Party Pro Tip: Big Batch Cocktails Simplify Entertaining

Hosting friends for a football party? In charge of cocktails at the next tailgate? Mix up some big-batch Proof Syrup libations —  your friends will love them, and you won't be stuck juggling bottles and garnishes instead of enjoying the party.

Less hassle than individually mixing guests' drinks and cheaper than an open bar, big-batch cocktails deserve a spot in your pre- and post-game party plans.

The best thing about batched cocktails? They actually taste just like they were individually mixed. By mixing and chilling each recipe, sans ice, beforehand, then serving over ice, you avoid the disappointment of watered-down cocktails. Adding carbonated ingredients like sparkling water as drinks are served instead of beforehand keeps them fizzy and properly proportioned, too.

Here are a few of our favorite batchable cocktails. Cheers, and enjoy the game!

1. Batch Old Fashioneds (8 Servings)

Ingredients

• ½ Cup (4 oz) Traditional, Maple Bacon, Orange, Pecan, Pumpkin Spice, or Black Walnut Proof Syrup
• 2 Cups (16 oz) Your Favorite Aged Spirit (We love bourbon, aged rum, and mellow ryes for this recipe.)
• Garnishes: Orange Peel for Traditional, Orange, Pecan and Black Walnut; Crisp Bacon for Maple Bacon; Cinnamon Sticks for Pumpkin Spice

Steps

1. In a large glass jar or pitcher, stir spirit and Proof Syrup, then refrigerate until ready to serve. 
2. To serve, stir again, then pour mixture into ice-filled rocks glasses.
3. Garnish as desired. 

2. Easy Big Batch Margaritas (8 Servings)

Ingredients

• 1 cup (½ bottle) Citrus Sour Proof Syrup
• 2 cups Tequila
• ½ cup Cointreau
• Lime Wheels to Garnish
• Margarita Salt (or Flaky Salt) for Rims of Glasses (Optional)

Steps

1. In a large glass jar or pitcher, shake or vigorously stir spirits and Proof Syrup, then refrigerate until ready to serve. 
2. To serve, stir again, then pour mixture into ice-filled rocks glasses with or without salted rims.
3. Garnish with lime wheels.

3. Proof Orange Crush (8 Servings)

Ingredients

• ½ cup Orange Proof Syrup
• 1 ½ cups Vodka
• ½ cup Cointreau
• 2 cups Orange Juice
• Lemon-Lime Soda to Top (16-32 oz)
• Orange Wedges & Mint Leaves to Garnish

Steps

1. In a large glass jar or pitcher, shake or vigorously stir spirits and Proof Syrup.
2. Strain into a pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve. 
3. To serve, stir thoroughly, then pour into Collins glasses filled with crushed ice.
4. Top each with soda and garnish as desired.

4. Bourbon Daisy (8 servings)

Ingredients

• ½ cup Pomegranate Proof Syrup
• ½ cup (4 oz) Citrus Sour Proof Syrup
• 1 ½ cup Bourbon
• Club Soda to Top (3-5 oz per Serving)
• Lemon Wheel to Garnish

Steps

1. Shake or stir bourbon and Proof Syrups; refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. To serve, stir again, then pour mixture into ice-filled double old fashioned glasses. 
3. Top with club soda and garnish with lemon wheel.

5. Big Batch Pecan Apple Sour (8 servings)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Pecan Proof Syrup
• 1 cup Rum
• 1/2 cup Lime Juice
• 32 oz (about 3 12-oz bottles) Hard Cider
• Lime Wheels to Garnish

Steps

1. In a large glass jar or shaker, shake or vigorously stir rum, lime juice, and Proof Syrup with ice, then strain into a pitcher and refrigerate until serving.
2. To serve, pour into ice-filled Collins glasses and top with hard cider.
3. Garnish with lime wheels.

6. Peach Tea Punch (8 servings)

7. Pecan Tea Punch (8 servings)