7 Make-Ahead Cocktails for Holiday Entertaining
At F&W, one of our keys to simplifying entertaining is choosing things that can be made ahead of time. And that includes cocktails. From boozy classics to new twists on holiday punch, mixing up a batch (or three) before guests arrive makes serving and cleaning up so much easier.
If your setup is self-serve, keep punch bowls or pitchers on ice instead of adding ice to the drinks directly so they don't get watered down. Making large-format cocktails works with elaborate recipes as well as standards. For instance, if you love a Boulevardier, just up the measurements, make it in a pitcher, chill it and it's ready to go.
See the recipe for the Boulevardier, below, as well as seven of our other favorite make-ahead cocktails.
Boulevardier
Serves 8.
In a pitcher, combine 12 ounces of bourbon, 9 ounces sweet vermouth and 9 ounces Campari. Stir well and refrigerate until it's time to serve. Garnish with a grapefruit twist when serving.
Here, seven more of our favorite make-ahead cocktails:
1. Cameron's Cooler
© Wendell T. Webber
This Scotch-based cocktail is bold and refreshing while staying true to the whiskey's roots.
2. Sparkling Pomegranate Punch
Chef Shawn McClain knows drinks as well as food, as proven by this part-sweet, part-tart sparkling pomegranate punch.
Refreshing, low-alcohol punches like this one are perfect for daytime parties.
3. Blood Orange Maragarita
Blood orange helps a margarita transition from summertime staple to fall or winter go-to.
4. Rum Punch
This recipe is easy to multiply for crowds. To ensure that a large batch stays chilled without becoming watery, serve it in a punch bowl set in a larger bowl of crushed ice.
A tropical mango-orange-pineapple punch that's easy to multiply for crowds.
5. Felicitation Punch
A tart punch that's made with a combination of Irish whiskey and gin.
6. Champagne Mojito
This puckery drink is prepared with rum and fresh mint like a classic mojito, then it's made holiday-worthy with a splash of Champagne.
7. Fish House Punch
© Tina Rupp
For this boozy punch, you'll actually want to add ice directly to the punch bowl.
