14 Popular Day Drinking Cocktails

Day drinking is all about sipping something light and delicious while soaking up the sunshine. In this article, you’ll find 14 of the most popular day drinking cocktails that are ideal for any casual daytime event. From sparkling spritzers to fruity mixers, these recipes have you covered.

Mimosa

The Mimosa is a classic day drinking cocktail. It is simple and elegant. It combines champagne and orange juice.

Classic Mimosa Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 oz Champagne
• 3 oz Orange juice

Instructions:

1. Pour chilled champagne into a flute.
2. Add cold orange juice.
3. Stir gently.

Variations

You can customize your Mimosa for different flavors. Here are some ideas:

• Tropical Mimosa: Add 1 oz pineapple juice and a splash of coconut rum.
• Cranberry Mimosa: Use 3 oz cranberry juice instead of orange juice.
• Berry Mimosa: Mix 2 oz berry puree with 3 oz champagne.

Mocktail Mimosa

For a non-alcoholic option, try a Virgin Mimosa.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz Sparkling cider
• 3 oz Orange juice

Instructions:

1. Pour sparkling cider into a flute.
2. Add orange juice.
3. Stir lightly.

Garnishes

Enhance your Mimosa with garnishes. Use fresh fruits or herbs.

• Lavender: Add a sprig for a floral note.
• Mint: Place a few leaves for freshness.
• Orange Slice: Classic and simple.

The Mimosa is versatile and perfect for brunch.

Bloody Mary

The Bloody Mary is a popular day drink. It’s known for its bold flavors and versatility. The cocktail combines vodka and tomato juice with a variety of spices and seasonings.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz tomato juice
• 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 2 dashes hot sauce
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp celery salt
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• Ice cubes
• Optional garnishes: celery stalk, lemon wedge, olives, pickles

Instructions

1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add vodka and tomato juice.
3. Mix in Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce.
4. Sprinkle in black pepper, paprika, and celery salt.
5. Pour in lemon juice.
6. Shake well to combine.
7. Strain into an ice-filled glass.
8. Garnish with celery, lemon wedge, olives, or pickles as desired.

The Bloody Mary is often enjoyed during brunch. Its savory taste is enhanced by additional garnishes. You’ll find it stands out on cocktail menus and is a favorite for many.

Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz is a refreshing choice for day drinking. It’s light and citrusy.

Ingredients

• 3 oz Aperol
• 3 oz Prosecco
• 1 oz Club Soda
• Orange Slice (for garnish)
• Ice

Instructions

1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour Aperol over the ice.
3. Add Prosecco.
4. Top with Club Soda.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with an orange slice.

The Aperol Spritz has a low alcohol content. It is perfect for daytime sipping. The drink balances bitter, sweet, and fizzy flavors. Enjoy its bright orange hue. The citrus notes are zesty and aromatic.

Mixing an Aperol Spritz is easy. It requires just a few steps. This makes it an excellent cocktail for gatherings.

The Aperol Spritz pairs well with light snacks. Think olives or cheese. Its flavor profile complements many appetizers. This balance makes it an ideal choice for casual occasions and social events.

Prepare the drink in large batches for parties. The process is simple. Just keep the ingredient ratios consistent. This ensures each glass tastes the way it should.

Bellini

The Bellini is a classic cocktail perfect for day drinking. It originated at Harry’s Bar in Venice during the late 1930s to early 1940s. Created by Guiseppe Cipriani, the drink reflects his admiration for the 15th-century artist Giovanni Bellini.

Ingredients

• 4 medium white peaches (pitted and quartered)
• 3 ice cubes
• 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar (or 3/4 ounce simple syrup)
• Chilled Prosecco
• Peach slices (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Make the Peach Purée:

• Use a blender or food processor.
• Combine the peaches, ice cubes, lemon juice, and sugar.
• Blend until smooth and strain.

Assemble the Cocktail:

• Pour a third of the purée into medium-sized flute glasses.
• Fill the rest with very cold Prosecco.
• Stir gently to combine.

Garnish:

• Add a peach slice on the rim if desired.
• Serve immediately to keep it fresh and fizzy.

You can also try variations. Add a dash of grenadine for a colorful twist. For a non-alcoholic version, use sparkling water instead of Prosecco.

Enjoy your Bellini, a refreshing option for brunch or a light afternoon drink.

Pimm’s Cup

The Pimm’s Cup is a refreshing British cocktail. It’s perfect for a warm day. You’ll love its mix of flavors.

Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 50 ml Pimm’s No. 1
• 150 ml sparkling lemonade or ginger beer
• Sliced cucumber
• Strawberries
• Mint leaves
• Lemon slices

Instructions:

1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Pour 50 ml of Pimm’s No. 1 over the ice.
3. Add 150 ml of sparkling lemonade or ginger beer.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with slices of cucumber, strawberries, mint leaves, and lemon slices.

This drink combines fruity and herbal notes. The mix of fresh ingredients makes it delicious and vibrant. Perfect for leisurely afternoons.

Sangria

Sangria is a popular day drinking cocktail. It blends wines with fruit and other ingredients. Here are a couple of easy and refreshing recipes you can try:

Classic Red Sangria

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of fruity red wine
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons simple syrup
• 1 sliced orange
• 1 sliced lemon
• 1 sliced lime
• Fresh berries (optional)
• Ice

Instructions:

• Combine wine, brandy, orange juice, and simple syrup in a large pitcher.
• Add sliced orange, lemon, lime, and berries.
• Stir well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
• Serve over ice.

