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30 Memorial Day Cocktails to Try

USA Lemonade

For Memorial Day, whipping up refreshing cocktails is my go-to for commemorating the day and welcoming summer. These recipes blend fresh, zesty flavors with a touch of sophistication, perfect for toasting to our heroes and the sunny days ahead. From vibrant fruit mixes to updated classics, there’s a drink to match every taste. They’re easy to make, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more with loved ones. Cheers to a memorable holiday with these must-try Memorial Day cocktails.

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Red, White & Booze Popsicles

Red, White & Booze Popsicles

The Red, White & Booze Popsicles are a playful, festive, and flavor-packed treat that’s perfect for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or any summer celebration where fun and refreshment are on the menu. These layered popsicles combine the bold fruitiness of cherry, the creamy smoothness of coconut, and the tropical citrus notes of blue curaçao (or a non-alcoholic blue raspberry alternative for a mocktail version), creating a visually striking and delicious frozen treat.

Not only are they easy to make with simple ingredients and popsicle molds, but they’re also a surefire hit for holiday parties, BBQs, and beach days. The red, white, and blue layers don’t just look great—they bring a refreshing flavor progression that cools you down while adding a splash of celebratory spirit.

Red White and Blue Colada

Red White and Blue Colada

Celebrate Memorial Day in style with this stunning Red, White, and Blue Colada. This festive cocktail layers colors and flavors to create a beautiful and refreshing drink that’s sure to impress your guests. A tropical blend of rum, Blue Curaçao, grenadine, and Piña Colada mix results in a smooth and slightly sweet profile that’s perfect for warm weather.

For an extra splash of creativity, garnish with a slice of pineapple soaked in Blue Curaçao. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a casual get-together, this colorful drink will be a crowd favorite. Try making it for your next celebration!

Red White and Blue Jello Shots

Red White and Blue Jello Shots

These Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots make a fun and festive addition to any Memorial Day gathering. With bold layers of berry blue, creamy white, and cherry red, they offer a playful mix of colors and flavors that are sure to catch everyone’s attention. Each tier blends flavored vodka with matching jello, creating a cool, sweet treat that’s easy to enjoy.

Whether you’re serving them at a cookout or a backyard bash, these shots bring a patriotic flair to the celebration. Simple to prepare and guaranteed to impress, this recipe is a must for your holiday festivities.

Firecracker Martini

firecracker martini

For a festive way to celebrate Memorial Day, the Firecracker Martini offers the perfect blend of color and flavor. This eye-catching cocktail combines vodka, lemonade, and blue curaçao to create a refreshing drink with just the right balance of sweetness and citrus. Its bold blue hue adds a patriotic touch that’s ideal for holiday gatherings.

Served chilled in a martini glass and garnished with a lemon twist or cherry, it’s as fun to look at as it is to sip. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet evening, this cocktail brings a spark of summer to your celebration.

Lynchburg Lemonade

lynchburg lemonade

The Lynchburg Lemonade is a lively cocktail featuring Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, triple sec, lemon juice, and a splash of lemon-lime soda. This drink strikes a pleasant balance between sweet and tart, making it a popular choice for casual gatherings and sunny afternoons.

Served over ice and garnished with a slice of lemon and a bright red cherry, it’s as eye-catching as it is easy to enjoy. Whether you’re relaxing on the porch or hosting a weekend barbecue, this easy-to-make cocktail adds a spirited touch to any occasion. Mix one up and share it with friends—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Star-Spangled Slushie Cocktail

Star-Spangled Slushie Cocktail

The Star-Spangled Slushie Cocktail is a festive and refreshing choice for any Memorial Day or Independence Day celebration. With bold layers of red grenadine, a lemony vodka slush, and blue curaçao, this colorful drink is both eye-catching and full of flavor. The combination of sweet notes and citrusy brightness makes it a standout option for warm-weather gatherings.

Easy to assemble and fun to serve, this cocktail adds a patriotic flair to your party spread. Garnish with a cherry or a lemon wedge for an extra touch. Make it part of your holiday tradition and impress guests with this layered creation.

Electric Raspberry Splash

Red White & Blue Raspberry Sparkler

The Electric Raspberry Splash is a playful cocktail that’s perfect for Memorial Day and other patriotic celebrations. Featuring a striking blue hue and a rim coated with popping candy, this drink brings a fun twist to your party spread. It’s light, flavorful, and easy to prepare—ideal for summer gatherings with friends and family.

