17 pitcher cocktails for any party: mix once, enjoy all night

Hosting a party? The key to a stress-free night is having a batch of delicious cocktails ready to pour. These 17 pitcher cocktails are easy to make and perfect for any gathering—just mix once and enjoy all night!

1. Classic Margarita Pitcher

Ingredients and Instructions

• 2 cups tequila
• 1 cup orange liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau)
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 cup simple syrup
• Ice
• Salt for rimming glasses
• Lime wedges for garnish

1. In a pitcher, mix tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Chill for at least an hour.
3. Rim glasses with salt, fill with ice, and pour the margarita mixture.
4. Garnish with lime wedges.

History

The margarita has been a favorite cocktail since the 1930s. This pitcher version is perfect for serving a crowd without the hassle of mixing individual drinks.

Tips

For a fruity twist, add blended strawberries or mango. Swap simple syrup for agave nectar for a more authentic taste.

2. Sangria Roja

Ingredients and Instructions

• 1 bottle red wine
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup soda water
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 apple, chopped
• 1 cup mixed berries
• Ice

1. In a large pitcher, mix wine, brandy, orange liqueur, honey, and orange juice.
2. Add fruit slices and berries.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
4. Before serving, stir in soda water and add ice.

History

Sangria originates from Spain and Portugal, where it’s been enjoyed for centuries. It’s a refreshing way to enjoy wine with a fruity, boozy punch.

Tips

For a lighter version, use a dry red wine and skip the honey. You can also make it with white wine for a refreshing twist.

3. Mojito Pitcher

Ingredients and Instructions

• 2 cups white rum
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 cup simple syrup
• 2 cups soda water
• 1 bunch fresh mint leaves
• Ice
• Lime slices for garnish

1. Muddle mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup in a pitcher.
2. Add rum and stir well.
3. Chill for at least an hour.
4. Before serving, add soda water and ice.
5. Garnish with lime slices.

History

The mojito originated in Cuba and became famous worldwide as a light, refreshing cocktail. Its blend of mint, lime, and rum is perfect for warm weather gatherings.

Tips

Use crushed ice for a more traditional mojito texture. For extra flavor, try adding fresh berries.

4. Pimm’s Cup Pitcher

Ingredients and Instructions

• 2 cups Pimm’s No. 1
• 4 cups lemonade
• 1 cup soda water
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, halved
• Mint leaves
• Ice

1. In a pitcher, combine Pimm’s No. 1 and lemonade.
2. Add sliced cucumber, orange, strawberries, and mint.
3. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
4. Before serving, add soda water and ice.

History

The Pimm’s Cup is a classic British cocktail dating back to the 19th century. Originally created as a health tonic, it has become a summer staple.

Tips

For a more herbal twist, add fresh basil or thyme. Swap lemonade for ginger ale for a different flavor.

5. Strawberry Basil Lemonade Pitcher

Ingredients and Instructions

• 2 cups vodka
• 4 cups lemonade
• 1 cup soda water
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• Ice

1. Muddle strawberries and basil leaves in a pitcher.
2. Add vodka and lemonade, stirring well.
3. Chill for at least an hour.
4. Before serving, add soda water and ice.

History

This cocktail combines the classic flavors of strawberry lemonade with basil for a refreshing summer twist.

Tips

Swap vodka for gin for a botanical touch. Try using sparkling lemonade for extra fizz.

6. Blueberry Gin Fizz Pitcher

Ingredients and Instructions

• 2 cups gin
• 1 cup blueberry syrup
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 cups club soda
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• Ice

1. In a pitcher, mix gin, blueberry syrup, and lemon juice.
2. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
3. Before serving, stir in club soda and ice.
4. Garnish with fresh blueberries.

History

The Gin Fizz dates back to the 19th century and was originally a shaken cocktail. This pitcher version makes it easier to serve a crowd.

Tips

For a sweeter drink, add a splash of honey syrup. Try raspberries instead of blueberries for a variation.

7. Watermelon Rum Punch

Ingredients and Instructions

• 4 cups fresh watermelon juice
• 2 cups white rum
• 1 cup coconut water
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup simple syrup
• Ice
• Watermelon slices for garnish

1. Blend watermelon and strain to remove pulp.
2. Mix watermelon juice, rum, coconut water, lime juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher.
3. Chill for at least an hour.
4. Serve over ice and garnish with watermelon slices.

History

Watermelon and rum have long been paired together in Caribbean cocktails. This punch is a refreshing and tropical take on the classic combination.

Tips

Add mint for extra freshness. Freeze watermelon chunks and use them as ice cubes.

8. Sparkling Peach Bellini Pitcher

Ingredients and Instructions

• 1 bottle Prosecco
• 2 cups peach puree
• 1/2 cup peach liqueur
• 1/4 cup simple syrup
• Ice

1. In a pitcher, mix peach puree, peach liqueur, and simple syrup.
2. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
3. Before serving, slowly pour in Prosecco.
4. Stir gently and serve over ice.

History

The Bellini was invented in Venice, Italy, in the 1940s. Originally made with white peaches, it has since inspired many variations.

Tips

For a frozen version, blend all ingredients with ice. Try mango puree instead of peach for a tropical twist.

