Raise a Glass: Celebrate National Cocktail Day with These Recipes
National Cocktail Day is on March 24, 2026, and however you may want to celebrate, whether with a drink or a mocktail, we have a list for you filled with classics, twists of your favorites like the palomas, margarita, or espresso martinis. These recipes have been chosen to give spice, fruit, sweet, and familiar flavors.
From brands like Buchanan’s, which has been in the FIFA World Cup 2026 countdown since 2025, to BACARDÍ, which has been constantly giving you Caribbean flavors, both popular spirit brands have teamed up with Puerto Rican Legends. If rum or whiskey isn’t your thing, we have gin that transports you to Japan, as well as Tequila and mezcal options that will have you wanting more. We’re also kicking off spritz season because even if you can’t go to Italy right now, you can be transported to a European vacation with every sip.
Raise a glass and drink responsibly with these recipes below that will kick off your spring right and set the tone for your summer season, but be careful, you may become the designated bartender for all events beyond National Cocktail Day.
Gran Paloma
Gran Centenario Tequila’s Gran Paloma is a refreshing and perfect way to enjoy the classic cocktail everyone knows and loves, with the taste of the official tequila of the Mexican National Team.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Gran Centenario® Reposado Tequila
- 1 oz Lime Juice
- 1/2 oz Agave Syrup
- 2 Dashes Orange Bitters
- Pink Grapefruit Soda
- Garnish your glass by wetting the rim with your lime wedge and dipping it into your chili salt. Fill with ice and set aside.
- Add Gran Centenario Reposado, lime juice, and agave to a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake briefly and strain into your glass.
- Top with Grapefruit Soda.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Golden Angel
Another Gran Centenario Tequila recipe, but this time with either their Gran Centenario Añejo or Gran Centenario Plata, and make their Golden Angel. Rich in flavor and color, brighten your palette and your taste buds with citrus notes.
Recipe:
- 1 1/2 oz Gran Centenario® Añejo or Gran Centenario® Plata
- 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 Ginger Syrup -or- 1 oz Ginger Liqueur
- Garnish: 1 Lemon Wheel, 1 Edible Flower, Citrus Salt
- Rim a rocks glass with citrus salt.
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake and strain over fresh ice into your glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and edible flower, if desired.
CAZADORES Highland Margarita
Who doesn’t love a classic margarita, and CAZADORES has the perfect recipe to enjoy if this is your go-to cocktail. Their Highland Margarita satisfies your spirit needs.
Recipe:
- 2 oz CAZADORES Blanco
- 4 oz grapefruit juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz agave nectar
- Dip your highball glass into lime juice and rim with salt
- In a cocktail shaker combine all the ingredients with ice, shake
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice
- Garnish with grapefruit wedge and lime wheel
Pomegranate Paloma
A twist on the classic is always an adventurous tasting experience, and this Pomegranate Paloma with CAZADORES Blanco is the right fit if you want to take that tequila journey.
Recipe:
- 1 1/2 oz CAZADORES Blanco
- 1/2 oz ST-GERMAIN elderflower liqueur
- 2 oz pomegranate Juice
- top with grapefruit soda
- 2 oz lime juice
- pinch of salt
- Dip your Collins glass into lime juice and rim with salt
- In a Collins glass, combine CAZADORES, pomegranate juice and lime juice, and stir
- Top with grapefruit soda
- Garnish with a grapefruit
The Macallan Garden of Legacy
Just from the name, The Macallan Garden of Legacy, it gives off spring, and it’s the perfect recipe for the season, and it’s the garden of Elchies that was transformed in the 1700s to become the birthplace of The Macallan.
Recipe:
- 1.5oz The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old
- 1oz Pink Grapefruit juice
- 0.5oz Sugar syrup
- Pinch of sea salt
- Combine all ingredients in a tall glass, and add ice. Top up with soda or tonic. Garnish with a pink grapefruit wedge.
The Macallan Hollow Sounds
For all the whiskey lovers, this The Macallan Hollow Sounds recipe is for you to enjoy an enchanted, flavorful experience in your glass.
Recipe:
- 1.5oz The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old
- 1oz Grapefruit Juice
- 0.5oz Lemon Juice
- 0.5oz Orange Liqueur
- 0.5oz Cinnamon Syrup
- Edible Flowers & Mint Sprig for garnish
- Combine ingredients into shaker tin. Add ice, shake, strain into small up or coup style glass.
