Memorial Day Cocktails: 11 Easy Drinks To Celebrate The Holiday

Many people think Memorial Day is just the unofficial start of summer, but in fact it is much more than that, as the holiday remembers those we lost while serving in the US armed forces. Although this holiday originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the war, Memorial Day extended to honor all Americans who have died while in military service in the 20th century. Even so, it’s an occasion to get together with family, friends and loved ones, so we put together a few refreshing ideas for the adults table.

Food & Wine’s Watermelon-Tequila Cocktails: Now that watermelons are in season, this is the perfect cocktail to enjoy the sweet, refreshing fruit with some tequila. Try it out.

Bobby Flay’s Frozen Mojito: After making these, you might end up asking yourself how come Mojitos aren’t always frapped! Check the recipe out here!

Epicurious’ Sangría: There’s a reason ‘tinto de verano’ is called that, and it’s very similar to sangria (which has chunks of fruit in it) so take your dose of red wine (which scientists say is better than going to the gym), and enjoy the summer!

Saveur’s Frozen Limeade Margarita: Make your margaritas a little sweeter by mixing them with limeade in this ultra-refreshing mix you can serve from a pitcher. Recipe here.

Sandra Lee’s Cocojito: Add the sweet, creamy taste of coconut to a refreshing mojito and get a perfectly balanced, not too sweet, not too creamy cocktail for the summer. Try it out.

Svedka Vodka’s Red, White & Boom: This refreshing mix includes blueberries, strawberries and lots of ice for a fruity combination you and your guests will love.

All Recipes’ Caribbean Rum Punch: "This delicious concoction is the traditional rum punch recipe used in the West Indies, passed down for years,” says the recipe. Sounds delicious to us! Check it out here.

Food Network’s Piña Colada Mojito: Mix two of our favorite tropical cocktails and what do you get? A deliciously creamy-yet-fresh drink. Check it out here.

Good Cocktails’ American Flag: The three ingredients in this fun cocktail will create color layers like magic, so don’t forget to serve them in a clear glass! Recipe here.

Here are two bonus ideas courtesy of Shellback Rum and Camarena Tequila:

Spiced Island Iced Tea

Ingredients:

.5 oz. Shellback Spiced

.5 oz. New Amsterdam Pineapple Vodka

.5 oz. New Amsterdam Gin

.5 oz. Triple Sec

.5 oz. Fresh Sour Mix

1 oz. Coca Cola

Lemon Wheel

Instructions: Build in a highball glass or mason jar. Add ice; garnish with lemon wheel, and serve.

Verano Spritz