67 Father's Day Cocktail Recipes for the Best Dad Ever

Getting together with Dad calls for a celebratory drink, but of course, not every father likes the same sort of Father's Day cocktail. Is he a Scotch drinker? More of a G&T guy? Into mezcal or open to whatever new amaro you're loving lately? If you're drinking together while grilling up lunch, something light and refreshing is the way to go; if you're dropping off treats at his doorstep, something batched and long-lasting is a good bet. Below you'll find 67 of our best cocktail recipes for your Father's Day menu.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert1/63
The Classic Margarita
With few ingredients to hide behind, this classic recipe demands good spirits. Buy Dad a nice bottle and convince him to crack it open for everyone to enjoy.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton2/63
That’ll Take the Edge Off
Does Dad love Scotch? Here's a super boozy, herbal-Scotchy drink that'll relax his shoulders, clear his mind, and maybe get him telling old stories…
- Photo by Isa Zapata, Prop Styling by Christina Allen, Food Styling by Emilie Fosnocht3/63
Classic Shandy
A summery lemon shandy is easy to make and may just be the world’s most refreshing drink.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio, Food Styling by Pearl Jones4/63
Spicy Citrus Refresher
This big batch of jalapeño-spiced orange-lime juice keeps in the fridge for a couple of days. Pour it over ice and top it with seltzer for a refreshing alcohol-free pick-me-up.
- Photo & Food Styling by Joseph De Leo5/63
Frozen Gin and Tonic
Dad's had a million gin and tonics. But has he ever had a frozen one? This version uses tonic syrup instead of standard fizzy tonic water; you'll want to get your supplies in advance since it might require an online order.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton6/63
Oaxaca Old Fashioned
This is the cocktail to serve if Dad is curious about mezcal.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova7/63
Frozen Boozy Arnold Palmer
Transform the classic iced tea–lemonade combo into a refreshing frozen cocktail to sip on the back porch while the grill does its thing.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell8/63
Scotchy Boulevardiers for a Crowd
If Dad's more of a whiskey guy than a gin drinker, get this drink batched up. The Negroni's rye and Scotch-laced cousin is peppery, dry, and wonderfully savory.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson9/63
Blackberry-Cucumber Mule
Just when this crowd-pleasing berry drink heats things up—hi there, ginger beer—it starts to cool things down, thanks to muddled cucumber and mint.
- Photo by Ed Anderson10/63
Cucumber Cilantro Margarita
This is a refreshing, summery spin on a margarita from Trejo's Tacos by Danny Trejo. Consider making a batch of these incredible al pastor tacos, too.
- Photo by Kelly Puleio11/63
Islay and Olive
This batched cocktail is a super-savory take on the dirty martini. You can make a bottle and drop it off at Dad's door if you aren't spending Father's Day together, or send him home with cocktails to go for the days ahead.
- Photo by Peden & Munk12/63
Batched Manhattan
Having drinks ready in advance means less stress; and having a bottle of cocktails on hand means everyone can serve themselves.
- Photo by Ray Kachatorian13/63
Tropic Like It's Hot
This pineapple and tequila cocktail is a beach party in a glass.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton14/63
3-Ingredient Grilled Orange Margarita
Grilled oranges infuse this refreshing drink with slightly sweet, slightly bitter notes and smoky flavor, balanced by bright lime juice and aged tequila.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson15/63
Gin Rocket
This spin on the gimlet from The One-Bottle Cocktail uses shaved fennel and muddled arugula, which gives it an anise-and-pepper flavor that’s ideal for serving with seafood or light pasta dishes.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Kate Schmidt16/63
Cherry-Bourbon Soda Can Cocktail
Does Dad like to spend Father's Day by the grill? Adding bourbon and Campari to cherry cola makes for a sweet, spicy, and refreshing backyard drink to keep him cool while he glazes those ribs.
- Photo by Lizzie Munro17/63
Tuxedo No. 2
Talk to your Dad about his preferred martini—he may just like it best on ice. But if he's open to a less-familiar variation, try making him this version, which mixes gin, maraschino liqueur, vermouth, and absinthe, and is lightly luscious.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Dawn Perry18/63
Grilled Stone Fruit Sangria
Grilled peaches, plums, and nectarines add a natural caramelized sweetness to this refreshing drink.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks19/63
Frozen Pineapple Mojito
Pineapple cups make a fun presentation for this frosty summer cocktail, but if you're short on time, just use regular cocktail glasses instead.
