When it comes to running a busy bar, every minute counts. Between taking orders, mixing drinks, and chatting with customers, the pace can be frantic. Having a few tricks up your sleeve is essential, which is why having a repertoire of make-ahead cocktail recipes can be a lifesaver. Not only do these cocktails save time during service, but they also give you the freedom to experiment with new flavors and get creative with your drink menu.
Whether you’re looking to update your bar’s offerings or just want to impress guests at home, make-ahead cocktails are perfect for any occasion. But what exactly is a make-ahead cocktail? Simply put, it’s a cocktail that can be pre-batched and stored in the fridge until it’s ready to be served. This means you can mix up large batches of drinks ahead of time, eliminating the need to measure out ingredients or shake up individual cocktails during service.
In this blog post, we’ll be exploring some of the best make-ahead cocktail recipes out there, from classic favorites like the Old Fashioned to modern twists like the Watermelon Margarita, and more. So, whether you’re a seasoned bartender looking to streamline your service or a home mixologist seeking inspiration, read on for some delicious and easy-to-make make-ahead cocktails that are sure to please any crowd.
Blackberry Tequila Cooler
Discover a refreshing summer drink that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings. The Blackberry Tequila Cooler is a delightful combination of flavors, blending the sweetness of blackberries with the tanginess of lime juice and the effervescence of sparkling wine, creating a fruity and bubbly experience that’s sure to please even the most discerning palate. This make-ahead cocktail is incredibly convenient, allowing you to prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge until serving time.
Its ability to be prepared ahead of time makes it ideal for hosting large groups or events, as you can simply pour and serve without any last-minute fuss. Adapted from Rachael Ray’s Every Day, June 2019, this cocktail is a must-try for those looking to impress their guests with a unique and delicious drink that’s sure to become a crowd-pleaser.
Negroni
The Negroni is a timeless Italian cocktail that masterfully blends bitter, dry, and sweet flavors to create a truly unique taste experience. Traditionally made by combining equal parts of Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth, this classic cocktail has stood the test of time due to its refreshing flavor profile.
Typically garnished with an orange slice, which adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of citrus, the Negroni is perfect for sipping on warm summer evenings or during outdoor adventures like camping trips. Moreover, one of its greatest advantages is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in a Mason jar, making it an ideal choice for entertaining guests or impromptu gatherings.
If you’re looking to shake up your cocktail game with something new and exciting, the Negroni is definitely worth trying out.
Turmeric Spritzer Cocktail
Making a splash at any gathering, the Turmeric Spritzer Cocktail brings a refreshing twist to classic spritzers with its homemade turmeric syrup. This innovative concoction not only adds a delicious flavor but also provides a healthy touch, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a guilt-free cocktail experience. The syrup can be prepared ahead of time, allowing hosts to enjoy a make-ahead cocktail that requires minimal last-minute effort.
Honeycrisp Apple Sangria
Lovely autumn nights call for refreshing cocktails that warm the heart, and the Honeycrisp Apple Sangria perfectly fits the bill. This signature fall cocktail masterfully combines the rich flavors of red wine and brandy with the sweetness of fall spices and honeycrisp apples, creating a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes in each sip.
The drink’s unique flavor profile is characterized by hints of cider, citrus, cinnamon, and the unmistakable taste of honeycrisp apples, making it an absolute treat for the senses. As a bonus, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time – simply mix all ingredients together in a pitcher, refrigerate for at least 6-8 hours to allow the flavors to meld, and just before serving, top it off with club soda for a lively fizz that will leave your guests wanting more.
Strawberry Lemonade Moscato Slushie
Generally considered the epitome of summer refreshment, the Strawberry Lemonade Moscato Slushie is a perfect cocktail for a hot day. This wine slushie, made with Moscato, frozen lemonade concentrate, Sprite, and strawberries, offers versatility in its preparation methods, including using an ice cream maker or freezing the mixture in a cake pan or ice cube trays.
The recipe’s flexibility allows for it to be prepared well in advance and kept in the freezer for up to three months, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. As a result, this slushie is sure to become a crowd-pleaser at parties, offering a refreshing and delicious drink that’s easy to prepare.
