When it comes to hosting social gatherings like parties or barbecues, serving cocktails in pitchers can be a fantastic way to quench the thirst of your guests.
Many classic drinks, such as Sangria, Mojitos, Iced Teas, and Margaritas, can easily be recreated on a larger scale. In fact, some cocktails are simply designed to be served in pitchers – Pimm’s and Lemonade being a great example if you can get your hands on the necessary ingredients.
Not only does serving cocktails in pitchers simplify the process of mixing drinks for your guests, but it also saves time compared to preparing individual cocktails.
And who doesn’t love having a refreshing drink at their fingertips? In this article, we’ll explore 20 easy pitcher cocktails that are perfect for sipping on those hot summer days.
Apposta
Blended with the zesty flavors of lemon and grapefruit, Apposta is an invigorating cocktail that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Begin by combining gin, Aperol, sweet white vermouth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and grapefruit soda in a large pitcher. As you mix the ingredients, take note of how the liquid transforms into a vibrant red hue. Once prepared, pour Apposta over ice and garnish with orange peel and thyme sprigs for a visually appealing and refreshing drink.
Vodka Strawberry Lemonade
To bring out the full flavor of this pitcher recipe, you’ll need either a food processor or juicer to create a concentrated purée from one pound of hulled strawberries. Next, strain the purée into a large pitcher, filling it halfway with ice. Now it’s time to add the sweet and savory elements: two-thirds of a cup of sugar, a cup of vodka, and three cups of water. Use a long stirrer to thoroughly combine the ingredients, dissolving the sugar as you go.
Finally, chill the mixture in the refrigerator before serving.
Pineapple Punch With Ginger Beer
Combine a potent blend of flavors to create this invigorating pitcher cocktail. Start by mixing together one cup of sweet and tangy pineapple juice, half a cup of refreshing orange juice, the juice of 2-4 zesty limes, and half a cup of light rum in your pitcher. Stir well to combine, then add between 32 and 34 ounces of spicy ginger beer. Finally, pour the mixture into individual glasses and garnish with a choice of vibrant citrus slices, fresh mint sprigs, or tropical pineapple wedges.
Hawaiian Mimosas
While traditional Mimosas are often served in flutes, you can also make a pitcher version that’s just as refreshing. This recipe requires only three ingredients, making it easy to scale up or down depending on the number of servings you need. The formula is simple: for each serving, combine one part coconut rum with two parts pineapple juice. To make a full pitcher, mix 1 cup of coconut rum with 2 cups of pineapple juice and add a 750ml bottle of sparkling wine like Champagne or Prosecco.
Pacific Empress
When crafting this unique cocktail, it’s essential to note that the authentic recipe pairs perfectly with Empress 1908 gin, giving rise to its distinctive name. Begin by combining a few handfuls of fresh or frozen blackberries with honey in a pitcher, allowing their sweet and tangy flavors to meld together. Next, add ice and pineapple juice, followed by a splash of tonic water.
Just before serving, gather your guests around the table and make a dramatic entrance by slowly floating the gin on top, marveling as the colors seem to transform before your eyes.
Pimm’s And Lemonade
Savoring the essence of a quintessential English summer, it’s common to find Pimm’s and Lemonade flowing freely at outdoor gatherings. To recreate this refreshing concoction, start by filling a large pitcher with ice. Then, combine equal parts Pimm’s and lemonade in a 1:3 ratio. Next, take a handful of fresh mint leaves and gently crush them between your fingers to release their aromatic oils.
Add the crushed mint, along with sliced oranges, cucumbers, and strawberries (aiming for two slices each), to the pitcher. Stir well to combine and serve the Pimm’s mixture in tall glasses filled with ice.
Ocean Breeze
Craft the perfect summer refresher by concocting an Ocean Breeze pitcher. Begin by filling the container about halfway with crushed ice, then add 4 ounces each of blue curaçao and white rum. Next, pour in 16 ounces of lemonade and stir well to combine. To finish, garnish the mixture with a few slices of lemon and a generous serving of fresh blueberries.
When it’s time to serve, simply pour the Ocean Breeze into glasses filled with ice and add additional lemon slices and blueberries for a pop of color and added flavor.
