Before the burgers hit the grill and the first sparkler lights the night sky, another holiday weekend tradition is already taking shape around the Jersey Shore: someone arrives carrying a brightly colored beach bucket sloshing with ice, fruit and enough cocktails to keep the whole crew refreshed.
Equal parts conversation starter and party centerpiece, these oversized batch drinks have become a staple of backyard barbecues, pool parties and shore house gatherings. From a watermelon transformed into a boozy punch bowl to fruity margaritas and blueberry lemonade with a grown-up twist, these crowd-pleasing recipes deliver big flavor with minimal effort — leaving you more time to soak up the sunshine and celebrate summer.
Drunk Watermelon
This crowd-pleasing favorite doubles as a centerpiece. A whole watermelon becomes both the mixing bowl and the serving vessel.
Ingredients
- 1 large seedless watermelon
- 2 cups vodka
- ½ cup triple sec
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 liter lemon-lime soda, chilled
- Fresh mint
- Ice
Directions
Slice a small portion off the bottom of the watermelon so it sits flat. Cut a large opening in the top and scoop out most of the fruit, reserving several cups. Blend the watermelon flesh until smooth, then strain if desired.
Return the juice to the watermelon shell and stir in the vodka, triple sec and lime juice. Chill for several hours. Just before serving, add lemon-lime soda, ice and fresh mint. Ladle into cups or install a beverage spigot for easy pouring.
Serves 10-12.
Beach Bucket Strawberry Margarita
Fresh strawberries give this oversized margarita vibrant color and sweet summer flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 cups tequila
- 1½ cups triple sec
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 4 cups frozen strawberries
- ½ cup simple syrup
- 4 cups ice
- Lime slices and strawberries for garnish
- Coarse salt for rims (optional)
Directions
Blend strawberries, lime juice and simple syrup until smooth. Pour into a large beverage bucket or dispenser. Stir in tequila and triple sec before adding ice. Garnish with sliced strawberries and lime wheels.
For a frozen version, blend individual servings with additional ice.
Serves 12-15.
Mega Moscow Mule
The classic cocktail becomes party-sized with spicy ginger beer and plenty of citrus.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups vodka
- 8 cups ginger beer
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- Lime wheels
- Fresh mint
- Ice
Directions
Fill a large insulated bucket or beverage dispenser halfway with ice. Pour in vodka, lime juice and ginger beer. Stir gently to preserve carbonation. Add lime slices and handfuls of mint.
Serve in copper mugs or plastic cups filled with fresh ice.
Serves 12.
Hard Blueberry Lemonade
Sweet blueberries and tart lemonade make this refreshing cocktail ideal for hot afternoons.
Ingredients
- 2 cups blueberry vodka
- 1 cup regular vodka
- 8 cups lemonade
- 2 cups blueberry syrup or blueberry puree
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- Lemon slices
- Fresh basil or mint
- Ice
Directions
Combine blueberry vodka, vodka, lemonade and blueberry syrup in a large dispenser. Stir thoroughly before adding blueberries, lemon slices and herbs. Refrigerate until cold.
Serve over plenty of ice.
Serves 12-14.
Beach Bucket Tips
A few tricks can help keep your drinks tasting fresh all day.
Freeze fruit instead of using regular ice cubes to prevent watered-down cocktails.
Chill all ingredients before mixing.
Make simple syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
Pack a separate cooler filled with extra ice.
Label cocktails if serving multiple varieties.
Offer bottled water, sparkling water and nonalcoholic drinks alongside the cocktails.
Remember to enjoy responsibly, stay hydrated between drinks and never bring alcohol onto beaches where it’s prohibited.
With fresh fruit, bright flavors and recipes big enough for the whole crew, these beach bucket cocktails are a festive way to toast another unforgettable summer at the Jersey Shore.
Sarah Fertsch of Egg Harbor Township holds a Bachelors of Arts in Public Relations. She is a locally renowned poet, storyteller, and dog lover.
