Crowd-Pleasing Batched Cocktails for Your Holiday Party

Hosting Tips
Author: The Bar Team
A punch bowl with red punch and lemon slices, surrounded by matching cups, a bottle of Tanqueray gin, blackberries in a dish, and candlesticks on a patterned tablecloth.

Whether you’re hosting Friendsmas, Chrismukkah or just a holiday dinner with the family, serving up a large-format holiday batched cocktail is one of the simplest ways to get everyone in the holiday spirit. From a bubbly gin punch with blackberries and Tanqueray London Dry Gin, to a large format winter take on the classic Cosmopolitan, to a rich, warm and chocolate-y winter serve, these cocktails are designed to serve while making memorable holiday moments this season.

Tanqueray No. 10 Gin

Gin Tidings Punch

A festive and refreshing-tasting cocktail that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays. With Tanqueray No. Ten gin as its base, this punch boasts a sophisticated botanical flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich sweetness of blackberry syrup. The addition of fresh lemon juice adds a zesty brightness, while bitters provide a subtle complexity that balances the sweetness. Topping it off with prosecco brings a delightful effervescence, making this punch not only visually stunning but also a bubbly delight to sip on during gatherings. Its vibrant flavors and easy batched preparation make it an ideal choice for holiday celebrations with friends and family.

INGREDIENTS 9 oz. Tanqueray Gin 6 oz. Blackberry Simple Syrup* 3 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract 1 tsp. Aromatic Bitters Prosecco to Top Seasonal Berries and Lemon Twist for Garnish

INSTRUCTIONS Shake all ingredients in a large format shaker with ice, besides prosecco and garnishes, then strain into a punch bowl. (If you don’t have a large-format shaker, you can shake in batches or stir these ingredients in the punch bowl with ice.) Top with prosecco and garnish with seasonal berries and a long lemon twist, expressed over the top of the bowl for an extra aromatic kick. Ladle punch into punch cups and enjoy. Serves 6.

Blackberry simple syrup: In a blender, combine 1 cup white sugar, 1 cup hot water and 6 ounces of blackberries. Pour through a fine strainer to remove any pulp and seeds and cool before use.

Pomegranate Cosmo

This cocktail offers a smooth and luxurious experience, while the vibrant pomegranate juice adds a festive pop of color and a tangy sweetness. The addition of anise syrup introduces a subtle warmth and depth, perfectly complemented by the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice. A splash of orange liqueur rounds out the flavors with a citrusy kick, creating a well-balanced drink. Ideal for serving a crowd, the Pomegranate Cosmo combines elegance and seasonal charm, making it a standout choice for any holiday gathering.

INGREDIENTS 9 oz. CÎROC Original 3 oz. Orange Liqueur 1.5 oz. Anise Simple Syrup* 3 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice 8 oz. Fresh Pomegranate Juice Pomegranate Seeds, Star Anise and Lemon Twist for Garnish

INSTRUCTIONS Shake all ingredients (besides garnishes) in a large-format shaker with ice, then strain into a punch bowl over a large block of ice. If you don’t have a large-format shaker, you can shake in batches or stir these ingredients in the punch bowl, then add the block of ice. Garnish with pomegranate seeds, pieces of star anise and a long lemon twist. Serve with a ladle into punch cups. Serves 6.

Anise simple syrup: In a saucepan, bring 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water and 5-6 crushed pieces of whole star anise to a boil. Remove from the heat and allow the syrup to sit overnight. Strain and enjoy!

A clear blue bottle of Cîroc vodka with a silver cap and white label, showing 40% alcohol by volume and a 750 ml capacity.
A bottle of Smirnoff Peppermint Twist vodka with a red and white candy cane striped design and labeled as a limited edition.

Spiked Spearmint Hot Chocolate

The Spiked Spearmint Hot Chocolate is a cozy and indulgent cocktail that captures the essence of the holidays in every sip. Made with Smirnoff Peppermint Twist, this rich hot chocolate gains a delightful minty kick, creating a warm and inviting drink that's perfect for chilly evenings. The smoothness of the vodka blends seamlessly with the creamy chocolate, while the refreshing-tasting peppermint adds a festive flair. It’s easy to prepare in a batch, making it a great option for holiday gatherings, allowing everyone to enjoy a cup of this delightful treat. Topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa, this cocktail is sure to bring warmth and cheer to any celebration.

INGREDIENTS 6 cups Milk 1 cup Heavy Cream 12 oz. Bittersweet Chocolate, chopped 1/2 cup Sugar 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract 1/2 tsp. Peppermint Extract Whipped Cream Crushed Peppermint Candies

INSTRUCTIONS In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat until warm but not boiling. Add the chopped chocolate and sugar, whisking constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies. Serve immediately. Serves 6.

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The Bar Team

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The Bar Team is a group of behind-the-scenes writers, bartenders and drinks lovers who share tips, trends and easy how-tos. We mix real bar experience with a love of great drinks to help you try new ideas, learn and get inspired.

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