10 Favorite Beach Drinks That Will Sweep You into Vacation Mode

Are you searching for the ultimate beach drinks that instantly transport you to vacation mode? As we gear up for another sun-filled season, there’s nothing like a refreshing drink to complete the beach experience.

What’s on the drink menu for this beach season? The classics like piña coladas, daiquiris, and margaritas are leading the pack.

Not all beach drinks need to be boozy. Kids and non-drinkers can enjoy the fun with mocktail versions of these tropical treats. And if you’re looking to blend your drinks to frosty perfection, toss a portable blender in your beach bag for a beach trip.

Remember, while these delicious sips are perfect for your beach day, they’re often sweet. So, drink in moderation, keep hydrated with water, and enjoy every blissful beach moment. So, what are your favorite beach drinks?

1. The Piña Colada

Imagine holding a piña colada with the breathtaking backdrop of the Caribbean Ocean—this was exactly my view while on a cruise in the image above. When you think of beachy vibes or the Caribbean, doesn’t a piña colada naturally come to mind? It’s pretty much synonymous with sandy toes and salt air.

I have a special connection with piña coladas; they bring back fond memories of my childhood vacations in Puerto Rico. And yes, those were virgin piña coladas—my mom’s Puerto Rican, so these tropical drinks are part of my family’s adventures.

What I adore about piña coladas is their versatility. Alcohol or no alcohol, they’re irresistibly creamy and sweet. I prefer a stronger coconut cream flavor, but the beauty of this drink is that you can tailor it to your own taste. Whether you like it balanced or pineapple-forward, mix it to your liking. It’s like having a vacation in a cup.

What goes into a piña colada? It’s simple: pineapple juice, coconut cream, and ice, with optional rum. Check out Tia Clara’s Pina Colada recipe.

2. Strawberry Daquiris

I’d put money on it—strawberry daiquiris must be among the top five beach drinks worldwide. What’s not to love? They’re like smoothies but better because they’re boozy (if you want them to be)!

I love a good strawberry daiquiri—it’s super simple to whip up. It’s flexible—alcohol or no alcohol, you’re in for a treat. What’s in this fantastic drink? Just strawberries, a bit of sugar or sweet syrup, some fresh lime juice, and ice. If you’re up for it, toss in some rum. And don’t forget to pop a strawberry on top for that Instagram-worthy garnish.

And here’s a delicious bonus tip: Mix in a bit of piña colada to create a stunning lava flow.

3. Mai Tai

Mai Tais and Hawaii—now that’s a match made in heaven. Ever since a Tahitian whipped one up at Trader Vic’s in 1953, the Mai Tai has become one of Hawaii’s signature cocktails.

If you find yourself in Hawaii, do yourself a favor and order a Mai Tai at every bar you visit; it’s fascinating how the taste can vary from place to place. The best Mai Tai I’ve ever had? It was at Tahiti Nui in Kauai—unbeatable.

You don’t need to be in Hawaii to enjoy a good Mai Tai. Whip up this iconic Tiki drink wherever you are—by the beach, beside the pool, or just lounging in your backyard. Just close your eyes, sip on your Mai Tai, and let your mind drift to Hawaii, Fiji, or any tropical paradise.

Be warned, though, Mai Tais are on the stronger side, but they strike a perfect balance—slightly tart with a hint of citrus and just sweet enough.

What’s in a Mai Tai cocktail? It consists of white rum, dark rum, orange liquor, lime juice, and orgeat. Mix it before you head out and pour it over ice once you hit the beach.

4. Bahama Mama

There’s always one drink that slips down like juice until you suddenly are a little tipsier than intended. Enter the Bahama Mama—a bright and delicious concoction that instantly transports you to the Caribbean.

This one’s a breeze to mix up before your beach day and perfect for sipping over ice by the shore. But watch out—despite its sweet, juicy flavor, the Bahama Mama packs a punch with not one, not two, but three different types of rum!

What’s in a Bahama Mama? It’s a tropical mix of orange juice and pineapple juice with a splash of coconut flavor, topped off with white and dark rum.

Here’s a little funny story to go with it. On my Celebrity Equinox cruise, I asked the waiter for a glass of Bahama Mama, not realizing just how strong they were made on board. Let’s say the evening became a lot more entertaining than planned!

5. Margarita

Margaritas are the ultimate crowd-pleasers at any beach gathering. Whether you prefer yours on the rocks or frozen, a margarita is just what you need to complement the salty beach air and various beach snacks. It’s the quintessential beach drink—refreshing, straightforward to mix, and universally beloved. It’s a delightful dance of sweet and sour from the tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.

And here’s the best part: you can jazz up your margarita with your favorite fruit. For me, nothing beats the tropical sweetness of a mango margarita.