Mojito Pitcher
To take your Mojito-making game to the next level, consider preparing an entire pitcher instead of individual cocktails. This approach eliminates the need for simple syrup, making it a more streamlined process. Begin by combining 30 mint leaves and five quartered limes with just over half a cup of sugar in a pitcher. As the sugar starts to dissolve, add a cup of white rum and stir until the mixture is fully incorporated.
Chill the pitcher in the refrigerator before adding club soda when you’re ready to serve.
Pink Gin Iced Tea
To craft a refreshing Pink Gin Iced Tea, start by brewing a chamomile tea bag in 500ml of boiling water for a duration of up to three minutes. Once the steeping process is complete, carefully remove the tea bag from the liquid and allow the tea to cool to room temperature. Next, combine the cooled tea with equal parts pink gin, spiced rum, elderflower cordial, and pink grapefruit juice in a pitcher. Add ice cubes to chill the mixture, then gently stir to combine all the flavors.
To finish, add a few sprigs of thyme for garnish and serve your Pink Gin Iced Tea chilled.
Long Island Iced Tea
To craft this refreshing cocktail pitcher, start by preparing a simple syrup batch. Combine equal parts tequila, white rum, vodka, gin, and triple sec, stirring well to combine. Next, add three-quarters of a cup each of the simple syrup and lemon juice, stirring the mixture in ice until it’s thoroughly chilled.
Strain the concoction into a pitcher, then stir in one and a half cups of cola before serving over ice-filled hurricane glasses with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a wedge or two for garnish.
Spiked Lemonade Sweet Tea
To craft this unique sweet tea recipe, start by boiling six cups of water in a pan. Remove it from the heat and dissolve one cup of sugar into the liquid. Next, add three tea bags and let the mixture steep for approximately 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Once the steeping process is complete, remove the tea bags and set them aside. In the same pan, combine eight cups of water with the tea-flavored solution and stir well.
Add one and a quarter cups of lemon juice to the mixture and refrigerate until it reaches a chilled temperature. When you’re ready to serve, combine two cups of sweet tea-flavored vodka with four cups of chilled ginger ale. The result is a refreshing and flavorful beverage that’s perfect for any occasion.
Pitcher Margaritas
To create this refreshing pitcher of Margaritas, you’ll need a 750ml bottle of tequila. Additionally, you’ll require kosher salt for rimming glasses, paired with a lime wedge. Begin by pouring the tequila into the pitcher, followed by one and a half cups each of freshly squeezed lime juice and Cointreau (or triple sec). To balance out the flavors, add between half a cup to a cup of agave nectar for sweetness.
Once prepared, refrigerate the mixture for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld together before serving over crushed ice.
Strawberry Basil Margaritas
Indulge in the sweet and tangy charm of Strawberry Basil Margaritas by whipping up a batch using this simple recipe. Begin by combining one can of frozen limeade concentrate with two and a half cups of water and one and a half cups of tequila in a pitcher. Next, prepare the strawberries by hulling around ten to twelve of them and slicing them lengthwise before adding them to the mixture.
For an added layer of complexity, crumble eight basil leaves into the concoction, allowing their essence to mingle with the other ingredients. Allow the flavors to meld together by refrigerating the pitcher for at least four hours or preferably overnight. With its unique blend of sweet and savory notes, this Strawberry Basil Margarita is sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
Pomegranate Ginger Spritzer
The Pomegranate Ginger Spritzer is a refreshing mocktail that’s sure to impress. To create this delightful drink, start by combining sliced lime and ginger in a pitcher. Muddle the mixture gently to release the flavors and aromas of the ingredients. Next, add three-quarters cup of orange juice and three cups of pomegranate juice to the pitcher. Stir well to combine, then refrigerate the mixture overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
The next day, strain the mixture to remove the ginger and lime slices. Finally, stir in three cups of chilled club soda and give the drink one last stir before serving. Pour the Pomegranate Ginger Spritzer into glasses filled with ice and enjoy!
Shirly Temple
Indulge in the sweet and tangy delight of a Shirly Temple cocktail, perfect for any occasion. Start by giving your glasses a touch of flair by running a lime wedge around the rim and then dipping it into a layer of sanding sugar. This unique touch adds a playful and whimsical feel to the presentation. Now, let’s move on to creating the pitcher. Begin by combining one part grenadine syrup with six parts ginger ale in a large container.
