What is a good mid-day drink?

18 Mother’s Day Cocktails for an Extra Special Celebration

January 16, 2023 by

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

Close front view of a trio of refreshing pink paloma cocktails with grapefruit garnish

One zesty and photogenic sipper coming right up! Combining tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice, the pretty Paloma pairs wonderfully with Mexican food and spicy dishes. So, if your mom is a fan of Mexico, we highly recommend this combo.

Make it with: Espolón Tequila Blanco

2. French 75

We know a Mimosa is an obvious choice for a brunchtime gathering, but if you want something a little different, try a French 75. Named for 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

3. Long Island Iced Tea

If you plan to serve drinks along with a barbecue 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 clinkers 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

Summery drinks get any more Insta-worthy than the Pomegranate Martini. Sweetly tart, fruity, and light, it’s easy to whip up (even in batches) and adds a hint of sophistication to just about any gathering.

6. Espresso Martini

Brunch 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 celebrations.

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 flavors!

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 100% fine. The dreamy Piña Colada is easy to make and always adds a little seaside sass to any event.

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 in a pinch.

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

10. Bee’s Knees

Looking for classic drinks that add something cute to the mix? Go with a Bee’s Knees, because your mom is obviously 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 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

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

Of course, you could also go with a classic Vodka Martini. Cool, smooth, and straight to the point, it’s tailormade 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.

Learn more: 22 Types of Martinis You Should Know

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.

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 gonna love it, we promise.

16. New York Sour

The New York Sour is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed by bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts for over a century. This sophisticated twist on the classic Whiskey Sour features a bold combination of whiskey, red wine, lemon juice, and sugar—creating a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors.

Make it with: Wild Turkey 101 Rye Whiskey

Also see: 22 of the Most Popular Sour Cocktails to Try at Home

17. Amaretto Sour

This nutty spin-off of the classic Whiskey Sour features an almond-flavored liqueur that comes to the party with rich notes of vanilla and a subtly bitter finish. The Amaretto Sour is divine served with simple snacks like pretzels and nuts or desserts like flan or chocolate cake.

18. Sidecar

One classic cocktail that has stood the test of time is the Sidecar, and there’s a good reason why it has remained popular for over a century—it’s downright delicious! This tangy and citrusy drink is incredibly easy to make, requiring just three simple ingredients. Even if you’re a beginner, there’s no need to fret about making mistakes.

Make it with: Bisquit & Dubouché Cognac VSOP

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Good drinks to serve around mid-day include refreshing cocktails like the Limoncello Spritz, Lemon Drop Martini, Aperol Spritz, and Mojito. Looking for a lovely drink to pair with a Mother’s Day lunch? Find a complete list on The Mixer.