10 Classic Cocktails to Mix for Dad on Father’s Day

Father’s Day is the perfect occasion to show Dad some love, and what better way than with a thoughtfully mixed cocktail? A well-crafted drink can elevate a toast, spark conversation, and make the day feel extra special. Whether your dad is a whiskey aficionado, a gin enthusiast, or someone who loves a bold, modern classic, this curated list of 10 classic cocktails offers something for every palate. From the timeless Whiskey Sour to the sophisticated Sazerac, these drinks are easy to make yet impressive enough to wow Dad. Each recipe comes with step-by-step instructions, tips for beginners, and pairing suggestions to complement a Father’s Day feast. Grab your shaker, ice, and spirits, and let’s mix up a toast to Dad!

Why Cocktails for Father’s Day?

Cocktails are more than just drinks—they’re an experience. Mixing a cocktail for Dad shows effort and care, turning a simple moment into a memorable celebration. These classics are chosen for their balance of accessibility and sophistication, ensuring you can impress without needing a mixology degree. Plus, they pair beautifully with Father’s Day staples like grilled meats, hearty sides, or sweet desserts. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or a quiet dinner, these drinks will set the tone for a perfect day.

Essential Tools and Tips for Beginners

Before diving into the recipes, here’s what you’ll need:

• Tools: Cocktail shaker, jigger (for measuring), mixing glass, bar spoon, strainer, muddler, citrus juicer, and rocks or martini glasses.

• Ingredients: Stock up on basics like ice, fresh citrus, simple syrup (made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water), and bitters.

• Tips:

  • Chill glasses in the fridge for 10 minutes before serving.

  • Use fresh ingredients (e.g., freshly squeezed juice) for the best flavor.

  • Measure precisely—cocktails are about balance.

  • Shake drinks with citrus or egg whites; stir those with only spirits.

  • Practice once beforehand to nail the technique.

Now, let’s explore the 10 classic cocktails that’ll make Dad’s Father’s Day unforgettable.

1. Whiskey Sour

Flavor Profile: Tart, sweet, and smooth with a whiskey backboneBest For: Dads who love a balanced, refreshing drinkPairing: Grilled steak or BBQ ribs

The Whiskey Sour is a timeless classic that’s simple to make but feels special. Its bright citrus and subtle sweetness complement the warmth of bourbon or rye.

Recipe (Serves 1):

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey

• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

• ½ oz simple syrup

• 1 egg white (optional, for froth)

• Ice

• Garnish: Orange slice and maraschino cherry

Instructions:

1. Add whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) to a shaker without ice.

2. Dry shake (no ice) for 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white.

3. Add ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice or a chilled coupe glass.

5. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.

Tip for Beginners: If skipping the egg white, increase simple syrup to ¾ oz for balance. Use a good-quality bourbon like Maker’s Mark for smoothness.

Pairing Suggestion: The Whiskey Sour’s acidity cuts through rich, smoky BBQ ribs or a juicy steak, making it a perfect match for a Father’s Day cookout.

2. Gin Sling

Flavor Profile: Bright, botanical, and slightly sweetBest For: Dads who enjoy gin’s crisp complexityPairing: Seafood or charcuterie board

The Gin Sling is a refreshing, old-school cocktail that highlights gin’s herbal notes with a touch of sweetness and fizz.

Recipe (Serves 1):

• 2 oz gin

• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

• ½ oz simple syrup

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Club soda

• Ice

• Garnish: Lemon twist

Instructions:

1. Add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters to a shaker with ice.

2. Shake for 10 seconds.

3. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.

4. Top with club soda and stir gently.

5. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Tip for Beginners: Use a London Dry gin like Tanqueray for a classic flavor. Adjust soda for desired dilution.

Pairing Suggestion: Pair with grilled shrimp skewers or a charcuterie board with cured meats and cheeses—the Gin Sling’s brightness complements savory, salty flavors.

3. Espresso Martini

Flavor Profile: Rich, bold, and slightly sweet with a coffee kickBest For: Dads who love coffee or after-dinner drinksPairing: Chocolate dessert or tiramisu

The Espresso Martini is a modern classic that’s perfect for a post-dinner toast. Its caffeine boost and velvety texture make it a crowd-pleaser.

Recipe (Serves 1):

• 2 oz vodka

• 1 oz fresh espresso (cooled)

• ¾ oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)

• ¼ oz simple syrup

• Ice

• Garnish: 3 coffee beans

Instructions:

1. Brew espresso and let it cool to room temperature.

2. Add vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice.

3. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds to create a frothy texture.

