Bigger doesn’t always mean better, but it definitely does when it comes to cocktails. Whether you’ve had a tough day at the office or want to turn up with your friends, these jumbo drinks are the answer. Here’s where to find the best ones.
Cocktail Explosions at The NoMad Hotel
Aptly named, these oversized cocktails serve up to eight people and come in an elegant glass container. This NYC bar designed a series of “explosions,” each of which come with their own set of glassware and garnishes. The Mai Tai is made with three kinds of rum, orgeat, orange liqueur, lime, and a pineapple that’s set on fire tableside. You’ll get lime wheels, fresh mint leaves, and paper umbrellas to garnish.
Around the World at Honi Honi Tiki Cocktail Lounge
This generously-poured drink was recently named one of Hong Kong’s most expensive cocktails, though it does serve eight to twelve people. The drink is served flaming inside a hemisphere and made with Don Q Cristal Rum, Appleton signature blend rum, Plantation OFTD Overproof rum, guava, pineapple, and grapefruit juices. Cinnamon, vanilla, orgeat syrup, and a whole bottle of Taittinger Brut Champagne also make their way into this larger-than-life drink.
The Siren at Watermark
Looking for a truly Instagrammable cocktail? Look no further than the Siren, a 114-ounce frozen margarita swirled with sangria and garnished with edible orchids. Best of all, it’s served in a turquoise mermaid tail and comes with a bunch of straws so you can share with your friends.
Punch Bowls at Palm House
This sunny San Francisco spot serves up crowd-pleasing punches, ideal for inebriating four to six people. They’re $65 each and come in two varieties: Summertime, All The Time is a mix of Encanto pisco, white rum, lime, cucumber, basil, and pineapple; Serious Leisure is made with Mount Gay Black Barrel, pineapple, passion fruit, and lime. You really can’t go wrong.
The Ultimate Bloody Mary at Borgne Restaurant
Heading to New Orleans? Make a stop at Borgne Restaurant with your crew and grab one of their jumbo cocktails, like this massive Bloody. Their version is crafted with housemade Bloody Mary mix and Cathead vodka and served with plenty of pickled veggies.
Gigante Margarita at Caliente Cab
This Mexican spot in NYC’s West Village recently added this 55-ounce margarita to their permanent menu. Each marg contains half a bottle of tequila, and you can customize your drink with a flavor choice of pineapple, strawberry, raspberry, watermelon, mixed berry, or coconut.
Mega Mule at Dream Downtown
These 10-pound mules made headlines last summer, and we’re still not over them. You can sip these massive cocktails at the PHD Terrace and PHD Lounge at both Dream hotels in New York for a mere $185. The drink is perfect for sharing and even comes in an oversized copper cup.
Porch Pounders at PBR Rock Bar & Grill
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas — especially when you spend $65 on a massive cocktail. Choose from five different “Porch Pounders,” 100-ounce drinks served in a fishbowl-esque vessel. I’m most interested in the Caribbean Sunset, made with three types of rum, grenadine, and citrus juice.
