5 Easy Batch Cocktails For Your Backyard BBQ or Relaxing Weekend

It's heating up and

The time has arrived for those poolside soirees, graduations and backyard BBQs. These are the things we look forward to all winter long. While these activities are what make the summer amazing, don't forget these events need to have delicious refreshing cocktails to keep the party going. We all know what it feels like to be at an event with no libations (not fun). Unless you hire a bartender...it can be a task to keep all your guests hydrated and refreshed. So how do you make sure that everyone has a tasty cocktail if you don't have a bartender onsite?

You could stand and make all the cocktails yourself. Going this route will have you working all night and not enjoying your own party. You could create a "self serve" situation. However leaving liquor and mixers out has the potential to be a disaster. You may run through your alcohol stash a little faster than anticipated, as many people will over pour their drinks. Here is a solution. Mix up some pre-batched cocktails and have them on hand for the whole day. So with a little prep time up front you can set yourself up for a hassle free, mess free party.

Here are 5 easy to make big batch cocktails to get the party started!

1. PINEAPPLE ROSÉ SANGRIA

We are all familiar with a red wine sangria. Try amping up this sometimes boring cocktail by using a rosé sparkling wine or champagne as an addition.

INGREDIENTS

1 bottle Rosé

1/4 cup peach schnapps

2 cups 100% pineapple juice

1 pint raspberries

1 cup diced peaches

1 cup pineapple chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

Add all ingredients to a large pitcher and serve in pretty glasses over ice

2. BLUEBERRY LAVENDER VODKA SPRITZER

This cocktail is simple and sophisticated. This one will appeal to your guests at any event. If you don't care for blackberries you can substitute in blackberries or raspberry.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups vodka

3/4 cup blueberry lavender simple syrup (recipe below)

4 ounces lime juice

Club soda

Fresh lavender for garnish

For the blueberry lavender simple syrup:

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

1 cup blueberries

4 lavender sprigs (or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried food-grade lavender buds)

INSTRUCTIONS

For the blueberry lavender simple syrup:

Combine the first three ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to a low simmer and add 4 lavender sprigs (or 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried lavender) and keep on low heat for 10 minutes.Strain pressing the blueberries to get all of their juice.

For the blueberry lavender vodka spritzer:

Divide the cup of blueberries between two ice cube trays and fill with water. Freeze completely, or spread them evenly on a sheet tray and freeze until solid. In a glass pitcher combine the vodka, simple syrup, lime juice, and club soda. Add ice cubes. Add remaining ice cubes to glasses. Pour the mixture over top and serve with a sprig of lavender.

3. PINEAPPLE COCONUT SANGRIA This sangria is the perfect blend of summer flavor. Nothing beats the heat better than coconut rum and fresh pineapple.

INGREDIENTS

1 750-ml. bottle white wine, such as Pinot Grigio 2 c. pineapple juice 1 c. Club soda 1 c. chopped pineapple 1/2 c. coconut rum 1/4 c. maraschino cherries

DIRECTIONS In a pitcher combine white wine, pineapple juice, club soda, pineapple, coconut rum, and maraschino cherries. Refrigerate until chilled.Garnish with pineapple and serve.

4. HONEY PALOMA COCKTAILS

Getting tired of the traditional margarita, this honey paloma is made with grapefruit juice for a tangy and sweet twist on this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

2 2/3 cups tequila

2 2/3 cups grapefruit juice

1 cup lime juice

1 cup water

3 oz honey

1/2 tsp salt

10 oz Sparkling water (to top off individual servings)

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large pitcher, mix the grapefruit juice, lime juice, water, and honey. Chill for 1 hour.

Stir in the tequila and salt.

Fill a glass 3/4 full with ice, pour enough cocktail base to reach that same 3/4 full mark, then top with of sparkling water. Garnish with grapefruit. Sip!

5. HURRICANE

This New Orleans original is sure to be a hit. Be careful with this boozy delight...as it might have you feeling wavy if you have one too many.

INGREDIENTS

4 cups light rum

4 cups dark rum

4 cups passion fruit juice

1 1/2 cups pineapple juice

1 1/2 cups orange juice

1/2 cup lime juice

1/4 cup grenadine

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine all ingredients in a gallon pitcher and refrigerate to thoroughly chill. Leave in fridge at least 4 hours. Serve over ice, garnished with an orange slice and cherry.