4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

5. Garnish with three coffee beans.

Tip for Beginners: If you don’t have an espresso machine, use strong cold brew. Shake hard to get that signature foam.

Pairing Suggestion: Serve with a chocolate lava cake or tiramisu—the Espresso Martini’s bitterness enhances sweet, creamy desserts.

4. Sazerac

Flavor Profile: Bold, spicy, and slightly sweet with anise notesBest For: Dads who appreciate complex, spirit-forward drinksPairing: Cajun dishes or roasted pork

The Sazerac, a New Orleans classic, is a whiskey-based cocktail with a distinctive absinthe rinse that adds depth and intrigue.

Recipe (Serves 1):

• 2 oz rye whiskey

• ¼ oz absinthe (or Herbsaint)

• ½ oz simple syrup

• 3 dashes Peychaud’s bitters

• Ice

• Garnish: Lemon peel

Instructions:

1. Rinse a chilled rocks glass with absinthe, discarding excess.

2. Add rye, simple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.

3. Stir for 20 seconds until well-chilled.

4. Strain into the absinthe-rinsed glass (no ice).

5. Express lemon peel oils over the drink and garnish.

Tip for Beginners: Go light on the absinthe—a little goes a long way. Use a spicy rye like Bulleit for authenticity.

Pairing Suggestion: Pair with Cajun jambalaya or roasted pork loin—the Sazerac’s bold flavors stand up to spicy, hearty dishes.

5. Old Fashioned

Flavor Profile: Warm, rich, and slightly sweetBest For: Dads who love whiskey’s depthPairing: Grilled burgers or smoked brisket

The Old Fashioned is the quintessential whiskey cocktail, showcasing the spirit with minimal embellishment.

Recipe (Serves 1):

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey

• ¼ oz simple syrup

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Ice (large cube preferred)

• Garnish: Orange peel and cherry

Instructions:

1. Add simple syrup, bitters, and whiskey to a rocks glass.

2. Add a large ice cube and stir for 20 seconds to chill and dilute.

3. Express orange peel oils over the drink and drop it in.

4. Garnish with a cherry.

Tip for Beginners: Use a single large ice cube to slow dilution. Try Woodford Reserve bourbon for a smooth finish.

Pairing Suggestion: The Old Fashioned’s richness pairs perfectly with a juicy burger or smoky brisket, enhancing a classic Father’s Day BBQ.

6. Manhattan

Flavor Profile: Smooth, sweet, and slightly herbalBest For: Dads who enjoy elegant, spirit-forward cocktailsPairing: Filet mignon or mushroom risotto

The Manhattan is a sophisticated classic that balances whiskey with sweet vermouth and bitters.

Recipe (Serves 1):

• 2 oz rye or bourbon whiskey

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Instructions:

1. Add whiskey, vermouth, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.

2. Stir for 20 seconds until chilled.

3. Strain into a chilled martini glass or over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.

4. Garnish with a cherry.

Tip for Beginners: Use a quality vermouth like Carpano Antica and store it in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Pairing Suggestion: Serve with a tender filet mignon or creamy mushroom risotto—the Manhattan’s sweetness complements savory, umami flavors.

7. Negroni

Flavor Profile: Bitter, bold, and herbaceousBest For: Dads who like adventurous, bittersweet drinksPairing: Italian antipasti or pizza

The Negroni is a bold, equal-parts cocktail that’s both refreshing and complex, perfect for a dad with a refined palate.

Recipe (Serves 1):

• 1 oz gin

• 1 oz Campari

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• Ice

• Garnish: Orange peel

Instructions:

1. Add gin, Campari, and vermouth to a mixing glass with ice.

2. Stir for 20 seconds until chilled.

3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.

4. Express orange peel oils and garnish.

Tip for Beginners: If Campari is too bitter, start with ½ oz and adjust to taste. Use a citrus-forward gin like Bombay Sapphire.

Pairing Suggestion: Pair with an antipasti platter or margherita pizza—the Negroni’s bitterness balances rich, salty flavors.

8. Margarita

Flavor Profile: Tart, tangy, and refreshingBest For: Dads who love bright, citrusy drinksPairing: Tacos or grilled chicken

The Margarita is a crowd-pleasing classic that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable.

Recipe (Serves 1):

• 2 oz tequila (blanco preferred)

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

• ¾ oz Cointreau or triple sec

• Ice

• Garnish: Lime wedge and salt rim

Instructions:

1. Run a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass and dip in kosher salt.

2. Add tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau to a shaker with ice.

3. Shake for 10 seconds.

4. Strain into the salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.

5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Tip for Beginners: Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor. Try a reposado tequila for a smoother, oakier twist.

