Memorial Day Party Drinks: 40+ Recipes for Festive Cocktails and Refreshing Beverages
Memorial Day is more than just the unofficial start of summer; it’s a day to celebrate and honor those who have sacrificed for the country. It’s also the perfect opportunity to gather friends and family for a cookout, picnic, or backyard party.
No matter the event, having a variety of Memorial Day party drinks is essential for keeping your guests refreshed and the mood festive. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large barbecue, this guide covers a wide range of beverages that will help make your Memorial Day celebration one to remember.
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Patriotic Cocktail Recipes
Memorial Day wouldn’t be complete without a few patriotic cocktails. Indeed, sourcing the best Memorial Day party drinks, featuring the iconic red, white, and blue color scheme, is key to making the occasion perfect.
Red, White, and Blue Cocktails
- Red, White, and Blue Layered Drinks: Layered with cranberry juice, coconut milk, and blue curacao, these drinks are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
- The Red, White, and Blue Cocktail: A layered citrus drink with grenadine, vodka, and blue curacao, it offers a sweet and refreshing taste that embodies the holiday spirit.
- The American Firecracker: A zesty, layered cocktail made with blue raspberry vodka, grenadine, and citrus flavors.
- Patriotic Punch: This drink mixes cranberry juice, Gatorade Frost (Glacier Cherry), and Hawaiian Punch Polar Blast, with a splash of vodka for an adult twist.
- Red, White and Blue Sangria: A refreshing sangria featuring fresh raspberries, blueberries, and melon cubes for a fruity touch.
All-American Daiquiri
This drink, combining strawberry and blueberry flavors for a vibrant, layered daiquiri topped with whipped cream, is the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making it one of the best Memorial Day party drinks you can serve.
Stars & Stripes Cocktail
A delightful mix of raspberry brandy, vodka, and absinthe, this cocktail offers a red-themed drink with a unique berry kick.
Big Batch Cocktails/Pitcher Drinks
For easy Memorial Day party drinks when hosting a backyard party or family gathering, big batch cocktails are a lifesaver. They make it easier to serve a crowd and allow you to spend more time enjoying the festivities.
- Ginger-Cardamom Red Wine Sangria: A flavorful sangria with red wine, sweet vermouth, and a spicy ginger-cardamom syrup.
- El Diablo con Limón: A tequila punch with crème de cassis and fresh lemon juice, ideal for a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Suns ‘n Roses: A rum-based punch with a mix of stone fruits, perfect for sipping on a hot day.
- Isla Bonita Punch: A sparkling pineapple and rum cocktail that will have everyone thinking of tropical beaches.
- L’Aventura Punch: A unique cocktail featuring vodka, mint tea, and amaro, perfect for those looking for something a bit different.
- Ratterwick Punch: A combination of sparkling gin, Aperol, and grapefruit, creating a refreshing and bittersweet drink.
- Apple Pie Sangria: A nod to classic fall flavors with a Memorial Day twist, made with white wine, caramel vodka, and apple cider.
- Strawberry Lemonade Beer: A fun and easy-to-make drink that mixes vodka lemonade, beer, and fresh strawberries.
Refreshing Summer Cocktails
As temperatures rise, it’s essential to have some cooling Memorial Day party drinks on hand. These refreshing summer cocktails will keep your guests comfortable and hydrated during the hot Memorial Day weekend.
Mojito
A classic favorite, the mojito combines rum, mint, lime juice, sugar, and club soda for a cooling and invigorating drink.
Watermelon Margarita
A fruity twist on the classic margarita, this drink uses fresh watermelon puree to give it a deliciously sweet and refreshing flavor.
Paloma
Tequila and grapefruit soda come together in this easy-to-make margarita-style drink, offering a tangy and thirst-quenching experience.
Tom Collins
A gin-based cocktail with lemon juice, this drink is perfect for a hot summer day, providing a light and citrusy flavor.
Sea Breeze
This cocktail combines vodka with grapefruit and cranberry juices for a tart yet balanced taste.
Ranch Water
Consider Ranch Water for your Memorial Day party drinks. This simple and light tequila and lime cocktail is perfect for guests who want something refreshing without being too strong.
Lynchburg Lemonade
Combining whiskey, triple sec, lemon juice, and lemon-lime soda, this cocktail is a sweet and citrusy drink everyone will enjoy.