Sweet Tea and Bourbon Cocktail
Making the perfect cocktail for entertaining can be a daunting task, but one option that’s sure to impress is the Sweet Tea and Bourbon Cocktail. This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of tea with the rich flavors of bourbon, creating a unique and delicious taste experience. The big vanilla, oak, and caramel notes in the bourbon are perfectly balanced by the freshness of the tea, making it a perfect choice for mixing into cocktails.
One of the best things about this cocktail is that it’s easy to make ahead of time, allowing you to focus on enjoying your party with your guests rather than being stuck behind the bar. Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or just looking for a new drink to try, the Sweet Tea and Bourbon Cocktail is a must-try that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Meyer Lemon Whiskey Sour
Rose Sangria
Presenting the perfect summer cocktail, the Rose Sangria is a fruity and refreshing make-ahead concoction that’s sure to be the star of any outdoor gathering or party. Made with rosé wine and an assortment of summer fruits, this customizable drink pairs effortlessly with a variety of dinner menus, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
While allowing at least 2 hours for preparation before serving is essential, as this allows all the fruit to meld harmoniously with the other ingredients and provides sufficient time for chilling. If you’re seeking a fun and vibrant beverage that’s remarkably easy to prepare, then the Rose Sangria undoubtedly deserves your attention.
Apple Cider Sangria
Naturally, Apple Cider Sangria stands out as a refreshing twist on classic sangria recipes, combining white wine with apple cider, fresh orange and lime juice, and brandy to create a harmonious blend of flavors. Its seasonal appeal makes it an ideal choice for fall and holiday gatherings, where it can be crafted ahead of time without sacrificing its flavor.
The longer the ingredients have to mingle together, the more enhanced the taste experience becomes, making this drink a standout option for special occasions.
French 77
Reviving the classic cocktail scene with its unique blend of flavors, French 77 is an exceptional choice for any gathering or celebration. This delightful concoction combines the subtle sweetness of elderflower liqueur with the zesty kick of lemon juice, while gin adds a robust and sophisticated touch. The addition of sparkling wine gives the drink a lively and refreshing quality that perfectly balances its rich flavors.
The versatility of French 77 makes it an ideal make-ahead cocktail that can be easily scaled up to cater to large crowds. With its irresistible charm and delicious taste, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Vodka Spritzer
Delighting in its simplicity, the Vodka Spritzer is a revitalizing cocktail that’s perfect for any gathering or celebration. With just three ingredients, this drink is effortless to prepare and even more enjoyable to sip on. Its understated yet refreshing nature makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a light and revitalizing cocktail with a moderate alcohol content.
The Vodka Spritzer is an excellent option for hot summer days when you crave something cool and revitalizing or as a signature cocktail at your next social event. If you’re fond of fruity cocktails, there are numerous variations to explore, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and combinations. Overall, the Vodka Spritzer is a must-try cocktail that’s sure to captivate your guests.
Strawberry Wine Punch
A refreshing twist on traditional cocktails, the Strawberry Wine Punch is a delicious and fruity concoction made with fresh strawberries and wine. Its ability to be prepared ahead of time makes it an ideal choice for parties and gatherings. This crowd-pleasing cocktail has already gained recognition from reputable sources such as Country Living and Cosmo, solidifying its popularity among those seeking easy and impressive drink options.
Red Wine Sangria
Delighting your guests with a refreshing drink perfect for summertime gatherings, Red Wine Sangria is a must-have cocktail for any outdoor event. This Spanish-inspired beverage combines the rich flavors of red wine with the sweetness of fresh fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges, as well as strawberries, apples, and peaches. The addition of triple sec and fruit juices creates a delightful flavor that’s sure to quench your guests’ thirst on a hot summer day.
The beauty of this cocktail lies in its ability to be made ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for parties and gatherings. Simply stir together the ingredients, refrigerate for a few hours or overnight, and add soda or sparkling water right before serving. This allows you to enjoy your gathering without the hassle of constantly refreshing drinks. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, outdoor wedding, or simply lounging on the patio with friends, Red Wine Sangria is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Grapefruit Margarita
Highlighting its popularity among cocktail enthusiasts, The Grapefruit Margarita is a refreshing and delectable drink that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and sour flavors. Its succulent citrus and lime notes blend harmoniously with the tequila and triple sec, creating an exceptional taste experience. When it comes to preparation, this cocktail is surprisingly easy to make using either fresh or jarred grapefruit juice, combined with a few straightforward ingredients.
