re: Need an idea for a large-batch cocktail for a graduation party.

Warm weather refreshing drinks

Gin & Tonic with healthy squeeze of lime

Aperol Spritz (3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol liqueur, and 1 part club soda); option to top with orange slice (Might not hold fizz in large batch, but easy to crank out in volume)

Any carbonated beverage is sure to go flat so you're correct to avoid it.

Here's what I would serve with your criteria. You can adjust the sweetness by adding simple syrup to make it sweeter or add a little fresh squeezed lemon juice to cut the sweetness. I like to put the garnish in 4-6 hours before serving to allow the flavors to infuse and meld. Add ice just before serving.

Lily Blossom Cooler
Gin + Elderflower

2L botanical gin
750 ml elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain)
2 gallon white grape juice (or 1 gallon white grape, 1 gallon white cran peach)
Garnish
Cucumber slices
Strawberries quartered
Citrus slices (orange, lemon, lime)
Green grapes quartered
Peach slices

Looking at about 7-9% abv


If you're trying to keep it affordable, I recommend The Botinist or St George Gin Botanivore but if you want to splurge... Go with Uncle Val's Botanical or Hendrick's. Of course, the typical well gins like Bombay Sapphire, Tangueray, or Beefeater will do just fine.

Have Cheddar's cater some of their famous painkillers

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Hawaiian Punch and Everclear

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No truer words ever spoken.

Classic Large-Batch Melon Ball (Serves ~8-10)

2 cups Vodka
1 cup Midori Melon Liqueur
3-4 cups Fresh Orange Juice (and/or Pineapple Juice)
1 cup Fresh Lime Juice (optional, for tartness)
Garnish: Honeydew and cantaloupe balls, skewered

Google red roosters. I think you combine a fifth of vodka, a container of cranberry juice and a container of orange juice. Freeze it . Remove at party time and place in a nice bowl and use a scooper to fill glasses. Looks great and they’ll be gone by end of party.

Long Island Iced Tea would be perfect.

Rocket Fuel

1/3 trash can Everclear
1/3 trash can Champagne
1/3 trash can Cranberry Juice

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Lily Blossom Cooler

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This was well received this weekend. I used an ice block with cucumbers and celery tops and served with fresh cucumbers and strawberries. Would do again.