Beer Flight with snacks in bowls on the side

Cheers to Dad: Celebrate with Cocktails, Brews & Bites

Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to raise a glass and say “Cheers to Dad” — the men who’ve helped shape our lives. Whether they’re cocktail connoisseurs, beer lovers, or just fans of a good backyard hang, this day is all about celebrating them in the most spirited way.

At Next Cocktails, we believe the best way to say “thank you” is with something handcrafted and heartfelt. So this year, skip the tie and shake up a few drinks that Dad will actually want.

Here are a few of our favorite Father’s Day sips — from bourbon-forward creations to spicy Bloody Marys and chill beer suggestions that pair perfectly with BBQ and bonding time.

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Bourbon Orange Fizz Cocktail

This one’s for the dad who enjoys the rich warmth of bourbon but appreciates a fresh citrus twist. The Bourbon Orange Fizz is refreshing, lightly carbonated, and subtly sweet — a perfect balance of bold and bright.

Bourbon Orange Fizz Cocktail in a glass with ice, slice of orange and mint

Bourbon Orange Fizz Cocktail

This refreshing Bourbon drink has a mild sweetness and a touch of carbonation.
Course Cocktails
Servings 1 Servings

Equipment

  • 1 Highball Glass
  • 1 Cocktail Shaker
  • 1 Cocktail Spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz Makers Mark Bourbon
  • 1 oz Fresh Orange Juice
  • 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 oz Simple Syrup
  • 4 dashes Orange Bitters
  • 2 oz Champagne Substitute: Sparkling wine or Club Soda
  • 1 slice Orange Garnish
  • 1-3 sprigs Mint Garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine Bourbon, Orange Juice, lemon juice, simple syrup and bitters.
  • Shake well and strain into a Highball Glass filled with ice.
  • Top with Champagne (or substitute) and stir gently.
  • Garnish with a fresh orange slice and sprigs of mint.

Bloody Mary – Dad’s Way

Whether Dad’s a brunch kind of guy or just loves a drink with kick, a custom Bloody Mary bar is a fun way to start (or recover from) the day. Let him build his perfect version of this classic cocktail!

Spicy Bloody Mary with lime and celery and a spicy rim.

Spicy Bloody Mary

This spicy version of the Bloody Mary with add a little zing to the traditional cocktail.
Servings 2 Servings

Equipment

  • 1 Cocktail Shaker
  • 2 Lowball Glasses
  • 2 Pint Glasses Optional

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz Vodka
  • 8 oz Tomato Juice
  • 1 tsp Worchestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp Prepared Horseradish
  • 1-3 dashes Hout Sauce (Tobasco or Cholula)
  • 1 oz Lemon Juice
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 1 pinch Black Pepper
  • 1 pinch Celery Salt
  • 1 tsp Seasoned Salt or BBQ Rub For glass rim

Garnish (Optional)

  • 1 each Celery Stick
  • 1 each Dill Pickle Spear
  • 1 each Bacon Strip
  • 1-2 each Cheese Cube
  • 1-2 each Olives In skewer with pepperoncini)
  • 1-2 each Pepperoncini In skewer with olives

Instructions
 

  • Rim glass with lemon juice and dip into seasoned salt or BBQ Rub then set aside.
  • Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Shake until mixed and chilled
  • Strain into glass with fresh ice cubes
  • Garnish with your choice of toppings.

Notes

Feel free to add your favorite garnish items to this list.

Beer Picks for Every Kind of Dad

If your dad is more of a beer lover, don’t worry — we’ve got brews for every type of guy. The perfect Cheers to Dad, his way. Here are a few picks to match Dad’s style:


  • The Classic Dad: Yuengling Traditional Lager – A timeless choice with rich caramel notes and just the right amount of hop bitterness.


  • The Craft Lover: Founders All Day IPA – Crisp, sessionable, and full of hoppy flavor without being overpowering.


  • The Grill Master: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale – Pairs perfectly with grilled meats thanks to its piney, citrusy bite.


  • The Adventurer: Bell’s Oberon Ale – A summer favorite with bright wheat character and fruity esters.


  • The Dad Bod Deserving a Break: Lagunitas DayTime IPA – Light on calories, full on flavor.

A great idea is to host a “Dad Beer Tasting” with a flight board and let him rate his favorites!

Meats, Cheeses & More: The Father’s Day Grazing Platter

A great drink deserves a great bite—and nothing says “dad-worthy” like a bold, satisfying charcuterie board.

For a savory foundation, start with hearty meats like salami, pepperoni, and prosciutto. Then bring in some robust cheeses—think Dubliner, aged Asiago, and smoked Gouda.

Add color and contrast with fruits like grapes, orange wedges, and crisp apple slices. Round it all out with a handful of almonds or pistachios, a mix of green and kalamata olives, and a stack of hearty crackers or crusty bread on the side.

It’s the ultimate grazing board to pair with bourbon, beer, or a killer Bloody Mary.

How Do You Honor Your Father on Father’s Day?

Father’s Day isn’t just about drinks — it’s about memories. Set the scene with his favorite tunes, pull out old photo albums, or toast with a story about “that one time” he gave legendary advice (or an embarrassing dad joke).

Did you get some ideas from us? We would love to hear from you.

From our family at Next Cocktails to yours — here’s to strong drinks, strong dads, and stronger bonds.

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