Father’s Day calls for a well deserved celebratory drink, but one size does not fit all when it comes the man of the hour! Does your dad prefer Scotch or is he more of a whiskey drinker? Maybe he gravitates more towards a smokey mezcal cocktail or something classic like an Old Fashioned? Sweet or savory, classic or new, this collection of man-tested recipes will wow all the guys in your life. Grill up a few tasty snacks, grab your favorite glassware, and let's get down to some taste testing! 

The Old Fashioned Dad 

If you are looking for something a little more special than the standard six-pack for dad this year, how about something classic? The classic Old Fashioned is whiskey with a bit of sugar, aromatic bitters, and dilution in some form, like a splash of club soda. The earliest Old Fashioned–style drink can be dated all the way back to 1806. If your Dad’s hobbies include reading by a nice fire, collecting vintage memorabilia, or smoking cigars, then there’s a good chance he will love this sophisticated cocktail.

INGREDIENTS

2 teaspoons simple syrup

1 teaspoon water

2 dashes bitters

1 cup ice cubes

1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger bourbon whiskey

1 slice orange

1 maraschino cherry 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pour the simple syrup, water, and bitters into a whiskey glass.

2. Stir to combine, then place the ice cubes in the glass. Pour bourbon over the ice and garnish with the orange slice and maraschino cherry.

The Early Riser Dad

Is your Dad the early bird that catches the worm? Or maybe he's just a big breakfast guy. If so, this peppered bacon Bloody Mary is the drink for him. Pair it with a lovely Father's Day breakfast for a day he won't forget!

INGREDIENTS

2 cups tomato juice or vegetable juice cocktail, chilled

3 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon prepared horseradish

½ teaspoon bottled hot pepper sauce

¼ teaspoon celery salt or garlic salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Ice cubes

Vodka (optional)

Celery stalks with leaves

Green onions

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a pitcher combine tomato juice, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot pepper sauce, celery salt, and pepper. 

2. Stir well. Pour into ice-filled glasses. If desired, stir in vodka (1 jigger or 3 tablespoons per serving). 

3. Garnish each serving with a celery stalk and green onion. Makes 4 (1/2- to 2/3-cup) servings.

 The Vacation Dad

Does your Dad love a good time? Is he always in vacation mode and the life of the party? If so, then this Ginger Beer Margarita is sure to get him in the party mood. Pair it with fun tapas serveware and coasters to make this Father's Day a complete celebration! 

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 ounces 100% agave tequila (such as Altos // 1 1/2 ounces = 3 Tbsps)

1 ounce fresh lime juice (1 ounce = 2 Tbsp)

3 ounces ginger beer (3 ounces = 6 Tbsp)

1/2 ounce simple syrup (1/2 ounce = 1 Tbsp)

1/2 cup ice (plus more for serving)

Coarse salt (for lining rim // optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Line a small serving glass with fresh lime juice and dip in coarse salt (optional).

2. Add tequila, lime juice, ginger beer, simple syrup, and ice to a large glass or cocktail shaker and stir vigorously. Don’t shake with a lid on or it will erupt from the ginger beer carbonation (lesson learned).

3. Pour liquid (reserving ice) into serving glass with a few ice cubes (we just ordered this oversized ice cube mold and LOVE it). Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately. Repeat for more drinks, or double/triple the amounts for more people.

For The Dad Who Likes To Spice Things Up

If your Dad's hobbies include eating spicy food, cooking spicy food, and telling people he likes spicy food, then the Serrano Spiced Paloma is the drink for him. This drink goes great with any spicy dish including spicy barbecue and hearty chili. 

INGREDIENTS

1 ounce fresh lime juice (which is about 1 lime, juiced)

½ teaspoon light agave nectar or 1 teaspoon simple syrup

1 thinly sliced serrano round (⅛th to ¼th inch wide, a little goes a long way!)

2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice (which is less than 1 grapefruit worth of juice)

2 ounces silver or blanco tequila

1 ½ ounces grapefruit-flavored club soda or plain club soda

SALT RIM + GARNISH

2 teaspoons kosher and/or sea salt

Lime wedge, for lining the rim

Small grapefruit wedges, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. First, prepare your cocktail glass: Pour the sea salt onto a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and roll the edge of the glass onto the salt. Fill the prepared glass with ice.

2. In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, muddle together the lime juice, agave nectar and one small slice of Serrano pepper. Fill the shaker with ice, then pour in the grapefruit juice and tequila.

3. Put the lid on your shaker/jar and shake until the mixture is thoroughly chilled. Pour the blend into your prepared glass. Top off the cocktail with club soda. Garnish with a small wedge of grapefruit.