Summer is finally here, and what better way to enjoy it than with a picnic? Whether you're headed to the beach, park, or even just your backyard, a picnic is the perfect way to soak up some sun and enjoy the great outdoors.
But what's a picnic without a refreshing drink to sip on? That's where we come in.
We've scoured the internet and put together a list of the best cocktail recipes for your next picnic.
But wait, you may be thinking, aren't cocktails too complicated for a picnic? Fear not, we've got you covered. These recipes are simple, easy to make, and perfectly portable.
So grab your picnic basket and let's get started. We've got everything from fruity sangrias to classic margaritas, all guaranteed to quench your thirst on a hot summer day.
And if you're not in the mood for alcohol, we've even included some delicious mocktail recipes.
Whether you're looking for something light and refreshing or a little more boozy, we've got the perfect picnic cocktail recipe for you.
So sit back, relax, and let us help you take your picnic game to the next level.
1. Pink Bikini Cocktail
The Pink Bikini Cocktail is a sweet and tropical drink made with raspberry lemonade, coconut rum, amaretto, and topped with orange sherbet. Served over ice and garnished with fresh fruit, it's the perfect addition to any summer picnic.
The combination of flavors creates a delicious balance between sweet and tangy, with a hint of coconut and almond. Give it a try if you're looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that will impress your guests.
2. Frosted Lemonade Cooler
The Frosted Lemonade Cooler is a refreshing and indulgent cocktail that is perfect for a summer picnic. This cocktail is a cross between a tangy lemonade and a creamy milkshake, with a little bit of vodka to give it an adult twist. Made with just three ingredients, this drink is easy to make and perfect for entertaining a crowd.
The Frosted Lemonade Cooler is a great addition to any summer cookout, and it pairs well with a variety of dishes, from grilled burgers to kabobs. If you're looking for a delicious and refreshing cocktail to enjoy on a hot summer day, the Frosted Lemonade Cooler is definitely worth a try.
3. Pimm's Cocktail
If you're looking for a refreshing and quintessentially British cocktail to enjoy on your next picnic, look no further than the Pimm's Cocktail. This gin-based cocktail is a classic summer sipper, perfect for sipping on a warm day. It's made with fizzy lemonade, sliced cucumbers, fresh mint sprigs, and a variety of fruits, making it a fruity and refreshing option.
While the classic recipe is delicious on its own, you can also add your own twist to it, such as a splash of elderflower liqueur for a floral note. Whether you're a fan of gin or not, the Pimm's Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a refreshing and delicious picnic cocktail.
4. Blackberry Bramble
The Blackberry Bramble is a refreshing summer cocktail that is perfect for picnics or outdoor gatherings. Featuring fresh muddled blackberries, gin, lemon juice, and soda or ginger beer, this cocktail is a twist on the classic Bramble. The addition of blackberries gives it a fruity and flavorful twist that is sure to impress your guests.
It can also be made into a non-alcoholic version by omitting the gin or liquor and adding muddled blackberries to lemonade. The beautiful color of the cocktail is sure to catch your eye and the taste is even better. Try the Blackberry Bramble for your next picnic and enjoy the refreshing taste of summer.
5. White Wine Spritzer
The White Wine Spritzer is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for picnics. Made with only three simple ingredients, this cocktail is a delicious afternoon or party sipper. The combination of white wine and club soda or sparkling water creates a crisp and cold drink that is perfect for hot summer days.
Adding a segment of lemon rind not only makes the glass distinguishable but also adds a citrusy twist to the drink. This cocktail is a great alternative to drinking wine for hours straight, as it is lower in calories and won't leave you with a hangover the next day. If you're looking for a simple yet delicious cocktail to enjoy during your next picnic, the White Wine Spritzer is definitely worth trying.
6. Death in the Afternoon
The "Death in the Afternoon" cocktail is a unique blend of Absinthe and Champagne, invented by the famous author Ernest Hemingway. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a strong drink with a bit of a kick. The combination of Absinthe and Champagne creates a refreshing and bubbly taste that is perfect for a summer picnic.
