Party-Planning - Making Cocktails for a Crowd

Whether you’re 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: Don’t add ice to the serving bowl or pitcher. Pour coolers over ice in individual glasses. That way, you won’t 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. They’re simple to make, but elegant enough to add flair to any casual outdoor affair.
Note: We’ve figured the recipes for 40 servings—plenty 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 servings2 64-oz. containers unsweetened iced tea2 64-oz. containers orange juice1-1/3 750-ml. bottles coconut rum3/4 cup honey
Garnish with slices of orange, lemon, or both.
WHITE SANGRIA
Makes 40 servings2 cups sugar1 cup water4 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 servings2-2/3 750-ml. bottles raspberry vodka1-1/2 two-liter bottles lemon-lime soda2 46-oz. cans pineapple juice4 cups fresh mint
Garnish with lime slices or fresh raspberries.
PEACH BLISS
Makes 40 servings2-2/3 750-ml. bottles light or dark rum2-2/3 750-ml. bottles peach schnapps2 64-oz. bottles cranberry juice1 liter bottle club soda
CITRUS TWIST
Makes 40 servings1-1/3 750-ml. bottles dark tequila1-1/3 750-ml. bottles dark rum1 46-oz. can grapefruit juice2 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 décor, dress-up fashion, and beauty. It also provides party planning tools for kids’ birthdays, coming-of-age celebrations, and wedding-related festivities.
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