56 Potluck Party Drinks That Pack a Punch

Champagne Punch

A blend of four fruit juices pairs well with bubbly champagne in this party-pleasing punch. A strawberry garnish adds a festive touch. —Amy Short, Lesage, West Virginia

Watermelon Margaritas

Summer’s best flavors get frosty in the cocktail we serve at all our backyard shindigs. We mix sun-ripened watermelon and our favorite tequila with just the right amount of ice for a thick and boozy sipper that’s perfect when we’re grilling and chilling.—Alicia Cummings, Marshalltown, Iowa

Easy Irish Cream

Stir up this fast and easy recipe for a potluck brunch. There's plenty of coffee flavor in every cozy cup.—Anna Hansen, Park City, Utah

Peach Wine Coolers

The fantastic flavors of honey, wine and brandy come through to make a special drink for Easter brunch. It's like sunshine in a glass!—Annie Hendricks, Burbank, California

Rhubarb Lemonade Slush

My family loves rhubarb, and this is such a fun way to enjoy it. It's nice to have in the freezer and bring out when guests drop by. Even people who aren't crazy about rhubarb enjoy it. —Cathie Beard, Philomath, Oregon

Lemon-Basil Mojito Mocktails

In this twist on the classic summer beverage, lemon and basil take the place of mint. For a grown-up version, just add your favorite rum or vodka. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina

Sangria Wine

My citrus-spiked wine is always the life of the party, whether I serve it on a hot summer evening or a chilly winter day. The bubbles give it some extra pop. —Colleen Sturma, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Bourbon Slush

At our holiday parties, Bourbon Slush is definitely a favorite. Have fun experimenting with different teas when you make it. We like black tea, green tea and orange spice. —Darcene Sigler, Louisville, Ohio

Summertime Tea

You can’t have a summer gathering around here without this sweet tea to cool you down. It’s wonderful for sipping while basking by the pool. —Angela Lively, Baxter, Tennessee

Bubbly Champagne Punch

This champagne punch, served at my wedding, continues to this day to be the elegant drink we serve at special events. —Anita Geoghagan, Woodstock, Georgia

Orange Dream Mimosas

Your inner child will love this fun riff on the classic mimosa. Use sparkling cider, ginger ale or sparkling grape juice for a nonalcoholic version. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri

Spiced White Sangria

I've been making this recipe for more than 20 years. My husband and I are in the wine and spirits business and we served it at one of our first dinner parties after we were married. It's a refreshing change from traditional red sangria. —Ellen Folkman, Crystal Beach, Florida

Coquito

An all-time family favorite, this creamy coquito recipe features cream of coconut blended with cloves, cinnamon, vanilla and rum. —Evelyn Robles, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

Irish Creme Drink

We top off holiday celebrations with this creamy beverage. With sweetened condensed milk and ice cream, it's like a liquid dessert!—Fred Schneider, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Apple Brandy

I spend a lot of time developing recipes for the many fruits and vegetables we grow on our farm. In this creation, apple brandy is enhanced with spices for a delightful drink.—Deanna Seippel, Lancaster, Wisconsin

Spring Strawberry Sangria

Wine-infused berries make a lovely addition to this special-occasion drink. I love serving this during the beginning of spring to celebrate the new season. —Gina Quartermaine, Alexandria, Virginia

Blackberry Beer Cocktail

This refreshing hard lemonade has a mild alcohol flavor; the beer adds just enough fizz to dance on your tongue as you sip. Sorry, adults only! —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida

Cranberry Bourbon

The subtle tang of cranberry and the warm winter spices make this bourbon just right for holiday toasts—neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail. —James Schend, Dairy Freed

Homemade Limoncello

This limoncello recipe makes a drink better than any store-bought version. It's perfect as an after-dinner treat on its own, or whipped up in a cocktail. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Whiskey-Brandy Slush

It may be cold outside, but we like to serve this icy citrus drink for Christmas get-togethers at our house. It is fantastic for parties and large gatherings, and it keeps well in the freezer. —Joan Shoebottom, Lexington, Michigan

Chocolate-Caramel Rum Coffee

This decadent drink can stand alone as a final course or as a complement to dessert. Our family loves it for sipping in front of the fireplace. —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio

Pink Sparkling Wine Punch

A long-standing tradition in our home, this sparkling punch makes spirits bright. Garnished with fresh strawberries and lime, it makes a colorful Christmas cocktail.—Karen Kuebler, Dallas, Texas

Cranberry-Lime Sangria

Tart, light and fruity, this party-worthy sangria is a hit any time of the year. —Katy Joosten, Little Chute, Wisconsin

Cranberry-Jalapeno Martini

I describe this cocktail as slightly tart, a little sassy and completely delicious. I make a big batch when I'm hosting a party because it tends to disappear quickly. Garnish with fresh mint and cranberries for an extra-special touch. —Kelli Haetinger, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Champagne Fruit Punch

Toast the happy couple at your next bridal shower with a fun and fruity drink! It’s the perfect refreshment on a hot day. —Kelly Tran, Salem, Oregon

