Today we are diving into the realm of seasonal on the rocks cocktails. These drinks are all about simplicity and enjoying classic flavor combinations, as well as seasonal twists. Whether you are looking for a new classic cocktail to try or want to imbibe with something in season right now, these cocktails have you covered!
table of contents
about cocktails served on the rocks
about cocktails served on the rocks
Cocktails served on the rocks are cocktails served over ice. These include cocktails that we serve with one large ice cube like an Old Fashioned, or a drink served in a big glass of ice cubes like a margarita.
In the world of cocktails, we all know that classics never go out of style. However, this site is all about seasonal cooking, so you know we have to highlight the flavors of the seasons as well.
Therefore this post is broken into three separate sections, and therefore three distinct lists of cocktails. The first is the classics. This includes classic cocktails you are familiar with or variations of those cocktails that are enjoyed anytime of year. For those who are more traditional, this is the section for you as we’ll be outlining iconic cocktails that have stood the test of time, perfect for sipping all year long.
But we don’t stop there! As the seasons change, so do our cravings for something new and exciting. That’s why we’re delving into two different categories: spring and summer, and fall and winter. In the warmer months, you’ll see an abundance of fresh fruits to imbibe with as the sun shines down. As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, we’ll cozy up with libations infused with spices and other fresh flavors.
So, whether you’re in the mood for a timeless drink or an inspired seasonal creation, this post has you covered!
classic on the rocks cocktails
Bourbon Smash
With a bright, citrus flavor, this bourbon smash is a favorite any time of year. Easy to make, and deliciously refreshing, this delicious cocktail can be adjusted to your personal flavor favorites which makes it ideal for beginner bourbon drinkers.
Aperol Soda
A vibrant Aperol Soda will quench your thirst this season! This classic flavor combination is an effervescent delight, combining the zesty bitterness of Aperol with refreshing soda water and a touch of simple syrup. Every sip will transport you to a sunny Italian terrace!
Texas Margarita
A Texas Margarita is the ultimate sipper to beat the heat. The combination of orange and lime juices make this cocktail citrusy, bright, and refreshing. Pair it with your favorite tacos or other Mexican or Tex-Mex recipes!
Limoncello Spritz
A Limoncello Spritz is delicious, easy, and refreshing! With just three ingredients, you can craft this classic Italian cocktail for a sunny day spent on the patio. It’s a hit for any gathering and can easily be made to serve a crowd.
Aperol Negroni
Learn how to make the perfect Aperol Negroni with this simple recipe. The refreshing and delicious combination of Aperol, gin, and sweet vermouth is always a hit. Enjoy it for an evening cocktail or as the signature drink for your next gathering!
Bourbon Mule (Kentucky Mule)
The Bourbon Mule, also known as the Kentucky Mule, is a variation on the Moscow mule that uses bourbon instead of vodka. The bubbly, bright cocktail has a zing of ginger beer and a tang of lime to pair with the whiskey. With just 3 ingredients, it’s ideal for any occasion!
Spicy Mezcal Old Fashioned
A Spicy Mezcal Old Fashioned is a spicy and smoky take on the classic cocktail. With spicy infused mezcal, this drink tickles your tastebuds with heat and smoke in the most delightful way. You’ll keep coming back for another sip!
Sparkling Whiskey Sour
A Sparkling Whiskey Sour is a tasty whiskey sour drink that is easy and flavorful! The bubbly and tart combination is an everyday cocktail that’s simple to make and only has 4 ingredients. It’s the ultimate refreshment for any occasion!
Jameson Old Fashioned
A Jameson Old Fashioned is a simple twist on the classic cocktail recipe that’ll really surprise you! The kick of Irish whiskey with bitters, a little sugar and a splash of soda gives you a smooth drink that’ll elevate happy hour.
Aperol Spritz
An Aperol Spritz a day keeps the blues away! The bubbly combination of prosecco and Aperol is one that is always a winner. It’s a classic for a reason!
vodka collins
A Vodka Collins is a refreshingly simple and delicious cocktail. Its easy preparation and delightful flavor make it a fantastic variation of the classic Tom Collins, perfect for sipping on the rocks.
mezcal margarita
When it comes to margaritas, the ultimate experience involves a salted rim and serving it over ice Take it up a notch by adding a hint of smokiness from the mezcal, and you’ve transformed a good margarita into an outstanding one.
mai tai
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with a refreshing Mai Tai. This delightful tiki cocktail features a blend of rum, orange liqueur, lime juice, pineapple juice, and syrup.
brown sugar old fashioned
Cozy vibes are wrapped up in a Brown Sugar Old Fashioned. Crafted with brown sugar, cinnamon, and maple simple syrup, this cocktail pairs perfectly with bourbon whiskey and a twist of orange peel.
golden margarita
The Golden Margarita, sometimes known as the Grand Marnier Margarita, is an elevated version of the classic margarita. It combines top-shelf liquor with the zing of fresh lime juice, ensuring you never look back at bottled margarita mixes.
