6 Father's Day Cocktail Recipe Ideas

Father's Day is a few short days away, and, though you may have already shopped for gifts and planned your menu for the occasion, there's one more important thing to consider to round out the celebration — cocktails. Assuming dear old dad likes a good mixed beverage, Father's Day drinks are a fun way to bond with dads, granddads, fathers-in-law, and the rest of the paternal platoon.

Last year for Father's Day, I made a big pitcher of bourbon sangria, and my boyfriend's dad quickly called dibs on the boozy watermelon that had absorbed the spicy notes from the whiskey. Making a special signature cocktail for Father's Day is not just fun, it also allows you to tailor the drinks to the meal like a bona fide cocktail sommelier. For example, if you're making a traditional steakhouse spread with grilled filet mignon, potatoes, and homemade steak sauce, mix up some martinis that would make Frank Sinatra proud. Making a serve-yourself fajita feast? Try out a variation on the margarita or the paloma.

A good, thematically appropriate mixed drink completes the meal, and they're super fun. So, here are some recipes to check out for a little inspiration ahead of Father's Day this weekend:

1. Old Fashioned Al Pastor

This spicy Jägermeister cocktail, based on the flavors of the L.A. taco truck scene, would be the perfect complement to a pork roast or a smoky rack of ribs.

• 0.75 oz. Jagermeister
• 1 oz. Partida Reposado
• 0.25 oz. Ancho Reyes
• 0.25 oz. grilled pineapple agave cilantro syrup
• 3 drops Bitterman’s Hellfire Bitters

Pour ingredients over ice and stir with long spoon.

2. Vieux Carré

A friend of mine makes a cocktail very similar to this lesser known New Orleans classic. Make a batch of Vieux Carré cocktails to drink over a blackened grilled fish or jambalaya.

• 1/2 shot of rye whiskey
• 1/2 shot of Cognac
• 1/2 shot sweet vermouth
• 1 tsp. of Benedictine liqueur
• 2 shakes of your favorite bitters (ie. angostura)
• 1 lemon twist

Frost tumblers. Pour liquid ingredients into an iced shaker and shake until chilled. Strain into tumblers and garnish with lemon twist.

3. Serrano Spiced Paloma

This spicy tequila cocktail would be a great match for carne asada fajitas or a Mexican-style chorizo Benedict, if you're making brunch. Find the recipe and instructions over at Cookie + Kate.

4. Smoky Vodka Martini

While this martini is stirred rather than shaken, as martinis not made for James Bond traditionally are, you can serve this classy old school vodka martini with a juicy steak, potatoes, and a fresh salad.

• 1 shot Ketel One vodka
• Rinse of scotch

Rinse an old fashioned glass with scotch. Stir Ketel One Vodka with ice, and strain into glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

5. Boxed Wine Pitcher Cocktail With Clementines

This light, breezy pitcher cocktail from The Kitchn would pair perfectly with a delicate white fish or homemade sushi. Plus, anyone who can make a delicious cocktail out of boxed wine is an accomplished and financially responsible child. Winner!

6. The Cocky Rooster

I can't begin to explain how much this recipe made me smile when I found it. This beer cocktail has Sriracha in it and is basically an Asian reinvention of the michelada. So, naturally, you should pair this cocktail with banh mi sandwiches, a nice warm bowl of pho, or a heaping helping of drunken noodles. Find out how to make this awesome drink at The Kitchn.

Images: The Kitchn (3); Courtesy of Jägermeiester; Cookie + Kate; Courtesy of Kettle One Vodka