Entertaining for Memorial Day: Top 10 Memorial Day Cocktails Americans Love

memorial day party

Memorial Day, which marks the start of summer, is a time for gatherings and celebrations. Hosting a Memorial Day event can be both enjoyable and memorable with the right preparations. A well-planned drink menu featuring popular Memorial Day cocktails can elevate any celebration. Below are the top 10 Memorial Day cocktails Americans prefer, complete with recipes and mixing instructions.

The Reason for This Day
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, serves as a day of remembrance for those who have died in military service to the United States. Originally known as Decoration Day, it began after the Civil War to honor the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the conflict. Over time, Memorial Day evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars.
The day is marked by various traditions, including visiting cemeteries and memorials, participating in parades, and observing a national moment of remembrance at 3:00 PM local time. Flags are often flown at half-staff until noon, then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day. Memorial Day also signifies the unofficial start of summer, making it a popular time for family gatherings, outdoor activities, and celebrations.
By understanding the significance of Memorial Day, we can honor the sacrifices made by those who served and appreciate the freedoms they secured.

The Felene Team

1. Classic Vodka Martini

Vodka Martini with dry vermouth

The vodka martini is a timeless classic, enjoyed by many. Its simplicity and elegance make it a favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 oz vodka
  • 1/2 oz dry vermouth
  • Ice
  • Lemon twist or olive for garnish

Instructions:

  1. First, fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Next, add vodka and dry vermouth.
  3. Stir well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  5. Finally, garnish with a lemon twist or olive.

2. Cosmopolitan (Felene Team favorite Memorial Day Cocktail)

Woman in hat relaxing at the pool with cosmopolitan cocktail

The cosmopolitan, popularized by pop culture, is a fruity and refreshing cocktail perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz cranberry juice
  • 1/2 oz triple sec
  • 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
  • Ice
  • Lime wedge or twist for garnish

Instructions:

  1. First, fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Next, add vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lime juice.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  5. Finally, garnish with a lime wedge or twist.

3. Moscow Mule

moscow mule

A Moscow mule, known for its distinctive copper mug, combines vodka with ginger beer and lime.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 4 oz ginger beer
  • 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
  • Ice
  • Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

  1. First, fill a copper mug with ice.
  2. Next, add vodka and lime juice.
  3. Top with ginger beer.
  4. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Finally, garnish with a lime wedge.

4. Bloody Mary

bloody mary

The Bloody Mary, often enjoyed as a brunch cocktail, is a savory and spicy option.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 4 oz tomato juice
  • 1/2 oz lemon juice
  • 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 dashes hot sauce
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • Ice
  • Celery stick and lemon wedge for garnish

Instructions:

  1. First, fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Next, add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
  3. Shake gently to mix.
  4. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
  5. Finally, garnish with a celery stick and lemon wedge.

5. Vodka Tonic

vodka tonic

A vodka tonic is a simple yet refreshing drink, ideal for hot summer days and perfect for a Memorial Day Cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 4 oz tonic water
  • Ice
  • Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

  1. First, fill a glass with ice.
  2. Next, add vodka.
  3. Top with tonic water.
  4. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Finally, garnish with a lime wedge.

6. Lemon Drop Martini

lemon drop martini

The lemon drop martini, with its sweet and tangy flavor, is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz triple sec
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • Ice
  • Sugar for rimming
  • Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

  1. First, rim a martini glass with sugar.
  2. Fill a shaker with ice.
  3. Next, add vodka, lemon juice, triple sec, and simple syrup.
  4. Shake well until chilled.
  5. Strain into the prepared martini glass.
  6. Finally, garnish with a lemon twist.

7. Vodka Collins

vodka collins

A vodka Collins, a variation of the classic Tom Collins, is a light and fizzy drink.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • Club soda
  • Ice
  • Lemon slice and cherry for garnish

Instructions:

  1. First, fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Next, add vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
  5. Top with club soda.
  6. Finally, garnish with a lemon slice and cherry.

8. Vodka Gimlet

vodka gimlet

The vodka gimlet, combining vodka and lime juice, is both simple and refreshing.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
  • 3/4 oz simple syrup
  • Ice
  • Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions:

  1. First, fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Next, add vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled glass.
  5. Finally, garnish with a lime wheel.

9. Sea Breeze

Seabreeze cocktail

A sea breeze, blending vodka with cranberry and grapefruit juices, is perfect for warm weather.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz vodka
  • 3 oz cranberry juice
  • 1 oz grapefruit juice
  • Ice
  • Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions:

  1. First, fill a glass with ice.
  2. Next, add vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice.
  3. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Finally, garnish with a lime wheel.

10. Screwdriver

Screwdriver cocktails

The screwdriver, a classic mix of vodka and orange juice, is both simple and refreshing.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 4 oz orange juice
  • Ice
  • Orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

  1. First, fill a glass with ice.
  2. Next, add vodka.
  3. Top with orange juice.
  4. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Finally, garnish with an orange slice.

Bartending Tips for Memorial Day Cocktails


how to mix cocktails

To enhance the Memorial Day cocktail experience, consider these bartending tips and accessories:

Use Fresh Ingredients for your Memorial Day Cocktails

Fresh ingredients, such as citrus fruits and herbs, significantly improve the flavor of cocktails. Always use fresh juice and garnishes.

Invest in Quality Bar Tools

Quality bar tools, including shakers, strainers, and jiggers, ensure precise measurements and ease of preparation. A muddler is essential for Memorial Day cocktails that require muddling fresh ingredients.

  • Chill Glassware – Chilled glassware keeps drinks colder for longer. Store glasses in the freezer or fill them with ice water before serving.
  • Experiment with Garnishes – Unique garnishes can elevate the presentation of cocktails. Use edible flowers, citrus twists, or herb sprigs for a decorative touch.
  • Set Up a Drink Station – A well-organized drink station allows guests to serve themselves. Include all necessary ingredients, tools, and a variety of glassware.
  • Outdoor-Friendly Accessories – For outdoor settings, consider using insulated pitchers and ice buckets to keep drinks cold. Use shatterproof glassware to ensure safety.

The Takeaway on Memorial Day Cocktails

The Felene team urges everyone to be mindful of the true reason for the holiday and show deference by moderating you alcohol consumption and honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Memorial Day provides a wonderful opportunity to entertain friends and family with refreshing Memorial Day cocktails. These top 10 Memorial Day cocktails offer a variety of flavors and styles, ensuring there is something for everyone. By following the recipes and mixing instructions provided, you can create delightful drinks that will enhance your Memorial Day celebration and mark the start of a memorable summer. Incorporating bartending tips and accessories can further elevate the experience, ensuring your outdoor gathering is both enjoyable and successful.

Timothy Kelly

Tim is the Founder & Master Distiller at Felene. He developed his passion for the spirits and hospitality business while growing-up and working in his family's restaurant and liquor store business. Tim’s passion for the epicurean lifestyle has found it’s latest manifestation in the Felene Distillery. Tim is a 5-time Gold Medal Award winning Distiller. He has won a Platinum medal at the Prestigious Los Angeles Spirits Awards and his signature vodka was named Best-in-Category by the American Distilling Institute. Mr. Kelly is also a prolific author and writer and his blog is filled with ideas, discoveries, observations and recommendations to help his readers enjoy life’s simple epicurean pleasures.

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