On Father's Day, my husband usually ends up by the grill with a drink in one hand and dinner in the other. There is nothing wrong with a cold beer, but sometimes it is fun to serve something a little different. A refreshing mocktail or a citrus drink packed with seasonal ingredients can make the whole afternoon feel more special.
These 21 Father's Day drinks are the kind of recipes people ask about, go back for refills of, and remember long after the grill has cooled down.
The Perfect Paloma Cocktail
Fresh grapefruit juice leaves a pink line along the glass as you sip. That bright splash is exactly what you need to cut through a rich Father's Day steak off the grill. Just drop your leftover fruit skins straight into the ice bucket to keep your counter clean.
Get the Recipe: The Perfect Paloma Cocktail
Frozen Sangria
You just pour red wine over frozen berries and give it a quick whir in the blender. The deep purple slushy looks beautiful on a picnic table next to a big platter of grilled meats. Needing a spoon to scoop up those last little wine-soaked bits from the bottom is half the fun.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Sangria
Aguardiente Sour
Simmering down dark sugar syrup gives this a moody look until a squeeze of fresh lemon clears it right up. The bold lick of anise wakes your mouth up after a long afternoon of grazing on heavy party food. That thick layer of foam holds onto the bright citrus scent between sips.
Get the Recipe: Aguardiente Sour
Lemon Basil Strawberry Gin Rickey Cocktail
Torn basil leaves smell like a wet garden right after a heavy summer rain shower. Mixing fresh herbs into the drink keeps the red strawberry syrup from tasting like sweet candy. Those savory notes hold their own beautifully against the heavy smoke coming off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Basil Strawberry Gin Rickey Cocktail
The Best Non Alcoholic Gin And Tonic Recipe
Crushing green juniper berries directly into the glass gives this a sharp scent that reminds you of a pine forest. I like to twist a piece of lime peel over the rim to leave a tiny sheen of citrus oil on the bubbles. It gives dad something sharp to sip on when he wants a break from beer or sweet sodas.
Get the Recipe: The Best Non Alcoholic Gin And Tonic Recipe
Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Sour Mocktail Recipe
Sour lemon juice gets a fantastic flavor from a splash of maple syrup under a layer of thick foam. Give it a hard shake to build up that fluffy top before you walk the glass out to the deck. Pouring a round of these feels important enough for a real holiday toast with the family.
Get the Recipe: Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Sour Mocktail Recipe
Virgin Strawberry Watermelon Margarita Mocktail
Blending frozen melon chunks gives this a thick texture so it never gets watered down by regular ice cubes. Red juices will completely cover your cutting board during prep, showing how fresh the fruit really is. Bringing this sweetness to lunch makes the whole backyard feel extra special.
Get the Recipe: Virgin Strawberry Watermelon Margarita Mocktail
1001 Arabian Nights Cocktail
Mixing a spoonful of oily sesame paste takes a bit of elbow grease before it finally blends into sweet pineapple juice. That rich texture balances out the sharp bite of the alcohol, giving everyone a new flavor combination to talk about. Making a quick rim of tiny toasted sesame seeds adds a fun, unexpected crunch.
Get the Recipe: 1001 Arabian Nights Cocktail
Strawberry Rhubarb Non-Alcoholic Gin Fizz Mocktail
Chopped pink rhubarb stems simmer on the stove until the whole house smells like a fresh summer pie. Bubbly soda water lifts that sweet fruit scent straight to your nose the second you take a sip. Getting that pretty pink color happens entirely on its own, so you can skip any fake syrups.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rhubarb Non-Alcoholic Gin Fizz Mocktail
The Best Virgin Bloody Mary Recipe With V8
Start by giving your tomato juice a heavy shake of celery salt around the rim, then drop in a whole celery stick. Taking out the alcohol doesn't mean you lose any of the strong spices and fiery heat that make this classic good. Serving this next to a plate of hot food makes the whole meal feel like an event.
Get the Recipe: The Best Virgin Bloody Mary Recipe With V8
Mango Mule Mocktail
Stirring sweet mango juice with bubbly ginger ale keeps everything tasting crisp and fresh. Cold metal cups get foggy in the sun while you relax outside and wait for dinner to cook. Adding this to the menu is an easy way to keep the afternoon feeling slow and relaxing.
Get the Recipe: Mango Mule Mocktail
Lemon Mojito Mocktail
Sliced yellow lemons left on the counter fill the small kitchen with a clean smell. Swapping out the usual lime gives the family a completely new flavor to try with the grilled food.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Mojito Mocktail
Raspberry Mojito Mocktail
Ripped mint leaves release a cool oil that helps you beat the hot afternoon heat. The tart berries give the adults something interesting to taste while the kids play in the yard. Keeping the bottom of the glass bright and colorful makes the day feel extra festive.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Mojito Mocktail
Virgin Bushwacker Recipe
You can drop your coconut cream and ice straight into the blender to create a frozen treat that tastes just like rich ice cream. Rubbing a bit of fresh nutmeg over the top makes the whole kitchen smell warm while the machine runs its cycle. Anyone hanging out by your backyard fence can easily drink two of these before the sun even goes down.
Get the Recipe: Virgin Bushwacker Recipe
Black Cherry Vanilla Vodka Sour
Mashing the dark fruit with a heavy fork turns the liquid a deep, beautiful purple color. Real vanilla beans balance the sour lemon perfectly so the sweetness never takes over the whole drink. Seeing a small puddle of water form around the glass just means you are relaxing properly.
Get the Recipe: Black Cherry Vanilla Vodka Sour
Cherry Americano Fizz Mocktail
I like to let the dark cherry juice sit beautifully at the bottom of the glass under the ice cubes before I pour the bubbly water in. Adding a tiny splash of cold coffee gives the drink a roasted flavor that goes great with whatever I am making for dinner. Choosing this deep, dark color means my glass looks right at home sitting next to a plate of hot food.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Americano Fizz Mocktail
Spicy Pineapple Margarita Mocktail (With Jalapeño)
Dropping real pepper slices right on top of sweet pineapple juice gives this drink a fantastic kick. Shaking the fresh juice with the peppers leaves a warm feeling in your throat that is great after eating. Dads who want a bold taste instead of another light beer will love this for Father's Day.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Pineapple Margarita Mocktail (With Jalapeño)
Passion Fruit Margarita Mocktail
Small black seeds sink down to the bottom of the glass to show you used real fruit. Tropical flavors make this bright mix a really fun surprise for a backyard party. Making a double batch in a big glass pitcher keeps things super easy when guests arrive.
Get the Recipe: Passion Fruit Margarita Mocktail
Pisco Sour
Shaking an egg white hard for a full minute builds a beautiful, thick foam right on top of the lime juice. Putting a single drop of spice right in the center creates a tiny star design for your dad's glass.
Get the Recipe: Pisco Sour
Chai Espresso Martini
Morning coffee gets a second life when mixed with warm baking spices for a late-afternoon treat. The small glasses feel heavy and important in your hand just as the sun sets and the air turns cool. Shaking it vigorously with ice creates a beautiful foam layer that looks great on the deck.
Get the Recipe: Chai Espresso Martini
Non-Alcoholic Old Fashioned Mocktail
You do not need alcohol to enjoy a classic, woodsy taste on the back porch. This version blends a splash of orange juice and bitters to give you all the familiar warmth without the next-morning headache. Stir it with a large, solid ice cube so it melts slowly while you sit by the fire.
Get the Recipe: Non-Alcoholic Old Fashioned Mocktail
Do not let him settle for the usual can from the cooler when you could be handing him a drink that steals the show.
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