The combination of raspberry and citrus flavors adds a refreshing touch that pairs well with outdoor festivities. Serve it in a clear glass to highlight its bold color, and top it off with a raspberry or lemon slice for a festive finish. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Stars & Stripes

stars and stripes

If you’re searching for a refreshing cocktail to serve this Memorial Day, the Stars & Stripes is a standout choice. This bold drink features blueberry vodka, a hint of absinthe, and a splash of ginger beer, resulting in a flavor that’s both distinctive and invigorating. Muddled blueberries add a burst of natural fruitiness, while the absinthe introduces a subtle herbal note that sets it apart.

Finished with the bright fizz of ginger beer, this cocktail is crisp and lively—perfect for warm-weather gatherings. Serve it over ice with a skewer of blueberries for a festive touch your guests won’t forget.

Raspberry Lynchburg Lemonade

Raspberry Lynchburg Lemonade

The Raspberry Lynchburg Lemonade is a fruity, refreshing twist on the classic Lynchburg Lemonade, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spirited flavors. Smooth whiskey lays the foundation, while raspberry syrup infuses the drink with vibrant berry sweetness. Fresh lemon juice adds a crisp, citrusy brightness, making each sip lively and refreshing.

Topped with bubbly soda water, this cocktail is light, easy-drinking, and ideal for warm days or casual gatherings. Garnished with a few fresh raspberries, the Raspberry Lynchburg Cocktail is as colorful and inviting as it is delicious—perfect for backyard parties, brunches, or sunset sipping.

Firecracker Margarita

firecracker margarita

Prepare for a bold and exciting experience with the Firecracker Margarita—a cocktail that brings flair and flavor to any Memorial Day celebration. This striking drink blends smooth tequila, zesty lime juice, and vivid Blue Curaçao for a refreshing and slightly citrusy profile. What sets it apart is the rim: dipped in corn syrup and rolled in red Pop Rocks, it delivers a crackling sensation with every sip.

It’s a festive, playful take on the classic margarita that’s perfect for parties or summer gatherings. Serve it with a lime wedge and watch your guests light up with every sparkling taste.

USA Lemonade

USA Lemonade

The USA Lemonade is a cheerful and eye-catching cocktail that’s ideal for patriotic holidays like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July. Featuring bold layers of red, white, and blue, this drink offers a striking presentation that adds flair to any celebration. Each layer is carefully crafted to deliver a refreshing mix of fruity and citrusy flavors, making it as enjoyable to drink as it is to admire.

Serve it in a clear glass to showcase the vibrant colors, and garnish with a lemon wheel or fresh berries for an extra festive touch. It’s a fun way to toast the occasion.

Patriotic Punch

Patriotic Punch

The Patriotic Punch is a bold and refreshing cocktail that brings together rich flavors and a smooth finish—perfect for any patriotic occasion. This unique drink features the warm depth of whiskey, brightened by the tartness of fresh lemon juice and the floral notes of hibiscus tea.

A splash of Licor 43 adds a gentle sweetness with subtle vanilla and citrus undertones, while Fee Foam provides a light, frothy texture that elevates the overall experience. Served over ice and garnished with a lemon twist or edible flower, this punch is both visually appealing and full of flavor, ideal for summer gatherings.

Strawberry Daiquiri

Strawberry Daiquiri

The Strawberry Daiquiri is a refreshing Cuban-inspired cocktail that adds a splash of red to your Memorial Day festivities. Made with smooth rum and blended with fresh strawberries, this drink captures the essence of summer in a single glass. Its tropical notes and vibrant color make it a standout at any warm-weather gathering.

One of the best parts? It’s incredibly simple to prepare—just toss the ingredients in a blender, and you’re ready to serve in about ten minutes. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or relaxing on the patio, the Strawberry Daiquiri is a seasonal favorite that’s always a hit.

Hurricane

hurricane cocktail with ingredients in the background

Bring a taste of the tropics to your Memorial Day celebration with a classic Hurricane cocktail. This bold and fruity drink features aged Jamaican rum, blended with a mix of citrus and fruit juices for a flavor that’s both refreshing and full-bodied. It’s a great option for beginners, requiring only a shaker and basic ingredients—no blender or special tools needed.

The Hurricane’s vibrant appearance and sweet-tart balance make it a crowd-pleaser at any outdoor party or festive gathering. Serve it over ice in a curved glass and garnish with an orange slice or cherry for a simple yet striking presentation.

Ranch Water

Ranch Water

Ranch Water is a crisp, no-fuss cocktail that’s perfect for keeping things easy and refreshing at your Memorial Day gathering. Originating from West Texas, this drink combines tequila with freshly squeezed lime juice and fizzy Topo Chico mineral water for a clean, invigorating taste. It’s light and not overly sweet, making it a great option for hot-weather celebrations.

