When the sun is shining and your patio is packed with guests, the last thing you want is to be stuck behind the bar all day mixing individual drinks. As any seasoned host knows, the key to a successful summer party is to keep things relaxed, fun, and flowing. That’s where big-batch cocktails come to the rescue: no mess, no stress, just effortless entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a poolside bash, or an impromptu porch hang, these crowd-pleasing recipes let you spend less time shaking and more time socializing.
We’ve gathered some of our favorite summer-ready, big-batch cocktail recipes featuring New Deal craft spirits. From fruity and refreshing to sophisticated and spirit-forward, there's something here for everyone. Each one is easy to prep ahead, scales beautifully, and brings bold, refreshing flavors to any gathering. Ready to party smarter? Let’s dive in.
The Frozen Frontier: Chill Out with Big-Batch Blends
When the summer sun beats down, a frosty concoction is more than a drink; it's a necessary indulgence. Frozen cocktails are quintessential for any summer gathering, offering a refreshing escape from the heat.
Strawberries meet sophistication in this frozen take on a classic cosmopolitan. For those who crave a fruity, sophisticated sip, the Big-Batch Freezer Strawberry Cosmopolitans are your answer. This recipe elevates the classic Cosmo with a homemade strawberry simple syrup, adding a vibrant hue and fresh berry flavor. The prep involves a quick simmer for the syrup, but the payoff—freezer-ready, perfectly balanced cosmopolitans—is immense. Make your syrup up to two weeks ahead of time and store in the fridge.
The night before your summer bash you’ll simply combine the strawberry syrup with vodka, orange liqueur, and lime juice right in the original vodka bottle. Store it in the freezer, and you'll have a slushy, vibrant, and perfectly balanced cocktail ready to pour into martini glasses. The sweet and tart notes of strawberry and lime make this a quintessential summer drink.
PARTY HACK 🎉
- Make the strawberry syrup up to two weeks in advance of your gathering. Short on time? Try this lovely Strawberry Basil Syrup!
CHILL OUT 🧊
- Chill this mixture in the freezer for at least six hours before serving in chilled coupes or martini glasses.
This freezer Big-Batch New Deal Margarita is everything you want in a summer cocktail: bold, citrusy, and effortlessly chill. This genius recipe calls for freezing the mix directly in a tequila bottle – a true stroke of brilliance for portability and presentation. With fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and a touch of agave, this is a classic done right, ensuring perfectly chilled margaritas with minimal fuss. The secret ingredient here is a touch of New Deal Ginger Liqueur, which adds a spicy complexity that elevates the classic combination.
When you're ready to serve your guests, grab the bottle from the freezer, fill a cocktail shaker with one cup ice plus a half cup margarita mix, shake well and, pour into a salt-rimmed glass to enjoy the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and spicy flavors.
PARTY HACK 🎉
- Make the fresh-squeezed lime juice up to 48 hours in advance of adding it to the margarita mix. Be sure to use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the pulp.
CHILL OUT 🧊
- Chill this mixture in the freezer for at least 8 hours before serving. Make sure you have plenty of ice, a cocktail shaker, and margarita salt ready for serving.
Add some zing to your next gathering with this ginger-forward spin on the classic Lemon Drop. Featuring New Deal Ginger Liqueur and Portland 90 Vodka, these Big-Batch Ginger Lemon Drops deliver bright citrus with a warm, spicy kick. The recipe is designed to be mixed in a 750ml bottle, making it another fantastic freezer-door option. The result is a bright, citrus-forward martini with a warming ginger finish. Serve it in a chilled coupe with a sugared rim and garnish with a piece of candied ginger.
PARTY HACK 🎉
- Make the fresh-squeezed lemon juice up to 24 hours in advance. Make the simple syrup up to two weeks in advance and store in the fridge. Short on time? We've got you!
CHILL OUT 🧊
- Chill this mixture in the freezer for at least three hours before serving in chilled coupe glasses with a sugared rim. Garnish with candied ginger or a lemon wheel.
Martinis for a crowd? Yes, please. For the true martini aficionado, this Gin 33 Freezer Martini recipe is a game-changer. Our version featuring Portland Dry Gin 33 is floral, botanical, and incredibly smooth. It offers a pristine, perfectly diluted gin martini experience, with water added to the mix to account for the chill and dilution that occur when a drink is stirred. These are ideal for those who appreciate the crisp, clean lines of a well-made martini, without the constant shaking.
Store the mixture in a bottle in your freezer, and when the craving strikes, simply shake, pour, and garnish with a lemon twist or an olive. It epitomizes effortless sophistication.
PARTY HACK 🎉
- Start with a 750ml bottle of Gin 33 and pour off 13 ounces. Save for making quick G&Ts at your party. Set out an assortment of garnishes to be used for freezer martini or the G&Ts.
CHILL OUT 🧊
- Chill this mixture in the freezer for at least three hours before serving in chilled martini glasses. Prefer not to have frozen chards of ice? Remove the bottle from the freezer and set on your counter for 5-10 minutes before pouring.
