Party-Pleasing Cocktails

Updated April 12, 2010

Whether you prefer your beverage straight up, on the rocks, or with a twist, we have a collection of festive cocktails that are sure to spice up any adult gathering.

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Pomegranate Margaritas

Pomegranate Margaritas Recipe

For an upscale event, serve a slushy beverage rimmed with sparkling sugar for a heightened glitz factor. Because pomegranates are only available a few months of the year, we used pomegranate juice for this cocktail. Canned frozen mixes, white tequila, and Triple Sec make up the rest of this bright drink's ingredients.

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Bloody Mary

Credit: Sara Gray

Bloody Mary Recipe

If your party begins with brunch, serve a morning cocktail that easily carries over into the afternoon. The spicy drink, made with Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, and ground pepper, is tempered by a splash of lime juice and soothing tomato juice. If your guests prefer virgin drinks, omit the vodka and pour them a "Contrary Mary."

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Dirty Martinis

Dirty Martinis Recipe

This classic crowd pleaser calls for only three ingredients, but comes with a list of options to suit your guests' tastes. Shaken or stirred? On the rocks? With a twist? You decide.

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Champagne and Cranberries

Credit: John O'Hagan

Champagne and Cranberries Recipe

Serve guests a tall, bubbling flute of champagne or your favorite sparkling wine and let the toasting begin. To the host! To the appetizers! To the neighbors! (Yes, they may overhear.) A colorful cranberry garnish adds a tart bite to the cocktail, as well as fun presentation.

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Spiked Lemonade

Credit: Sara Gray

Spiked Lemonade Recipe

Make an adults-only version of the popular kid drink by adding orange liqueur and citrus-flavored vodka. Serve over ice for a refreshingly light cocktail.

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Tequila Mojitos

Tequila Mojitos Recipe

Authentic mojitos require a little muscle to crush the mint leaves. To save time, this make-ahead recipe lets the mint sprigs stand in the simple sugar mixture while it cools. Add extra mint at the end as a garnish, if you desire.

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Frozen Strawberry Daiquiris

Credit: Karry Hosford

Frozen Strawberry Daiquiris Recipe

Whether your party location is on the beach or a thousand miles inland, a blended drink can leave your guests swearing they can hear the ocean's roar. Mix canned limeade, lime juice, white rum, and sliced strawberries with crushed ice, blend and serve. Tiny umbrellas optional.

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Shortcut Sangria

Shortcut Sangria Recipe

If the debate in your friend circle is always "red wine or white wine," then try offering this chilly beverage at the next gathering. Red wine lovers will appreciate the dry flavor while white wine fans will certainly note the bright, fruity undertones of this cooling drink. Buy extra ingredients for a double batch–the first one often mysteriously disappears.

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Mint Bellinis

Mint Bellinis Recipe

Pair this classic drink with an Italian-inspired menu of appetizers to celebrate its Italian roots. First served on the banks of the Venice, the popular champagne-and-peach cocktail has gained popularity world-wide as a brunch or early-evening drink.

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