Batch Cocktails for Holiday Hosting

It is officially that time of year! We just hosted our annual holiday cocktail soirée and it is truly my favorite party to throw.

Lots of food. Lots of drinks. And a house full of people we love.

When I host, I always like to offer two signature cocktails so guests have options and the bar feels intentional. This year I kept it festive, strong, and crowd friendly with a Cinnamon Espresso Martini and what I called Gratz Christmas Punch.

Both were flavorful, cozy, and very much on theme. And yes, they were strong!

We hosted roughly 50 people, so I made large batches of each cocktail in glass dispensers to keep things easy and flowing all night. Both drinks were a huge hit and were served alongside a mix of different wines, bubbles, and beers so everyone had options. That is definitely one of my top hosting tips. Always make sure you have plenty of options!

If you are hosting this season and want two cocktails that feel elevated, festive, and party tested, these are it. Recipes are below.

Cinnamon Espresso Martini

Large glass dispenser

Equal parts of the first three ingredients.

Batch
4 cups vodka
4 cups Kahlua
4 cups espresso cold brew
1 cup cinnamon simple syrup

I added about 4 cinnamon sticks directly to the dispenser for extra warmth and a festive touch.

Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Use a classic simple syrup and add vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.

Gratz Christmas Punch

Inspired by Half Baked Harvest
Large glass dispenser

Batch
2 bottles dry white wine
3 cups pomegranate juice
2 cups vodka
1½ cups St. Germain
¼ cup Cointreau
4 twelve ounce bottles ginger beer added right before serving

Infused with
Blood orange slices
Pomegranate arils
Cinnamon sticks
Fresh rosemary

Mix everything except the ginger beer and chill for several hours so the fruit and herbs infuse. Add the ginger beer right before guests arrive.