Have your cake and drink it, too.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Sure, there are balloons and candles, but what do grown-ups really want at a party? Birthday co*cktails! Guests love having a special drink. It adds a signature touch and sends a message that you went the extra mile to make the occasion memorable. A birthday co*cktail also sets the tone for the festivities. If you're aiming for a swanky affair, consider serving co*cktails in elegant coupes or martini glasses. Want a more casual hang? Then think big-batch drinks in pitchers or punch bowls, where people can serve themselves. That way you're not stuck playing bartender all night and can actually enjoy mingling with friends — perhaps while snacking on delicious finger food and party appetizers instead.
How to choose your birthday co*cktail depends mostly on what you like. It's your day, after all! Are you a fan of whiskey? We have plenty of drinks made with the brown liquor, from bourbon to rye to Scotch. Is tequila or mezcal more your poison? There are enough margs, Palomas and other agave-based libations to make your gathering feel like a Cinco de Mayo fiesta. It's a surefire way to make all your birthday wishes come true.
Whether it’s for your 21st or 50th birthday or beyond, we’ve got recipes to match your party energy — from classic co*cktails and original creations as well as low-alcohol or non-alcoholic mocktail drinks so everyone can partake in the merriment. We even have funnetti-inspired mimosas, so you can have your birthday cake and drink it, too.
1
Piña Coladas
Piña Coladas are pretty much fun in a glass. Everyone loves this frozen party drink, especially when the weather is warm and you want to evoke the tropics for your birthday.
In a blender, combine 4 cups of ice cubes with 3/4 cup fresh pineapple juice, 1/2 cup cream of coconut and 1/2 cup amber rum. Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and frothy. Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with a wedge of pineapple. To complete the vacay vibes, don't forget the little co*cktail umbrella.
RELATED: The Best Blenders
2
Hugo Spritz
There's a reason the Hugo Spritz has been the drink of the summer for (at least) two seasons running: Anything with elderflower liqueur is an instant crowd fave.
Get the Hugo Spritz recipe.
RELATED: 10 Best Bartending Kits, According to co*cktail Experts
3
Blue Wave Mocktails
Come for the electric blue color, stay for the tangy refreshing taste. You can serve this pitcher drink as a non-alcoholic version and let guests spike it with vodka or gin, if they choose.
Get the Blue Wave Mocktails recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Tropical Frosé
Upgrade the typical pink drink with this bright, tropical spin on frosé.
Get the Tropical Frosé recipe.
RELATED: 20 Summer co*cktails You Can Sip on All Season
5
Espresso Martini
Keep guests fueled all night long with this easy caffeinated co*cktail.
Get the Espresso Martini recipe.
RELATED: The 20 Best Coffee Recipes to Make at Home
6
Thyme Plum Moscow Mule
Not only are Moscow Mules zingy and crowd-pleasing, the mugs they're served in are pretty much indestructible — just in case your party gets a little...rowdy.
Get the Thyme Plum Moscow Mule recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Cherry Bomb Fizz
Bubbly in a co*cktail says, "It's a celebration!" Think of this flute of cherry-accented sparkling wine as an elevated Dirty Shirley.
Get the Cherry Bomb Fizz recipe.
8
Aperol Spritz Granita
This frozen Aperol spritz topped with Prosecco is so good, don't be surprised if guests ask for a double.
Get the Aperol Spritz Granita recipe.
9
Garden Party Mocktails
Choose your own adventure with this refreshing cucumber-lime spritz: Without alcohol or with a splash of gin.
Get the Garden Party Mocktails recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Classic Daiquiri
Use a good quality rum for this three-ingredient co*cktail for quiet luxury vibes at your birthday party.
Get the Classic Daiquiri recipe.
11
Big-Batch Watermelon Margaritas
For this year's birthday, did you wish for pitchers of margarita juiced up with fresh watermelon puree? Then you're in luck because you can whip up big batches of this drink in the blender in no time.
Get the Big-Batch Watermelon Margaritas recipe.
RELATED: 15 Delicious Watermelon co*cktails to Enjoy All Summer Long
12
French 75
Dating back to World War I, this classic co*cktail can be served 'round the clock. It's an elegant sub for a mimosa at a birthday brunch, perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif or post-prandial tipple.
To make the drink: In a shaker filled with ice, shake 2 oz gin, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice and ½ oz simple syrup. Strain into a chilled flute and top with 2 oz chilled sparkling wine. Serve with a lemon twist.
RELATED: Make Your French 75 With The Best Sparkling Wine
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
Cosmopolitan
If a classic all-booze martini is too much octane for your birthday festivities, take the edge off with this more approachable cranberry-vodka martini.
Get the Cosmopolitan recipe.
14
Dirty Martini with Stuffed Olives
Make a splash at your birthday bash with a dirty martini bar: Stock it with fun garnishes, like pickled co*cktail onions and your favorite olives — it's your day, after all!
Get the Dirty Martini with Stuffed Olives recipe.
15
Grapefruit Ginger Paloma
You can call the shots on your birthday with these zingy, gingery Palomas: red grapefruit juice for a pink hue; fresh jalapeño slices for an added kick; rimmed with salt or not.
Get the Grapefruit Ginger Paloma recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
Mary Pickford co*cktail
You're the main character on your birthday so celebrate with this rum-pineapple drink, named for one of America's first movie stars.
Get the Mary Pickford co*cktail recipe.
17
Honeydew Margarita
Rimmed with sugar and boosted with melon puree, these margs will bring a touch of sweetness to your birthday.
Get the Honeydew Margarita recipe.
RELATED: 8 Best Drinking Glasses for Stylish Sipping
18
Apple Martini
As crisp and refreshing as a fall day, a round of this sour apple co*cktail will thrill the crowd.
Get the Apple Martini recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
19
Mojito
When you hear everyone cheering, is it for your birthday or for the Mojitos? Let's say it's for both!
Get the Mojito recipe.
20
Spicy Margarita
For those who like a little heat with their sweet, this sriracha-spiked marg will hit every time.
Get the Spicy Margarita recipe.
Susan Choung
Recipe Editor
Susan (she/her) is the recipe editor at Good Housekeeping, where she pitches ideas, parses words, and produces food content. In the Test Kitchen, she cooks (and samples!) recipes, working with developers to deliver the best written versions possible. A graduate of Brown University and a collaborator on several cookbooks, her previous experience includes stints at Food & Wine, Food Network, three meal kit companies, a wine shop in Brooklyn and Chez Panisse, the pioneering restaurant in Berkeley, California. She enjoys playing tennis, natural wines and reality competition shows.