Don Fulano Paloma
Reposado lovers, this recipe calls for black tea, and who doesn’t want to try something different? With Don Fulano Paloma, you can experience new things and bursting flavors.
Recipe:
- 1.5 oz Don Fulano Reposado
- .25 oz Lemon
- 1 oz Grapefruit
- 1 oz Orange
- .25 oz Agave
- 1.5 oz Black Tea*
- Sparkling Water
- Salt
- Grapefruit slide
- Prepare the black tea by infusing a bag of black tea in 1.5oz of hot water
- Rub a bit of grapefruit and salt on one side of the glass you’ll use for the cocktail
- Add the lemon, grapefruit, and orange juices
- Pour in Don Fulano Reposado
- Add a splash of agave syrup
- Stir to combine
- Add the black tea, ice, and finish with a top of sparkling water
- Garnish with a grapefruit slice
Jim Beam Vanilla Espresso Martini
Usually, this cocktail is made with another spirit, but this recipe uses bourbon, which enhances the flavors and lets you enjoy the Jim Beam Vanilla Espresso Martini.
Recipe:
- 1 part Jim Beam Vanilla
- 1 part Coffee Liqueur
- 1 part Espresso or Cold Brew Concentrate
- Garnish with Cocoa Powder or traditional coffee beans
Oaxacan Negroni
For those who enjoy a more bitter cocktail, Montelobos Espadín Mezcal gives you the smoky twist of mezcal, and this Oaxacan Negroni recipe is the one for you.
Recipe:
- 1 part Montelobos mezcal
- 1 part Ancho Reyes
- 1 part Campari
- Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir well until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
Smoked Bacon Reporita
If you prefer a savory cocktail, well, look no further than Cabo Wabo’s Smoked Bacon Reporita. It’s like a brunch in a cup with the flavorful tequila reposado.
Recipe:
- 2 parts Cabo Wabo Reposado
- 1 part Grand Marnier
- 1 part simple syrup
- 2 parts fresh lime juice
- Smoked bacon
- Rim your mug with bacon salt
- Fill it with ice
- Add ingredients
- Stir
- Top with lime wedge and a strip of bacon
Tequila Don Julio Margarita
It’s always great to go back to the basics, and what better way than a classic Tequila Don Julio Margarita? With the familiar, enjoyable flavors we love from the popular cocktail.
Recipe:
- 1.5oz Tequila Don Julio Blanco
- 0.75oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 0.75oz Simple Syrup or Agave Nectar
- 1 Lime Wedge
- Rocks Glass
- Combine Tequila Don Julio Blanco, fresh lime juice, simple syrup/agave nectar into a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake well.
- Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Spicy Margarita
Many enjoy a kick in their cocktail, and Cointreau’s spicy margarita offers that and a punch to your taste buds.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Blanco tequila
- 1 oz Cointreau
- 0.75 oz Fresh lime juice
- 2 slices Jalapeno
- 2 sprigs Fresh cilantro
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker
- Add ice and shake until well-chilled
- Strain into a chilled Old Fashioned Glass
- Garnish with a jalapeno pepper
Limonada de Jardín<div class="rte rte–recipe max-w-sm mt-12" style="border: 0px solid;–tw-scale-x: 1;–tw-scale-y: 1;–tw-pan-x:;–tw-pan-y:;–tw-pinch-zoom:;–tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity;–tw-gradient-from-position:;–tw-gradient-via-position:;–tw-gradient-to-position:;–tw-ordinal:;–tw-slashed-zero:;–tw-numeric-figure:;–tw-numeric-spacing:;–tw-numeric-fraction:;–tw-ring-inset:;–tw-ring-offset-width: 0px;–tw-ring-offset-color: #fff;–tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000;–tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000;–tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000;–tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000;–tw-blur:;–tw-brightness:;–tw-contrast:;–tw-grayscale:;–tw-hue-rotate:;–tw-invert:;–tw-saturate:;–tw-sepia:;–tw-drop-shadow:;–tw-backdrop-blur:;–tw-backdrop-brightness:;–tw-backdrop-contrast:;–tw-backdrop-grayscale:;–tw-backdrop-hue-rotate:;–tw-backdrop-invert:;–tw-backdrop-opacity:;–tw-backdrop-saturate:;–tw-backdrop-sepia:;margin-top: 3rem;max-width: 24rem;font-size: medium;font-weight: 400"></div>
Another spring-inspired drink, Limonada de Jardín is a cocktail that captivates the senses with its floral and citrus notes, paired with LALO Tequila, creating a fragrant sip that feels like a stroll through a blooming garden.
