18 Mother’s Day Cocktails for an Extra Special Celebration

We’ve rounded up 18 amazing Mother’s Day cocktails to help you celebrate mom on her special day. To be fair, we owe the tireless caregivers in our lives a whole lot more than a fancy mixed drink to thank them for keeping us fed, clothed, (somewhat) clean, and alive during our formative years. Also, for surviving our teens and all the drama (and eyeliner) that went along with that. But a fancy cocktail is always a good start. So here you go! 

1. Paloma

One zesty and photogenic Mother’s Day cocktail coming right up! Combining tequila, grapefruit soda and lime juice, the pretty Paloma pairs wonderfully with Mexican food and spicy dishes. 

Make it with: Espolón Tequila Blanco,

2. French 75

We know a Mimosa is an obvious choice for brunchtime, but if you want to up the ante, try a French 75. Named after a French field gun used in WWII, it has a bit more kick than a Mimosa thanks to the addition of gin, but goes down smoothly nonetheless.  

Make it with: Bulldog Gin

Read next: Brunch Cocktails for Easy Entertaining

3. Long Island Iced Tea

If you plan to serve cocktails along with a meaty spread, a Long Island Iced Tea is just the ticket. It’s a strong, well-balanced drink that layers a variety of spirits in a very tasty way. Serve it with plenty of snacks and give mom a little space to unwind while you do the entertaining.  

Make it with: SKYY Vodka

4. Aperol Spritz

If your mom is a trendy foodie, one of the best cocktails to serve is the Aperol Spritz. This gorgeous drink has been popping up on every hot and happening cocktail menu (and TV series—hello, White Lotus!), and with good reason—it’s elegant, refreshing, and perfect to sip in repose.  

Make it with: Aperol

5. Pomegranate Martini

The Insta-worthy Pomegranate Martini is sweetly tart, fruity, and light, it’s easy to whip up (even in batches), adding a hint of sophistication to just about any gathering.

6. Espresso Martini

Brunctime cocktails don’t necessarily have to be juicy—you can also go for something with a nice caffeine kick if your mom is a java enthusiast. The classy Espresso Martini has been enjoying a lingering moment in the limelight and makes a great addition to a mid-day celebration. 

Learn more: 22 Types of Martinis You Should Know 

7. Mojito

The minty-fresh Mojito is always a crowd-pleaser. We love pairing it with fresh, zesty snacks like ceviche and nacho chips, but it can also hold its own in the company of heavier dishes like braised pork ribs, or even a nice vegan bean stew. The magic lies in the contrast of flavours!

Make it with: Trois Rivières White Rum

8. Piña Colada

Every mom deserves an ocean-side holiday with her (freshly manicured) toes in the sand, but sometimes the best you can do is an island-style cocktail, and that’s okay. The dreamy Piña Colada is easy to make and always adds a little seaside sass to any event. 

Make it with: Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum

9. Strawberry Margarita

Add a Strawberry Margarita to your Mother’s Day cocktail menu for a little sip of summer. It’s best to use fresh strawberries, but if you don’t have any on-hand, store-bought strawberry juice will do the trick.  

Love the berries? 14 of the Freshest Strawberry Cocktails to Make All Year Round 

10. Bee’s Knees

Looking for cocktail names that add something cute to the mix? Go with a Bee’s Knees, because your mom is obviously, well, the bee’s knees. This zingy little number is a classic that harks back to the Prohibition era and has a feisty flapper vibe that retro-loving moms will adore.  

11. Whiskey Sour

Another totally iconic option is the Whiskey Sour. It incorporates egg white, which makes it all frothy and amazing, but you can also make it vegan if mom is not into all that. This drink gives some serious Dame Judy Dench energy, so if your mom is a little hardcore with a quick wit and a glint in her eye, this is the cocktail you should be mixing.  

Make it with: Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

Check this: 22 of the Most Popular Sour Cocktails to Try at Home

12. Gimlet

The classic Gimlet is the ultimate old-school drink, combining gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. The story goes that the Gimlet is named after Surgeon Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette. He ostensibly prescribed the drink as a daily tonic to prevent disease among sailors and officers in the British Navy. Our kind of guy!   

13. Vodka Martini

Mother’s Day cocktails with vodka? Don’t overthink it. Go with a classic Vodka Martini. Cool, smooth, and straight to the point, it’s tailor-made for a slightly fancy Mother’s Day celebration. For some food pairing options, go with dishes like salmon rillettes and quinoa and black bean salad.  

14. Limoncello Spritz

If mom loves all things Italian, you’ve got to make her a Limoncello Spritz. Limoncello is an Italian after-dinner staple, typically enjoyed as a shot, but we like to add a few sparkles to create a tall, cool drink that can be sipped at leisure.   

Make it with: Riccadonna Prosecco

15. Lemon Drop Martini

The classy Lemon Drop Martini is one of those cocktails that will quickly become a regular occurrence on your drinks line-up as soon as you’ve poured the first one. Simple to make? Yes! Pretty to look at? You bet. Easy to enjoy? Very much so. Mom’s going to love it, we promise.  

16. Raspberry Martini

The dainty Raspberry Martini comes together with just a few ingredients and a jiggle of your cocktail shaker. The blushing red hue is pretty and inviting, and it hits all the right notes as it glides across your palate.

Make it with: SKYY Infusions Raspberry Vodka

17. Gold Rush

While the Gold Rush cocktail is incredibly simple, it just works. You’re basically making a Whiskey Sour but using honey instead of simple syrup. Straightforward, sophisticated, and refreshing, serve these before dinner at your next summer party.

Make it with: Wild Turkey Bourbon

Read next: Honey Syrup Cocktails That Are Worth the Buzz

18. Gin Rickey

The Gin Rickey is as fresh as fresh can be. Capturing some of the same notes as a gin and tonic, it features gin, soda water, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. It’s the ideal recipe to have up your sleeve if you are hosting guests who prefer to keep their sugar intake to a minimum but still want to enjoy a delightful cocktail.