Big, Easy Muddled Cocktails with Crushed Ice — Perfect for Any Crowd!
If you’re looking to serve a crowd or just want to kick back with a large, refreshing cocktail, muddling and crushed ice are your best friends. These drinks burst with fresh flavors and a cool, crisp finish that make them perfect for warm days and laid-back gatherings. Here are some classic muddled cocktail recipes — each with a single serve and big batch version to celebrate Fat Tuesday in Style!
Classic Mojito
Single Serving
Ingredients:
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 2 tbsp simple syrup (equal parts Lime Sugar & water)
- 3 oz white rum
- Club soda or sparkling water, to top
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig & lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Gently muddle mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup in a glass to release the oils. Add rum and stir. Fill the glass with crushed ice, top with club soda, stir lightly, and garnish.
Big Batch (Serves ~8)
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 8 limes)
- 1 cup simple syrup (equal parts Lime Sugar & water)
- 2 cups white rum
- 4 cups club soda or sparkling water
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprigs & lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
In a large pitcher, muddle mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup until aromatic. Add rum and stir well. Serve over crushed ice, top with club soda, stir gently, and garnish.
Mint Julep
Single Serving
Ingredients:
- 8–10 fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 oz bourbon
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
Muddle mint leaves with sugar gently until fragrant. Add bourbon and stir briefly. Fill the glass generously with crushed ice, stir until the glass frosts, then garnish and serve immediately.
Big Batch (Serves 5)
Ingredients:
- 50 fresh mint leaves
- 5 tsp sugar
- 10 oz bourbon
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
In a large pitcher, muddle mint leaves with sugar until fragrant. Stir in bourbon. Pour over crushed ice in glasses, garnish, and enjoy.
Caipirinha
Single Serving
Ingredients:
- 1 lime, cut into 8 wedges
- 2 tsp sugar Lime Sugar
- 2 oz cachaça
- Crushed ice
Instructions:
Muddle lime wedges with sugar in a glass to release juices and oils. Add cachaça, stir, fill with crushed ice, stir gently, and serve.
Big Batch (Serves 5)
Ingredients:
- 5 limes, quartered
- 10 tsp Lime Sugar
- 10 oz cachaça
- Crushed ice
Instructions:
Muddle all lime wedges with sugar in a pitcher. Add cachaça and stir. Serve over crushed ice, or add crushed ice to the pitcher before serving.
No-Blender Strawberry Daiquiri
Single Serving
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup fresh strawberries, hulled & chopped
- ½ oz lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup (equal parts Lime Sugar & water)
- 2 oz white rum
- Crushed ice
- Fresh strawberry for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Muddle strawberries with lime juice and simple syrup until juicy but not pureed. Add rum, stir well. Fill the glass with crushed ice, stir gently, and garnish.
Big Batch (Serves 6)
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled & chopped
- ¾ cup lime juice
- ¾ cup simple syrup (equal parts Lime Sugar & water)
- 1¼ cups white rum
- Crushed ice
- Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Muddle strawberries with lime juice and simple syrup in a large pitcher until juices release but some texture remains. Stir in rum. Pour over crushed ice in glasses, stir gently, and garnish.
Tips for Perfect Muddled Cocktails
- Muddle gently: Press herbs and fruits just enough to release their essence without turning bitter.
- Use fresh crushed ice: It chills drinks quickly and adds a perfect texture.
- Serve immediately: These cocktails taste best fresh and cold.
- Adjust to taste: Feel free to tweak sweetness and alcohol content to your preference.
Enjoy these easy, fresh muddled cocktails at your next party or quiet night in. Cheers to big batches and delicious sips!
- Frosty Citrus Chill
- Hurricane
- The truth about Irish Coffee
- Negroni, a cocktail worthy of royalty
- Moscow Mule
- The Highball Cocktail
The tradition of enjoying cocktails on Fat Tuesday stems from a rich blend of cultural history and the desire to celebrate life before Lent’s austerity begins. Thanks to New Orleans’ legendary cocktail culture, Fat Tuesday became synonymous with creative, vibrant drinks—a legacy that continues to invigorate Mardi Gras celebrations across the globe. Dive deeper into the flavors and traditions that define these festive moments with the Epicurean Explorer Subscription Bags, which deliver curated specialty mixes, artisanal spice blends, unique kitchen gadgets, and exploration guides to inspire your culinary adventures every month.
