cranberry cocktail
EatingWellYou spend hours agonizing over what food you're going to serve at a backyard barbecue, so why opt for ordinary beverages? There's nothing more refreshing than a fruity, fizzy pitcher or bowl of punch (spiked, if you so please). These tasty drink recipes can easily quench the thirst of your party crowd. If you'll have more guests than the recipe's indicated serving size, use our multiplier (on each recipe) to adjust ingredient quantities.

Alcoholic Party Beverages

White Sangria
This rendition of the party favorite incorporates Triple Sec, orange juice and lemon juice. Feel free to mix and match fruits based on what's in season and your flavor preferences.

Cran Razzy
You can't go wrong with this simple but tasty raspberry drink -- it's like a lighter, less tangy Cosmopolitan.

Tropical Rum Punch
The flavors of passion-fruit, mango and guava will make you feel like you're partying in the Caribbean (as does the gold rum).

Iced Vodka with Cucumber, Lemon and Mint
Vodka gives a kick to this refreshing drink made with fresh mint.

Rum Punch with Passion Fruit and Lime
Ginger adds a surprisingly spicy bite to this aromatic passion-fruit-based punch.

Summertime Quencher
With lots of interesting fruits (blackberries, cherries and kiwi), this wine-based beverage is like a lighter, more exotic sangria.

Four-Juice Holiday Punch
At its minimum, this party-ready punch serves 24. With cranberry, cran-raspberry, apple and lemonade juice concentrate, it'd be more appropriately titled "flavor explosion."

Non-Alcoholic Party Beverages

Raspberry Spritzer (Pictured Above)
This sparkling mocktail is like a raspberry version of a Shirley Temple, with the awakening addition of a sprig of mint.

Lemonade
Who doesn't love lemonade? This simple recipe calls for just three ingredients: lemon juice, sugar and water. Sweet, tart and to the point.

Peach Cooler
This peach-based cooler gets its kick from sparkling white grape juice instead of wine. And the slices of fresh peach are the perfect finishing touch.

Strawberry-Lemon Punch
The strawberry seeds give this blended punch that tongue-tickling texture we love in berry drinks. Prepare the frozen portion up to eight hours before guests arrive, and add the water and ginger ale before serving.

Lemon-Raspberry Iced Tea
This zesty-sweet iced tea can be made up to four days ahead of your party, so stock up the pitchers and save day-of prep for the hot stuff.

More from KitchenDaily:
Learn How to Make Iced Tea
Get expert advice on Stocking Your Home Bar
See Elizabeth Karmel's Memorial Day Grilling Menu