Red Wine Sangria
When it comes to pitcher-perfect cocktails, the classic Red Wine Sangria is a summer staple that requires some planning ahead. Start by preparing your citrus fruits – leave the peel on and chop up a couple of oranges and apples into thin slices. Add these slices to the pitcher along with half a cup of brandy and a quarter cup of orange liqueur (Cointreau being a reliable choice).
Next, pour in a 750ml bottle of decent red wine, stirring gently before covering the pitcher and refrigerating it for at least four hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together and the drink to become softer and sweeter.
Summer Berry Sangria
To craft the perfect Summer Berry Sangria, you’ll require a quartet of luscious berries: sweet strawberries, plump blueberries, tart raspberries, and dark blackberries. Combine these fruity gems in a pitcher, accompanied by a drizzle of agave nectar. Next, pour over 750ml of chilled Moscato wine, infusing the mixture with subtle hints of sweetness. For added depth, introduce strawberry liqueur, allowing its velvety texture to mingle with the other ingredients.
Finally, top it all off with a splash of lemon-lime soda, creating a refreshing and fruity harmony that’s sure to delight.
Sparkling White Peach Sangria
When it comes to crafting Sangria, Moscato wine is an excellent choice for a refreshing twist on traditional recipes. For this Sparkling White Peach Sangria, we’ll be using white wine instead of red. To start, slice up 2-3 peaches and add three-quarters of the slices to the pitcher. Next, pour in three-quarters of a cup of apricot or peach brandy for added depth of flavor. Once these ingredients are combined, it’s time to add the star of the show: a chilled bottle of Moscato wine.
Top this off with a liter of peach seltzer water and fill a glass with ice before pouring in the sangria. Finally, garnish with the remaining peach slices for a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
Sparkling Watermelon Sangria
Experience the refreshing twist of Sparkling Watermelon Sangria, perfect for warm weather gatherings! Combine three cups of cold, cubed watermelon with three-quarters of a cup of dry white port in a large pitcher. Next, add around ten slices of lime zest to infuse the mixture with a burst of citrus flavor. Then, introduce a 750ml bottle of chilled Moscato wine and stir well to combine. Finally, add three cups of chilled lime seltzer water and give it a good stir.
Fill glasses over ice and garnish each one with a slice of lime and a piece of watermelon for a visually appealing and delightfully flavorful drink.
Cucumber White Sangria
A refreshing twist on traditional sangria, this Cucumber White Sangria is a perfect blend of flavors. Start by combining 750ml of chilled Sauvignon Blanc with an array of ingredients: half a sliced cucumber, a sliced lime, half a cup of fresh mint sprigs, and a cup of halved green grapes. Muddle the mixture well and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
The next day, strain the sangria to remove any solids and add the remaining cucumber slices, lime wedges, mint sprigs, and green grapes. Finally, top off the drink with a splash of seltzer water for added fizz.
Sparkling Cojito
To craft a refreshing pitcher of Cojito, start by combining water, sugar, and fresh mint leaves in a mixing vessel. Next, add coconut rum and freshly squeezed lime juice, stirring until well combined. Fill the container with ice, then top it off with seltzer water to give it a lively fizz. If you prefer a creamier take on this tropical cocktail, consider adding a can of coconut milk before adding the ice and seltzer.
Alternatively, you can simply increase the amount of seltzer for a lighter, more effervescent drink.
Sparkling Spiked Peach Lemonade
The harmonious union of lemonade and peaches comes together in this revitalizing cocktail. Begin by crafting a simple syrup by combining one cup of water and granulated sugar in a saucepan, allowing the mixture to simmer until the sugar has fully dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool before moving on to prepare the peach component. Remove the skins from the peaches, cut them in half, remove the pits, chop into cubes, and blend into a smooth purée.
Once the purée is ready, combine it with the cooled simple syrup, one cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, six cups of sparkling water, and one and a half cups of vodka in an ice-filled pitcher, garnishing with additional peach slices for added visual appeal.
Final Thoughts
When crafting a pitcher cocktail for a summer gathering, it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully. Some recipes may require chilling overnight to allow flavors to meld together harmoniously. Additionally, when incorporating fruit into your pitcher cocktail, it’s crucial to consider the optimal serving time before the fruit becomes overripe and loses its texture.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.