A generous serving jug is a party essential, whether you're having an intimate dinner party or a large garden gathering. Save yourself the hassle of pouring individual drinks for everybody, and add some style to your table. As well as being handy for parties, a jug can also double up for serving orange juice around the breakfast table or keeping water in the fridge.

Looking for inspiration on what to pour from your jug? Check out our jug cocktail recipes, including classics like our refreshing mojito pitcher and a fruity summer punch. If you're in the mood for something lighter and non-alcoholic, discover our watermelon & lychee pitcher or our grown-up limeade. Want some warming cocktails for a Christmas party? Check out this mulled pear cider & cranberry punch, our sloe gin cocktail or mulled wine cocktail.

We have chosen jugs made from a variety of materials, here; from elegant glass to plastic for jugs that can be used outside without the fear of shattering or even a stainless steel pitcher to serve hot toddies. We've covered a range of price points from £14-£70 so you'll be sure to find a cocktail jug that suits your budget.

For more, visit our reviews section and find over 200 practical buyer's guides, including taste tests of gin, vodka, rum, brandy and much more, plus gift guides such as our best hampers.

Best cocktail jugs at a glance

  • Best wide jug: Dunelm recycled glass jug, £14
  • Best jug for outdoors: M&S floral picnic jug, £15
  • Best coloured glass jug: John Lewis swirl stripe jug, £22
  • Best budget jug: Habitat art glass jug, £18
  • Best luxury jug: LSA International gin cocktail glass jug, £75
  • Best practical cocktail jug: SUSTEAS glass pitcher with lid, £18.99
  • Best to serve mocktails: KitchenCraft fruit infuser water jug, £19.99
  • Best for large gatherings: LSA Bar Icelip jug, £40.79
  • Best metal jug: Metal water pitcher jug, 1-litre carafe, £26.67
  • Best statement jug: Collier glass jug, £42
  • Best glass jug: ICHENDORF Animal Farm printed glass pitcher, £56

Best cocktail jugs to buy in 2023

Dunelm recycled glass jug

slightly blue tinted jug

Best wide jug

Made from recycled glass, this robust jug has a beautiful turquoise tint. The wide base looks even more attractive when you add pieces of fruit or ice, and there's plenty of space to fill. Helpfully, it is also dishwasher-safe.

Available from:
Dunelm (£14)

M&S expressive floral picnic jug

M&S Expressive Floral Picnic Jug £15 copy

Best jug for outdoors

For picnics in the garden or just dining al fresco, this pretty jug is made from stain-resistant melamine, so there's no risk of smashing the glass. We love the pretty floral print, and it has a practical lid to prevent anything falling in to your drinks while you're outside.

Available from:
M&S (£15)

John Lewis & Partners swirl stripe glass jug

John Lewis jug

Best coloured glass jug

This affordable glass jug makes a contemporary statement on the table if you're entertaining. Choose from blue or pomegranate pink stripes, with matching tumblers also available to complete the look.

Available from:
John Lewis & Partners (£22)

Habitat art glass jug

white stripes on clear jug

Best budget option

For making a statement at the dinner table, try this asymmetrical jug with a chunky handle. It has great looks and a sturdy base for a great-value price. The strips of white glazing down the side will pop against a colourful juice or cocktail.

Available from:
Argos (£18)

LSA International gin cocktail glass jug

long jug with stick

Best tall jug

Complete with a stirrer, this cocktail glass jug is long and elegant, ideal for adding tall garnishes such as cucumber ribbons or using large ice cubes. The stirrer means you can mix drinks directly in the jug, which is handy for batches of G&Ts or simple two-part cocktails.

Available from:
LSA International (£75)

SUSTEAS glass pitcher with lid

clear jug with fruit

Best practical cocktail jug

In a cone-like design with an ergonomic handle, this jug is less likely to get tipped over as it's handed around the table. It has a two-litre capacity and a non-drip spout so you don't have to worry about damaging any wooden surfaces with condensation. The handy lid has a silicone plug to stop any large spills when pouring, plus a filter opening; handy if using any pulpy citrus fruit in your drink or you want to keep ice cubes in the jug rather than dropping into glasses.

Available from:
Amazon (£18.99)

KitchenCraft fruit infuser water jug

clear jug with green details

Best to serve mocktails

If you strive to drink more water, this jug may be for you. The infuser means you can steep pieces of fruit in your plain still or sparkling water, or iced teas and homemade lemonade. It will hold back anything you add to prevent it splashing into glasses. It is subtly stylish, too, with green detail to suit a modern kitchen.

LSA Bar Icelip jug

big round jug with lip and filled with lemonade

Best for large gatherings

With a generous 2.65-litre capacity, this jug is great for a large gathering. Yes, it is heavy when filled but that also means it is sturdy and stable, and the niftily-designed 'icelip spout' keeps ice or fruit in the jug when pouring.

Available from:
Amazon (£40.79)

Water pitcher jug, 1-L carafe

silver jug

Best metal jug

Made from polished stainless steel, this jug will keep drinks just as cold as glass does and the partial lid will catch any ice or fruit when pouring.

Available from:
Amazon (£26.67)

Collier glass jug

orange jug with clear base and no background

Best statement jug

This 70s-style jug has textural ridges made from long pieces of swirled borosilicate glass. The deep rich amber colours and delicately thin handle gives it a luxury feel and it's just as suited to serving orange juice at the breakfast table as it is for cocktails in the evening.

Available from:
Soho House (£42)

ICHENDORF Animal Farm printed glass pitcher

jug with glass turtle in the centre

Best glass jug

Shaped by hand on the Venetian island of Murano, this glass jar features a sculpted and joyous little glass turtle that adds a bit of whimsy to lighter coloured cocktails. This quirky addition also makes it a perfect housewarming gift.

Available from:
Selfridges (£50)

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