Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and what better way to celebrate than with a round of red, white, and blue cocktails? Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, heading to the lake, or just relaxing at home, these festive drinks will keep the vibes high and the drinks flowing.
Here are 10 patriotic cocktail recipes perfect for your Memorial Day weekend—featuring ingredients you can grab at your nearest Payless Liquors.
1. Red, White & Booze Slushie
Ingredients:
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Strawberry daiquiri mix
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Piña colada mix
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Blue curaçao
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Rum
Layer a frozen strawberry daiquiri, piña colada, and blue curaçao mix in a clear glass for a bold red, white, and blue slushie. It’s Instagram-ready and crowd-pleasing.
2. The American Mule
Ingredients:
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Bourbon (try Bulleit or Maker’s Mark)
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Ginger beer
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Fresh lime juice
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Mint
A patriotic spin on the Moscow Mule using American-made bourbon instead of vodka. Serve in a copper mug and garnish with a lime wedge and mint.
3. Blueberry Mojito
Ingredients:
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Mint leaves
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Blueberries
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Lime juice
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Club soda
Muddle blueberries and mint, add rum and lime juice, top with soda. Refreshing, light, and naturally blue(ish).
4. Red Sangria Splash
Ingredients:
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Red wine (Cabernet or Zinfandel)
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Brandy
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Triple sec
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Oranges, strawberries, and apples
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Lemon-lime soda
Sangria is always a hit for summer parties. This version leans into red fruits and citrus for a patriotic punchbowl favorite.
5. White Peach Bellini
Ingredients:
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Prosecco or champagne
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Peach purée
Keep it classy with a simple two-ingredient cocktail. Bonus: freeze some blueberries in ice cubes to drop in for a patriotic twist.
6. Blue Lagoon Punch
Ingredients:
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Vodka
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Blue curaçao
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Lemonade
Tart, sweet, and vibrantly blue. Batch it for parties or serve in individual glasses with lemon slices.
7. Strawberry Vodka Lemonade
Ingredients:
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Strawberry purée or muddled strawberries
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Vodka (try Tito’s or Deep Eddy)
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Lemonade
A drink that’s just as refreshing as it is patriotic. Serve in a mason jar with a fresh strawberry on the rim.
8. Firecracker Margarita
Ingredients:
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Tequila
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Triple sec
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Fresh lime juice
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Watermelon juice
This bright red margarita gets a fiery twist with sweet watermelon juice. Salt the rim with red or blue sugar crystals for a festive pop.
9. Star-Spangled Spritz
Ingredients:
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Aperol
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Prosecco
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Club soda
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Blueberries and strawberries
The classic spritz, dressed for the occasion. Add red and blue fruit to float in the glass and serve with a paper flag straw.
10. Patriotic Jello Shots
Ingredients:
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Cherry Jell-O + vodka (red)
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Unflavored gelatin + sweetened condensed milk + vodka (white)
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Berry Blue Jell-O + vodka (blue)
Layer each flavor in a shot cup, chilling in between. A fun, boozy treat your guests will rave about.
Stock Up at Payless Liquors
No matter what’s on your Memorial Day menu, Payless Liquors has everything you need—from spirits and wine to mixers and garnishes.
Raise a glass this Memorial Day—to great weather, good company, and the heroes we honor.
Need help planning your cocktail list? Stop into any Payless Liquors location and ask one of our experts for a recommendation!