Strawberry Mimosas

Here's a tasty twist on the classic mimosa. To make refreshing strawberry mimosas friendly for kids or mamas-to-be, substitute lemon-lime soda or ginger ale for the champagne. —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois

Mixed Berry Sangria

This is a light, tasty beverage to serve with spoons so everyone can enjoy the fresh berries once the sangria is gone. — Linda Cifuentes, Mahomet, Illinois

Peach Champagne

I searched high and low for the perfect punch recipe and finally decided to create my own. This sipper is a big hit at parties, especially weddings. In summer I freeze fresh peaches and fresh strawberries; if you don't have fresh fruit, store-bought frozen fruit works just as well. —Linda Hall, Evington, Virginia

Blackberry Brandy Slush

We wanted a fun twist on a slushy made with tea and fruit juice, so we used blackberry brandy. The deep red color makes it very merry. —Lindsey Spinler, Sobieski, Wisconsin

Grasshopper Shakes

Minty, chocolaty and cool, this spiked dessert drink makes a wonderful way to toast family and friends at holiday gatherings. A little shaved chocolate on top adds an extra-festive touch. —Marcia Whitney, Gainesville, Florida

Cranberry-Orange Vodka Slush

Years ago, my mother made a rosy and refreshing party drink I’ve never forgotten. The sparkle comes from fruit juices, vodka and lemon-lime soda. —Melinda Strable, Ankeny, Iowa

Cranberry Pomegranate Margaritas

I came up with this beverage to serve at holiday celebrations for a festive twist on the traditional margarita. It's light and refreshing, and looks beautiful with sugar crystals on glass rims. —Mindie Hilton, Susanville, California

Apple Cider Smash

A smash is a fruity and chilled cocktail—very refreshing. It's a great use for those apples you bought from the orchard plus some sparking cider. —Moffat Frazier, New York, New York

Pineapple Rum Punch

I created this with my favorite Bahamian juices. I got the inspiration for it from other Bahama punches I have sampled. —Pamela Vitti Knowles, Henderson, North Carolina

Blueberry Thirst Quencher

I first enjoyed this cocktail at a Derby day party and fell in love. With its beautiful color and zesty flavor, it’s a festive surprise for a summer picnic or party.—Peggy Foster, Florence, Kentucky

Orange-Apricot Mimosa Punch

We make this punch for our annual Christmas brunch, and everyone loves it! I usually triple this recipe for a bigger crowd and garnish the punch with an orange-tangerine ice ring made several days ahead of time. —Kathy McKay, Acworth, Georgia

Sweet Kahlua Coffee

I have this beverage brewing in my slow cooker at my annual Christmas open house. I set out the whipped cream and grated chocolate in festive dishes so guests can help themselves to as much Kahlua-flavored coffee as they'd like.—Ruth Gruchow, Yorba Linda, California

Cranberry Orange Mimosas

Mimosas are just so elegant for Sunday brunch. My recipe uses tart cranberries to balance the sweetness of champagne and orange juice. —Shannon Stephens, Lake in the Hills, Illinois

Cranberry Slushie

I love to try new recipes. When I find one that was especially well liked, I make a copy, put it in a protective sleeve and place it in a binder. The binders contain my best recipes, and this sweet-tart, bright red slush is definitely in a binder.—Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Apricot Brandy Slush

While spending the summer in New Mexico, we tasted this refreshing golden color tea beverage enhanced with something borrowed from the cocktail world: apricot brandy.—Shirley Miller, Williamsport, PA

Spiked Pink Lady

Why reserve lemonade and strawberries for the summertime? They’re just as refreshing during the holiday season. Add two more ingredients to create a crowd-pleasing cocktail.

Tipsy Iced Coffee

My family loves this frozen coffee with Amaretto and whipped cream. Serve it at brunch or as an after-dinner treat.—Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California

Brandy Slush

This slush with a hint of citrus keeps you cool on hot summer days. Even if you're not a tea lover, you'll likely find the mix of flavors pleasing. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Maple Brandy Punch

Reminiscent of an old-fashioned brandy punch, this smooth, maple-infused beverage will add pizzazz to holiday dinner parties and other festive occasions. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Mint Julep

It wouldn't be Kentucky Derby Day without this mint julep recipe! But, really, this Kentucky Derby mint julep recipe is good anytime. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Mulled Merlot

This mulled wine recipe is sure to warm up your holiday guests! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Sparkling Peach Bellinis

Folks will savor the subtle kiss of peach flavor in this elegant brunch beverage. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Spiked Lemonade

Rum gives a tropical addition to this fabulous homemade lemonade. If you have vodka on hand, try that instead of the rum. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

Vanilla Bean Fizz

A homemade vanilla bean syrup from our home economists fabulously flavors Champagne. The bubbly beverage is ideal for holidays throughout the year.

Topsy-Turvy Sangria

I got this recipe from a friend a few years ago. Perfect for relaxed get-togethers. it’s even better if you make it the night before and let the flavors steep. But watch out—it goes down easy. —Tracy Field, Bremerton, Washington