Moreover, its ability to be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days makes it an ideal choice for gatherings like BBQs, cocktail parties, tailgates, and brunches.
Tequila Cocktail With Blood Orange and Pomegranate
Just imagine serving a vibrant and refreshing Tequila Cocktail with Blood Orange and Pomegranate at your next gathering or party, where the combination of silver reposado tequila, pomegranate liqueur, and pomegranate molasses creates a sweet and tangy flavor that is perfectly balanced by the addition of blood orange Italian soda.
This make-ahead cocktail is ideal for hosts who want to enjoy their guests without worrying about mixing drinks all night, as the base mixture can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit individual tastes, making it a must-try for anyone who loves tequila and wants to wow their friends with a delicious and unique cocktail.
Coconut Lime Mojito Shooters With Blueberry
Taking inspiration from tropical paradises, the Coconut Lime Mojito Shooters with Blueberry are an ideal choice for those seeking a hassle-free cocktail to prepare ahead of time. This delectable shooter boasts an exquisite blend of coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, lime, rum, and fragrant mint leaves, carefully crafted to tantalize your taste buds.
Godiva Chocolate Martini
Generally speaking, the Godiva Chocolate Martini is an indulgent treat that caters perfectly to those with a sweet tooth for chocolate. Composed of Godiva liqueur, vanilla vodka, chocolate liqueur, and milk, this cocktail effectively reimagines the classic childhood drink of chocolate milk in a sophisticated adult format. Its rich and creamy texture makes it the ideal after-dinner accompaniment, elevating the drinking experience to new heights.
What’s more, its simplicity in terms of ingredients and preparation is a major bonus, requiring just a shaker and a few basic components to bring this delightful concoction to life. This cocktail has all the makings of a showstopper, guaranteed to leave your guests in awe and clamoring for the recipe if you’re anything like the chocolate enthusiast type. The Godiva Chocolate Martini is undoubtedly a must-try for anyone with an affinity for this beloved sweet treat.
Fresh Grapefruit Margarita
A refreshing twist on the classic margarita, Fresh Grapefruit Margarita is an ideal choice for warm weather gatherings. Made with freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime juices, this homemade cocktail offers a crisp and fruity taste profile that’s both revitalizing and enjoyable. To strike the perfect balance of flavors, simple syrup is added to temper the tartness of the citrus elements.
Garnishing the glass with salt or sugar on the rim, along with a wedge of lime, adds a professional touch to this easy-to-prepare cocktail, sure to impress friends and family alike at any social gathering.
Lychee Martini
While the Lychee Martini may seem like an ordinary cocktail to some, its unique combination of flavors makes it truly special. The blend of tropical lychee sweetness with the potency of rum and vodka creates a drink that is both strong and sweet, making it perfect for those who enjoy their cocktails this way.
Furthermore, the mystical allure of lychees adds an extra layer of enchantment to this already captivating cocktail, leaving you wondering what other magical properties these tiny fruits might possess. With its ease of preparation and versatility as either a pre-dinner drink or a show-stopping party favorite, the Lychee Martini is undoubtedly worth trying out if you’re on the lookout for a distinctive and delectable cocktail experience.
Newfoundland Blueberry Rum Slush
A perfect way to add some festive flair to your holiday gatherings is with the Newfoundland Blueberry Rum Slush, a make-ahead cocktail that’s both refreshing and unique. Infused with wild Newfoundland blueberries, this twist on the classic slush offers an intense blueberry flavor that’s expertly balanced by a hint of lemon, making it a fantastic pre-dinner drink or signature specialty at any Christmas party. The best part?
This versatile recipe allows for easy substitutions – swap out the rum for vodka or gin to suit your taste preferences.
Hot Buttered Rum
Warm up on chilly winter evenings with a delicious and cozy cocktail that’s sure to become a new favorite. Hot Buttered Rum is a classic drink made with a rich and buttery batter, infused with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, and sweetened with a drizzle of honey. A generous splash of rum adds depth and a hint of Caribbean charm, making this drink perfect for sipping on a cold night.
Rose Infused Lemon Drop Martini
Delightful and refreshing, the Rose Infused Lemon Drop Martini is a sweet and floral cocktail that’s sure to impress your guests. Made with homemade rose simple syrup, this unique twist on the classic lemon drop martini is both easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining occasions. The light pink hue of this cocktail makes it an ideal choice for Valentine’s Day celebrations, while its subtle rose flavor adds a sophisticated touch to any gathering or event.
