16 refreshing cocktail pitchers to fuel those hot summer evenings

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Grab your jugs and buckets – the sun’s out and it’s time to knock up some cocktail pitchers to please the crowd. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for fruity, fizzy, tangy or spicy – we’ve got them all.

We’ve done the easy part and selected some of the best summer cocktails that you can easily mix and scale to meet your party’s needs. Simply follow the recipes and multiply the ingredients accordingly. All you have to do is pick which ones to make. Here’s the best summer pitchers to stir up with Ballantine’s.

Stay Berry Pitcher

You’re gonna wanna stock up on red berries for this summer pitcher. This simple cocktail combines a handful of fruity ingredients that are sure to put smiles on faces. Mix elderflower cordial, soda water and Crème de Mûre with whisky and cranberry juice. After throwing in your berries and some apple slices, you’ve got yourself a crowd pleasing drink. Stir well and enjoy.

Summer Pitcher

There’s nothing better than the flavour of light, refreshing lemon on a sweltering summer’s day – so how about this? Ballantine’s Finest whisky, Lillet Blanc and lemon soda, topped with some fresh lemon juice. This zesty goodness is one of those whisky pitcher cocktails that you can’t put down. Just make sure there’s enough for everyone.

Summer Pitcher

Summer time, and the living’s pitchin’. Add lemon slices and halved green grapes, Ballantine’s Finest, fresh lemon juice, Lillet Blanc, and top with Lemonade. Give it a good stir and pour out a round.

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Ballantine’s & Cola

Ah the whisky coke, a fan favourite. It is easy to make, and even easier to drink. Definitely worth buying a few more bottles of cola than you think you need – those jugs wont stay full for long. Serve with ice, add a slice, sit back and enjoy the sun.

Apple Pop

Don’t let its simplicity fool you, this whisky and apple juice cocktail packs a serious flavour punch. Grab your Ballantine’s Finest whisky, apple juice, soda water and mix. Have a few mint sprigs at the ready and pour a jug or two… or three…

Ballantine’s & Grapefruit

Run to the shop and stock up on grapefruit, you’re going to need them. Grab your bucket, add enough whisky to satisfy the crowd, and top up with pink grapefruit soda. Nothing provides that refreshing shot of sour like this grapefruit cocktail.

Kentucky Mule

This simple twist on a classic Moscow Mule combines ginger beer and fresh lime juice with whisky to create the perfect zingy alliance. To complete your Kentucky Mule, toss in some mint, a few wheels of lime, and get pouring.

Kentucky Mule

Simple and refreshing. This zingy Kentucky Mule recipe is soon to be your new go-to, but don’t just take our word for it, try it for yourself!

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Lychee Sour

Fruity, zesty and takes less than 2 minutes to pour out a round. Shake up this eastern delight for some extra host points at your next party.

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Lychee Sour

This fruity twist on a whisky sour is sure to fight the thirst of your guests. Make sure to give it a good stir, and garnish with lemon zest.

Ballantine’s & Ginger Ale

Whisky and ginger ale is a classic pairing that is certain to spice up your summer gathering. Grab the speaker, light the BBQ, and mix up some jugs. After pouring, run your lime around the rim, give it a squeeze and pop it in.

Ballantine’s & Lemon Soda

Looking for a people pleaser? Look no further. This whisky lemon cocktail has been refreshing the masses for centuries, and will continue to do so. Get your jug, add Ballantine’s Finest whisky and top up with lemonade – it’s that deliciously simple. Oh, and don’t forget to serve with a wedge of lemon.

Whisky & Sprite

Sweet, long and refreshing, Ballantine’s & Lemon Soda sounds like the perfect weekend in a glass and tastes like Saturday night just started.

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Whisky Ginger Julep

This may look like a standard julep but inside that tin cup is a delicious secret: lime and ginger. Mix it up for a spicy sweet hit suitable for any occasion.

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Spiced Julep

If you’re looking for a sweet and spicy refresher, then look no further than this ginger mint julep. Just mix fiery ginger, lime juice and Ballantine’s 12 year old whisky. Tear up some mint leaves for an extra fresh garnish and prepare for the compliments to pour in.

Ballantine’s & Tonic

Just as refreshing as a Gin & Tonic, but with all the fruity notes of our Ballantine’s Finest whisky. The Whisky Tonic is certain to quench the thirst of the party, so make sure you have enough jugs on rotation – a big bowl could work too.

Ballantine’s Pina

Knock up some jugs of Ballantine’s Pina to ensure the party starts off right. The whisky and pineapple juice is perfectly fruity, whilst the chilli adds a nice kick. Add a few slices of pineapple and thank us later.

Chilli Piña

Fruity and sweet but with a kick. Just how we like it. Say hello to the Ballantine’s Pia.

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Iced Green Tea

Let’s take a walk on the green side. This simple yet delicious cocktail will wake up the night in style.

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Iced Green Tea

What is more refreshing than a green tea cocktail? Not a lot. You’re meant to share, but we won’t blame you if you have a jug to yourself. Get the kettle on and grab your whisky and soda water. It’s simple, yet undeniably delicious.

Passion & Orange Fanta

Everyone, gather round with your buckets and jugs – it doesn’t get much simpler than this Fanta cocktail. A few glugs of Ballantine’s Passion, topped up with your favourite orange soda. It’s like Fanta, but with a warming whisky punch that is sure to get the party started.

Iced Sweet Tea

Originating in the States, our Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel Finish is ideal for this classic serve. This iced tea cocktail is the perfect pick-me-up to get the summer vibes started. Best served in large quantities – or so we’ve heard.

Whisky Mango Lassi

You’ll struggle to find a better fruity combo than this mango whisky cocktail on a hot summer’s day. The sweetness of the mango paired with the smooth honeyed scotch results in an irresistible sipper. Add a splash of lime juice and a mint sprig to garnish.

Explore more ways to enjoy Ballantine’s with our collection of whisky cocktails. We’ve got guides on how to make all kinds of drinks, from a range of whisky sour cocktails, to knocking up your own jello shots – which one is your favourite?

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