The addition of a sugar cube adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the strong flavors. Hemingway's creation is a classic cocktail that is sure to impress your friends and family at any gathering. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail to enjoy on a sunny day, give the "Death in the Afternoon" a try.
7. Greyhound Cocktail
The Greyhound Cocktail is a refreshing and easy-to-make drink that is perfect for a picnic. This classic cocktail is traditionally made with vodka and grapefruit juice, but can also be made with gin for a twist. The sweetness of the grapefruit juice is balanced perfectly with the alcohol, making it a great choice for those who prefer a sweeter cocktail.
Whether you choose to serve it in a traditional martini glass or a tall glass with ice, the Greyhound Cocktail is sure to be a hit at your next picnic. So why not give it a try and impress your guests with this simple yet delicious cocktail?
8. Thyme and Cucumber Gin Cocktail
The Thyme and Cucumber Gin Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a refreshing and flavorful drink to enjoy on a picnic. This cocktail combines the essence of cucumber and thyme with the classic taste of gin to create a unique and tantalizing flavor.
The recipe includes the use of a cucumber, coriander, and thyme simple syrup, which is easy to make and adds a depth of flavor to the cocktail. The Thyme and Cucumber Gin Cocktail is perfect for those hot summer days when you want to cool off with a delicious and refreshing drink. If you're a fan of gin-based cocktails, this one is definitely worth a try.
9. Spring Gin, Kumquat & Kombucha Cocktail
The Spring Gin, Kumquat & Kombucha Cocktail is a refreshing and vibrant drink perfect for any picnic occasion. Made with a botanical gin and a homemade thyme-kumquat simple syrup, this cocktail is sweet, tart, and herbaceous. The addition of kombucha adds a healthy dose of probiotics, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
This cocktail is easy to make and can be batched for a pitcher, making it perfect for sharing with friends. The garnish of fresh thyme sprigs and slices of kumquat adds a beautiful touch to this already stunning drink. If you're looking for a cocktail that celebrates the flavors and colors of spring, the Spring Gin, Kumquat & Kombucha Cocktail is a must-try.
10. Blackberry Prosecco Mojitos
Looking for a refreshing and flavorful cocktail to bring to your next picnic? Look no further than the Blackberry Prosecco Mojito. This cocktail is a perfect blend of sweet and tart, with the crisp flavors of VOVETI prosecco complementing the blackberry syrup and fresh blackberries.
The addition of mint leaves adds a refreshing touch, making this cocktail the perfect choice for a warm summer day. Plus, with the option to scale the recipe up or down, it's easy to make enough for a crowd or just a few friends. So why not impress your friends and family with this delicious and easy-to-make cocktail at your next picnic?
11. Classic Mojito
The Classic Mojito is a refreshing and delicious cocktail that's perfect for any summer picnic. Made with rum, mint leaves, lime wedges, sugar, and soda water, this cocktail is easy to make and has a perfect balance of flavors. The sugar offsets the sourness of the lime, making the drink sweet and delicious.
The mint leaves add a refreshing taste to the cocktail, while the soda water adds a bit of fizz. This cocktail is perfect for those who love a classic drink with a twist. With endless variations, you can customize the cocktail to your taste buds' demands. So, if you're looking for a cocktail that's easy to make and perfect for a picnic, the Classic Mojito is a must-try.
12. Mojito
The Mojito is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries. This refreshing drink is perfect for a summer picnic or outdoor gathering. It's made with fresh mint, lime juice, rum, and soda water.
The key to a great Mojito is the mint simple syrup, which infuses the drink with a minty freshness. This cocktail is perfect for those who want a tangy, bubbly, and carefree feeling. The Mojito is a must-try for anyone who loves a classic cocktail with a twist.
13. Strawberry Daiquiri
If you're looking for a refreshing and fruity cocktail to enjoy during a picnic, the Strawberry Daiquiri is a must-try. Made with fresh and frozen strawberries, white rum, and a citrus juice, this cocktail is perfect to welcome the spring and summer season.