Recipe:
- 1.5 ounces LALO Tequila
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce Tempus Fugit Spirits Liqueur De Violettes
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Add all ingredients to a shaker.
- Shake and strain into a coup glass.
- Makes one serving. Salud!
Chocolate Caramel Espresso Martini
It’s like a dessert in your cup, and if you need a pick-me-up cocktail, Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur‘s Chocolate Caramel Espresso Martini is the one for you, paired with the classic spirit it’s made with a special twist.
Recipe
- 1.5oz Absolut Original
- 0.5oz Kahlua Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Coffee Liqueur
- 0.5oz Crème de Cacao
- Add all ingredients into an ice-filled shaker.
- Shake. Then shake harder!
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with Chocolate covered espresso beans
EMPRESS LAVENDER HAZE
A play on the classic lemonade, but an adult version with floral lavender honey, that will have you wanting more with every sip. Made with Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, it is the perfect cocktail for gin lovers.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- 1 oz Lavender Honey Syrup
- 2 oz Lemonade
- Garnish: Lavender Sprig
- Fill a stemless wine glass with crushed ice.
- Shake lemonade and syrup on ice and strain into the glass.
- Layer Empress 1908 Indigo Gin on top and add more crushed ice.
- Garnish with a lavender sprig.
Island Girl
Take a vacation with Blue Chair Bay Coconut Rum and their recipe, Island Girl. Paired with citrus and fruity flavors that will have you feeling like you’re in the Caribbean with every sip.
Recipe:
- 1.5 oz Blue Chair Bay Coconut Rum
- 1 oz Orange Juice
- 1 oz Pineapple Juice
- 2 oz Lemon-Lime Soda
- Build ingredients directly into tall glass with ice.
- Stir and flirt.
- Want produce? Add an orange slice and cherry.
Agua Verde
Another spicy drink for those who can handle it! Ilegal Mezcal’s Agua Verde is the refreshing yet flavorful drink you need to enjoy on National Cocktail Day and whenever you feel like having one.
Recipe:
- 1.5oz Ilegal Mezcal Joven
- 1.5oz Cucumber Juice
- .75oz Simple Syrup
- .5oz Ancho Reyes
- .5oz Fresh Lime
- Build all ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
- Shake vigorously with ice.
- Strain over fresh ice and garnish with a cucumber sliver.
Brugal Espresso Martini
Do you like espresso martinis and rum? Brugal Espresso Martini has your name written all over it. Paired with the spirit’s limited-edition smooth sipping and deeply layered Colección Visionaria Edición 02.
Malibu Pink Lemonade <div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;background-color: transparent;font-style: italic;font-size: small"></span></div>
Can’t go wrong with Malibu rum, especially Malibu Pink, which gives you the island vibe in every cup, especially this recipe that offers another adult lemonade.
Recipe:
- One part Malibu Pink
- Two Parts Lemonade
- Lemon wedge for garnish
- Pour in a glass over ice, garnish with a lemon slice & enjoy!
Malibu Dole Pineapple Juice Can
Who doesn’t love a ready-to-go cocktail? With Malibu & Dole Pineapple Juice, you get a delicious sparkling cocktail in a can with a vibrant blend of tropical flavors. Preparing for the summer activities to come this year.
On The Rocks Lemon Drop Martini
Another no-mixing or making-to-be-done cocktail, ready to sip, is the On The Rocks Lemon Drop Martini. It offers layers of lemon, hints of elderflower and basil, and a vanilla finish.
Firecracker
You get the best of both worlds with Dubliner Fiery Irish’s Firecracker, which offers a mix of spicy and fruity flavors. If you like whiskey with sweet notes, this is the drink for you.
Recipe:
- 0.85oz Dubliner Fiery Irish
- 0.35oz Crème de Fraise
- 0.5oz Aperol
- 3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
- Top-up 3oz Ginger Beer
- Garnish: Fresh strawberry slices
- Build it all in a rocks glass over ice — no shaking, no fuss.
- Add sliced strawberries on top — the fresher, the better.
- Let the layers mix, but don’t rush it — it’s got attitude.
