10-Second Bartender: 3 Big-Batch Cocktails for Laid-Back Holiday Hosts

You read as many headlines about holiday stress as you do about holiday fun. But it really is possible to invite friends and family into your home for a festive gathering without pulling out your hair. See our planning tips and recipes for no-fuss bartending, and you'll be mingling with your guests instead of scooping ice all night.

Related: Savor the Moments: Holiday Brunch Recipes to Enjoy With Your Family & Friends

Narrow Your Scope

Variety may be the spice of life, but it won't be the toast of your party. You don't need to create a full-service bar in your living room. Supplying every possible spirit and mixer will only create clutter and confusion. Instead, choose one or two signature cocktails for the evening, and additionally offer soda, wine, and beer if you feel so inclined.

Pack a Punch

Mixing individual cocktails throughout your party is a recipe for stress. Unless you have the budget to hire a bartender, ditch the shakers and muddlers and serve punch instead. This way, you can mix the drinks in advance and guests can serve themselves.

Big-Batch Theory

Make multiple batches of your signature cocktail before the party starts. For each batch, mix together everything but the ice and any carbonated ingredients (like Prosecco or soda) and store in a lidded container. Write mixing instructions on a strip of masking tape and affix to each container (e.g., "Mix with 1 quart ginger ale and 2 cups ice"). This way, any guest will be able to help out if the cocktail supply is running low.

Add Some Shine

Instantly make any libation holiday-worthy in this stately stainless-steel drink pitcher. Pair it with the matching ice bucket and serving tray, all from the Martha Stewart Collection.

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Winter Warmer

A big batch of mulled cider is a surefire hit at any winter gathering. Keep it warm in a slow cooker set on low. Place a bottle of rum or bourbon next to the pot so everyone can spike their own (or not) as they like.

The Advance Garnish

Don't forget the finishing touches! Gorgeous garnishes, from super-simple to extra-artsy, can all be prepared and set out on the bar in advance. Thread sugared cranberries or candied citrus peel onto bamboo picks, or simply set out a tray of citrus slices or cinnamon sticks and let everyone garnish their own glass.

Related: 17 Holiday Punch Recipes That Will Bowl Over Your Guests

Cranberry Orange Punch

This bright, festive punch has the wintry tastes of sage and citrus. The colorful garnish is easy to make: Just skewer sliced kumquats and dried cranberries.

1 1/2 cups water
1 cup sugar
Zest and juice of 1 orange
4 sprigs of sage
4 cups cranberry juice
1 cup vodka
1/4 cup Triple Sec liqueur
Sliced, skewered kumquats and dried cranberries, for garnish

1. Boil water and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Add zest and sage. Steep 45 minutes and let cool. In a large pitcher, combine cranberry juice, vodka, Triple Sec, orange juice, and the sugar-sage mixture. Let chill and serve in a punch bowl. Garnish with kumquats and cranberries.

Elderflower-Champagne Punch

The sweet, floral aroma elevates this blushing punch, while cranberry and fresh-squeezed lemon juice balance the flavor just so.

1 cup lemon juice (from 8 lemons)
1/2 cup superfine sugar
2 bottles (750 ml each) chilled Champagne or other sparkling wine
1 cup chilled cranberry juice cocktail
1 cup elderflower liqueur, such as St-Germain
Lemon slices

1. In a punch bowl, stir together lemon juice and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Add wine, cranberry juice cocktail, and elderflower liqueur; stir gently to combine. To serve, top with lemon slices.

Holiday Citrus Punch

This elixir of pear nectar, orange juice, club soda, and rum is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

2 cups bottled pear nectar
4 cups orange juice
2 cups chilled club soda
1 cup light rum (if desired)
Orange slices (for garnish)

1. Set a fine-mesh sieve over a large pitcher or punch bowl; pour 2 cups bottled pear nectar and 4 cups orange juice (from blood oranges or regular juice oranges) through sieve into pitcher. Before serving, stir in 2 cups chilled club soda and, if desired, 1 cup light rum. Pour into glasses over ice; garnish with orange slices.

More from Martha Stewart:
Quick, One-Pot Meal Ideas To Feed the Whole Family
20 Classic Comfort Food Recipes from Martha Stewart
36 Dinners You Can Make in Just 15 Minutes!
42 Slow-Cooker Recipes Worth the Wait

If you opt to go the mix-it-yourself route, flavored vodka can add a homemade touch.