Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue, heading to the lake, or keeping things low-key on the patio, the right cocktails can take your long weekend from good to absolutely unforgettable. From fruity summer sips to easy crowd-pleasers, these Memorial Day cocktails have something for everyone at the party.
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You'll love these Memorial Day cocktails
These are not your average holiday drinks. This roundup is packed with Memorial Day weekend cocktails that are fresh, easy to make, and seriously delicious. You will find options for every kind of crowd, whether you need something light and refreshing for a hot day, a fun frozen drink for the kids' table, or a show-stopping batch cocktail that lets you actually relax at your own party instead of playing bartender all afternoon.
The Best Memorial Day Cocktails
The best part? Most of these Memorial Day drink recipes use simple ingredients you can grab at any grocery store. No obscure liqueurs, no 12-step processes, no mixology degree required. Just good drinks, good people, and a long weekend to enjoy them.
This festive 4th of July cocktail is only two ingredients and it's so easy to make! It's a combination of the nostalgic Bomb Pops with an adult twist, you'll love this Bomb Pop cocktail!
If you are looking for fresh and simple summer cocktails, this salty dog cocktail will be your new go-to! It's a great cocktail for when you want something flavorful, but something that also comes together in no time.
The John Daly cocktail is the perfect summer cocktail, and it is so easy to make! It's crisp, refreshing, and perfect for any summer day.
This blueberry vodka lemonade cocktail is such a refreshing summer vodka drink! Plus, it's super easy to make as a batch vodka cocktail.
If you love Aperol spritzes, you have to try this refreshing Aperol martini! This vibrant cocktail is easy to make, crisp, and the perfect addition to any dinner party or happy hour.
If you're looking for a low-calorie vodka spritzer recipe, you will love this lemon version! It's a refreshing yet simple vodka cocktail, let's make it!
If you are a beer drinker and you are looking for the perfect drink to cool you off on a hot summer day, you have to make this easy summer beer recipe. It's crisp, refreshing, and one of my favorite things to make
This peach bourbon smash is such a refreshing summer cocktail recipe! Plus, it is so easy to make homemade peach tea, and this makes for the perfect cocktail recipe for your backyard cookout.
This Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini recipe is a refreshing twist on the classic. It's so easy to make, and the perfect summer drink! You'll love sipping on this refreshing cocktail.
This pineapple vodka cocktail is so refreshing and the perfect cocktail to enjoy by the pool, on your patio, or on any hot summer day activities.
If you love a good beer bottle cocktail and Aperol, you have got to try this Spaghett cocktail! It is arguably the perfect summer cocktail, that's like a twist on a shandy.
This beergarita recipe is perfect for almost any time of year! It's great if you're looking for fun cocktails to serve for any occasion.
If you are hosting a Kentucky Derby party this year, you need this mint julep pitcher recipe in your life. This big batch mint julep recipe lets you mix everything ahead of time, stick it in the fridge, and actually enjoy the race with your guests. That is a win.
If you love a classic margarita but want something a little more tropical and tangy, this Key Lime Margarita is exactly what you need. It has all the bright, citrusy flavor of a traditional margarita, with that extra-tart, almost floral punch that only key limes can deliver.
This Beermosa is the perfect at-home brunch cocktail! It’s super easy to make, and it’s so crisp and refreshing. It’s almost as if a mimosa and summer shandy had an orangey baby.
Tips for making batched cocktails for you Memorial Day Cookout
Batching your cocktails ahead of time is honestly one of the best hosting moves you can make. Here is how to do it right.
Make it ahead. Most batched cocktails can be mixed up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Just hold off on adding any carbonated mixers, like club soda, sparkling water, or prosecco, until right before serving. Carbonation goes flat fast, so add it at the last minute for the best results.
Scale your recipe carefully. When multiplying a cocktail recipe for a crowd, taste as you go. Citrus and sweetness can feel more or less intense in larger quantities, so do not just multiply blindly. Mix a smaller test batch first, then scale up once you are happy with the balance.
Keep it cold. A big batch of summer cocktails needs to stay cold, especially outdoors. Pre-chill your pitcher or drink dispenser in the fridge before adding your drinks, and set out your batch over a bowl of ice if you are serving it outside. Nobody wants a warm margarita in the July heat.
Plan for ice. For a Memorial Day cookout, more ice is always the right answer. You will need ice both for chilling the batch and for filling glasses. A good rule of thumb is about one pound of ice per person, plus extra if it is going to be a warm day.
Use a drink dispenser for self-serve ease. If you want to keep things totally stress-free, pour your batch cocktail into a large drink dispenser and let guests pour their own. It looks festive, keeps everything cold, and frees you up to actually enjoy your own party.
Label your drinks. If you are making more than one batch cocktail, label them clearly so guests know what they are grabbing. A simple tent card or a piece of masking tape on the dispenser works perfectly. It is especially helpful if you have a non-alcoholic option in the mix, which is always a great idea.
What to serve with these Memorial Day cocktails?
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