The sweetness of the strawberries combined with the lightness of the white rum makes for a delicious and easy-to-drink cocktail. Plus, with the abundance of fresh strawberries during this time of year, it's the perfect opportunity to give this cocktail a try. So, grab your picnic basket and a few friends, and enjoy a Strawberry Daiquiri under the sun.
14. Special Rosé Aperol Spritz
The Special Rosé Aperol Spritz is a unique twist on the classic Aperol Spritz that is perfect for any picnic occasion. Made with a combination of strawberries, dried rose petals, Rosé, Aperol, and seltzer, this cocktail is sweet, refreshing, and easy to make.
The dried rose petals and strawberries give it a romantic touch, making it perfect for Valentine's Day or a springtime picnic. The Rosé adds a subtle fruitiness that complements the Aperol perfectly. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to add a little something extra to their picnic spread.
15. Cherry Limeade
The Cherry Limeade is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that's perfect for a summer picnic. Made with frozen limeade concentrate, grenadine, and lemon-lime soda, this cocktail has a sweet and tangy flavor that's sure to please.
It's also incredibly easy to make, so you can whip up a batch in no time and enjoy it with friends and family. Plus, with the optional garnish of maraschino cherries and lime slices, it looks as good as it tastes. So, if you're looking for a delicious and refreshing cocktail to enjoy at your next picnic, be sure to give the Cherry Limeade a try!
16. Spanish Calimocho
If you're looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail for your next picnic, look no further than the Spanish Calimocho. Originating in the Basque region of Spain, this cocktail is made by mixing equal parts of red wine and Coca-Cola, served over ice with lemon slices and mint.
While it may sound like an odd combination, the sweetness of the Coke complements the dryness of the wine, resulting in a surprisingly delicious and refreshing drink. Plus, it's not as strong as other cocktails, making it perfect for outdoor entertaining. Give the Spanish Calimocho a try and see for yourself why it's become a popular summer drink across Europe and South America.
17. Madras Cocktail
The Madras Cocktail is a simple yet refreshing vodka-based drink that is perfect for any picnic. With only four ingredients – vodka, cranberry juice, orange juice, and lime – this cocktail is easy to make and can be prepared in a pitcher for larger groups.
The bright red/pink color of the drink is eye-catching and adds a pop of color to any picnic setup. The tartness of the cranberry juice is balanced out by the sweetness of the orange juice, making it a perfect balance of flavors.
18. The Lillet Spritz
The Lillet Spritz is a refreshing and elegant cocktail that is perfect for any picnic. Made with Lillet Blanc or Lillet Rosé mixed with tonic water, club soda, or sparkling wine, this cocktail is light and fruity.
It is garnished with cucumber, mint, and strawberry, which adds a touch of sweetness to the drink. The Lillet Spritz is perfect for those who love a refreshing and fruity cocktail that is easy to make and perfect for outdoor gatherings.
19. Tinto De Verano
Tinto de Verano is a refreshing Spanish cocktail made with red wine, lemon or lime soda, and fresh citrus fruits. It's a quick and easy drink that's perfect for a hot summer day and requires minimal effort to prepare.
If you're looking for a light and refreshing cocktail that's perfect for any outdoor gathering, give Tinto de Verano a try!
20. Lavender Bee's Knees
Looking for a refreshing and unique cocktail to bring to your next picnic? Look no further than the Lavender Bee's Knees. This classic gin cocktail gets a twist with the addition of lavender-infused simple syrup, adding a rich floral note to the drink.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings a tart component that works perfectly with the gin, making this cocktail a crisp and refreshing choice for sipping on a warm summer day. Plus, the history behind the Bee's Knees name adds a fun and interesting backstory to this already delicious drink. Give the Lavender Bee's Knees a try and impress your picnic guests with your mixology skills.
21. Summer Lavender Prosecco
If you're looking for a refreshing and unique cocktail to bring to your next picnic, the Summer Lavender Prosecco is a must-try. Made with lavender-infused simple syrup and Italian Prosecco, this cocktail is light, fruity, and perfect for sipping on a warm summer day.
