The 3-Ingredient Trader Joe’s Cocktail I’m Making For Every Summer Party

After years of stress and scrambling, I finally cracked the code on how to enjoy hosting a party. Instead of making an abundance of snacks from scratch, I focus on a few impressive crowdpleasers that are quick to pull off: freshly-popped popcorn tossed with sweet and savory seasonings; flatbreads made with store-bought pizza dough; a big batch of Hawaiian roll sliders.

The same holds true for beverages. A pitcher cocktail or a bowl of self-serve punch is infinitely easier than pouring individual drinks—and the perfect way to wow your guests. My current favorite is a summery rosé spritzer, complete with an eye-catching, slow-melting ice ring that keeps the punch cold without watering it down. It calls for only three ingredients—I get them from Trader Joe's, but you can easily find them at your local grocery store and wine shop.

The budget-friendly, big-batch drink (it serves eight to 12) is perfect for long weekend cookouts, summer Friday hangs, and graduation parties (Hey, the adults deserve to have some fun, too!) to boot.

The Easiest Trader Joe’s Spritzer (And a Party Ice Ring!)

You'll need:

• 1 (12-ounce) bag Trader Joe’s frozen Organic Mixed Berry Blend 
• 2 (750-ml) bottles Espiral Vinho Rosé, chilled
• 1 (1-liter) bottle Trader Joe’s Plain Sparkling Water, chilled 

Before you begin, measure the diameter of your Bundt pan and a punch bowl to ensure the ice ring will fit. No Bundt pan? No problem. Use a tube pan or cake pan instead. Grab a mixing bowl (or even a Dutch oven) if you don’t have a punch bowl. 

With your vessels selected, pour the frozen berries (about 3 cups) into the pan and add just enough filtered water to cover. Make some room in the freezer, set down a pie pan, then place the Bundt pan on top (this helps keep it upright). Freeze until solid, at least eight hours, and up to three days.

Just before serving, dunk the bottom of the Bundt pan into a bowl of hot water, then invert the ice ring onto the pie pan or plate before sliding it into the punch bowl. Add the chilled rosé and sparkling water and stir gently to combine. For an extra festive touch, divide a second bag of frozen berries between drink glasses to act as (edible) ice cubes.

How To Choose a Rosé

With its rich pink color and $4.99 price tag, Trader Joe’s Espiral Vinho Rosé is my top pick for this spritzer. But if you’re stumped at the store, read through the flavor descriptions: anything with berry notes, such as Blue Shell Rosé or Aime La Vie! Syrah Grenache Rose, will be lovely. Or, simply choose a rosé you know you love the taste of!

Have Fun With Flavors

While plain sparkling water lets the flavor of the rosé shine, browse through TJ’s other varieties before checking out. (Their grapefruit is a personal favorite.) Just remember that any sparkling water will lose its carbonation after a couple of hours, so you’ll want to mix up the spritzer just before guests arrive. And let’s be honest, punch tends to disappear—so be ready with ingredients for round two.