white russian
For a sweet and creamy cocktail that tickles your taste buds, look no further than this White Russian. Best served on the rocks, this coffee-flavored gem, topped with a layer of cream, is as satisfying as a milkshake.
vodka sour
When it comes to a classic vodka sour, simplicity is what it’s all about. Crafted with natural ingredients, this cocktail is clean and crisp.
tequila soda
Boasting a mere three ingredients, this Tequila Soda cocktail is a godsend for tequila aficionados seeking a breezy, light drink that’s best enjoyed on the rocks.
honey old fashioned
A Honey Old Fashioned is crafted from bourbon, aromatic bitters, and a homemade honey simple syrup. This cocktail oozes sophistication.
pina colada
The tropical delight of a Pina Colada, but without the fuss of a blender. Savor the same exotic flavors of pineapple, coconut, and lime, all enjoyed on the rocks for a hassle-free, vacation-worthy cocktail.
bourbon cream
For a post-dinner drink, look no further than our Bourbon Cream recipe. This luscious drink is like a dessert in a cocktail glass!
dark and stormy
A Dark and Stormy cocktail is spicy and flavorful, made with just two ingredients. It’s easy to whip up but doesn’t lack in flavor!
everyday seasonal cookbook
With seasonal produce guides, recipes, and more, this cookbook is filled with seasonal food for every occasion.
spring and summer on the rocks cocktails
Blueberry Mojito
Bright, flavorful, and oh-so-refreshing, this Blueberry Mojito is the ultimate cocktail for spring and summer gatherings. With its gorgeous purple-blue hue and sweet-tart flavor, this twist on the classic mojito is impossible to resist.
Cilantro Lime Gin & Tonic
This vibrant cilantro lime gin and tonic puts a fresh spin on the classic cocktail. Quick to mix and refreshing, this twist on the classic gin tonic recipe is your new go-to drink. Ready in 5 minutes!
Watermelon Gin Cocktail
A watermelon gin cocktail is the best way to quench your thirst this summer! The combination of fresh juicy watermelon, refreshing mint, and floral gin is one that will have you coming back for more. Plus you can easily make it in a big batch to serve at your next gathering!
Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
A mouthwatering Watermelon Vodka Cocktail is the epitome of summer refreshment! This invigorating drink combines the natural sweetness and juiciness of fresh watermelon with the smooth, clean notes of vodka. It’s a tasty fusion of flavors that will keep you cool and revitalized, making it the ideal choice for hot summer days.
Cucumber Martini
Cool and refreshing, this cucumber martini is a must-try for summer. The summery cocktail is bright and elegant, but you only need 3 ingredients to make it!
Blackberry Gin Fizz
A summery blackberry gin fizz is here for the ultimate happy hour sipper. This twist on a classic gin fizz cocktail combines the juicy sweetness of blackberries with the botanical kick of gin, topped off with fizzy goodness. Get ready to sip, savor, and soak up the sun with this vibrant and irresistible drink.
Very Cherry Amaretto Sour
Looking for just the right summer sipper to accompany all those grilled meats? A Very Cherry Amaretto Sour is perfect for backyard BBQs!
Strawberry Gin Smash
A refreshing Strawberry Gin Smash cocktail is just the summery drink to celebrate with! It is a delightful blend of juicy strawberries, floral gin, and a splash of citrus to create a tantalizing and vibrant drink. Perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor, this cocktail is a fruity twist on a classic favorite.
Spicy Mango Margarita
A Spicy Mango Margarita is just the right balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy to refresh your palate! Pair it with your favorite tacos, dips, and more. There’s also an option to make it in a big batch below!
Spicy Watermelon Margarita
A Spicy Watermelon Margarita is the ultimate summer refreshment for happy hour! Made with fresh watermelon and jalapeño for a touch of subtle heat, you won’t be able to stop at just one. This recipe is easily scalable so you can make anywhere from 1 cocktail up to 8 cocktails!
Strawberry Basil Margarita
A Strawberry Basil Margarita is an herbaceous twist to a strawberry margarita, served on the rocks! The vibrant flavors make this cocktail sweet, tart, and totally refreshing. It’s ideal for sipping on the patio all summer long!
Blackberry Mojito
It’s officially spring so it’s time to bust out the berries in EVE-RY-THANG. Make your next happy hour even happier with a Blackberry Mojito!
Bourbon Peach Smash
Sweet, tart, and boozy, this summery cocktail is downright delicious. This is the best combination of bourbon and peach to sip on at the end of a long, hot day.
Cherry Whiskey Smash
I’ve got your new favorite ladies night cocktail right here, gals! A Cherry Whiskey Smash is the fresh and fruity, spirit-forward cocktail your summer sippin’ agenda is begging for.
Strawberry Margaritas
On the rocks, Strawberry Margaritas are the epitome of pretty pink drinks. These fruity cocktails, adorned with a rim of homemade strawberry sugar, are enriched with strawberry simple syrup for a burst of fresh flavor.
Blackberry Margarita
A homemade Blackberry Margarita is a must-try cocktail. The fresh blackberry syrup pairs perfectly with tequila and lime!