Retro and refreshing, the Brandy Slush is a blast from the past that deserves a comeback. A Wisconsin classic, it’s a year-round party favorite for a reason. This frozen concoction, made with Distiller’s Workshop Brandy, lemonade, orange juice, and tea, is incredibly easy to make and can be stored in the freezer for weeks.
When you're ready to serve, simply scoop the slush into a glass and top it with lemon-lime soda, bubbly water, or flavored tonic water. It's a fun, nostalgic, and incredibly refreshing drink that's perfect for a crowd.
PARTY HACK 🎉
- This recipe is endlessly customizable! Try limeade instead of lemonade. Try pineapple juice instead of orange juice. Use a fruity green or white tea instead of the traditional black. Any carbonated beverage can be used to top the cocktail before serving.
CHILL OUT 🧊
- Although you only need to chill this mixture in the freezer for at least 8 hours before serving, it can be stored in the freezer for weeks. Use a 4-quart Cambro or a clean, empty one-gallon plastic ice cream tub to freeze the mix.
Tumbling Dice isn't a cocktail recipe in the traditional sense, but rather a brilliant hack for creating instant cocktails. The idea is to create "booze cubes" by freezing a pre-mixed French 75 cocktail in an ice tray. By having these boozy ice cubes on hand, you can whip up a sophisticated cocktail in seconds—just pop a few cubes in a glass and top with bubbly. It's a fun and innovative way to streamline your party prep.
PARTY HACK 🎉
- Make the fresh-squeezed lemon juice up to 24 hours in advance of making the cubes. Make the simple syrup up to two weeks in advance and store in the fridge. Short on time? We've got you!
CHILL OUT 🧊
- Use any BFC ice tray with a lid to keep any freezer aromas from tainting your cocktails. Make these lower-ABV by using this non-alcoholic sparkling rosé. Chill the wine for at least 2 hours.
Mastering the Big-Batch: Vessels & Receptacles
Making big-batch cocktails is much easier when you have the right containers for mixing and serving.
1. Build It in the Bottle
You won't have a hard time finding 750ml (AKA a fifth) or 1.75-liter (AKA a handle) liquor bottles. One-liter liquor bottles can be harder to find. You might try grabbing a one-liter bottle of wine — a common size for imported wines, which often have a handy screw cap. This one and this one are widely available in the US. Decant and chill in your fridge for guests who prefer wine.
2. Freezing Cold
Big-batch recipes that are chilled in the freezer should stay in the freezer throughout your gathering. Resist the urge to pull them out and dump them into a dispenser with ice. On a summer day, they will become overly diluted and lukewarm before you know it.
3. Shake It Off
If a big-batch recipe directs you to shake your cocktail with ice before serving, don't skip this step! Cocktails taste best when they are correctly diluted.
4. Size Matters
Building your big-batch cocktails in the container specified in the recipe will make things a whole lot easier. Here are some links to batching vessels widely available from retailers throughout the US.
- One-gallon containers, such as these glass growlers, this insulated jug, another insulated jug, or a Rubbermaid fave.
- Half-gallon containers, such as these glass growlers, this insulated jug, or a Mason jar with a pouring-friendly lid.
- One-liter (approx 34-oz) containers, such as these glass bottles, these popular Drinkmate Soda Machine bottles, or this camp-friendly silicone bottle.
Pitcher Perfect: Stirred & Refreshing Crowd-Pleasers
Not everything needs to be frozen to be fantastic. Some of the best big-batch cocktails are simply mixed and chilled in the fridge, ready to be poured over ice.
The Arnold Palmer is a summer classic: part tea, part lemonade, and all grown-up fun. This quintessential summer refresher is elevated with a generous pour of boozy goodness. Tart, sweet, and totally crushable. It’s incredibly easy to make in a gallon jug and keeps beautifully in the fridge, offering a refreshing, slightly boozy sip that appeals to nearly everyone.
Whiskey fans can add bourbon for a Southern classic turned party-ready. Stick with vodka if you prefer a less-sweet version. Either way, you’ve got a big batch of refreshing and soulful cocktails perfect for a lazy summer afternoon.
PARTY HACK 🎉
- Homemade sweet tea really makes this recipe sing! Make your sweet tea up to two days in advance and store in the fridge.
CHILL OUT 🧊
- If your sweet tea and lemonade were properly chilled before making the mix, you only need to refrigerate the mix for 2 hours. Otherwise, chill for six hours.
Cool, fruity, and minty fresh, this Watermelon Mojito combines the best parts of summer with Distiller’s Cut Rum. By combining watermelon juice, white rum, lime, and fresh mint, you can create a pitcher of pure summer bliss.
The recipe offers two methods: one starts with a store-bought limeade base, and the other is from scratch, making it adaptable to your preference. Keep it chilled in the fridge and serve over ice with a garnish of fresh watermelon and mint for a sweet, cooling cocktail that screams “summer.”
