Let’s be honest: the world can feel like a never-ending group chat we can’t mute. From endless news cycles to to-do lists that never quit, sometimes the best way to keep your sanity is to log off, shut the laptop, and pour something cold in a pretty glass.

And that’s exactly what our girl Emma is doing this summer.

Emma, one of the sisters behind Kitchen Switchen, has fully leaned into her new favorite tradition: the Big Batch Pitcher. It’s her secret weapon for turning an average night into a memorable gathering, complete with laughter, great conversation, and just enough buzz to forget that email you forgot to send.

The Big-Batch Mindset

There’s something magical about pitchers. They're casual yet classy, generous but low-effort, and let you pour for a crowd without playing bartender all night. Emma’s vibe? More hanging out with your friends and less mixing drinks in the kitchen like a stressed-out chemist.

Because summer isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, throwing on a sundress, and watching the sun dip low with a glass of something zingy in hand.

Big-batch cocktails say, "I planned this… but not too much.” They’re a sign you care about the people you’ve invited but also care about having a good time yourself. And isn’t that the dream?

Escape the Noise

Emma’s motto for summer 2025: Quit the crazy, embrace the cozy.

When the world feels a little loud, she leans into what feels grounded: friends around a patio table, mismatched glassware, and drinks made for sharing. It’s not about scrolling or stressing—it’s about savoring. About letting the heat melt away your sharp edges. About laughing until your cheeks hurt.

You don’t need a theme. You don’t need a playlist curated by an influencer. You just need your favorite people and something delicious to pour.

And lucky for you, Emma’s sharing her top two pitcher-ready drinks for summer 2025. They’re sweet, refreshing, and ridiculously easy to make in bulk. Let’s get into it.

Pitcher #1: Pear-Grapefruit Lemonade Slush

This one is a total banger at Emma’s backyard hangs. It’s like the flirty cousin of a margarita—zesty, cold, and just boozy enough to get the party started.

Ingredients (Makes 4–5 servings):

  • 6 oz pear liqueur
  • 6 oz grapefruit vodka
  • 1 (12 oz) can frozen lemonade concentrate
  • 2½ to 3 cups ice
  • 1 cup cold water (adjust for desired thickness)
  • Optional: ½ oz agave or honey (if you like it sweeter)
  • Optional topping: splash of sparkling water or Prosecco
  • Garnish: pear or lemon slice, grapefruit wedges, or fresh mint

Instructions:

  1. Blend It All
    In a high-powered blender, combine the pear liqueur, grapefruit vodka, full can of frozen lemonade, ice, and cold water. Blend until smooth and slushy—about 30–45 seconds.
  2. Sweeten (If Needed)
    Taste and adjust with agave or honey if you’re into a sweeter vibe.
  3. Serve It Up
    Pour into chilled glasses or a frosty pitcher. Add a splash of Prosecco or sparkling water if you want a bit of fizz (Emma always does).
  4. Garnish & Cheers
    Add your prettiest garnish—she loves a pear slice with a sprig of mint—and get sippin’.

The Vibe:

Zesty, elegant, and fun—this frozen drink is basically citrus sunshine with a pear twist. The lemonade brings the punch, the pear smooths it out, and the vodka… well, you know what that does.

Pitcher #2: Classic Red Wine Sangria with Brandy & Ginger Ale

If the slush is summer’s party girl, this sangria is her cooler, artsy best friend. She’s laid-back, full of flavor, and goes with just about everything—from burgers to gossip.

Ingredients (Makes 6–8 servings):

  • 1 (750 ml) bottle red wine ( We love Pinot Noir, but a Spanish Tempranillo, Garnacha, or Merlot will also be great)
  • ½ cup brandy
  • ¼ cup orange liqueur (optional but yummy)
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 apple, chopped (Emma loves Honeycrisp)
  • 1 cup mixed berries or strawberries
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 2 cups chilled ginger ale (added last!)
  • Ice for serving

Instructions:

  1. Build the Base
    In a large pitcher, combine red wine, brandy, orange juice, and orange liqueur. Stir gently.
  2. Add the Fruit
    Toss in your sliced citrus, apple chunks, and berries. Muddle just a bit with a wooden spoon to release those juicy flavors.
  3. Chill It Out
    Let the pitcher chill in the fridge for 2–4 hours (longer = tastier). This is when the magic happens.
  4. Fizz & Serve
    Right before you serve, stir in the ginger ale for that perfect pop of bubbles. Serve over ice and garnish with a citrus wheel or a sprig of mint.

The Vibe:

This sangria is fruity, light, and just a little spicy. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but takes five minutes. Emma serves it in mason jars with striped straws—because, of course she does.

Summer Is Short. Pour the Pitcher.

There’s something rebellious about slowing down in a world that wants us to speed up. About turning off notifications and turning up the music. About saying “yes” to second glasses and “no” to comparing yourself to anyone on the internet.

Emma believes that entertaining doesn’t have to be hard—it just has to be intentional. And nothing’s more intentional than choosing to gather, share, and celebrate the small stuff.

So whether you’re planning a full-blown backyard bash or just want to sip something cold with your bestie on the porch—lean into it. Pitchers aren’t just for drinks. They’re for memories. For reset buttons. For saying: Hey, it’s summer. Let’s enjoy it.

From Emma’s Table to Yours

Emma’s big-batch drinks are more than just recipes—they’re rituals. A reminder that joy doesn’t have to be extravagant. It can be as simple as a pear slice floating in a cold glass, as perfect as someone refilling your drink before you ask.

So this summer, pour something pretty. Laugh a little louder. And make space for the moments that matter—one chilled pitcher at a time.