7 Batched Cocktails for Springtime Imbibing

Photo: Vianney Rodriguez

The day are getting longer and increasingly sun-soaked, which means it’s time for more outdoors imbibing. For picnics and backyard parties, pitcher cocktails and punches can take the stress out of mixing drinks, allowing you to make big batches at once (and sometimes even ahead of time). From sparkling punches to julep-filled pitchers, here are seven recipes ready for your next gathering.

Gin Punch

The talented duo behind New York City’s popular Employees Only bar offer up this reworked classic in their book, Speakeasy: Classic Cocktails Reimagined From New York’s Employees Bar. It combines bright citrus, berries and tangy pineapple with gin, Champagne and crème de framboise.

Pepper Watermelon Margarita Juicy watermelon makes a terrific foil for tequila, lime juice and Serrano chiles in this spicy twist on the traditional Margarita.

Pitcher of Juleps  

Hosting a Derby Day party? Streamline the Mint Julep-making with this super-simple, classic pitcher from Denise Gee's Porch Parties: Cocktail Recipes and Easy Ideas for Outdoor Entertaining. Just add ice!

Grapefruit Margarita 

Rosy pink, freshly squeezed grapefruit elevates this otherwise-classic Margarita to heavenly heights.

Gold Coast Punch  

This crowd-pleasing tiki punch combines generous amounts of rum, allspice syrup, pineapple juice and sparkling wine.

Summer Thyme Lemonade 

This whiskey and lemon concoction is pure sunshine in a glass.

White Tea Sangria 

This iced tea cocktail is light on alcohol and incredibly refreshing. The recipe suggests using a combination of fresh citrus, stone fruits and kiwi, but feel free to substitute your favorite seasonal fruits.