One of our favorite party planning hacks is making big batch drinks that can be prepared ahead of time (and we won't tell if you have a sip or two before the guests arrive. Taste-testing is essential!). Drinks are the perfect welcoming touch for guests and having a signature drink makes any gathering feel more special. These big batch summer cocktails are no exception: Each recipe has a signature simple syrup, are easy to assemble and are sure to impress your guests.
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Pineapple Basil Sangria
Ingredients
For the basil-lemon-lime simple syrup
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup basil leaves
- 1/2 cup lemons slices
- 1/2 cup limes slices
For the cocktail
- 250 ml of white wine
- 1 cup triple sec
- 2 cups basil-lemon-lime simple syrup
- 250 ml of pineapple juice
- Pineapple (fresh or canned), sliced for garnish
- Basil leaves, for garnish
- More lemon slices, for garnish
- Ice
Directions
- Make the simple syrup: In a saucepan, combine water and sugar and bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Stir in the basil, lemon slices and lime slices and let come to a simmer. Remove from heat and strain into a heatproof container and let cool.
- Make the cocktail: Combine all the ingredients and mix well.
Grapefruit Rosemary Tequila Punch
Ingredients
For the rosemary simple syrup
For the cocktail
- 3 cups of tequila blanco
- 3 cups of grapefruit juice
- 1 cup ginger beer
- 2 cups of rosemary simple syrup
- Grapefruit, sliced, for garnish
- More rosemary, for garnish
- Ice
Directions
- Make the simple syrup: In a saucepan, combine water and sugar and bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Stir in the rosemary and let come to a simmer. Remove from heat, strain into a heatproof container and let cool.
- Make the cocktail: Combine all the ingredients and mix well.
Rose Mint Watermelon Lemonade
Ingredients
For the lemon-mint simple syrup
For the cocktail
- 250 ml of sparkling rosé
- 2 cups lemon mint simple syrup
- 4 cups of watermelon juice
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- Lemons, sliced, for garnish
- Watermelon, cubed, for garnish
- More mint leaves, for garnish
- Ice
Directions
- Make the simple syrup: In a saucepan, combine water and sugar and bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Stir in the mint and lemon juice and let it come to a simmer. Remove from heat, strain into a heatproof container and let cool.
- Make the cocktail: Combine all the ingredients and mix well.
Tips
- If you are preparing your big batch drink before your party, wait until right before you serve the drink to add the ice and garnish.
- If you are assembling everything right before your party, add the ice and heavy garnish items (i.e. lemon slices, watermelon cubes, etc.) first and then the liquids to avoid splashing. Light garnishes such as mint and basil leaves can go on top last.
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