Summer calls for a cold pitcher brimming with something fresh, sometimes fizzy, often fruity, and always ice-cold and refreshing. Pitcher Cocktails are made to serve a crowd. These big-batch beverages let your guests pour for themselves so you can mingle, man the grill, or watch the game. How does Blackberry Prosecco Punch or Hawaiian Margaritas sound? I’m feeling thirsty already! Here are 6 easy pitcher cocktails to cool things off at your next outdoor gathering. Grab your cocktail pitchers and get ready to impress your friends and family!
Blackberry Prosecco Punch
"Make this bubbly delight ahead and let it sit in the fridge even a full day before, which intensifies the flavor of the blackberry and mint. Wait to add the prosecco until you’re ready to serve."
6 cups prepared lemonade, chilled
1/3 cup citrus or regular vodka
1 pint blackberries, frozen
3 sprigs fresh mint
1 750mL bottle prosecco, chilled
In a gallon pitcher, pour in the lemonade and vodka. Add the blackberries, mint, and finally the prosecco. The frozen berries serve as flavored ice cubes, but on hot summer days, serving over ice only adds to cool refreshment.
Hawaiian Margaritas
"A Hawaiian-themed party, backyard barbecue, tailgate, or fete creates the ultimate vibe for celebrating once again together and letting loose. This jug of exotic flavors reflects that mood perfectly."
3 cups tequila
1 ½ cups triple sec
1 32-ounce can pineapple juice
1 ½ cups coconut water
1 cup lime juice
pineapple, orange and cherries, for garnish
Mix everything in a jug, stir it up, and pour over ice in chilled glasses. Or make pineapple juice or coconut water ice cubes, so the crisp zing of flavor never gets diluted.
Cuke and Chile Punch
"The cucumber acts like a cool breeze to balance the heat of the chile in this boozy concoction of opposites. You can use any triple sec, but Cointreau has a stronger, smoother flavor."
1 jalapeno, chopped fine
1 ¼ cups tequila
1 large cucumber, peeled, or equivalent juice (we like a heavy cucumber flavor)
½ cup Cointreau
½ cup lime juice
cucumber or lime slices, for garnish
salt, for rimming
Drop the jalapeño into the tequila in a large jug and let it infuse for about 30-45 minutes or so, tasting every 15 minutes until the heat reaches your preference. Puree the cucumber in a blender so it’s basically a pulpy juice. If you’re squeamish about pulp or seeds, pour it through a sifter or sieve. Add that cucumber juice, Cointreau, and lime juice to the jug. Stir really well. Top off the jug with ice, swish it well to thoroughly chill, and serve in rocks glasses. For the authentic margarita experience, rim the glass with salt and add a slice of lime.
Watermelon Mojitos
"Sweet juicy watermelon, lime and fresh mint create the perfect summer cocktail while entertaining friends at the next tailgate or backyard barbecue."
6 cups watermelon, cubed and seeded
1 cup simple syrup
50 fresh mint leaves
¾ cup fresh lime juice (about 5 limes)
1 cup white rum
1–3 cups lemon/lime soda, chilled
Make the simple syrup by adding a cup of sugar to a cup of boiling water and stirring until dissolved. While it cools, blend the watermelon pieces until pureed. Strain to remove the pulp, if you prefer, but it’s the really tasty part. Measure out 2 cups of the juice. Drop the mint leaves in the bottom of a large pitcher, pour just a little of the watermelon juice in to add moisture, and gently muddle the mint a few times to release that refreshing mint flavor. Don’t pulverize it. Pour in the rest of the watermelon juice, lime juice, simple syrup and rum. Stir. Now add ice to the pitcher (or use additional watermelon juice to make flavored ice cubes or an ice ring to keep the flavor strong). Add the bubbly soda to top off the jug or to taste and serve.
Peach, Tea and Bourbon Slushie
"This strong libation takes a bit more than stirring, but it holds a smoother, deeper, more quenching flavor than the usual fruity jug cocktails. "
2 English breakfast tea bags
1 ¾ cups boiling water
3 teaspoons sugar
4 peaches, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 ¼ cups bourbon
Once the water boils, drop in the tea bags to steep for 5 minutes. Stir in the sugar and let it cool completely. Then pour into a blender, drop in the peach pieces and bourbon, and blend until smooth. Transfer the mixture into a plastic container or resealable freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 hours, testing after an hour until it reaches slushie consistency. Pour into a large jug and serve, preferably in chilled glasses.
Grapefruit Negroni
"Aperol is sweeter than Campari in this more citrusy version of the classic Negroni, which makes this less boozy punch better suited for thirsty summer guests and tailgaters."
1 ½ cups ruby red grapefruit juice (from 2–3 grapefruits)
1 ½ cups gin
1 ½ cups sweet vermouth
1 ½ cups Aperol
10–12 dashes orange bitters
grapefruit wedges, for garnish
Pour it all into a jug and stir slowly while you watch the sunset. Pour into glasses loaded with ice and slices of grapefruit.