How to Make Party Drinks Guide

Last updated: January 15, 2025

Quick Reference

Portions & Sizes

How Many Drinks: Plan for 2-3 drinks per person for a 2-3 hour party

General

What to Offer: One signature cocktail, one mocktail, plus wine and beer
Ice Needed: Buy 2 bags of ice for every 8-10 people
Make-Ahead Tip: Mix cocktail bases the morning of, just add ice when serving
Base Spirits: Vodka and rum cover most cocktails - buy mid-range quality
Mixers: Cranberry juice, lime juice, ginger ale, and tonic water
Garnishes: Fresh herbs (rosemary, mint), citrus slices, berries
Bar Essentials: Ice, cocktail napkins, stirrers, nice glasses

Checkout our one click shopable recipes

Cranberry-Tangerine Cosmo with Vodka & Grand Marnier

Non-Alcoholic White Wine Sangria with Pear, Lemon, Thyme & Ginger Beer

Slow Cooker "Pumpkin Pie" Spiced Hot Apple Cider

Pumpkin Spice Latte with Instant Coffee

Vodka Apple-Cranberry Moscow Mule

Hot Buttered Rum with Warm Spices & Whipped Topping

Homemade Whiskey-Spiked Eggnog

Party drinks made easy: cocktails and mocktails

Simple Make-Ahead Cocktails

Skip the stress of mixing drinks while hosting - make batches ahead instead. Choose one signature cocktail for your party that can be mixed in the morning and stored in a pitcher. Great options include sangrias, margaritas, or cosmopolitans. Mix everything except ice and carbonated ingredients, then refrigerate until serving time. When guests arrive, just add ice and any bubbly mixers. For an 8-person party, multiply a single cocktail recipe by 10 to account for refills. Label your pitcher clearly so anyone can serve themselves. This lets you enjoy your party instead of playing bartender all night.

Easy Recipe

Try a simple cranberry vodka punch: mix vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup; add ginger ale when serving

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Mocktails That Taste Special

Non-alcoholic drinks should feel just as festive as cocktails. Create sparkling mocktails using fruit juices, fresh herbs, and sparkling water. Try mixing cranberry juice with fresh lime and rosemary for a sophisticated option, or blend apple cider with cinnamon and ginger ale for fall gatherings. Serve mocktails in nice glasses with garnishes like fruit slices or herb sprigs - presentation matters. Make them in batches just like cocktails so they're easy to serve. About a third of your guests will likely choose non-alcoholic options, so make plenty.

Simple Garnish

Freeze berries or orange slices in ice cubes ahead of time - they look impressive and add flavor

Related Products

Signature SELECT Granulated Sugar - 4 Lb

O Organics Fresh Thyme - 0.5 Oz

Cara Cara Navel Orange

Signature SELECT Coffee Ground Medium Roast Colombia - 11 Oz

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Setting Up a Simple Drink Station

Make self-service easy by organizing a drink station before guests arrive. Set up on a side table or kitchen counter away from food so people don't crowd one area. Include everything guests need: glasses, ice bucket with scoop, napkins, and your pre-mixed drinks in labeled pitchers. Add a few garnish options like lemon wedges or fresh herbs in small bowls. Keep beer and wine in a cooler or ice bucket nearby. Put out bottle openers and a wine opener. This setup lets guests help themselves while you chat and enjoy your party.

Ice Strategy

Buy bags of ice the day before and store in your freezer - much easier than making ice cubes for days