Pairing Suggestion: Serve with spicy beef tacos or grilled chicken with salsa—the Margarita’s acidity complements bold, zesty flavors.

9. Dark ‘n’ Stormy

Flavor Profile: Spicy, sweet, and refreshingBest For: Dads who enjoy rum or tropical vibesPairing: Jerk chicken or pineapple dessert

The Dark ‘n’ Stormy is a highball cocktail with a bold rum kick and zesty ginger beer.

Recipe (Serves 1):

• 2 oz dark rum

• 3 oz ginger beer

• ½ oz fresh lime juice

• Ice

• Garnish: Lime wedge

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.

2. Pour ginger beer and lime juice over ice.

3. Float dark rum on top by pouring slowly over a spoon.

4. Stir gently until mixed.

5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Tip for Beginners: Use a high-quality ginger beer like Fever-Tree for a spicy kick. Gosling’s Black Seal rum is traditional.

Pairing Suggestion: Pair with jerk chicken or a pineapple upside-down cake—the Dark ‘n’ Stormy’s spice enhances tropical, sweet flavors.

10. Sidecar

Flavor Profile: Tart, sweet, and warmingBest For: Dads who appreciate cognac or brandyPairing: Roasted duck or apple pie

The Sidecar is a refined classic that balances cognac’s richness with citrus and orange liqueur.

Recipe (Serves 1):

• 2 oz cognac

• ¾ oz Cointreau

• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

• Ice

• Garnish: Sugar rim and lemon twist

Instructions:

1. Rim a chilled coupe glass with sugar by rubbing a lemon wedge around the edge and dipping in sugar.

2. Add cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice.

3. Shake for 10 seconds.

4. Strain into the sugar-rimmed glass.

5. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Tip for Beginners: Use a VSOP cognac like Hennessy for quality without breaking the bank. Adjust lemon juice for tartness.

Pairing Suggestion: Serve with roasted duck or warm apple pie—the Sidecar’s citrus and warmth complement rich, fruity dishes.

General Tips for Mixing Cocktails

• Stock a Bar Cart: Keep essentials like whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, bitters, and citrus on hand for flexibility.

• Batch for a Crowd: For larger Father’s Day gatherings, multiply recipes and mix in a pitcher (except for shaken drinks like sours).

• Presentation Matters: Use garnishes and chilled glasses to elevate the experience.

• Know Dad’s Preferences: If he dislikes bitter drinks, skip the Negroni; if he loves whiskey, lean toward the Old Fashioned or Sazerac.

• Practice Safety: Use fresh ingredients and avoid overpouring to keep drinks balanced and enjoyable.

Pairing Cocktails with the Father’s Day Vibe

• Casual BBQ: Whiskey Sour, Margarita, or Dark ‘n’ Stormy for laid-back, crowd-pleasing vibes.

• Formal Dinner: Sazerac, Manhattan, or Sidecar for sophisticated, spirit-forward elegance.

• After-Dinner Toast: Espresso Martini or Old Fashioned for a refined, lingering moment.

• Tropical or Outdoor: Gin Sling or Dark ‘n’ Stormy for refreshing, summery feels.

• Spicy or Bold Feast: Negroni or Sazerac to match robust, flavorful dishes.

Conclusion

Father’s Day is all about celebrating Dad, and mixing him a classic cocktail is a heartfelt way to show appreciation. From the tangy Whiskey Sour to the bold Sazerac, these 10 cocktails offer a range of flavors to suit any dad’s taste, whether he’s a whiskey lover, a gin enthusiast, or a coffee fanatic. With easy-to-follow recipes, beginner-friendly tips, and thoughtful pairing suggestions, you can craft a drink that elevates the day’s festivities—be it a backyard BBQ, a fancy dinner, or a quiet toast at home. So, dust off your shaker, gather your ingredients, and raise a glass to Dad with a cocktail that’s as special as he is. Cheers to making Father’s Day 2025 unforgettable!

10 FAQs About Mixing Cocktails for Father’s Day

1. What’s the easiest cocktail for beginners to make?The Dark ‘n’ Stormy or Gin Sling are simple, requiring minimal ingredients and no shaking.

2. Can I make these cocktails without a shaker?Yes, for stirred drinks like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or Negroni, use a mixing glass or tall glass with a spoon.

3. What if I don’t have all the ingredients?Substitute where possible (e.g., orange juice for Cointreau in a pinch) or make a simpler drink like the Old Fashioned.

4. How do I choose a cocktail for Dad?Consider his favorite spirit (whiskey, gin, etc.) or flavor profile (sweet, bitter, tart) and match to a recipe.

