Party-Planning - Making Cocktails for a Crowd

Whether youre entertaining 10, 20, or even 40 or more guests, the special occasion experts at Celebrate with Style know that preparing large quantities of delicious cocktail coolers will please everyone and help you relax a bit and enjoy your party.

Some people mix large quantities of these tasty drinks in plastic storage containers or large coolers, which safety experts understandably frown on. However, you can mix these coolers in large stockpots or punch bowls, and ladle the beverages into large individual pitchers. Cover all containers and if possible, chill them in the refrigerator before guests arrive.

Another good idea: Dont add ice to the serving bowl or pitcher. Pour coolers over ice in individual glasses. That way, you wont dilute the drinks before anyone has had a chance to enjoy them.

For a pretty serve-yourself bar, put out pitchers or bowls and ladles for different cocktails, along with a large tray or platter holding a variety of fruit garnishes, such as pineapple wedges, lemon, lime or orange slices, and fresh ripe strawberries. Colored glasses and straws will add just the right festive touch.

Here are a number of fabulous hot weather cocktail crowd-pleasers. Theyre simple to make, but elegant enough to add flair to any casual outdoor affair.

Note: Weve figured the recipes for 40 servingsplenty for a crowd. Also, of course, be sure to have plenty of water, soda, and lots of other non-alcoholic beverages on hand.

TROPICAL ICED TEA

Makes 40 servings
2 64-oz. containers unsweetened iced tea
2 64-oz. containers orange juice
1-1/3 750-ml. bottles coconut rum
3/4 cup honey

Garnish with slices of orange, lemon, or both.

WHITE SANGRIA

Makes 40 servings
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
4 750-ml. bottles Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chablis.

Slice assorted fresh fruit: oranges, lemons, pineapple, peaches, and whole strawberries or raspberries.

Combine sugar and water. Simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Pour the hot syrup over fruit and refrigerate. When you are ready to serve, put the fruit mixture into serving container and add chilled white wine.

SUMMER COOLER

Makes 40 servings
2-2/3 750-ml. bottles raspberry vodka
1-1/2 two-liter bottles lemon-lime soda
2 46-oz. cans pineapple juice
4 cups fresh mint

Garnish with lime slices or fresh raspberries.

PEACH BLISS

Makes 40 servings
2-2/3 750-ml. bottles light or dark rum
2-2/3 750-ml. bottles peach schnapps
2 64-oz. bottles cranberry juice
1 liter bottle club soda

CITRUS TWIST

Makes 40 servings
1-1/3 750-ml. bottles dark tequila
1-1/3 750-ml. bottles dark rum
1 46-oz. can grapefruit juice
2 46-oz. cans pineapple juice

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Celebratewithstyle.com is the first guide to creating the celebrations that make life so much richer. It features advice on planning memorable parties for family members and friends, as well as holiday, business, social, and fundraising events. The site offers ideas and advice from experts on festive foods, stylish dcor, dress-up fashion, and beauty. It also provides party planning tools for kids birthdays, coming-of-age celebrations, and wedding-related festivities.