- Photo by Danny Kim20/63
Paloma
The simplest Paloma uses just tequila (or mezcal) and a grapefruit soda like Squirt, and it comes out great that way. But this fresh-fruit version is worth whipping up for Father's Day.
- Photo by Dylan + Jeni21/63
Three Dots and a Dash
Created during World War II by Donn Beach, the instigator of the American tiki craze, this cocktail's name is Morse code for “Victory.”
- Photo by Paul H. Christian, Food Styling by Michele Figliuolo22/63
Whiskey Sour
Quite possibly the quintessential summer dad cocktail.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson24/63
Slippery When Wet
Is Dad a Bon Jovi fan? Here's his drink.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova25/63
The Spring Spritz
This refreshing spritz is light on its feet, thanks to a splash of grapefruit juice. Serve it at brunch with one of these make-ahead recipes.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Kate Schmidt26/63
Salty Paloma Soda Can Cocktail
This addictive grapefruit and tequila cocktail, served right in the can, is refreshing, subtly sweet, and salty.
- Photo by Ted Cavanaugh27/63
Mixed Citrus Daiquiri
This play on the daiquiri gets bright flavor from white grapefruit and tangy kumquat. If you're looking for a classic daiquiri, here you go.
- Photo by Paul H. Christian, Food Styling by Michele Figliuolo28/63
Cold Toddy
Take down the temperature of a classic hot toddy for a more refreshing approach to the seasonal mix of tea, citrus, spices, and rye whiskey.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks29/63
The Mezcal Sunset
Smoky mezcal, tart homemade grenadine, and a splash of sparkling wine give this twist on the tequila sunrise a modern upgrade.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, food styling by Tommy Werner30/63
The Husker Dew
Coffee-cherry simple syrup lends fruity and floral notes to this refreshing summer cocktail.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle31/63
The Green Vesper
He's always wanted you to eat your vegetables; now, it's his turn to drink them! This gin-based cocktail gets its color from refreshing arugula syrup.
- Photo by Stephen Kent Johnson, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich32/63
Spiced Cherry Spritz
Lambrusco and amaro are amazing together. Prove it to Dad with this deeply flavorful cocktail.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Kate Schmidt33/63
Spiked Ginger-Lemonade Soda Can Cocktail
Served in a can of ginger beer, this tart, pleasantly bitter drink is as well-balanced as a complex cocktail.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich34/63
Yellow Tomato Bloody Mary
Teach Dad your signature Bloody Mary, starting with super-sweet yellow tomatoes.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Laura Rege35/63
Kitty Highball
W. C. Whitfield’s original Kitty Highball recipe—equal parts red wine and ginger ale over ice—goes contemporary. In this deconstructed version the ginger ale is replaced with ginger syrup and soda.
- Photo by Kelly Puleio36/63
Perfect Circle
The simple combination of sharp Campari and salty fino sherry makes for a spritz that quenches your thirst and works wonderfully with potato chips, olives, or aged cheeses.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova37/63
The Sicilian Slush
If Dad loves the citrusy bite of Campari, it’s time to introduce him to his new favorite summer drink.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, food styling by Matt Duckor38/63
The Cherry Bomb
This play on the classic whiskey smash incorporates spicy, dark rum and fresh, dark sweet cherries.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, food styling by Tommy Werner39/63
Derby Mint Julep
Do simple drinks get more refreshing than this? This julep doubles down on the mint flavor with a bright mint syrup and fresh mint leaves. If you've been growing a garden this summer, now's the time to reap the benefits in cocktail form.
- Photo by Linda Xiao40/63
Pineapple-Hibiscus Cocktail
We love the citrusy sour flavor of hibiscus, not to mention its amazing color; jalapeños give the cocktail some zing.
- Photo by Kristen Kilpatrick41/63
Bird of Paradise
This refreshing riff on a classic tiki drink brings together overproof rum, Aperol, fresh lime, and pineapple juice. A pineapple leaf makes a nice-looking garnish.
- Photo by Laura Murray42/63
Beer's Knees
If Dad loves beer and cocktails equally, mix him one of these refreshers.
