When you’re hosting a party, the last thing you want is to spend the whole evening behind the bar. Batch cocktails are the perfect solution: they save time, reduce stress, and make it easier to enjoy the party alongside your guests. Even better, batching your drinks can also help trim your budget—especially when you combine smart ingredient choices with cashback apps like Rakuten and Ibotta.

The beauty of batch cocktails is their simplicity. Instead of making individual drinks, you prep a larger quantity in advance, letting guests serve themselves. This means you’ll spend less time mixing and more time enjoying the moment. It also allows you to control portions and reduce waste, since you’re working with exact measurements and can use up entire bottles of spirits and mixers efficiently.

A classic option for batching is sangria. Made with affordable red or white wine, fresh fruit, a bit of brandy, and a splash of juice or soda, sangria is as festive as it is flexible. You can easily adapt it to the season by swapping in different fruits or adding warm spices. For a reliable starter recipe, try this Easy Traditional Red Sangria from Minimalist Baker.

Another crowd-pleaser is the punch bowl. Think beyond the overly sweet versions of the past—modern punch recipes balance fresh citrus, tea infusions, sparkling water, and a base spirit like rum or gin. Punch is perfect for parties because you can scale it up or down depending on your guest count. This Classic Rum Punch from Liquor.com is a great place to start.

Before you shop for ingredients, make sure to check cashback apps. Ibotta often features offers on mixers, juices, and even fresh produce like lemons and limes. Scanning your grocery list through the app can uncover extra savings on staples you’re already planning to buy. Rakuten is especially helpful if you’re ordering party supplies online, from glassware to bulk beverages, with cashback deals across a wide range of retailers.

A batch Paloma is another refreshing, budget-friendly option. Made with grapefruit juice, lime juice, and tequila, this citrus-forward cocktail is easy to prepare in larger quantities. Add club soda just before serving to keep it fizzy and fresh. For inspiration, try this Batch Paloma recipe from The Spruce Eats.

Don’t overlook non-alcoholic options, too. A sparkling mocktail punch with fruit juices and soda water keeps everyone included, whether they’re skipping the spirits or just pacing themselves. You can even use cashback apps to save on sparkling waters and juice blends—many Ibotta offers apply to these categories as well.

To get the most out of your batch cocktail setup, consider presentation. A clear pitcher or glass drink dispenser adds a festive touch and makes it easy for guests to help themselves. Offer a small selection of garnishes, like citrus slices or fresh herbs, to let guests customize their drinks.

Batch cocktails are the ultimate party hack: they streamline your hosting duties, make budgeting easier, and keep the atmosphere flowing. With a little advance planning and the help of cashback tools like Ibotta and Rakuten, you can mix up big batches of celebration-worthy drinks without mixing up your budget.