You can easily adjust the intensity by adding more Topo Chico to mellow the tequila’s bold character. Best of all, it requires minimal prep and can be made ahead in a large batch—ideal for sharing with friends and family throughout the day.

Rum Runner

rum runner cocktail with ingredients on the background

Turn up the fun this Memorial Day with the Rum Runner—a fruity, beach-inspired cocktail that brings tropical flavor to any celebration. Originating from Florida, this Caribbean-style drink features a bold blend of light and aged dark rum, delivering depth and richness with every sip.

Banana liqueur adds a smooth, tropical twist, while pineapple juice rounds out the drink with a refreshing burst of sweetness. It’s a vacation in a glass, easy to shake up and perfect for outdoor parties or relaxing by the pool. Serve it over ice and garnish with a cherry or pineapple wedge for a festive finish.

Mint Julep

Mint Julep

The classic Mint Julep is a timeless choice that brings charm and refreshment to any Memorial Day gathering. Known for its simple yet bold flavor, this cocktail blends smooth bourbon with fresh mint and a touch of sweetness, served over a generous mound of crushed ice. Its cooling profile makes it especially fitting for warm-weather celebrations, whether you’re hosting a small get-together or mixing a larger batch for a festive crowd.

Traditionally served in a silver or metal cup to keep it chilled, the Mint Julep is both easy to prepare and universally appreciated. Just don’t forget the crushed ice—it’s key.

Tom Collins

Tom Collins Cocktail

The Tom Collins is a timeless cocktail that adds a classic touch to your Memorial Day festivities. Dating back to the 19th century, this refreshing drink has stood the test of time and remains a favorite at parties and casual gatherings alike. Made with gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of club soda, it delivers a light, citrusy flavor that’s easy to enjoy.

It’s quick to prepare and doesn’t require any special equipment, making it ideal for serving a crowd. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cherry for a traditional finish that’s both simple and elegant.

Watermelon Mojito

watermelon mojito cocktail

If you’re searching for a drink that captures the spirit of summer, the Watermelon Mojito is a perfect pick. This refreshing cocktail combines rum with juicy fresh watermelon, offering a naturally sweet flavor that’s balanced by zesty lime and cooling mint. It’s light, not too tart, and feels special without requiring much effort.

Muddle the ingredients, top with ice and soda water, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for hot days. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or lounging on the patio, the Watermelon Mojito is a fun, fruity addition to your Memorial Day barbecue menu.

Sea Breeze

sea breeze

The Sea Breeze is a crisp, refreshing vodka-based cocktail that’s perfect for those who prefer a lighter option at their Memorial Day celebration. This drink blends tart grapefruit and cranberry juices with a splash of lemon for a citrus-forward flavor that’s both clean and invigorating. If you’d like to mellow the tartness, a touch of simple syrup can add just the right amount of sweetness.

Its beach-inspired character makes it a great fit for poolside lounging, but it’s just as easy to serve by the pitcher at an indoor gathering. Garnish with a lime wedge or fresh berries for a colorful finish.

Paloma

refreshing paloma cocktail with ingredients

Add a refreshing twist to your Memorial Day dinner party with a Paloma—an effortless cocktail that delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Made with tequila and grapefruit soda or juice, this drink offers a lighter, citrus-forward alternative to a traditional margarita.

It doesn’t require any special tools—no shaker or blender needed—just mix everything directly in the glass or scale up to serve a crowd. A splash of lime juice enhances the brightness, while a salted rim adds a savory edge. Whether you’re making one or a whole batch, the Paloma is a simple, satisfying option for any warm-weather gathering.

Red, White, and Blue Cocktail

Red, White, and Blue Cocktail
source: peelwithzeal.com

The Red, White, and Blue Cocktail is a festive, citrusy drink that’s perfect for Memorial Day or any patriotic celebration. This layered cocktail features bright, bold flavors and eye-catching colors that make it a standout at gatherings. It begins with a base of red grenadine, followed by a middle layer of clear vodka to create the “white” section, and is topped off with vibrant blue curaçao.

The cherry and lemon notes provide a sweet-tart balance that’s easy to enjoy, while the layering effect makes the drink look as good as it tastes. Serve it chilled in a tall glass for maximum visual impact.