PARTY HACK 🎉
- Clean and cube your seedless watermelon the day before you make your mojito mix. Save some extra cubes for garnishing the cocktails.
CHILL OUT 🧊
- As long as your watermelon cubes are already well-chilled when you make the mix, chill in the fridge for 4 hours before serving. Otherwise, chill for six hours.
For a sophisticated twist on a classic, the bitter-meets-bright Big-Batch Italian Greyhound Cocktail is a must-try. Combining gin, grapefruit juice, bitter orange liqueur, and simple syrup, it's a vibrant, bittersweet concoction with a beautiful coral hue that’s perfect for a discerning crowd. A sprig of fresh rosemary as a garnish adds an aromatic flourish.
PARTY HACK 🎉
- Make the fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice up to 24 hours in advance. Make the simple syrup up to two weeks in advance and store in the fridge. Short on time? We've got you!
CHILL OUT 🧊
- If your store-bought or fresh-squeezed juice is already well-chilled when you make the mix, chill in the fridge for 4 hours before serving. Otherwise, chill for six hours.
Pro-Tips for Big-Batch Success
Fresh is Best: Whenever possible, use fresh juices, good spirits, and ripe fruit. It will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of your cocktails.
Label Everything: If you're making multiple big-batch cocktails, be sure to label them clearly so your guests know what they're drinking.
Chillin' Like a Villain: Make sure your cocktails are well-chilled before serving. This is especially important for freezer cocktails, which should be slushy, not frozen solid.
Garnish Generously: A beautiful garnish can elevate a simple drink into something special. Keep a supply of pre-sliced citrus wheels, fresh herb sprigs, or a bowl of berries for guests to add to their drinks.
- Don't Forget the Ice: Make sure you have plenty of ice on hand, especially on a hot day. Warm cocktails are a party foul!
Sangria Soiree: Wine-Based Wonders for Every Palate
Sangrias are the original big-batch cocktails, designed for sharing and soaking up the flavors of fresh fruit and wine. They are incredibly versatile and perfect for any festive gathering.
Sangria: the OG of big-batch cocktails. A timeless classic, Red Wine Sangria is the ultimate party punch. This version features red wine, Distiller’s Workshop Brandy, and an abundance of fresh, seasonal fruit. The key is to let the mixture chill overnight to allow the flavors to meld together. The result is a rich, flavorful, and incredibly festive cocktail that's perfect for any occasion.
PARTY HACK 🎉
- Sangria recipes are highly customizable. Use any combination of peak-season fruits, making sure to include at least one citrus fruit. Reserve some fresh fruit for adding to each glass.
CHILL OUT 🧊
- The rule of thumb for making sangria is to make it the evening before you intend to serve it so the wine, brandy, & fruit flavors meld. Before serving, add ice & fresh fruit to each glass.
Fresh, fruity, and effervescent, this Classic White Wine Sangria combines dry white wine with New Deal Ginger Liqueur, limoncello, and loads of fresh stone fruits. It’s bright, easy-drinking, and endlessly adaptable. Add club soda to the pitcher after it’s been chilling in the fridge for 6-8 hours right before you’re ready to serve your guests.
PARTY HACK 🎉
- Sangria recipes are highly customizable. Swap in seasonal fruits like apricots, raspberries, or peaches to make it your own. Reserve some fresh fruit for adding to each glass.
CHILL OUT 🧊
- The rule of thumb for making sangria is to make a day ahead. This recipe calls for adding club soda to the pitcher just before serving your guests. For a boozier mix, try adding chilled moscato, cava, or prosecco.
This lightly sweet, floral White Wine & Pear Brandy Sangria is a beautiful alternative to the more common red wine version. The combination of crisp white wine, aromatic New Deal Pear Brandy, green apple, and lemon creates a light, fruity, and incredibly refreshing drink. The addition of fresh dill adds a surprising and delightful herbaceous note. This is a sophisticated and unique sangria that is sure to impress your guests. A great choice for brunches, bridal showers, or any sunny day soiree.
PARTY HACK 🎉
- This specific sangria recipe is less customizable, so stick to the recipe as posted. Freeze some diced green apple and lemon zest in ice cubes for added flair.
CHILL OUT 🧊
- The rule of thumb for making sangria is to make a day ahead. When ready to serve this sangria, pour through a mesh strainer into wine glasses filled with your fruit-filled cubes.
Batch It Up Real Good
With a little prep and a lot of flavor, these big-batch cocktails turn any summer gathering into a laid-back celebration. Whether you’re hosting a block party, heading to the beach, or just throwing something on the grill, these make-ahead cocktails make it easier to celebrate in style. From frozen martinis to fizzy sangrias, there’s a recipe here for every taste and occasion. With vibrant summer ingredients, freezer-friendly options, and delicious spirits like New Deal’s craft vodka, gin, and brandy, you'll be well on your way to hosting an unforgettable summer bash. Just stock up on ice, grab your favorite New Deal spirits from the Bottle Shop, and get the party started!