Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer, and what better way to celebrate than with good food, sunshine, and some seriously refreshing drinks? Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to the beach, or just chilling on the porch with your loved ones, the right drink in hand makes everything feel a little more festive.
From fruity cocktails to family-friendly sips, these 9 Memorial Day drink ideas are fun, easy, and perfect for cooling down in the summer heat. And yes—you can definitely make some of these ahead of time so you’re not stuck mixing during the party!
3 Reasons Why it is a Good Idea to Serve Memorial Day Drinks
- They Keep Everyone Cool and Hydrated: Memorial Day often brings warm, sunny weather, and nothing beats a refreshing drink to help guests cool down. Whether it’s fruity lemonade for the kids or iced cocktails for the adults, having plenty of drinks on hand keeps everyone comfortable and happy all day long
- Drinks Add a Festive, Fun Vibe: Let’s be honest—festive drinks just make a celebration feel special! Red, white, and blue drinks, fruity sangrias, and fun garnishes like umbrellas or berry skewers instantly elevate your setup and get people in the holiday spirit.
- They’re an Easy Way to Offer Variety: Not everyone wants a heavy meal or dessert all day. A creative drink station gives guests options, from bubbly sparklers to mocktails and iced tea. Plus, you can easily make large batches ahead of time—less stress, more sipping!
Sparkling Berry Lemonade (Non-Alcoholic)
If you’re looking for something sweet, fizzy, and totally refreshing, this is it. Mix lemonade with club soda or lemon-lime soda, then toss in fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Serve it over ice with a lemon slice, and you’ve got a red, white, and blue drink everyone can enjoy—including the kids.
Watermelon Mojitos
Nothing screams summer like watermelon. Muddle fresh watermelon with mint leaves, add white rum, lime juice, and a splash of soda water. It’s light, minty, and so good for sipping in the sun. Want to keep it kid-friendly? Just skip the rum!
Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri
If you’re feeling a little fancy, grab your blender and whip up frozen daiquiris with strawberries, lime juice, and a bit of simple syrup. Add white rum if you want to turn it into a cocktail—or skip the alcohol and make it a slushy treat for everyone.
Patriotic Layered Punch
This one’s a showstopper if you’re going for wow factor. Layer red fruit punch, white lemonade, and blue sports drink in a tall glass using lots of ice to separate the layers. It’s all about the presentation—and the kids will love it.
Iced Hibiscus Tea with Orange & Mint
This gorgeous ruby-red tea is caffeine-free and naturally tart. Brew hibiscus tea bags, let it chill, then add orange slices and fresh mint. It’s bright, refreshing, and a great non-alcoholic option that still feels special.
Cucumber Lime Sparkler
If you want something ultra-refreshing, mix cucumber slices, lime juice, and sparkling water. Add a splash of gin or vodka for the grown-ups, or keep it alcohol-free for a spa-like twist. Trust me—this one’s so crisp and cooling on a hot day.
Blueberry Basil Lemonade
Add a twist to classic lemonade by muddling blueberries and fresh basil. It’s unexpected, slightly herbal, and pairs really well with BBQ flavors. You can serve it as-is or spike it with vodka for a simple cocktail.
Beer & Lime Micheladas
For the beer lovers, try a Michelada. It’s a Mexican-inspired drink made with beer, lime juice, hot sauce, and a salted rim. It’s tangy, spicy, and super refreshing with grilled food. My husband swears by it when it’s hot out!
Red, White & Boozy Sangria
Make a big pitcher of white wine sangria with strawberries, blueberries, apples, and a splash of orange liqueur. It’s festive, colorful, and easy to make ahead. Bonus: the fruit gets better the longer it soaks.
Quick Tips for Memorial Day Drinks
- Keep a cooler stocked with water bottles, juice boxes for the kids, and ice-cold beers or wine spritzers.
- Add fresh fruit or herbs to your drinks—it’s an easy way to elevate even basic lemonade or soda.
- Offer both spiked and non-alcoholic versions so everyone feels included.
- Use patriotic straws or cups for a cute, budget-friendly way to add a festive touch.
- Make drinks in batches so you can relax and enjoy your gathering too!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re sipping sangria by the grill or handing your kid a sparkly lemonade with berries, a fun drink just adds to the Memorial Day magic. These recipes are simple, tasty, and perfect for raising a glass (or mason jar) to the start of summer and all the moments worth celebrating.
So go ahead—mix something up, add some ice, and enjoy a beautiful day filled with sunshine, love, and great company. Cheers to you and yours!