If you’re looking for the best summer batch cocktails for sipping on by the pool, making for 4th of July, serving at a backyard bbq or a casual happy hour, these are my recipes you need!
I make these drinks on rotation at most of my summer parties and everyone raves about how fresh and flavorful they are. They are refreshing summer cocktails that can be prepped in advance, easy to prepare and great for parties.
From frozen aperol spritzes to citrusy palomas and bold fruity sangrias, we’ve got it all!
What makes a great summer cocktail?
- Refreshing: for me, summer cocktails absolutely need to be refreshing to beat the summer heat. So usually that means an iced or frozen cocktail
- Citrus based: usually the best refreshing summer cocktails are a bit citrusy. The citrus makes them bright in flavor and a little tartiness always makes you crave another sip
- Frozen: honestly I’m a sucker for a frozen cocktail. A frozen strawberry margarita by the pool? Sign. Me. Up. I like frozen cocktails because they are usually a bit lighter and you can adjust the sweetness to your liking
- Low effort and tasty: for summer cocktails I want something that can easily be batched and not have to shake one by one (like a martini) but still tastes fresh and delicious (no bottled mixes live on this side of the internet)
Here are my 6 favorite summer cocktails that you can keep on rotation all season long.
Note: Find even more batched cocktails here!
best summer cocktails for entertaining:
Make Ahead Frozen Aperol Spritz
This Frozen Aperol Spritz Cocktail is so easy to make! Filled with Aperol, orange juice, strawberries and Prosecco, then blended up into a frozen frothy cocktail, it’s a refreshing summer cocktail recipe that’s easy to prep ahead and will make you feel like your backyard is an Italian courtyard.
If you love a traditional iced Aperol Spritz you have to see what secret ingredient I make mine with!
You could also set up a cute Aperol Spritz Bar if you’re having a dinner party or something more formal!
This is my favorite fresh Italian appetizer to serve with any spritz (frozen or regular)
Recipe: Batched Frozen Aperol Spritz
Batched Limoncello Spritz Cocktail
This Limoncello Spritz Recipe is the perfect summer cocktail! A delightful combination of limoncello, prosecco, soda water, this drink transports you straight to a sunny, blue sky day on the Italian coast. Be sure to make a big batch – this spritz is going to go fast!
This is my favorite pitcher for big batch cocktails and what I usually serve this spritz in
If you love a summery limoncello spritz you might also like a limoncello martini or a lemon drop shot to really get the party started
Big Batch Palomas
These Big Batch Palomas are the perfect summer drink if you like light, bright, and citrusy cocktails! Simply mix together tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, and some agave for sweetness. Finish off your Paloma with soda for a fizzy twist and enjoy!
If you like these, you have to try them frozen too!
Recipe: Big Batch Palomas
pomegranate margaritas
I have made these big batch pomegranate margaritas literally DOZENS of times and they are always highly requested (especially by my grandparents, ha!). The most work you’re going to do is literally squeezing the fresh lime juice. They are so deep in fruity flavor and the color is so eye catching. If you make one big batch summer cocktail from this list, let it be these.
For a cocktail I like to add the ice just to the glasses, I love using this smaller drink dispenser or a flip top glass bottle (these fit nicely in the fridge)
Recipe: big batch pomegrante margaritas
Big Batch Hugo Spritz
The Hugo Spritz is the gentle, sweet, and floral cousin of the Aperol Spritz, and this recipe will make a big batch of it! Instead of a bitter liqueur, the Hugo calls for a delightful elderflower liqueur that gives this spritz an overall lighter flavor. I know you and your guests will want seconds (and thirds), so here’s a big batch recipe that’ll keep you sipping all night long!
And because I know you’ll ask (everyone always does!) this is the beverage dispenser I always use for batch cocktails! It holds a great amount and matches any party decor
Recipe: Big Batch Hugo Spritz
lambrusco sangria
Nothing says summer like sangria! This lambrusco sangria is juicy, bold and SO fresh. I like to serve it with plenty of fresh fruit slices and ice on the side. Lambrusco is sort of like a red wine prosecco and is so deep in flavor! If you’re a red wine lover, this is a must try!
Recipe: Lambrusco Sangria
FAQs
Yes! If a cocktail doesn’t have any bubbly ingredients like prosecco or soda water, you can usually prep and mix all of the ingredients before hand in a pitcher and add the bubbly right before serving
Here’s an easy trick: Freeze an element of your recipe and use that as your ice cubes! For example, orange juice and lime juice (or any fruit juice for that matter) make a great, flavorful cube. You can also freeze your garnish, like strawberries or orange slices, to keep your cocktail cool.
If I were having a fourth of July by the pool I’d probably go for a frozen Aperol spritz but if were having a standard bbq / backyard gathering I’d go with the pomegranate margaritas
The hugo spritz is pretty simple and one of the most popular batch cocktails on the site if that tells you anything! It’s an easy crowed pleaser.
Yes! You should put an ice bucket or bin with a scoop alongside a cocktail if you don’t plan to add ice. IF you plan to add ice, only do it right before serving so it doesn’t get too watered down.
If you make any batched cocktails this summer, be sure to tag me on Pinterest and Instagram!
I seriously love seeing what you guys are making and sharing your creations with the Everyday Elizabeth community!
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