What makes a dad? The aesthetic of Father’s Day is usually whiskey, cigars, dad hats, new shaving razors…but there are all kinds of dads out there. We suggest these Father’s Day cocktails to make with your dad, for your dad, or if you’re a dad, maybe treat yourself.
Father’s Day Cocktails to Mix Up for Dad
Sazerac
The Sazerac is a classy bartender’s favorite that blends the smoky sharpness of rye whiskey with an Absinthe-rinsed glass. Absinthe’s unique flavor features hints of anise that elevate a Sazerac above other whiskey-based cocktails. This is a perfect Father’s Day Cocktail for a dad who likes the finer things in life or adventurous new liquors and bitters.
Apple Wood-Smoked Manhattan
This take on the Manhattan from mixologist Alex Aguayo (The Compound, Santa Fe) is a “grown up version of a candy apple.” It uses sweet vermouth and a slice of crême brulée to offset the smokiness of the Kentucky straight bourbon in the mix. For an outdoorsy dad or the dad with a sweet tooth?
Smoked Bourbon Old-Fashioned
Can’t go wrong with an old-fashioned. Our recipe used Kinsey Year 4 Bourbon, but you can swap in for your dad’s favorite bourbon, since we know how particular some people can get about bourbon. Has a nice, warm flavor to it without sacrificing complexity. For the curmudgeonly dad who always wants to do things his way, but it comes from the warmth of his heart.
Appetite for Destruction Inspired by Guns N’ Roses
This drink is inspired by Guns N’ Roses with gin, lime juice, and a cherry smoke for a little bit of that glam rock, metal feel. Since not everyone just carries around a cocktail smoker, if you want to make this, here are a few. This is for the dad who rocks out in the car to “Paradise City” a little too hard, but we love him for it.
Banana Walnut Old-Fashioned
A sweeter take on an old-fashioned from Chef Jessica Lewis. She uses whiskey or an aged rum like Papa Pilar 7-Year and then banane de Brésil to create a banana bread flavor. Use this cocktail to bring back memories of a childhood meal with your dad, if he’s a banana bread guy.
Espresso Whiskey Martini
Being a dad is tiring. This whiskey espresso martini gives a little caffeine pick-me-up and a dessert-y decadence to the drink menu.
Coffee and Bourbon Cocktail, The Revolver
Another pick-me-up, this Coffee and Bourbon Cocktail uses coffee liqueur so you know you’ve got a glass full of liquor to start your day. Let dad slip into a relaxing mood with this simple mix up.
Antipasto Virgin Bloody Mary (Non-Alcoholic)
A cocktail does not have to have alcohol in it to be delicious. In case dad is taking a break from the booze, have an Antipasto Virgin Bloody Mary ready for him instead. It carries the same robust flavors of tomato and spices without the burn. Plus, you can really get creative with the garnish.
Garden-Fresh Caprese Bloody Mary
But, just in case dad does crave a classic Bloody Mary, this recipe builds it from scratch. Rather than rely on store-bought mix, James Bear Award-winning author Cheryl Alters Jamison starts with fresh tomatoes and ends up with a perfectly bended, tangy cocktail. Dad will love it. Finish the your tall glass off with more herbs and veggies from your garden for a drink dad won’t soon forget.
Dark and Handsome (Rum Moscow Mule)
Every father out there is Dark and Handsome in our eyes! This take on a Dark and Stormy becomes a Rum Moscow Mule featuring Vara Anejo Rum, lime juice, ginger beer, and a Tajin seasoning rim that delivers a bit of spice.
Strawberry Negroni Bianco
Ok, let’s face it, not all dads are drinking whiskey and bourbon. Some dads do want to drink the fruity, sugary drinks sometimes called “girly.” So, that’s why we’re throwing in a suggestion for a Strawberry Negroni Bianco. At the end of the day, it’s just a drink. As long as you’re sharing it with people you love, who cares what’s in it?
Story by Emma Riva
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