Sparkling Red Sangria
Not only is the Sparkling Red Sangria an excellent choice for those seeking a delicious and hassle-free make-ahead cocktail, but it also offers numerous benefits. This delectable drink is crafted with your favorite red wine, complemented by fresh fruit and a splash of orange liqueur. The longer the fruit soaks, the more it absorbs the sangria’s flavors, ultimately resulting in an ideal snack to enjoy alongside your beverage.
Black Sangria
Welcoming the spookiest night of the year, there’s no better way to get into the mood than with a dark, mysterious, and tantalizing cocktail like Black Sangria. This delectable drink is made with a combination of dark wine, including Apothic Dark, which adds a hint of spice, blackberries, plums, and grapes that not only create a deep, inky color but also an explosion of flavors.
Perfect for serving at a Halloween-themed party, whether it’s a pumpkin-carving session, a Halloween movie night, or a spooky bar, this Black Sangria is sure to cast a spell on your guests. If you’re already familiar with the classic sangria recipe and are looking for a seasonal twist, give this eerie yet delightful cocktail a try and watch how it becomes an instant hit at your gathering.
Winter Sangria
Not only does Winter Sangria offer a unique blend of flavors, but it also caters to both sweet and boozy drink enthusiasts during the holiday season. This delectable cocktail combines a reasonable-priced red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, citrus fruits, apples, pears, and pomegranate arils in one harmonious mixture. The best aspect is its ability to be prepared in bulk quantities and can last throughout the entire festive period, making it an ideal choice for large gatherings.
Mai Tai
Just as many cocktails get a seasonal twist, the Merry Mai Tai is a fruity dark rum drink that’s perfect for the holidays. Its smooth and balanced flavor profile makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer lighter drinks compared to other holiday cocktails. To create this refreshing concoction, combine pineapple juice, orange juice, dark rum, and amaretto in a pitcher a few hours ahead of time. This make-ahead approach makes it effortless to serve at your next holiday gathering.
Adding a festive touch with fresh cranberries on a toothpick garnish will elevate the presentation of this delicious cocktail.
Sparkling Red Wine Sangria
Adding a touch of elegance to any gathering, the Sparkling Red Wine Sangria is an ideal make-ahead cocktail option for parties. This classic Spanish punch combines a red wine blend with fresh fruit, such as Pink Lady apples and Cara Cara oranges, creating a delightful flavor profile that’s enhanced by the addition of sparkling water for a refreshing fizz. As the mixture sits in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together, it only gets better, making it an excellent choice for prep ahead.
Furthermore, you can enjoy snacking on the fruit after your drink is finished, adding another layer of enjoyment to this cocktail. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard BBQ or a more intimate dinner for two, this sangria is sure to impress your guests with its unique blend of flavors and textures. So go ahead and grab a pitcher, some wine glasses, and get ready to serve up this revitalizing and fruity cocktail at your next gathering.
Blueberry Gin and Sage Punch
Bringing a touch of festive cheer to any holiday gathering is the Blueberry Gin and Sage Punch, a make-ahead cocktail that’s as refreshing as it is impressive. This delightful drink combines the crispness of gin with the sweetness of blueberries and the subtle earthiness of sage, all perfectly balanced by the effervescence of Prosecco. The addition of frozen blueberries to the Prosecco adds an extra layer of flavor and texture, making this cocktail truly special.
What’s more, the blueberry sage infused simple syrup can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to focus on enjoying the celebration rather than slaving away in the kitchen.
Pineapple Gin & Ginger Beer Cocktail
Renowned for its unique blend of flavors, the Pineapple Gin & Ginger Beer Cocktail offers a refreshing twist on traditional cocktails like the Gin & Tonic or Moscow Mule. This revitalizing drink requires just five simple ingredients, making it an excellent choice for those who want to create a show-stopping cocktail without dedicating too much time in the kitchen.
The fusion of pineapple juice, ginger beer, and gin creates a truly distinctive flavor profile that is both sweet and spicy, while the addition of thyme sprigs elevates the aroma to new heights. The enticing scent of thyme will have your guests eagerly anticipating their first sip, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this already impressive cocktail.
