11 Cheap Alcoholic Party Drinks for Adults

Throwing a party on a budget doesn't have to mean skipping the beverages!

By: Toby Kuhnke, Editor, CheapThriftyLiving.com

Whether it's a festive New Year's Eve party or a simple get-together with friends, any party can go from cheap to outrageously expensive with just a few bad decisions.

But here at CheapThriftyLiving, we don't think you should have to sacrifice deliciousness in the name of being cheap and/or thrifty! That's why we've partnered up with our friends at RecipeLion and TheWineBuyingGuide to bring you this fabulous list of cocktails, punch recipes, and other drink ideas you can make for your friends while still sticking to even the tightest of budgets.

Anyone from eggnog fanatics to lovers of light and refreshing summer cocktails can find a recipe here for whatever kind of party they might be throwing. Enjoy!

3-Ingredient Italian Spritz Cocktail

Indulge in a simple summer cocktail with this Italian spritz recipe. This recipe substitutes one type of wine for pink lemonade to capture the sweet, refreshing taste of summer.

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Christmas Cranberry Punch Recipe

Your friends will love this spiced punch recipe that tastes like the holidays. By making your own cranberry juice, you will avoid additives and preservatives and have a fresh, tangy base for your holiday beverage.

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Homemade Eggnog

Winter is the time for indulging in rich, decadent foods, and this recipe for homemade eggnog fits that description. Eggnog simply tastes like the holiday season. Whipping together this easy eggnog recipe will help you bring back that Christmas feeling you had when you were younger.

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Apple Cider Moscow Mule

Some of the best cocktails are seasonal cocktails. This fall-inspired twist on the classic Moscow mule is great for fall or Halloween partying!

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Royal Wedding Lemon Elderflower Cocktail

This drink is bubbly, floral, and delicious. We love it for special events of all kinds, and we know your guests will too. There's something elegant about Champagne cocktails, and adding ingredients like elderflower soda and candied lemon just takes it to the next level.

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Best-Ever White Sangria

The crisp Pinot Grigio, superfine sugar, and a healthy dose of brandy ensure that the sangria is refreshing, with complex warmth and sweetness to make the drink memorable.

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Deluxe Strawberry Frose

You probably know about the frosé (a.k.a. frozen rosé) trend already. Everyone loves this fruity, summery drink. It's full of flavor, looks great in the glass, and is very fun to enjoy!

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Easy White Wine Spritzer

There are a lot of things you can mix with white wine to make a yummy white wine cocktail, but this recipe is particularly irresistible. Crisp, floral Chardonnay is mixed with refreshing ginger beer for a combination that you'll be enjoying all season long.

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Heavenly Moscato Lemonade

Make this Moscato lemonade on a casual evening at home (it’s just the thing for relaxing on the back porch) or for a group of friends at a larger gathering. But, be warned: they will ask you to make this wine cocktail for summer long after the season is over.

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Classic Red Wine Sangria

Sangria is perfect for the summer months, because it is refreshing and filled with seasonal fruit. However, it’s also cozy and inviting during the fall and winter, with its rich fruit flavors. It warms you up from the first sip.

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Passionfruit Mimosa

Fruity, fun, and full of flavor, this Passionfruit Mimosa is the perfect mimosa recipe for your next weekend brunch. Your guests will be smitten by the bright colors of this drink. It looks spectacular in the glass (and even better in several glasses on a serving tray).

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