Memorial Day Daiquiri

Memorial Day Daiquiri
source: darylskitchen.com

The Memorial Day Daiquiri is a chilled, layered drink that’s ideal for sunny outdoor celebrations. Whether you prefer it with or without alcohol, this festive slushy offers a colorful and flavorful way to cool down. The red layer features grenadine and vodka, delivering a fruity kick, while the middle layer of Piña Colada mix adds creamy coconut notes.

Topped with blueberry squash, the blue layer brings a refreshing, slightly tart finish. Its icy texture makes it especially enjoyable on warm days, and the patriotic color scheme adds visual flair. Serve in clear glasses to show off the layers and keep guests refreshed.

Red, White, and Blue Electric Lemonade

Red, White, and Blue Electric Lemonade
Source: thesoccermomblog.com

The Red, White, and Blue Electric Lemonade is a festive crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for large Memorial Day gatherings. This colorful cocktail combines vodka and Piña Colada mix for a sweet, citrusy base that’s both refreshing and easy to enjoy. The drink’s layered red, white, and blue colors create a striking presentation, and it’s simple to prepare in big batches for parties.

Top each glass with a lemon slice for a bright finish, or personalize with garnishes like cherries or patriotic-themed sprinkles. Whether served in pitchers or individual glasses, this drink adds a fun, flavorful twist to your celebration.

All-American Daiquiri

All-American Daiquiri
Source: tipsybartender.com

The All-American Daiquiri is a fun and frosty cocktail that’s perfect for a relaxed Memorial Day gathering with friends. Made with white rum, this slushy-style drink delivers a cool, fruit-forward experience that feels like a grown-up smoothie. The bold red and blue layers are created with strawberry flavor and a touch of blue curaçao or berry syrup, making the drink as festive as it is flavorful.

Serve it in a clear glass to show off the colorful layers, and finish it with a generous swirl of whipped cream for a creamy, celebratory touch. It’s simple to make and sure to impress.

Sweet Star Spangled Vodka Margarita

Sweet Star Spangled Vodka Margarita
source: awortheyread.com

The Sweet Star-Spangled Vodka Margarita is a festive twist on a classic, perfect for a small Memorial Day weekend get-together. This smooth, white cocktail is made with vodka, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup, offering a crisp and slightly sweet flavor that’s easy to enjoy. What really makes this drink shine are the patriotic garnishes—top each glass with red, white, and blue candies or sprinkles for a fun and colorful finish.

It’s a quick recipe to prepare, taking just a few minutes, but the final result feels special and celebration-ready. Serve chilled in a clear glass to highlight the festive details.

Blue Cocktail

Blue Cocktail
source: celebrationsathomeblog.com

This Blue Cocktail is a simple yet striking drink that’s perfect for a busy Memorial Day celebration. With only three ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and delivers a refreshing taste with tropical coconut notes.

The combination of blue curaçao and rum creates a vibrant hue that stands out on any party table. Its light, smooth flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser, even for those who don’t usually reach for cocktails. Just pour, stir, and garnish with a cherry for a fun pop of color. No fancy tools or bartending skills needed—this cocktail is all about ease, flavor, and festive presentation.

Memorial Day Mojito

Memorial Day Mojito
source: shopterrain.com

The Memorial Day Mojito offers a unique spin on a classic, making it a standout choice for your next holiday gathering. This deep red cocktail features the bold flavor of blueberries, paired with the subtle sweetness of sake and the earthy, aromatic notes of Shiso leaves. Sparkling soda adds a crisp finish, making each sip refreshing and well-balanced.

It’s easy to prepare a pitcher for a group, making it ideal for entertaining. Garnish with lime slices or extra Shiso leaves for an elegant touch. With its rich color and distinctive flavor, this Japanese-inspired mojito is sure to impress your guests.

Patriotic Cocktail

Patriotic Cocktail
source: serenabakessimplyfromscratch.com

Get your red, white, and blue on with the Patriotic Cocktail, a fruity drink with fresh, healthy ingredients. It’s a vodka drink great for interactive parties, and your guests can put together their cocktails. Pick up some whole strawberries and blueberries to make this intense, sharp drink even better.

American Cocktail

American Cocktail
source: kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com

You can’t go wrong with a classic American Cocktail for Memorial Day. The drink is light, fragrant, and fruity. Use peach vodka and Sprite as the base for this beverage. The American Cocktail is reminiscent of a punch, and you can make it in a large batch for a party.


30 Memorial Day Cocktails to Try
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Paul Kushner

Written by Paul Kushner

Founder and CEO of MyBartender. Graduated from Penn State University. He always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. His restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time he turned 17 he was serving tables, and by 19 he was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, Paul opened his first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Google Guide and MuckRack.

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