15 Best Beach Drinks to Try

Need a beach drink that’s refreshing, frosty, and all about tropical flavor? Try the Bahama Mama! It's all about carefree vibes, featuring not one but two types of rum with pineapple juice and lime. Drink it straight on the rocks, or our favorite way: blended into an icy slush. This spin is perfectly balanced: not too sweet and silkily sippable.

The piña colada is one of the most popular beach drinks there is! But did you know it’s a classic cocktail invented in the 1950’s? It’s gotten so popular that most beach resort versions stray far from the essence of the real thing. Here’s how to make a piña colada…the real way! It’s so full of sophisticated, intriguing flavor that it will become your go-to.

Also try: Frozen Piña Colada

The strawberry daiquiri is another king of all beach drinks! There's nothing better than a fruity berry puree with a hint of rum on the finish. The daiquiri is a frozen spin on the Classic Daiquiri, a drink invented in the 1800's in Cuba. This one uses frozen berries and tastes infinitely better than using a purchased mix.

Also try: Banana Daiquiri or Mango Daiquiri

Here’s a beach drink that will blow your mind with its creamy, chocolaty flavor: the Bushwacker! This one is equal parts refreshing and rich…and man, are we glad it’s now part of our repertoire. Invented in the 1970’s, it's a mashup of a chocolate milkshake and piña colada. It’s lusciously smooth with notes of chocolate, coffee and vanilla.

So you love piña coladas? Then you absolutely must try a Painkiller cocktail! This 1970’s beach drink is a spin on the classic piña colada, but even better. It stars aged rum, cream of coconut, and orange juice, which add intrigue and nuance to this sophisticated drink. Top it off with a little grated nutmeg, and it's a total treat.

Here’s a bright blue beach drink that’s as beautiful as the ocean: the Blue Hawaii! This one is as classic 1950’s as it gets, from the crushed ice to the drink umbrella. Both vodka and rum feature in this sweet tart drink, along with a secret ingredient that brings in its ocean-tinted color (blue curacao).

Is there any beach drink more refreshing than a mojito? This iconic Cuban cocktail is one of the greats. Here’s a recipe for it that’s spot on perfection: not too sweet, bubbly, and minty fresh. Like the margarita, the true version has less sugar and more nuance than what it’s become in bars and pre-made mixes.

Also try: Mojito Pitcher, Strawberry Mojito, Raspberry Mojito or Peach Mojito

Here’s a brilliant beach drink that’s visually stunning with a deliciously tropical flavor: the Malibu Sunset! This layered cocktail brings the party with coconut rum, pineapple juice, and orange juice. Add grenadine and it layers into the gradient of the colors of a sunset! It might look intensely sweet, but it’s sweetened just enough, with a fruity finish from the coconut. 

The Margarita is one of the most classic of all beach drinks. But even better for beaching it...try a frozen spin! This Frozen Margarita tastes just like your favorite cocktail, but an icy, citrusy version of it. It's easy to blend up and looks incredibly festive.

Also try: Strawberry Margarita, Mango Margarita or Coconut Margarita

The Mai Tai is a classic cocktail from the 1940’s that's had its reputation tarnished with saccharine sweet versions intended for tourists. What's a real Mai Tai? This rum cocktail is breathtakingly complex, featuring rum, orange liqueur, and fancy almond syrup. It’s just sweet enough, with nutty and vanilla notes against the sharp citrus.

Some beach drinks have a strong image as boozy, low-brow, and sickly sweet. But have you tried a classic Long Island Iced Tea? Mixed up as intended, this drink will blow you away. Ditch the sour mix and Triple Sec in favor of fresh citrus and top shelf liquor. One sip and it’s zingy, sweet tart, nuanced and sophisticated: perfect for beach sipping.

What's better for sipping beach-side than a Cuba Libre? This drink recipe has just 3 ingredients: lime, cola and rum. Perhaps it looks and sounds similar to a drink you know? Yes, this famous Cuban drink is otherwise known as a Rum and Coke! This classic cocktail has over 100 years of history and a refreshing, nuanced flavor.

It’s fruity, it’s extra boozy, and it’s 100% fun: meet the Hurricane! This New Orleans special is a bit of a splurge and works perfectly as a beach drink. Loaded with two types of rum, it’s got a tropical nuance from passion fruit. A hint of grenadine gives it extra sweetness and a rosy-golden color. It’s a unique rum cocktail that’s festive and fun. 

Frozen daiquiris have the ideal beach drink vibe, and they make anything more fun! The flavor of this lime daiquiri is so tangy and refreshing, made with loads of fresh citrus and ice. The rum adds a subtle fruitiness that’s irresistible!

Last up, another blue beach drink: the Blue Lagoon!This brilliantly colored drink is crisp, clear and straightforward, featuring vodka and fresh lemon! It’s easy to mix up and makes a stunning drink that’s perfect for sipping poolside…or when you’re dreaming of the beach.