7 of the Best Summer Cocktails to Make Ahead for the Beach

Anticipating a full day of sun, sand, and surf? Then load up the camper van with your swim things, towels, snacks, and cocktail ingredients. Contrary to what many believe, it is possible to bring the bar to the beach with some planning ahead and a few clever adjustments. Many cocktails can be partially prepared ahead of time — all the better to maximize your beach time bliss.

First things first: Invest in one or several insulated flasks and a cooler that’s preferably wheeled, as ice and drinks can add up in weight. Also don’t forget to pick up bags of ice and paper or plastic cups before or on the way to your destination.

Next, choose the right cocktail recipes, which we’ve already done for you below. While we wouldn’t suggest certain cocktails such as sours (there is a time and place for frothed egg white, and the beach isn’t it), mixed drinks with fewer spirits, higher volumes of soda water or juices, and heaps of ice will help keep you hydrated under the sun.

Lastly, as much as we love cocktails with fun garnishes and flourishes, bells, and whistles are optional in an outdoor environment. Simplicity is key to keeping things mess-free: we all like a little sand between our toes and salt on our rim, not the other way around.

Not to be confused with the coffee beverage, the Americano cocktail is like a Negroni basked in sunshine. Gin is swapped out for soda water, giving you more hydration.

In advance: Plan the number of servings, measure the Martini Rosso and Martini Bitter, and pour both into a flask. Pack the corresponding amount of bottled soda water, ice, and pre-sliced oranges (optional) in a cooler, and bring cups.

At the beach: Pour the contents of the flask into cups filled with ice, add soda water to taste, and garnish if you’d like.

This Brazilian cocktail is just as easy to make as lemonade. Seriously. Best of all, you can put your cocktail-shaking skills to use on the beach — except by using a flask!

In advance: Plan the number of servings. Muddle limes and mix with simple syrup and vodka in a flask. Pack crushed ice in a cooler and bring cups.

At the beach: Add ice to the flask, firmly reattach the lid, and shake it as one would a cocktail shaker. Pour the drink into cups.

Few beverages scream “beach holiday” more than a Margarita, and this creamy concoction turns up the dial even higher. For the sake of convenience, forgo the toasted coconut flakes and pandan leaves; this full-bodied cocktail tastes great even without garnishes.

In advance: Plan the number of servings, measure the tequila, Cointreau, cream of coconut, and lime juice, and pour into a flask. Chill the flask overnight or for a few hours if possible. Pack ice in a cooler and bring cups.

At the beach: Chilling your cocktail in advance eliminates the need to shake the ingredients with ice — simply pour the drink into cups and enjoy.

Just as good on the beach as on the golf course, the John Daly is the alcoholic version of the Arnold Palmer, another beverage named after a golfer. Think of it as an iced lemon tea for adults!

In advance: Plan the number of servings, measure the iced tea and vodka, and pour both into a flask. Pack the corresponding amount of sparkling lemonade, ice, and lemon wheels (optional) in a cooler, and bring cups.

At the beach: Pour the contents of the flask into cups filled with ice, add sparkling lemonade, and garnish if you’d like.

If you’re familiar with the gin-based cocktail known as the Greyhound, get to know its vodka-spiked cousin called the Salty Dog. Tart and slightly bitter grapefruit juice is the glue that holds both drinks together.

In advance: Plan the number of servings, measure vodka and grapefruit juice and pour into a flask. Pack ice and grapefruit wedges (optional) in a cooler, and bring cups.

At the beach: Pour the contents of the flask into cups filled with ice and garnish if you’d like.

You must have seen this one coming! With its peachy and citrusy flavors, this world-renowned tropical cocktail is the missing piece in the puzzle for the perfect beach getaway.

In advance: Plan the number of servings, measure vodka, Peach Schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice, and pour everything into a flask. Pack ice and garnishes (optional) in a cooler and bring cups.

At the beach: Pour the contents of the flask into cups filled with ice and garnish if you’d like.

Generous amounts of ginger beer and grape juice go into this cocktail that — like the medical procedure after which it was named — was designed to revive your senses, even under the scorching sun.

In advance: Plan the number of servings, measure vodka, lime juice, and grape juice, and pour everything into a flask. Pack ice, ginger beer, and lime wheels (optional) in a cooler, and bring cups.

At the beach: Pour the contents of the flask into cups filled with ice, add ginger beer to taste, and garnish if you’d like.