For many of us, tending the bar at our own home party is intimidating, especially when juggling other hosting duties. That inspired us to compile this list of super-simple co*cktail recipes, many of which you can make ahead.
Whether you're grilling outdoors with friends, lounging poolside, or celebrating holidays with family, you'll want to keep a pitcher or punch bowl of these co*cktails within reach. From the classic crowd-pleasing Bloody Mary to a minty Moscow mule punch to grapefruit kombucha margaritas, guests will rate these colorful sips almost as wow-worthy as their host.
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Grapefruit Kombucha Margarita
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This easy recipe transforms a standard kombucha into a delectable margarita. You'll love the tartness that grapefruit juice brings, but feel free to mix and match with other citruses, too.
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Spiked Hot Apple Cider
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If you're hosting a holiday happy hour or dinner party, warmly welcome your guests (literally!) with this decadent spiked cider. Molasses adds a deep, rich flavor and color, and spices add a lovely dimension that puts guests in a holiday mood.
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Bekaa Highball
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Pick up some cotton candy grapes on your next grocery store trip to make this 5-minute champagne co*cktail. FromChez Zou, a co*cktail lounge in New York City, this refreshing beverage mixes champagne, tonic water, white grape juice, apple brandy, and Lillet Blanc. Swap champagne for a different dry sparkling wine like Italian Prosecco if you desire.
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White Negroni Punch
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I’m dreaming of a white… negroni. No seriously, this co*cktail is so good you’ll want to make it year round—and why not? It’s refreshing and elegant, but don’t be fooled: It'll knock your socks off!
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Spiced Apple Kombucha co*cktail
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Wow your guests with this co*cktail that combines kombucha, spiced rum, and classic winter spices. Make it a few days ahead to let the flavors really come together. At party time, serve in a highball glass with ice and an apple-slice garnish.
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Campari Soda With Orange
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Fancy some Campari? The iconic Italian red bitter at the heart of this co*cktail is rounded out with orange juice and soda water. Top with a strip of orange zest and you have a bright, refreshing sweet-bitter balance that hits all the right notes.
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Red Sangria With Blackberries
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What’s more crowd-pleasing than a red wine sangria? This fruity version delights with a splash of brandy, a trickle of sugar, and a glug of club soda. Allow the fruit and wine to macerate for at least an hour in the fridge before serving to eager guests.
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Fall Cider Sangria
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If you want to serve a co*cktail that tastes like fall but is also refreshing, this apple-forward sangria recipe is a must. The best part? You can make it up to two days in advance, which is perfect for party planning.
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Minty Moscow Mule Punch
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Who knew a Moscow mule could be so refreshing? This combination of vodka, ginger beer, and a homemade ginger-mint simple syrup is sure to be a hit. To make hosting easier, serve these mules in a punch bowl so guests can help themselves.
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Bloody Mary
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Without the vodka, you can prep this crowd-pleaser and refrigerate it the day before. Just before the party begins, stir in the spirit, pour into frosted glasses, add garnishes, and let the brunch begin.
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Sweet-and-Spicy Mulled Wine
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There is nothing quite as comforting as drinking mulled wine on a chilly winter night. This mixture of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise is sure to awaken your senses and warm your soul.
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Boozy Apple Cider Slushie
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Want to know how to win at any fall or winter holiday? Make these delightful frozen co*cktails that taste like nothing your guests have had before. To get super fancy, garnish each drink with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
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Frozen Cold Brew Coffee co*cktail
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The cold brew trend has transformed coffee from a morning-only necessity to an anytime-of-day refreshment. This recipe for a creamy, boozy rendition—featuring make-ahead coffee ice cubes—is bound to make it a party favorite, too.
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Frosé
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This easy frozen-rosé slushie may just become your guests' new summer co*cktail. Refreshing, fruity, and boozy, it transforms strawberries (or any fruit you like, really), wine, grenadine, and a shot of vodka into a pretty, pink, adults-only treat.
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Holiday Punch
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Using three kinds of alcohol, this holiday punch does just that! Your guests will appreciate the mix of flavors and elements in this beverage, while also enjoying a nice little buzz.
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Classic Margaritas
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Raise a toast with this essential Cinco de Mayo co*cktail. Use freshly-squeezed lime juice for maximum bright citrus tang. Salud!
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John Collins
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Perfect for any occasion, this riff on the classic Tom Collins co*cktail gets a dose of whiskey instead of the traditional gin. Pour over a tall glass of ice, garnish with a lemon wedge, and enjoy the party!
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Irish Iced Coffee
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This refreshing co*cktail could not be simpler to make. Mix strong iced coffee with whiskey and heavy cream for a deliciously decadent pick-me-up as well as the perfect St. Patty's Day co*cktail.
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Classic Amaretto Sour
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A co*cktail for the classic co*cktail lover, this elegant drink is sure to impress your partygoers. Lemon juice adds brightness and just the right amount of sour.
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White Sangria
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Mix up a pitcher of this fizzy, fruity drink and it’s the star of any outdoor party. To keep the sangria cold without watering it down, add frozen grapes to the pitcher before serving.
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White Grapefruit-Ginger Spritz
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This punch couldn’t be easier—just combine a chilled ginger syrup with grapefruit juice in a large punch bowl. Top it off with chilled Prosecco, garnish with grapefruit slices and sprigs of thyme, and serve to very happy guests.
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Apple Cinnamon-Spiced co*cktail
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Celebrate the harvest—or any random day of the year—with this fun, apple-y drink punched up with vodka and Aperol. Your guests will fall for it!
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Tarragon French 75 co*cktail
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This version of the classic French 75 co*cktail—made with sparkling wine and lemon juice—swaps out the usual gin with warming cognac. Served on the rocks or neat, it makes a perfectly chic fireside refreshment.
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Long Island Iced Tea
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Not for the faint of heart, the Long Island iced tea is so-named for its amber hue and sweet flavor. It contains no actual tea, though it packs a punch with five different types of alcohol. Gin, tequila, rum, vodka, and triple sec combine with lemon juice, simple syrup, and cola for a co*cktail that's sure to be popular with your guests.
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