What’s in a classic margarita? Ditch the pre-mixes. All you need is fresh lime juice, orange-flavored triple sec liqueur, and 100% agave tequila. Salt the rim, add a lime wedge, and get yourself a little piece of paradise.

Mix it up before you head out, bring it to the beach, and serve it over ice.

6. A Mojito

The mojito, hailing from the vibrant shores of Cuba, is a classic cocktail famously adored by Ernest Hemingway. It remains a staple as a fabulous beach drink, favored for its light, sweet-citrusy taste and the refreshing zing of fresh mint—making it a top pick for summer sipping.

What’s in a mojito? The traditional mojito consists of muddled mint sprigs, fresh lime juice, simple syrup or sugar, club soda, and rum. Garnish it with a few lime slices for that extra splash of style.

Mojitos are wonderfully versatile, too. You can easily jazz them up with different fruits like strawberries or raspberries or swap out the rum for other spirits like vodka or gin to put a unique spin on the classic recipe.

7. Sangria

Sangria, that deliciously fruity Spanish concoction, has been enchanting drinkers for centuries. Imagine sipping a glass of sangria while gazing out over the Mediterranean coast—it’s like a quick trip to Spain without leaving your beach chair!

What’s not to love about sangria? It combines wine with fresh fruit; you can sweeten it with juice or kick it up with your favorite liquor. The beauty of sangria lies in its versatility; there are countless recipes to try, so you can always find one that fits your taste perfectly.

What is in a sangria? Typically, it’s made with either red or white wine, complemented by juice or liquor, and loaded with fresh fruit.

Sangria is easy to make and fun to tweak and personalize. You can experiment with different fruits, wines, and spirits to create your signature version. One of my favorite sangrias comes from a beloved eatery in Pasadena. They mix in vermouth and fruit juice, creating a sangria that’s both fruity and deceptively strong.

And here’s a tip if you’re entertaining: my brother-in-law once made a massive vat of sangria in a cooler for a beach picnic, and it was a hit. This approach is perfect for beach trips, making it easy to serve and enjoy without fuss.

8. Watermelon Aguas Frescas

Watermelon Aguas Fresca is a drink I look forward to all year, especially during those hot summer days when watermelons hit peak sweetness. It’s a fantastic, refreshing, and hydrating beverage that everyone can enjoy—alcohol-free by default, but no judgment here if you decide to spike it.

What’s in a watermelon aguas frescas? It’s simple yet delightful: watermelon, water, a touch of sugar, lime, and mint. Top it off with a slice of lemon for that extra zing.

Preparing Watermelon Aguas Frescas is a breeze. Just blend the ingredients at home, strain the mixture to keep it smooth, and pour it into an airtight pitcher to chill in the fridge overnight.

What’s even more fantastic about Aguas Frescas is its versatility. You can prepare this refreshing drink with just about any seasonal fruit, making it a perfect, customizable choice for any gathering or a relaxing beach day.

9. Coconut Water

Speaking of hydrating and refreshing drinks, coconut water, or agua de coco, is a must-mention. There’s something about sipping fresh coconut water that perfectly completes the beach vibe.

On our beach getaway in the Dominican Republic, we got fresh coconut fright on the beach. There was even the option of spiking it with a little rum.

Coconut water isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly beneficial for your health, making it the best beach drink on this list. Packed with natural electrolytes and rich in potassium, it’s super hydrating and great for rejuvenating those muscles after swimming.

Can’t find fresh coconuts? No worries. Just pack bottled coconut water in your cooler. It’s perfect for staying hydrated amidst all the fun and sun, and as a bonus, it can even help ease those hangover blues the day after indulging in those other beach cocktails. So, whether fresh from the coconut or poured from a bottle, coconut water is your beach hydration hero.

10. Beer

And then there’s beer—sometimes you need to keep things simple. While it may not be the first drink that comes to mind when you think of beachy beverages, beer is undeniably one of the most popular choices for beachgoers.

Just pop some beers in a cooler with ice, and you’re good to go. It’s straightforward, no fuss, and perfect for a day on the sand. Whether a beach bar offers a bucket of beers for a steal or you bring along your favorite brews from the market, beer fits the beach scene perfectly.

Beach club bars and resorts sometimes offer deals like a bucket of beers for less than $10—hard to beat! Beer’s convenience—no need to mix or prepare—makes it an ideal choice for relaxing by the ocean. Sometimes, you need to keep it simple to enjoy those laid-back beach vibes.

What alcohol to bring to the beach?

For a beach day, we’d recommend:

• Rum for tropical drinks and mojitos.
• Tequila for margaritas.
• Vodka for sodas, juices, and tonics.
• Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio wines are light and crisp, ideal for a hot summer day. And, of course, sangria!

What are good tropical drinks?

Piña Coladas, Mai Tais, Mojitos, Bahama Mamas, and Sex on the Beach are delicious tropical drinks.

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