10 Party Drinks With Tips for Preparing Ahead

Spend less time measuring during the party

A little preparation makes hosting easier, whether you are making Margaritas, Rum Punch, or a simple Tinto de Verano. These ten recipes offer different ways to serve a group. The recipe measurements are for individual drinks; use them to calculate ingredients for your guest count.

Prepare the base, finish the drink

Sangria, Rum Punch, and Margarita have still ingredients you can measure ahead. For Aperol Spritz, Mimosa, Paloma, Cuba Libre, Moscow Mule, and Tinto de Verano, chill the fizzy mixer separately and add it when serving. Piña Colada needs blending close to serving for its texture. A larger container alone does not replace the chilling and dilution from shaking a recipe.

Keep the menu focused

Choose drinks with overlapping ingredients: lime works in Margarita, Paloma, Rum Punch, Cuba Libre, and Moscow Mule. Set out glassware and garnishes, keep ice separate until serving, and offer a nonalcoholic option. Make a single serving first to check the balance before scaling any recipe.