Stress-Free Sips: Big-Batch Holiday Drinks Anyone Can Make

The easy formula I use for both cocktails and mocktails!

Two things you should know about me - I LOVE a good party and I love a signature cocktail. Usually, having a signature cocktail at a party means you are stuck bartending all. night. long.

This is one of the things I changed in recent years of hosting holiday gatherings. Instead of trying to make individual fancy cocktails for my giant family, I switch to making a punch ahead of time.

In my opinion, big batch cocktails are not given enough credit. They can be so layered with flavor and are so much more than what we used to see in questionable punch bowls at school dances.

Now I live by a simple but powerful ratio that means I can mix up beautiful, crowd-pleasing drinks ahead of time - both cocktails and mocktails - that actually taste better as the party goes on. No more missing the good stories. No more lukewarm drinks. And definitely no more playing bartender when I should be enjoying my own party.

Today I'm sharing my two holiday drinks (with mocktail versions that are just as festive), plus the exact system I use to prep them. These recipes scale beautifully whether you're hosting 8 people or 18.

The Secret to Stress-Free Holiday Drinks

Have you heard of the 3:2:1 ratio for big batch drinks? Three parts base, two parts enhancer, one part brightener. It works for everything from mocktails to martinis!

3 Parts: Your Base

This is your foundation - think cranberry juice, apple cider, or strong-brewed tea. For cocktails, this could be wine or a spirit mixed with juice. The base brings the body and main flavor to your drink.

2 Parts: Your Enhancer

This adds complexity. Use fresh citrus juices, flavored syrups, or spiced tea. For cocktails, this might be vermouth, amaro, or a liqueur. The enhancer brings depth to whatever drink you are making.

1 Part: Your Brightener

The finishing touch - sparkling water, ginger beer, or prosecco. For non-fizzy drinks, try a splash of a tart juice does the trick!

Let’s dive into the recipes, shall we?!