariel would absolutely approve.
Get the Tipsy Mermaid Punch recipe.
Mackenzie Filson is a food writer and contributing digital food producer at Delish. Her favorite ice cream flavor is chocolate-pine. If wine was an astrological sign she'd be a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. She's never met a bag of Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos she didn't eat in one sitting.
