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13 Best Cocktails and Drinks to Serve for Father’s Day

Get Dad in the spirit to celebrate.

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fathers day cocktails and drinks
C.W. Newell

Father’s Day is meant to be a celebration of the man (or men!) who means so much to you. And like any good festive event, it should have some tasty beverages! If your dad is more apt to crack open a cold one, by all means, get his favorite brew. But if he’s into classic cocktails, it will make his day extra special if you shake some up in his honor. You need something to wash down the Father’s Day menu you have planned, after all.

These Father’s Day cocktails and drinks offer something for every type of dad: the whiskey lover, the tequila drinker, the bourbon sipper, and more. Make a classic margarita to go with a casual cookout or get fancy with a martini or negroni to pair with his steak dinner. Or serve up some spiked Arnold Palmers for the golfer in your life. It might even improve his swing. 😉

There are also a few mocktails to mix up for the non-drinkers (or the dads who know that Monday is the next day and they have to work). It can still a spirted celebration even without the booze! Remember, it’s making him feel extra special that’s the most important part. So no matter which Father’s Day drinks you decide to make, you can still toast to the man who made it all possible. Cheers!

1

Spiked Arnold Palmer

fathers day cocktails arnold palmers
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Named for the world-famous golfer, this drink is the refreshing combo of iced tea and lemonade. You can make it non-alcoholic or spike it with bourbon for a festive twist.

Get the Spiked Arnold Palmer recipe.

2

Freezer Door Margaritas

fathers day cocktails margarita
C.W. Newell

Make a batch of these margaritas in advance and just let them hang out in the freezer until Dad is ready to sip. They’ll be perfect for any outdoor cookout.

Get Ree’s Freezer Door Margaritas recipe.

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3

Dark and Stormy

fathers day cocktails dark and stormy
Caitlin Bensel

Another sip made for cookout weather is this classic. It’s a mix of rum, ginger beer, and lime. It’s as fun to look at as it is to drink! You can also sub in ginger ale if that’s easier to find.

Get the Dark and Stormy recipe.

4

Negroni Cocktail

fathers day cocktails negroni
Nicole Dubois

This Italian aperitivo is equals parts gin, red vermouth, and Campari stirred together and served over ice with an orange peel twist. It’s such a classy way to start the meal.

Get the Negroni Cocktail recipe.

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5

Blueberry-Basil Limeade

fathers day cocktails blueberry limeade
Con Poulos

Hello, refreshing! Since Father’s Day is usually right at the start of summer, make this mocktail to celebrate its fresh flavors. You’ll need to prep in advance to let the flavors meld, FYI.

Get Ree’s Blueberry-Basil Limeade recipe.

6

Irish Mule

fathers day cocktails irish mule
Stacy Allen

The popular Moscow mule is typically made with vodka, lime, and ginger beer. This twist swaps out the spirit for whiskey instead. If you don't have copper cups, use can use high ball glasses instead.

Get the Irish Mule recipe.

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7

Michelada

fathers day cocktails michelada
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Why make him choose between beer and a cocktail when you can have both? A michelada is like a slightly spicy Bloody Mary but with beer instead of vodka. Serve for brunch or lunch!

Get the Michelada recipe.

8

Tom Collins

fathers day cocktails tom collins
Will Dickey

All you need are a few simple ingredients to mix up this classic: gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. Garnish with lemon wedges and maraschino cherries for good measure.

Get the Tom Collins recipe.

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9

Espresso Martini

fathers day cocktails espresso martini
Will Dickey

Coffee-loving dads will appreciate this popular sipper. Shake it up for an extra frothy top and serve as an after-dinner treat... or well, any time really.

Get the Espresso Martini recipe.

10

Watermelon Sangria

fathers day cocktails watermelon sangria
Con Poulos

Is he more of a wine guy? Then sangria is the way to go! This one is so summery and super simple to make. You just need watermelon, rosé, and champagne.

Get Ree’s Watermelon Sangria recipe.

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11

Blackberry Smash Sweet Tea

fathers day cocktails blackberry sweet tea
Allison Gootee

On a hot day, there’s nothing better than sweet tea. This seasonal twist adds extra sweetness from fresh blackberries. Dad will love it!

Get Ree’s Blackberry Smash Sweet Tea recipe.

12

Classic Martini

fathers day cocktails martini
SARAPULSAR38//Getty Images

It’s five o’clock somewhere. Get this man a martini! Shake it up nice and cold and serve it with olives or a lemon twist, whichever he prefers.

Get the Classic Martini recipe.

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13

Frozen Lemonade

fathers day cocktails frozen lemonade
Nicole Dubois

The whole family will love this one, particularly if Father’s Day ends up being a scorcher! It’s from-scratch lemonade blended together with vanilla ice cream until creamy and smooth. Yum!

Get Ree’s Frozen Lemonade recipe.

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