Signature Alcohol Drinks for a Party

Pineapple Mint Punch

In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until sugar dissolves, 1 - 2 minutes; let cool. In a large bowl, combine the sugar syrup, 3 quarts pineapple juice, 1 liter gin, and 1 cup fresh lime juice. Refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Justbefore serving add 1 liter club soda and 1 cup fresh mint leaves. Serve over ice (serves 20)

Tequila grapefruit splash

In a large bowl, combine 2 quarts fresh pink grapefruit juice, 1 liter tequila, 3/4 cup capari, and 1/4 cup triple sec. Fefrigerat eup to 6 hours. Just before serving, add 2 liters ginger ale. Serve over ice

Winter Sangria

In large bowl combine 3 bottles fruity red wine (pinot noir or cabernet sauvignon), 1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice, 3/4 cup brandy, 1/2 cup triple sec, 4 pears (cored and thinly sliced), and 2 oranges (thinly sliced). Refrigerat 6 hours. Just before serving add 2 liters black cherry soda. Serve over ice

Vodka Cranberry cooler

In lg saucepan combine four 12-oz bags cranberries (fresh or frozen), 4 cups sugar, and 2 cups water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon transfer 3 cups of the cranberries to a large bowl, then strain the remaining syrup into the bowl. let cool

Add 1 liter vodka and 1 cup fresh lime juice. Refrigerate up to 6 hours. Just before serving, add 3 liters tonic water. Serve over ice and top off with a spash of cream soda if desired

Spiked sparkling cider

In a large bowl, combine 4 bottles cold Prosecco (or some other dry sparkline wine), 6 cups cold apple juice, and 3/4 cup cinnamon schnapps (such as Goldschlager).

Bourbon Ginger Snap

In a large saucepan, combine 2 quarts water, 1 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 cup honey, and a 3 inch piece of fresh ginger (peeled and sliced); bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain into a large bowl and let cool. Add 6 cups fresh orange juice, 4 cups pear nectar, 1 liter bourbon, and 2 lemons (thinly sliced). Refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Serve over ice.

Real Simple, December 2010