23 Creative Cocktail Ideas to Mix Up on Father’s Day

By Karla Walsh
Updated April 13, 2020
Our Father's Day cocktails aren't spritzers or cucumber-infused spa sips. When Father's Day rolls around, our shakers steer over to whiskey, tequilas, and classic cocktail recipes. Raise a glass to dad with these festive Father's Day drink ideas.
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Grilled Peach Whiskey Smash

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Simply smashing! Grilled peaches add a caramelized sweetness to this Father’s Day whiskey cocktail. For freshness—and to celebrate the summer season—muddle in mint or basil.

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Tennessee Cherry Cocktail

Ellen Silverman Photography Inc.
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Tennessee whiskey, muddled dark sweet cherries, and chocolate syrup make this cocktail a trifecta of Dad-approved flavors. There's even a virgin version with cola so the kids can toast to Dad, too!

Editor's Tip: Make large ice cubes using a muffin tin to prevent the drink from getting watery.

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Spicy Margarita

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Some like it hot! If that’s your dad, this Mexican-inspired Father’s Day cocktail recipe is the ideal fiesta-worthy fix. Jalapeno peppers balance out the sweet OJ and citrus soda for a well-balanced beverage.

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New Fashioned

Jason Donnelly
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Probiotics and prebiotics are having a moment. If your pops is all about the latest health trends, muddle up this kombucha cocktail. Cherry and orange add more vitamins, while rye whiskey and bitters ensure it’s still a sippable splurge.

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Coffee Cooler

Andy Lyons
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You won't find this drink at your local coffeehouse! Strong liquor (in the form of Jagermeister) and strong coffee pack a punch in this cocktail that also features root beer and flavored ice cubes.

Editor's Tip: Make this drink ahead of time since there's freezing required.

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Manhattan

Blaine Moats
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This bourbon beverage gets its flavor from vermouth and bitters. Shake vigorously and serve in a chilled glass or on the rocks to put Dad in a New York state of mind. For a twist on the classic cocktail recipe, try topping it with an orange peel or a candied cherry.

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Bourbon Stout Cocktail

Blaine Moats
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Stir up a Father’s Day cocktail that will satisfy his sweet tooth, too. Rich layers of chocolate stout, bourbon, and chocolate syrup, all drizzled with cream, make this drink a chocolate-lover's delight. Serve it with a Father's Day dessert for a double dose of craving cures.

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Black Patent

Jason Donnelly
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Dark, creamy Guinness (or any other dry stout of your choosing) melds with vodka in this rich chocolate drink. Then, for the just-right amount of zing, add a splash of lemon juice. Serve in a chilled glass and garnish with a twist of lemon for a delicious 5-o-clock-somewhere sip.

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El Perro Salty Cocktail

Reed Davis
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Break out the highball glasses! This Father’s Day cocktail recipe features fresh lime and grapefruit juice. Mint leaves add refreshing flavor, but fear not—this gin-based drink still packs plenty of punch. To balance out the sweet, dip half the rim of the glass in sea salt before you pour in the El Perro.

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Ginger Beer Shandy

Kritsada Panichgul
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Grab Dad's favorite lager or pilsner and remix a classic lemonade shandy with ginger ale. For extra pizzazz, dip the rims of the glasses in finely chopped crystallized ginger and garnish with a slice of lemon.

Editor's Tip: This one's best served gently stirred, not shaken.

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Palomas

Blaine Moats
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Leave your dad to relax in peace with a Paloma, which is Spanish for “dove.” Mix tequila with lime juice and grapefruit-flavor soda for a bubbly, refreshing beverage. It's the perfect Father’s Day cocktail to conquer the summer heat. Bottoms up!

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Old-Fashioned

Blaine Moats
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You can't go wrong with the classics. Bitters are an integral part of this bourbon cocktail, as is serving it on the rocks with a maraschino cherry. This is one Father's Day tradition Dad will raise his glass to.

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Tomato Bacon Sipper

Andy Lyons
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A Father’s Day brunch only gets better with bacon—and a modern bloody mary. With fresh basil, heirloom tomatoes, and lettuce, we say both you and Dad can call this a serving of veggies.

Editor's Tip: Make a Father’s Day mocktail by trading lemon-lime sparkling water for the vodka.

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Blackberry-Bourbon Lemonade

Andy Lyons
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Ditch the splash of vodka and try bourbon-spiked lemonade instead. For extra points, make your own blackberry-rosemary syrup (we've included the recipe!) and pour it into the glass after the drink is stirred for dramatic effect. It's the perfect refreshing summer drink for Dad to kick back with on the patio.

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Cherry Sangria

Blaine Moats
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Does your pops love pinot and all things red wine? Serve up a classic Spanish sangria. Start with a bold, sweet red, such as Beaujolais or Zinfandel. Vino + dark sweet cherries + orange juice = a perfect-for-June drink to celebrate Father's Day. Salud!

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Bloody Maria

Blaine Moats
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For adventurous dads, we've substituted tequila for the traditional vodka in this Bloody Mary variation. Chipotle chile pepper sauce and fresh jalapenos pack some serious fire.

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Whiskey Sour

Blaine Moats
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Freshly squeezed citrus juice gives this classic cocktail a modern upgrade. Blend with bourbon, then stir in a tablespoon of sugar to balance the tartness. Dress up the finished Father’s Day drink with an orange-and-cherry skewer and serve over ice.

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Rusty Nail

Andy Lyons
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It sounds dangerous but tastes delicious. Whip up the super simple Rusty Nail cocktail in just five minutes with two ingredients (or three, if you're feeling fancy). Spoiler alert: It's scotch and Drambuie served in an old-fashioned glass on the rocks and garnished with lemon.

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The Aloha Shandy

Andy Lyons
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Dad will be saying alo-“ahh" with this Hawaiian twist on the summer shandy. Mix his favorite wheat beer with a lemon and mango juice mixture for a cool treat. The secret ingredient? Fruit ice cubes! (Flowers and luau optional.)

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Pisco Sour

Blaine Moats
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You've tried the typical whiskey sour. Now it's time to shake up something new! This variety of sour cocktail uses pisco, a type of South American brandy. (If you don't have it on hand, white rum works, too.) Garnish the finished drink with complementing lime and mint.

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Guinness Float

Blaine Moats
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This isn't your kid's root beer float. Serve this tasty Guinness float as the finale to your Father's Day menu. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a splash of Bailey's Irish Cream to end his special day on a stout note.

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Gibson

Blaine Moats
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One of the driest mixed drinks, the Gibson is a simple combo of gin and vermouth. Shake stylishly over ice and pour into a chilled martini glass. To finish things off in Donald Draper-style, garnish with a skewer of cocktail onions and serve it up to your sophisticated dad.

Buy It: OXO Steel Cocktail Shaker, $29.99, Amazon

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Pickled Whiskey Cocktail

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Calling all pickle-lovers: The pickleback gets upgraded to cocktail status when you combine the whiskey and pickle brine with lime juice. A drizzle of honey and sriracha add a unique kick. Skewer a dill pickle (or two) on a toothpick to garnish the drink.

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