Roku Minori Gin Fizz<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: small;font-weight: 400"></span>
Calling all gin lovers! Roku Gin has dropped its Minori Select Edition, a limited release that celebrates Japan’s seasonal abundance with a refined blend of handpicked fruits and botanicals. What better way to celebrate National Cocktail Day than with a Roku Minori Gin Fizz?
Recipe:
- 2 parts Roku Minori Gin
- ¾ Lime Juice
- 1 part Simple Syrup
- 1 part Club Soda
- Lime wedge to garnish
- Add Roku Minori Gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to a shaker, then add ice cubes.
- Shake and fine strain into a Collins glass.
- Top with Club Soda, and add ice spear/cubes
- Garnish with a lime wedge
Buchanita
Buchanan’s Scotch Whisky kicked off their countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 last summer with Buchamión, as well as through its partnership with Puerto Rican artist Rauw Alejandro. They have also released their limited-edition FIFA World Cup 2026 Spirit Collection, designed in collaboration with LA-based brand and longtime Buchanan’s partner, Kids of Immigrants (KOI). The four bottles pay tribute to the fútbol culture on and off the field. Get your bottle on April 1st to kick off the celebration, refresh, and make their signature cocktail, the Buchanita.
Recipe:
- 1.5 oz Buchanan’s 12-Year-Old DeLuxe Blended Scotch Whisky
- 4 oz Fresh Pineapple Juice
- Pineapple Leaf for Garnish
- Combine Buchanan’s 12-Year-Old DeLuxe Whisky and fresh pineapple juice into a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake until chilled.
- Pour foamy Buchanita into a lowball glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple leaf.
St-Germain Spritz<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;color: black"></span>
We’re in the spritz season, and what better to celebrate than with a freshly floral St-Germain Spritz? The go-to drink and recipe is packed with 1,000 fresh elderflowers in every St-Germain bottle to fuel the surge, offering a tasting spritz that delivers moments of delight in every sip, with a hint of mint and lime.
Recipe:
- 1 1/2oz. St-Germain
- 2oz. MARTINI Prosecco
- 2oz. Soda Water
- 8 Mint Leaves
- Garnish: Lime Wedge and Mint Sprig
- Pour St‑Germain over ice in a glass
- Add mint and top with sparkling wine and soda
- Stir to combine all of the ingredients
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge
Floreale & Tonic<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;color: black"></span>
If you’re sober living but still want to be a part of the National Cocktail Day celebrations, this Floreale &Tonic recipe is for you. A non-alcoholic option for those moderating or skipping alcohol, the MARTINI Floreale & Tonic balances vibrant flavors of Roman Chamomile with subtle bitterness.
Recipe:
- 2.5oz. MARTINI Floreale
- 2.5oz. Tonic Water
- Garnish: Lime Wheel
- Add all ingredients to a Spritz glass with ice and stir, garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy.
BACARDÍ Mojito
You can’t go wrong with the classic mojito and BACARDÍ, who recently partnered up with Puerto Rican producer Tainy for the next chapter of their global Do What Moves You platform to reimagine Elvis Crespo’s iconic “Tu Sonrisa,” a song that has lived across generations and dance floors for nearly three decades, has the right recipe for you.
Recipe:
- 1.5 oz BACARDÍ Superior
- 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 0.75 oz Soda
- 0.5 oz Sugar Syrup (1:1)
- Small Handful of Mint
- Crushed Ice
- HIghball Glass
Vida Rita
With a cocktail name like that, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal‘s Vida Rita will definitely bring you back to life with every sip of the smoky spirit and go-to drink.
Recipe:
- 2 parts Del Maguey Vida Puebla or Del Maguey Vida Clásico
- 0.75 part fresh lime juice
- 0.75 part agave syrup
- 1 large orange twist, for garnish
- Method: Shake ingredients and strain into a rocks glass full of fresh ice
PATRÓN Perfect Pineapple Margarita<span style="font-size: 11pt"></span>
The word perfect is in, so it must be good! PATRÓN’s Perfect Pineapple Margarita gives you the drink you love with fruity flavor. Made with their signature silver tequila, it’s one drink you’ll be reaching for more of.
Recipe
- 1.5 oz PATRÓN Silver
- .5 oz PATRÓN Citrónge Orange Liqueur
- 1 oz Pineapple juice
- .5 oz Lime juice
- + Tajín rim
- + Lime wedge for garnish
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake until combined and chilled.
- Strain into a Tajín-rimmed rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.