8 big batch drinks for warm weather parties
The abundance of fruit available during the warmer months is scrumptious — especially when mixed with a bunch of alcohol.
"Big batches" are perfect for parties, BBQs, or if stored properly, kept in the fridge and tapped for the next week. We found eight of the best recipes from cocktail experts to make the most delicious drinks for spring and summer.
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1. Coconut Lavender Lemonade
Combining tropical, floral and citrus flavors, this beautiful bevvie would be wonderful on Mother's Day. The best part is you can choose the alcohol to add. Creator Nicole Walden recommends coconut vodka to add to the coconut flavor.
2. Watermelon Texas Margarita
Beer and watermelon are a match made in heaven — er, Texas. This cocktail from Jonathan Melendez uses Pabst Blue Ribbon to highlight the taste of the watermelon and lime, rather than overpowering it like a heavier beer would.
3. Raspberry-Rhubarb Collins Party Punch
You may be familiar with rhubarb only in pies or rugelach pastries, but it's tanginess sings summer. Aimee Wimbush-Bourque created this drink from a smorgasbord of old freezer items.
4. Lemon Lime Champagne Fizz
Cranberries are usually used around Thanksgiving or Christmas, but combined with the citrus flavors, this is a bubbly warm weather treat. Season 8 contestant on Food Network Star Martie Duncan says if you add sherbet this becomes a boozy dessert.
5. Cucumber Melon White Sangria
Cucumbers are very hydrating, so consider this the "hair of the dog" after a night of summer partying. By using a dry Prosecco, the sweetness of the fruit and grape juice really pops.
6. Fresh-squeezed Bloody Mary with Rosemary-infused Vodka and Goat Cheese Olives
Savory drinks have a place at the party regardless of the season. This recipe requires making your own rosemary-infused vodka, but if you don't have your own, store bought is fine.
7. Summer Beer
DIY beer may seem like a complicated task, but this recipe simply combines patience and strawberry lemonade mix. Blogger Chandra Sirois says even non-beer drinkers will love it.
8. Simple Gin Punch
Nothing quite like the juniper in gin to say "summer." This ridiculously easy recipe yields a delicious drink that will make your guests think you've prepared for their arrival for weeks...not minutes.
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Chelsea Frisbie was interning at Mashable as the Lifestyle Section Intern. A SUNY Oswego Alum, she graduated with a degree in Broadcasting and Mass Communication and a minor in Gender Studies, and while there received several awards for her three talk shows and work in local news. Her favorite pastimes include watching Dr. Phil, practicing her Emmy acceptance speech, and subtly sneaking feminism into her daily conversations.
