NOW EXPERIENCING:12 Dad-approved cocktails to make this Father’s Day
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12 Dad-approved cocktails to make this Father’s Day

Read time 4 Mins

Posted 06 Aug 2026

By
Lulu Morris

The Coconut Limoncello Margarita, with coconut on the glass

From classic to clever, whip up one of these recipes to earn you favourite-child status (for an afternoon, at least). 

Why did the bartender refuse to serve the ghost? Because they don’t serve spirits. Like that one? Good. You’ll need the practice because Father’s Day is almost here, and with that comes the annual avalanche of Dad jokes. Consider this your official warning: Father’s Day is coming. And when the groans reach critical mass, it might be time to hand Dad a well-earned cocktail. Or mocktail. Either way, something chilled in a nice glass tends to soften the impact of, “Hi Hungry, I’m Dad.” 

If you’re scratching your head, wondering what sort of cocktail will appease the joke-master himself, then worry no more because we’ve pulled together a list of the best cocktails to serve this Father’s day.

12 cocktails to make Dad this Father’s Day
2 MINS READ
1. Old Fashioned
Old Fashioned – like his jokes. This is for the Dad who likes his cocktails simple: just whisk(e)y, sugar, water and bitters. It’s an easy one to make for Dad, plus it’s also a handy way to put that inevitable bottle of Scotch, Irish whisky or bourbon he unwraps on Father’s Day to good use. Simple, classic and refined.
3 MINS READ
2. Negroni Sour
If Dad’s the type who insists he’s not fussy while quietly having impeccable taste, this one’s for him. The Negroni Sour takes everything great about the classic – gin, vermouth and Campari – and shakes things up with orange juice and silky egg white. It’s bold, bittersweet and just fancy enough to impress, while still being easy enough to whip up before Father’s Day lunch.
2 MINS READ
3. Hotel Nacional
Is Dad more of a rum man? He’s going to froth this winter-style Daiquiri. The Hotel Nacional blends aged rum, apricot brandy, pineapple juice and lime juice for a rich cocktail that’s smooth, fruity and a bit of Cuban fun. It’s the perfect Father’s Day pour for the Dad who says “I love you” with a questionable dance move and a louder-than-necessary singalong.
2 MINS READ
4. Stout Float
If your dad never met a milkshake he didn’t like, consider this his Father’s Day upgrade: the Stout Float. It’s two things he’ll love together: ice cream (flavoured or plain vanilla) and stout. We’re partial to a salted caramel scoop with Guinness for that rich salty, malty, creaminess, but throw caution to the wind and experiment with whatever weird and wonderful flavour your dad’s latched onto of late.
2 MINS READ
5. Martini Highball
If your dad is into James Bond, he’s probably spent some time exploring the darker side of the ‘tini arts: shaken, not stirred. If this is all sounding like your old man, allow us to introduce the Martini Highball – a Father’s Day-worthy upgrade for his favourite spy fuel. Think gin, bianco vermouth and soda water served ice-cold. Herbaceous, delicate and floral, this is a true Bond-style cocktail for an old Bond fan. And it’s stirred, not shaken, FYI.
3 MINS READ
6. Coconut Limoncello Margarita
Can’t decide between a Margarita and a Piña Colada? Dad shouldn’t have to, especially on his special day. This tropical combo combines tequila, lime, coconut cream and a sweet hit of limoncello for a mash-up of the two most popular fruity cocktails on the block. Easy to make but guaranteed to impress, it’s finished with a rim of lemon, salt flakes and coconut. It’s Father’s Day, but make it tropical.
5 MINS READ
7. Satay Mary
For the Dad who thinks sweet is overrated and extra salt is a personality trait, meet the Satay Mary. A Thai-inspired twist on the classic Bloody Mary, it’s packed with savoury tomato, Maggi seasoning, satay flavours, lemon, sriracha and a salty umami kick. Finished with celery, herbs and a sprinkle of nuts, it’s a snack and a cocktail rolled into one impressive Father’s Day serve.
4 MINS READ
8. Spicy Cosmo
Does your dad put hot sauce on everything? Eggs, burgers, pizza, fruit? Then we have the Father’s Day cocktail for him. The Spicy Cosmo turns up the heat with hot sauce, cranberry juice, peach liqueur, lime and vodka, making it the perfect excuse to gift him yet another bottle of his favourite fiery condiment. Because one bottle of hot sauce is never enough.
4 MINS READ
9. Campari IPA Spritz
If you’re after something easy, breezy and beautiful, without blowing the budget but still thoughtful enough to make Dad feel special, the Campari IPA Spritz is the answer. It’s low-effort, high-reward – just a good IPA (he’s probably got one in his fridge already) and Campari. That’s it. An aperitivo that’s bubbly, hoppy and bittersweet. Crack out the Jatz and French onion dip, and that’s a great afternoon sorted.
3 MINS READ
10. Carajillo
We reckon we’re onto something with these two-ingredient cocktails, and this one is as simple and delicious as it gets, especially if Dad’s a bit of a coffee snob. The Carajillo is a simple but seriously tasty combo of Licor 43 (a golden, honeyed and spiced liqueur) and a shot of espresso. Think Espresso Martini’s more relaxed Spanish cousin; same caffeine kick, more relaxed spicy flavours.
2 MINS READ
11. Second Serve
Does Dad know the difference between love, deuce, Federer and Nadal? Then he’s going to get a kick out of the Second Serve cocktail. Pairing fino sherry and Amaro Montenegro, the Second Serve is a refreshing aperitif that’s dry, bittersweet and surprisingly easy to love (get it?). Finished with soda and fresh lime, this is a cocktail with plenty of finesse. Game, set, match.
3 MINS READ
12. Alcoholic Chocolate Shake
What’s better than one ice cream cocktail? Two. Adding to the choices with the Stout Float above, this cocktail is inspired by the iconic Toblerone bar. It’s a creamy creation that mixes chocolate and honey with ice cream and a trio of liqueurs into one very grown-up treat. Basically, it’s a chocolate milkshake’s wild weekend away. Perfect after dinner or whenever Dad decides an indulgent, grown-up milkshake sounds like a good idea.
Want to give Dad a bottle of spirits to go with it? Check out our guide to the best gift ideas. If he prefers wine, choose from these gift-worthy bottles, which start at less than $20. 
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Lulu MorrisLulu is a writer at Dan Murphy’s who loves Pina Coladas, but hates getting caught in the rain.
Tags
CocktailsGinWinterVodkaSweetCreamyBeerRumSourSummerSpicyNight capAperitifs & VermouthBitterFruityEntertainingTequila & MezcalEasyLiqueurs
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