9. Sangria Blanca Pitcher

Ingredients and Instructions

• 1 bottle dry white wine
• 1/2 cup elderflower liqueur
• 1 cup soda water
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup green apples, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
• Ice

1. In a pitcher, combine white wine, elderflower liqueur, orange juice, and honey.
2. Add sliced fruits and stir gently.
3. Chill for at least 2 hours.
4. Before serving, add soda water and ice.

History

Sangria Blanca is a lighter, more floral variation of traditional Spanish sangria, perfect for warm-weather gatherings.

Tips

For extra freshness, add mint leaves. Use sparkling white wine instead of soda water for a more festive version.

10. Classic Mojito Pitcher

Ingredients and Instructions

• 2 cups white rum
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 cup simple syrup
• 1 liter club soda
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 lime, thinly sliced
• Ice

1. Muddle mint leaves and lime slices in a pitcher.
2. Add rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir well.
3. Chill for an hour.
4. Before serving, add club soda and ice.

History

The Mojito originates from Cuba and has been a favorite cocktail for centuries, known for its refreshing minty and citrus flavors.

Tips

For a fruitier version, add muddled berries or pineapple. Swap simple syrup for honey for a natural sweetness.

11. Pineapple Rum Punch Pitcher

Ingredients and Instructions

• 2 cups dark rum
• 3 cups pineapple juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup grenadine
• 1/2 cup coconut water
• Ice
• Orange slices and cherries for garnish

1. Mix rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine in a pitcher.
2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
3. Before serving, add coconut water and ice.
4. Garnish with orange slices and cherries.

History

Punches have been popular for centuries, with tropical versions like this becoming especially loved in the Caribbean.

Tips

For a creamy version, add coconut milk. Serve with crushed ice for a slushier texture.

12. Aperol Spritz Pitcher

Ingredients and Instructions

• 1 bottle Prosecco
• 2 cups Aperol
• 1 cup soda water
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• Ice

1. In a large pitcher, add Aperol.
2. Slowly pour in Prosecco and soda water.
3. Add orange slices and stir gently.
4. Serve over ice.

History

The Aperol Spritz originates from Italy and has become a staple in European aperitivo culture.

Tips

Use blood oranges for a more dramatic look. Adjust the Aperol to Prosecco ratio for a stronger or lighter drink.

13. Passion Fruit Caipirinha Pitcher

Ingredients and Instructions

• 2 cups cachaça
• 1/2 cup passion fruit puree
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 cup simple syrup
• Ice
• Lime wedges for garnish

1. Mix cachaça, passion fruit puree, lime juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher.
2. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
3. Stir well before serving over ice.
4. Garnish with lime wedges.

History

The Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail, traditionally made with cachaça and lime. This version adds passion fruit for a tropical twist.

Tips

Substitute cachaça with white rum if needed. Use fresh passion fruit pulp for a stronger flavor.

14. Cherry Bourbon Smash Pitcher

Ingredients and Instructions

• 2 cups bourbon
• 1 cup cherry juice
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup honey syrup
• 1 cup soda water
• Fresh cherries and mint for garnish
• Ice

1. Mix bourbon, cherry juice, lemon juice, and honey syrup in a pitcher.
2. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
3. Before serving, add soda water and ice.
4. Garnish with cherries and mint.

History

Bourbon smashes date back to the 19th century, with variations featuring fruit and herbs.

Tips

Use dark cherry juice for a richer flavor. Add a splash of ginger beer for extra spice.

15. Raspberry Rosé Spritzer

Ingredients and Instructions

• 1 bottle rosé wine
• 1 cup raspberry liqueur
• 1 cup soda water
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
• Ice

1. In a pitcher, mix rosé wine and raspberry liqueur.
2. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
3. Before serving, add soda water and ice.
4. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

History

Rosé spritzers have been a refreshing summer staple, with raspberries adding a fruity sweetness.

Tips

Use frozen raspberries instead of ice cubes. Try elderflower liqueur for a floral touch.

16. Mango Margarita Pitcher

Ingredients and Instructions

• 2 cups tequila
• 1 cup mango puree
• 1/2 cup triple sec
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup agave syrup
• Ice
• Salt or chili powder for rimming

1. Mix tequila, mango puree, triple sec, lime juice, and agave syrup in a pitcher.
2. Chill for at least an hour.
3. Before serving, rim glasses with salt or chili powder.
4. Serve over ice.

History

The margarita is a classic Mexican cocktail, and mango is a popular tropical variation.

Tips

Blend with ice for a frozen version. Add a jalapeño slice for a spicy kick.

17. Classic Whiskey Sour Pitcher

Ingredients and Instructions

• 2 cups bourbon
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3/4 cup simple syrup
• 1/2 cup egg white (optional for frothiness)
• Ice
• Maraschino cherries for garnish

1. Mix bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) in a pitcher.
2. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
3. Shake well before serving.
4. Pour over ice and garnish with cherries.

History

The Whiskey Sour has been a staple cocktail since the 19th century. This pitcher version makes it easy to serve at gatherings.

Tips

For a fruitier taste, add a splash of orange juice. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, increase the simple syrup.

There you have it—17 incredible pitcher cocktails perfect for any party. These drinks let you mix once and enjoy all night without the hassle of making individual cocktails. Cheers to effortless entertaining!