The lavender adds a floral note that pairs perfectly with the bubbles, making it a refreshing and sophisticated drink. Plus, the twist top on the Prosecco makes it easy to transport and serve at your picnic. Trust us, your friends will be impressed when you show up with this beautiful and delicious cocktail.
22. Pink Grapefruit Cocktail With Rosemary
The Pink Grapefruit Cocktail with Rosemary is a refreshing and unique drink perfect for a picnic. Made with fresh grapefruit juice, vodka, and a hint of rosemary, it's tart and slightly sweet.
The muddled rosemary adds a refreshing herbal note. Serve over crushed ice and garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a wedge of grapefruit for a beautiful presentation.
23. Sparkling Strawberry Cocktail
The Sparkling Strawberry Cocktail is a refreshing and fizzy drink that is perfect for a picnic. This cocktail is made with homemade simple syrup, fresh thyme, vodka, and strawberries. It can also be easily transformed into a mocktail by omitting the vodka and topping off each glass with soda water or lemon-lime soda.
The combination of strawberries and thyme creates a unique flavor that is sure to impress your guests. This cocktail is a great choice for anyone looking for a fruity and refreshing drink to enjoy on a warm day.
24. Lilac French 75
The Lilac French 75 is a delightful and refreshing cocktail that celebrates the arrival of spring blossoms. This fragrant cocktail is made with a homemade lilac simple syrup, gin, fresh lemon juice, and topped with chilled sparkling wine.
The addition of frozen blueberries gives the cocktail a beautiful purple hue. The Lilac French 75 is perfect for a picnic, as it is light and refreshing, and pairs well with seafood hors d'oeuvres. If you're looking for a unique and floral cocktail to impress your guests, the Lilac French 75 is definitely worth a try.
25. Blackberry Sangria
The Blackberry Sangria is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that is perfect for a summer picnic. The combination of blackberries and blood oranges with red wine creates a deliciously sweet and tangy flavor that is sure to impress your guests.
This cocktail is a great alternative to traditional punch and will add a touch of sophistication to your picnic spread. With its beautiful deep red color and fresh fruit garnish, the Blackberry Sangria is not only delicious but also visually stunning. It's definitely worth trying out for your next picnic or outdoor gathering.
26. Lavender Lemonade Cocktail
The Lavender Lemonade Cocktail is a refreshing and unique twist on the classic lemonade. This cocktail combines freshly squeezed lemonade with a homemade lavender simple syrup and a splash of vodka. The use of lemon peel in the lemonade adds a rich and creamy flavor, while the lavender simple syrup infuses a sweet floral taste.
This cocktail is perfect for a picnic or outdoor gathering as it is light, refreshing, and easy to make. The addition of lavender also adds a relaxing and calming element, making it the perfect drink to unwind with on a warm summer day. Overall, the Lavender Lemonade Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a fun and elevated twist on the classic lemonade.
27. Healthy Grapefruit Lemonade Sparklers
The Healthy Grapefruit Lemonade Sparklers is a refreshing and healthy alternative to soda that is perfect for a summer picnic. This fizzy drink is made with freshly squeezed grapefruit and lemon juice, mixed with sparkling water, and garnished with rosemary sprigs.
The tartness of the grapefruit is balanced by the sweetness of the lemonade, making it a perfect thirst-quencher on a hot day. What's more, this cocktail is easy to make and can be customized to your taste by adding agave or stevia for extra sweetness. If you're looking for a healthy and tasty picnic cocktail, the Healthy Grapefruit Lemonade Sparklers is definitely worth a try.
28. Low Carb Sangria
The Low Carb Sangria is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that's perfect for picnics. It's low in carbs because it uses orange peel instead of full orange slices.
The orange peel releases oils that give the drink a citrusy flavor. You can use low-carb wines to make this cocktail. It's a delicious and guilt-free way to enjoy a glass of wine.