Aperol Spritz
A popular summer drink that combines Aperol, prosecco, and soda water, the Aperol spritz is a bubbly, light, and slightly bitter option.
Frozen Cocktails
Frozen drinks are perfect for hot weather, especially as Memorial Day party drinks, offering a refreshing twist on your favorite summer cocktails. Here are some frozen favorites:
Strawberry Daiquiri
A frozen blend of strawberries, rum, lime juice, and simple syrup, this cocktail is the epitome of summer in a glass.
Frosé
This frozen rosé wine cocktail is blended with strawberry puree for a deliciously fruity and icy treat.
Frozen Margarita
A classic frozen margarita made with tequila and lime juice, it’s a refreshing option for any Memorial Day gathering.
Piña Colada
A frosty combination of pineapple, coconut, and rum, the Piña Colada is the perfect tropical drink for Memorial Day.
Frozen Palomas
Take your Paloma to the next level with this frozen twist. It blends tequila, grapefruit soda, and ice for a refreshing summer treat.
Frozen Blue Lemonade
A fun and colorful frozen cocktail made with white rum, blue curacao, and Lemonade Sparkling ICE, perfect for adding some vibrancy to your party.
Frozen Beergarita
A frozen beer margarita combines the best of beer and margaritas in one, making it a fun and unique drink for Memorial Day.
Mocktails (Non-Alcoholic Options)
Not everyone drinks alcohol, so it’s important to have non-alcoholic Memorial Day party drinks for your guests. These mocktails provide a refreshing alternative that everyone can enjoy.
Shirley Temple
A sweet and bubbly drink made with grenadine and topped with a cherry, it’s a timeless favorite for both kids and adults.
Lemonade Floats
A fun twist on a classic, this mocktail features lemonade topped with lemon sorbet, making it the perfect refreshing drink for a hot day.
Strawberry Lemonade
Fresh strawberry puree combines with lemon juice and water for a sweet and tangy mocktail that’s sure to please.
Mint-Basil Limeade
This refreshing drink combines muddled mint and basil with lime juice and club soda for a cooling and aromatic option.
Watermelon Agua Fresca
A traditional Mexican drink made by blending fresh watermelon, it’s naturally hydrating and perfect for Memorial Day.
Unique & Themed Cocktails
If you’re looking for truly distinctive Memorial Day party drinks, try these themed drinks that pay tribute to the military or feature unique flavors.
Military-Inspired Cocktails
- Army Salute – Green Beret Mojito: A mojito with mint, lime, rum, and raspberry-hibiscus barmalade.
- Navy Tribute – The Admiral’s Martini: A gin martini with vermouth, olives, and grapefruit-elderflower barmalade.
- Air Force Honor – Sky Pilot Sangria: A white wine sangria with brandy and mixed fruits.
- Marine’s Pride – Leatherneck Libation: A whiskey cocktail with bitters and blood orange-guava barmalade.
El Gallito
A tropical and spicy pineapple-chipotle pitcher cocktail, this drink offers a bold flavor for your Memorial Day celebration.
Not Your Father’s Root Beer Float
A grown-up take on the classic float, made with spiced whiskey and RumChata whipped cream for a fun twist.
Pickleback Bomb Shot
A quirky cocktail made with Irish whiskey and pickle juice, perfect for adventurous drinkers.
Tips for Easy Party Hosting
Making your Memorial Day party drinks easy to prepare and serve is key to a smooth event. Here are a few tips to help you host effortlessly:
- Make-ahead drinks: Prepare drinks in advance to avoid spending the entire party at the bar.
- Batch cocktails: Prepare large batches of cocktails for easy serving.
- Garnish ideas: Fresh fruit, herbs, and fun straws can elevate your drinks and add a decorative touch.
- Presentation tips: Use drink dispensers and large pitchers for easy access to your drinks.
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Conclusion
Having a variety of Memorial Day party drinks is essential for any successful gathering. From patriotic cocktails and big-batch drinks to refreshing mocktails and unique military-themed beverages, there’s something for every guest.
Make sure to honor the holiday responsibly, celebrate the start of summer, and enjoy the company of loved ones. With these drink ideas, your Memorial Day party is sure to be a hit!
