“I want to spend my holiday party playing bartender all night…” said no one ever. So, here’s the perfect solution to make your gatherings merry, bright, and stress-free—batch cocktails!
Why Batch Cocktails Are the Ultimate Party Hack
Batch cocktails are a holiday entertainer’s secret weapon! Not only do they save you time and stress, but they also let you spend more of the night mingling with guests instead of mixing drinks.
Plus, batch cocktails offer the perfect opportunity to practice mindful drinking —you control the alcohol content, making it easy to craft drinks that deliver a festive buzz without going overboard. And with everyone sipping the same delicious concoction, your party will look effortlessly organized and stylish.
Finally, batch cocktails add an impressive touch to your holiday spread, making it look like you’ve put in way more effort than you actually have. Feel free to serve two or even three of these cocktails to please your favorite crowd.
Elevate Your Cocktails with Homemade Simple Syrups
One simple way to instantly elevate your batch cocktails is by making your own simple syrups or flavored syrups. Homemade syrups add layers of flavor, complexity, and a touch of gourmet flair to any cocktail. Whether you’re mixing classic recipes or getting creative with new combinations, the right syrup can make all the difference.
How to Make Basic Simple Syrup:
- Combine Sugar and Water: Begin by measuring equal parts of granulated sugar and water. So, for example, to make two cups of simple syrup, you would need 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Pour the sugar and water into a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
- Heat Gently: Use medium heat to start dissolving the sugar. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved. Heat the mixture gently, avoiding rapid boiling, as that can lead to a thicker, more concentrated syrup.
- Cool and Store: Once the sugar is completely dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool. After it reaches room temperature, transfer the syrup to a clean bottle or container for easy access when crafting your cocktails. Then store the remaining syrup in the refrigerator.
Simple Syrup Pro Tips:
Experiment with flavors by infusing syrups with fruits, herbs, or spices. Your guests will think you’re a pro bartender!
Add a tablespoon of vodka per cup to your simple syrup after cooling to extend its shelf life in the fridge for up to two months.
Batch Cocktail Recipes to Wow Your Guests
Grab your pitchers and fill your glasses with our favorite holiday batch cocktail recipes. So, you and your guests, can sip to a joyous Holiday season and hassle-free party.
MAPLE CINNAMON ESPRESSO MARTINI
A festive twist on the classic espresso martini, with warm maple and cinnamon notes.
INGREDIENTS
- 2.5 cups Vodka
- 1 cup Espresso
- 1/2 cup Maple Simple Syrup (recipe below)
- 1/2 cup Coffee Liqueur
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine all your ingredients in a pitcher or other container the night before your event.
- Shake with ice before serving.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
VANILLA PEAR FIZZ
A refreshing, bubbly cocktail with the subtle sweetness of pear and vanilla.
INGREDIENTS
- 2.5 cups Vodka
- 1 cup Pear Juice
- 1/2 cup Vanilla Simple Syrup (recipe below)
- 1/2 cup Lemon Juice
- Club Soda
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine all your ingredients in a pitcher or other container the night before your event.
- Pour over ice (we recommend a collins glass or similar) and top with club soda before serving.
- Garnish with a pear slice.
CRANBERRY MAPLE SOUR
A tart, seasonal take on a whiskey sour with a touch of maple sweetness.
INGREDIENTS
- 2.5 cups Whiskey
- 1 cup Cranberry Juice
- 1/2 cup Maple Simple Syrup (recipe below)
- 1/2 cup Lemon Juice
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine all your ingredients in a pitcher or other container the night before your event.
- Pour over ice (we recommend a whiskey tumbler or similar).
- Garnish with cranberries.
MAPLE CITRUS RUM PUNCH
A citrusy punch with the rich flavor of maple syrup to add some depth and seasonality.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups Dark Rum
- 1.5 cups Orange Juice
- 1/2 cup Lemon Juice
- 1/2 cup Maple Simple Syrup
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine all your ingredients in a pitcher or other container the night before your event.
- Pour over ice (we recommend a coup or tumbler).
- Garnish with an orange slice.
ROSEMARY GRAPEFRUIT SOUR
A refreshing gin-based cocktail with bright citrus and fragrant rosemary.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups Gin
- 1 cup Grapefruit Juice
- 3/4 cup Lemon Juice
- 3/4 cup Simple Syrup
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine all your ingredients in a pitcher or other container the night before your event.
- Pour over ice (we recommend a whiskey tumbler or similar).
- Garnish with a slice of grapefruit & sprig of rosemary.
Making The Flavored Simple Syrups You Will Need for Your Cocktails
Elevate your holiday batch cocktail recipes with homemade flavored syrups! Here are two simple syrup recipes to add depth and creativity to your drinks.
VANILLA SIMPLE SYRUP
- Follow the instructions for plain simple syrup, adding one tablespoon of pure vanilla extract at the end of the cooking process. Stir to combine.
- Allow the syrup to cool.
- Place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator
VANILLA MAPLE SIMPLE SYRUP
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1.5 cups Pure Maple Syrup
- ½ cup Water
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine all your ingredients in a saucepan and heat gently until everything is combined.
- Allow the syrup to cool.
- Place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
Cheers To Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining with Batch Cocktails
Batch cocktails are the perfect solution for hassle-free holiday entertaining. By preparing drinks in advance, you’ll have more time to mingle, relax, and enjoy the party—while impressing your guests with delicious, well-balanced cocktails. So, grab your pitchers and start mixing up these festive drinks to make your next holiday gathering unforgettable!
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