Dear Wirecutter: What Kind of Drink Should I Serve at a Holiday Party?

Q: I will be attending a holiday potluck where I’ve volunteered to bring drinks to serve 10-12 people two rounds. I’d like to do something more interesting than just wine or beer, but I’d also like to stick to a budget of around $100. Can you recommend any interesting drink options that are good for a group?

Dailyware 10-piece Punch Set

Our punch bowl pick

This punch bowl (made by Libbey) comes with a ladle and eight matching glasses, and holds 11 quarts—exactly the right amount.

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A: Try punch or a batch cocktail. Punch is easy to put together and inexpensive. A perennial Wirecutter test kitchen favorite is Martha Stewart’s Christmas Punch recipe. We think it’s a good balance of sweetness and it’s not crazy boozy. To “punch” it up even more, add a bottle of cava or prosecco just before serving. If you have a little extra time on your hands, make a decorative ice ring with citrus slices and cranberries in a bundt pan, and voila! You can get a crowd very festive for under $100.

If your fellow partygoers want a stronger concoction, the Original Chatham Artillery Punch will surely make things merry and bright in double time! It might put you over your $100 budget, but people will be talking about this cognac, bourbon, rum, and champagne cocktail for years to come.

If you are more of a bitter cocktail person, pitchers of negronis are always a hit at the holidays. This recipe from the New York Times (parent company of Wirecutter) couldn’t be easier. Simply multiply by your desired number of servings and mix in pitcher. Be sure to have a bowl of orange rinds on the side for garnishing.

For more on booze for a crowd, David Wondrich’s Punch: The Delights (and Dangers) of the Flowing Bowl offers history, techniques, and recipes. Punch Drink and Serious Eats have useful punch roundups. And if you’re looking for a bowl for your new favorite drink, we like this one for it’s simplicity and affordable price.

The Wirecutter’s editors answer reader questions all the time (much more than once a week). Send an email to notes@thewirecutter.com, or talk to us on Twitter and Facebook. Published questions are edited for space and clarity.