As the sun begins to hang out a bit longer, and you can hear the grill covers being ripped off, Memorial Day sets the stage for summer. This list of refreshing Memorial Day cocktails, from classics with a twist to patriotic-themed drinks and delicious non-alcoholic options, brings together a mix of flavor, flair, and summer spirit to every celebration!
Refreshing Memorial Day Cocktails
Classics with a twist
These drinks take some beloved warm-weather staples and give them a Memorial Day upgrade!
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Wild Gin and Tonic
Why it works: This bold twist on a classic G&T is ultra-refreshing and visually striking!
Ingredients: Gin, tonic water, cucumber, rosemary, lime
How to make it: Pour gin over ice, top with tonic, and garnish with cucumber ribbons and a rosemary sprig!
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The Honey Mint Julep
Why it works: Thanks to the honey, this is a nice twist on a classic Mint Julep, but a bit lighter and smoother!
Ingredients: Bourbon, honey syrup, fresh mint, and crushed ice
How to make it: Muddle mint with honey syrup, add bourbon, stir, and top with a mound of crushed ice.
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Watermelon Mojito Spritz
Why it works: This juicy, fizzy spin on the mojito practically screams, “It’s summer, baby!”
Ingredients: White rum, watermelon juice, mint, lime, club soda
How to make it: Shake rum, juice, and lime with mint; strain over ice and top with soda.
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Sea Breeze
Why it works: It gives your guests the feeling of having a coastal paradise in a glass!
Ingredients: Vodka, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice
How to make it: Combine all the ingredients over ice, stir, and garnish with a lime!
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Spiked Arnold Palmer
Why it works: This Memorial Day cocktail is the perfect backyard drink, just more grown-up!
Ingredients: Vodka or bourbon, iced tea, lemonade
How to make it: Mix equal parts tea and lemonade with a splash of spirit over ice.
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Ranch Water (Low ABV)
Why it works: This is an ultra-light, crisp, and low-in alcohol option that you could sip on all day!
Ingredients: Tequila, fresh lime juice, Topo Chico (or sparkling water)
How to make it: Combine tequila and lime juice over ice and top with bubbly water!
Themed Cocktails
Lean into the red, white, and blue with these fun, festive Memorial Day cocktails!
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Charred Citrus Margarita
Why it works: Smoky citrus gives depth and flair to this Memorial Day cocktail!
Ingredients: Tequila, charred orange and lime juice, agave syrup
How to make it: Shake with ice, serve over rocks with a salt rim
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Red, White & Blue Layered Daiquiri
Why it works: This excellent, eye-catching Memorial Day cocktail gives off refreshing rocket pop vibes!
Ingredients: Strawberry, coconut, and blueberry daiquiri blends
How to make it: Layer frozen mixtures carefully in a clear glass
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Firecracker Sangria
Why it works: This is the perfect choice for any Memorial Day BBQ as it’s easy to make up in a batch, and it’s packed with festive fruit!
Ingredients: White wine, brandy, berries, pineapple stars
How to make it: Mix and chill for 2+ hours before serving over ice
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Blueberry Vodka Smash
Why it works: This is a great choice as one of your Memorial Day cocktails, as it’s fruity, colorful, and extra cooling thanks to the fresh mint!
Ingredients: Vodka, muddled blueberries, lemon juice, mint
How to make it: Shake Ingredients with ice and strain into a rock glass
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Backyard Bourbon Lemonade
Why it works: This southern-style Memorial Day cocktail brings big BBQ energy and big flavors!
Ingredients: Bourbon, lemonade, honey, soda water
How to make it: Mix Bourbon and lemonade, add honey to taste, and top with soda.
Non-Alcoholic
These alcohol-free drinks bring the same festive flavors and vibe, perfect for all partygoers!
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Watermelon Cucumber Cooler
Why it works: This drink feels like summer in every sip, on top of being hydrating and bright!
Ingredients: Fresh watermelon juice, cucumber slices, lime, mint, soda water
How to make it: Muddle cucumber and mint, add juice and lime, top with soda
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Sparkling Berry Lemonade
Why it works: Colorful, bubbly, and tart, this is a nice and easy choice!
Ingredients: Lemonade, mixed berries, sparkling water
How to make it: Stir all ingredients with ice and garnish with a berry skewer
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Iced Hibiscus Arnold Palmer
Why it works: Naturally tart and vibrantly red, this will prove to be a massive hit.
Ingredients: Hibiscus tea, lemonade
How to make it: Brew hibiscus tea and chill. Mix equal parts with lemonade and serve over ice.
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Red, White & Blue Fizz
Why it works: This is a fun Memorial Day mocktail that will be a big hit with both kids and adults!
Ingredients: Cranberry juice, lemon-lime soda, blue sports drink
How to make it: Carefully layer ingredients over ice to create color separation
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Frozen Patriotic Slushie
Why it works: A frozen treat and Memorial Day mocktail in one, what more could one want?
Ingredients: Blended frozen layers of strawberries, lemonade, and blueberries.
How to Make it: Blend layers separately and freeze slightly before assembling.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re mixing up drinks for a BBQ or keeping it chill with just a few friends or family members, these Memorial Day cocktail ideas, with their tastes and flair, will have you bringing in summer 2025 in style! Here’s to good company, warm weather, and time to celebrate new beginnings!