White Wine Sangria

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of white wine
• 1/4 cup Triple Sec
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup club soda
• Fresh mint leaves
• Sliced melons (cantaloupe, honeydew, or watermelon)
• Ice

Instructions:

• Mix white wine, Triple Sec, orange juice, and club soda in a big pitcher.
• Add sliced melons and mint leaves.
• Stir and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Serve chilled over ice.

Each recipe provides a different take on this classic cocktail. Adjust the ingredients as you prefer.

Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a refreshing cocktail perfect for sunny afternoons. It’s known for its mix of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. Serve it in a copper mug for an authentic experience.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz ginger beer
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a copper mug with ice cubes.
2. Pour in vodka and lime juice.
3. Top off with ginger beer.
4. Stir gently to mix.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Tips

• Use high-quality ginger beer for the best taste.
• Fresh lime juice enhances the drink’s flavor.
• Adjust the ginger beer and lime juice to suit your preference.

Tom Collins

The Tom Collins is an elegant day drinking option. This classic cocktail offers a refreshing balance of sweetness and tartness. Here’s how you can make it at home.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces gin
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 3 ounces club soda
• Ice cubes
• Garnish: cherry and an orange or lemon slice

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake for 10-30 seconds, until the shaker feels cold.
4. Fill a Collins glass with ice cubes.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Top with club soda and give it a gentle stir.
7. Garnish with a cherry and an orange or lemon slice.

This Tom Collins recipe combines simplicity with flavor. The use of fresh lemon juice elevates its taste. It’s perfect for a warm afternoon or brunch.

Paloma

The Paloma is a popular day drinking cocktail. It’s a refreshing mix of tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda. It’s perfect for warm days.

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 4 oz grapefruit soda (such as Squirt)
• Pinch of salt
• Lime wedge for garnish
• Optional: 1/2 oz simple syrup

Instructions

1. Prepare the glass: Add salt to a small plate. Rub a lime wedge on the rim of a highball glass. Dip the rim in salt.
2. Combine ingredients: Pour tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup (if using) into the glass.
3. Add soda: Fill the glass with ice. Pour grapefruit soda over the tequila mix.
4. Garnish: Add a lime wedge to the rim. Serve immediately.

Gin and Tonic

A Gin and Tonic is a popular day-drinking cocktail. It’s simple to make and refreshingly light.

Classic Gin and Tonic Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 4 oz tonic water
• Ice
• Lime wedge (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour 2 oz of gin over the ice.
3. Add 4 oz of tonic water.
4. Gently stir to mix.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Tips for a Perfect Gin and Tonic

• Use a high-quality gin for a better taste.
• Experiment with the gin-to-tonic ratio to suit your preference.
• Garnishes: Use lime, lemon, or even cucumber.

Variations to Try

Cucumber and Lime G&T

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 4 oz tonic water
• Ice
• 2 cucumber slices
• Lime zest

Instructions:

1. Muddle cucumber slices in a glass.
2. Fill with ice.
3. Add gin and tonic water.
4. Stir gently.
5. Garnish with lime zest.

Lower-Alcohol G&T

Ingredients:

• 1 oz gin
• 4 oz tonic water
• Ice
• Lemon slice (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add 1 oz gin.
3. Pour in 4 oz tonic water.
4. Stir to combine.
5. Garnish with a lemon slice.

Frosé (Frozen Rosé)

Frosé is a popular summer drink. It’s a frozen cocktail made from rosé wine.

To make it, start with these ingredients:

• 1 bottle of rosé wine
• 1 cup of strawberries (hulled and halved)
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 3/4 cup of crushed ice

Follow these steps to prepare your frosé:

1. Pour the bottle of rosé into a 9″ x 13″ baking pan.
2. Freeze for about 6 hours or until almost solid.
3. Blend the frozen rosé, strawberries, honey, and ice until smooth.
4. Strain the mixture if desired for a smoother consistency.
5. Serve immediately in glasses, garnished with fresh strawberries.

Frosé is versatile. You can use different fruits or sweeteners for variety.

White Wine Spritzer

A White Wine Spritzer is a refreshing drink perfect for day drinking. It’s light, crisp, and easy to make. You only need a few ingredients and minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 3 ounces chilled white wine
• 1 ounce club soda or mineral water
• Ice cubes
• Lemon or lime slices for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Glass

• Fill a wine glass with ice cubes.

Add Wine

• Pour 3 ounces of chilled white wine into the glass.

Top with Soda

• Add 1 ounce of club soda or mineral water.

Garnish

• Top with a lemon or lime slice.

For a fruity twist, make fruity ice cubes. Add blackberries or strawberries to an ice cube tray and freeze with water. This adds flavor and visual appeal to your spritzer.

A White Wine Spritzer is simple yet elegant. It’s suitable for any occasion.

Caipirinha

The Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail. It has a refreshing and tangy flavor. This drink is perfect for warm afternoons.

Ingredients:

• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 2 teaspoons superfine sugar
• 2 ounces cachaça
• Ice, as needed

Instructions:

1. Place the lime wedges in an old-fashioned glass.
2. Sprinkle the sugar over the lime.
3. Muddle the lime wedges and sugar until the juices release.
4. Fill the glass with ice.
5. Pour the cachaça over the ice.
6. Stir well.

Instructions:

1. Add mint leaves to a julep cup or rocks glass.
2. Pour in the simple syrup.
3. Lightly muddle the mint to release its oils.
4. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
5. Add bourbon over the ice.
6. Stir until the cup frosts on the outside.
7. Pack in more crushed ice to form a dome.
8. Add a few drops of bitters, if desired.
9. Garnish with a mint sprig.