- Photo by Peden + Munk43/63
Blackberry Collins
This refreshing cocktail recipe is also a flexible one; if you can't find good blackberries, feel free to sub cherries, blueberries, or strawberries.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle44/63
The Spring Forward
Infuse vodka with rosemary for a personalized Father's Day gift, then use the spirit to make this grapefruit cocktail.
- Photo by Alex Lau45/63
Mezcal Sour
This cocktail gets its lofty, fluffy froth from egg whites and two-step mixing technique. The first shake, without ice, helps create the foam. After adding ice, the second shake chills the drink and further aerates the whites.
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All She Wrote
The Italian bittersweet vermouth called Punt e Mes is the secret to this bold but low-alcohol concoction from Batch Cocktails. If Dad's into cocktail experiments, give him a jar of this drink to age at home in the fridge; it'll keep a year or more and get more and more delicious.
- Photo by Paul H. Christian, Food Styling by Michele Figliuolo47/63
Gold Rush
There's not much that's simpler—or more delicious—than honey, bourbon, and lemon juice.
- Photo by Jason Varney48/63
Gin Basil Smash
This drink smashes basil, but you can smash anything—tarragon, mint, thyme, cilantro, or makrut lime leaves if you've got 'em. Let this drink inspire you.
- Photo by Stephen Kent Johnson, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich49/63
Pimm's Spritz
The combination of Pimm’s and Cel-Ray soda is pleasantly herbal- and celery-forward.
- Photo by Andrea Fazzari50/63
Beer Americano
Replacing soda water with a beer float makes for a frothy, refreshing twist on the Americano, a classic Italian cocktail.
- Teri Lyn Fisher51/63
Bobby Burns
Scotch isn't just for sipping on its own; here it stars in a cocktail that's enriched with sweet vermouth and honeyed Bénédictine. Making a bottle full (or two!) means everyone can serve themselves.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert, Prop Styling by Anne Eastman52/63
Siesta
You won't be sorry—but you may want a nap—after sipping this tequila, grapefruit, and Campari cocktail.
- Photo by Roland Bello53/63
Perfect Bourbon Manhattans
Bourbon gets top billing in this classic whiskey cocktail; a combination of sweet and dry vermouths earns it the moniker "perfect."
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Classic Michelada
This savory and slightly spicy concoction is perfect for a daytime celebration.
- Richard Pierce55/63
Smoke Signals
Take Dad's cocktail to the barbecue. Use hickory wood chips and pecans to make this whiskey cocktail.
- Photo by Stephen Kent Johnson, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich56/63
Cynar Spritz
Sweet, citrusy grapefruit pairs well with herbaceous Cynar, and adding dry Prosecco provides balance.
- Photo by Peden & Munk57/63
Chiltern Firehouse's Negroni
This Father's Day drink is ideal for serving with pre-dinner snacks. It's the classic recipe, but the ratio has been adjusted a bit for the ideal balance of bitter, sweet, and boozy.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Grace Parisi58/63
Blue Smoke Bloody Mary
Pickled okra brine makes this bloody Mary variation a standout.
- Photo by Ed Anderson59/63
Red Hook Criterium
This bitter and juicy highball brings together amaro, grapefruit, lemon, and gin. It's the perfect refreshing drink for a dad who's into Italian liqueurs.
- Photo by Ted Cavanaugh.60/63
Rum Swizzle
Crushed ice is essential to this Caribbean classic. If your fridge doesn't make it automatically, just place ice cubes in a ziptop bag and smash with a rolling pin or mallet.
- Marcus Nilsson61/63
Nacho Vidal
The spicy and perfectly tart chile-lime shrub (flavored drinking vinegar) gives this pitcher-friendly tequila and Campari cocktail from Josef Centeno a refreshing quality.
- Photo by Ted Cavanaugh62/63
Arnie’s Gimlet Slush
Ice tea, lime juice, and vodka whir up into a slushy summer refresher.
- Photo by Ted Cavanaugh.63/63
Sbagliato
This Negroni variation skips the gin and is lightened up with a splash of sparkling wine. If you're grilling pizza for Father's Day, this is a great way to kick things off.

Maggie Hoffman

Lauren Joseph

Amiel Stanek