5. Can I make these cocktails non-alcoholic?Yes, use non-alcoholic spirits (e.g., Seedlip for gin) or replace alcohol with juice or soda for mocktails.

6. How do I batch cocktails for a Father’s Day party?Multiply ingredients and mix in a pitcher for stirred drinks. For shaken drinks, mix components but shake individually.

7. What’s the best glassware for these cocktails?Use rocks glasses for drinks over ice, martini or coupe glasses for up drinks, and highball glasses for tall drinks.

8. How do I make cocktails look professional?Use fresh garnishes, chilled glasses, and precise measurements. Clear ice cubes add a pro touch.

9. What food pairs best with these cocktails?Match tart drinks (Margarita, Whiskey Sour) with savory foods, sweet drinks (Espresso Martini) with desserts, and bold drinks (Sazerac) with spicy dishes.

10. Where can I find cocktail ingredients?Check local liquor stores, supermarkets, or online retailers like Total Wine or Drizly for spirits and mixers.

Craving delicious recipes? Explore a variety of mouthwatering dishes that are perfect for any occasion! Whether you're in the mood for savory appetizers or indulgent treats, we've got you covered. Check out these featured recipes:

1. Buffalo Chicken Dip – The ultimate cast iron appetizer, perfect for game day or any gathering. Get the recipe here.

2. Korean Chicken Thighs – Sweet and spicy with a gochujang kick that will leave your taste buds craving more. Check out this flavorful dish.

3. Irish Pub Potato Nachos – Comfort food at its finest with this hearty and satisfying appetizer. Learn how to make it here.

4. Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry – Quick, healthy, and delicious! Perfect for a weeknight dinner. Try this easy stir-fry recipe.

5. Copycat Starbucks Bacon & Egg Bites – A tasty and easy breakfast option for when you're on the go. See how to make them here.

6. French Toast Breakfast Sandwich – The ultimate sweet and savory breakfast treat. Get the recipe here.

7. 3-Ingredient Cookie Puff Pastry – A quick and delightful treat you can whip up with just a few ingredients. Find out how to make it here.

8. Pumpkin Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls – Your new fall favorite, combining pumpkin and cinnamon in a delectable roll. Check out the recipe here.

9. Zesty Buttery Orange Cranberry Muffins – The perfect muffin for any occasion, with a bright citrus twist. Bake them with this recipe.

Enjoy exploring these recipes and adding new favorites to your kitchen!

If you want more recipes, checks these folks out:

Allrecipes - https://www.allrecipes.com/

• Over 1 million recipes from around the world

• Easy to search and find recipes

• Over 25 million monthly visitors

• The Food Network - https://www.foodnetwork.com/

  • Over 15,000 recipes from celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay, Ina Garten, and Guy Fieri

  • Recipes for all occasions and dietary preferences

  • Video recipes available

• Yummly - https://www.yummly.com/

  • Over 2 million recipes with advanced filtering options

  • Appealing and easy to navigate interface

  • Ability to create meal plans based on diet and allergies

• Epicurious - https://www.epicurious.com/

  • Hand-picked recipes from Bon Appétit and Gourmet magazines

  • Focus on quality over quantity

  • Over 30,000 recipes from around the world

• Tasty - https://tasty.co/

  • Primarily video-based recipes with catchy music and quick steps

  • Covers popular recipe trends like air fryer and baked feta pasta

  • Simple ingredients and 10-minute recipes for beginners

• Delish - https://www.delish.com/

  • Thousands of tested recipes with mouthwatering photos

  • Organized by trending dishes, favorites, healthy options and more

  • Helpful articles and videos on food blogging and cooking tips

• The Kitchn - https://www.thekitchn.com/

  • Recipes and helpful cooking articles and lesson videos

  • Organized by season, meal type and more for easy browsing

  • Interviews with professional chefs and step-by-step technique videos

• Love and Lemons - https://www.loveandlemons.com/

  • Focuses on fresh, seasonal produce and vegetable-forward dishes

  • Stunning food photography and simple, flavorful recipes

  • Great for vegetarians or those looking to eat healthier

• Smitten Kitchen - https://smittenkitchen.com/

  • Comfort food favorites and exciting new dishes

  • Deb's signature style of making complex recipes accessible

  • Shared with humor and a lot of love

• Serious Eats - https://www.seriouseats.com/

  • Explores the science and art of cooking

  • Recipes, food science explainers, and cooking techniques

  • Trusted resource for food geeks and home cook

 Enjoyed what you read? Subscribe to That Love Podcast’s newsletter for the latest blogs, updates, and exclusive giveaways! Share the joy—pass along our blogs and website to family and friends so they can join in on the fun. Let’s spread the love together!