Peach Margarita
For a summery margarita, you have to make a Peach Margarita, served on the rocks. Made with simple syrup that uses real peaches, this cocktail captures pure, peachy flavor.
Watermelon Whiskey Sour
The perfect end to a summer day is this 4-ingredient Watermelon Whiskey Sour. Combining the classic whiskey sour with sweet, juicy watermelon, it creates a unique and stunning drink.
Sweet Tea and Bourbon
A Sweet Tea and Bourbon cocktail offers simple preparation and an incredibly refreshing taste. Sip it on the rocks for an authentic Southern experience.
Strawberry Mojitos
Strawberry Mojitos are a delightful twist on the classic cocktail, elevating it with the flavor of fresh strawberries. Made from a handful of simple ingredients, it stands out as the perfect spring or summer sipper.
Want to explore seasonal cooking even more? Check out any of our spring and summer produce guides!
fall and winter cocktails
Chili Salty Dog
Add some heat to your classic Salty Dog cocktail by using fresh chili peppers. The classic cocktail gets a delicious (and super easy) upgrade with chili-infused vodka (or gin!). It makes the tart and juicy cocktail even more flavorful. Perfect for those who love a little kick in their drink!
Lemon Mojito
A Lemon Mojito is a refreshing pairing of tangy lemon and crisp sweet mint. This is an easy drink that is perfect for sunny days and casual gatherings. Plus, it’s simple to scale up to a pitcher cocktail to serve to a crowd!
Pomegranate Margarita
A Pomegranate Margarita is the delightfully festive cocktail you’ve been craving lately. It’s got a vibrant, fruity flavor with just a touch of sweetness and acidity to keep you coming back, sip after sip.
Margarita Mexican Mule
A Margarita Mexican Mule is a refreshing twist on the cocktail with a burst of extra flavor and freshness. It comes together in one glass and you only need 4 ingredients (all of which you probably already have handy!). You can even turn it into a big batch cocktail!
Lemon Agave Margarita
A Lemon Agave Margarita is a bright and citrusy take on the classic margarita, but without that pesky over-sweetened margarita mix. Made with fresh lemon juice and agave, this margarita is fresh and vibrant. Plus it can be rimmed with salt OR sugar, depending on your mood!
Pumpkin Spice Bourbon Old Fashioned
Kick off September with a Pumpkin Spice Bourbon Old Fashioned! Pumpkin spice simple syrup takes this classic bourbon old fashioned to a whole new level of fall flavor. It’s pumpkin and spice and everything nice!
Apple Pie Old Fashioned Cocktail
An Apple Pie Old Fashioned Cocktail encompasses all those fruity apple pie filling flavors in a glass. Made with homemade apple pie infused whiskey, this cocktail is the epitome of fall and made with only two ingredients. Bring it out for Thanksgiving or your next cocktail hour after work!
Earl Grey Old Fashioned
An Earl Grey Old Fashioned is an elevated version of the classic cocktail, with the rich and warm flavor of tea-infused bourbon. It’s just the comforting drink you need to unwind with at the end of a long day!
Bourbon Pumpkin Smash
A Bourbon Pumpkin Smash on a cozy fall evening is just what this season calls for. With a homemade pumpkin spice simple syrup, this rich bourbon cocktail is full of flavor and just a little bit bubbly! It’s ideal for a cocktail hour at home, whether it’s a large gathering or just you on the couch with a blanket and a good book.
Cranberry Negroni
Introducing the Cranberry Negroni, a new variation of the classic Negroni. With its deep red hue, this gin and cranberry juice cocktail is a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Perfect Fall Margarita
This fall margarita incorporates cranberry and cinnamon with tequila, making it ideal to serve all autumn long. It’s perfect for a crisp fall day and even for serving at Thanksgiving dinner!
Apple Pie Moonshine Spiced Cider
An Apple Cider Moonshine Spiced Cider is comforting and full of apple cider flavor. Garnished with a cinnamon stick, this spirited sip is ideal during the season’s festivities.
Grapefruit Gin Fizz
A Grapefruit Gin Fizz is the ideal balance between tartness and refreshment. This cocktail is ideal for relaxed moments at home with friends, and its bright and tangy character truly shines.
Christmas Old Fashioned
The classic Old Fashioned cocktail get a holiday spin with fresh, seasonal citrus and festive spiced simple syrup. The Christmas Old Fashioned is a smooth and aromatic wintry sipper, perfect for savoring all fall and winter long.
Maple Old Fashioned
A Maple Old Fashioned is sweet and delicious, making it the perfect fall-inspired take on the classic cocktail. Raise your glass to the changing seasons as you enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of this easy cocktail.
Passion Fruit Vodka Sour
A Passion Fruit Vodka Soda is a tropical and seductive drink that combines the allure of passion fruit with vodka and soda. This recipe promises an AH-MAZING drink that offers a tropical escape in every sip.
Want to explore seasonal cooking even more? Check out any of our fall and winter produce guides!
