
Bartenders often pre-mix cocktails to prepare for larger groups. It’s a technique known as “batching,” and it’s a trick that can help make your next summer soirée a breeze.
“I love having dinner parties, that’s my favorite thing to do,” says Maggie Hoffman, author of Batch Cocktails (Ten Speed Press), released in March. “But I just really don’t want to be stressed out when I have people over. Anything you can do to create a calm moment makes for a better evening.”
Hoffman has a point, whether or not entertaining stresses you out: Why get stuck fiddling with jiggers and shakers in a poor imitation of Tom Cruise’s character in Cocktail if you don’t have to? Batched cocktails allow you to focus on your guests instead of the preparation of their drinks.
The following recipes from bartenders across the country showcase festive flavors and summer-ready spirits. With their instructions, all you’ll need to do is set out a pitcher or punchbowl, and add ice and/or effervescence to your creations right before you serve them.
Like the saying goes, work smarter, not harder.
Jump Straight to a Recipe
Big Batch Vodka Cocktails
Big Batch Rum Cocktails
Big Batch Whiskey Cocktails
Big Batch Tequila and Mezcal Cocktails
1Big Batch Vodka Cocktails
2Big Batch Rum Cocktails
3Big Batch Whiskey Cocktails
4Big Batch Tequila and Mezcal Cocktails