35 Best Cocktails on the Rocks

For summertime sipping, we love cocktails on the rocks. There's a time and a place for drinks served up, like a martini, Cosmopolitan, or a Rob Roy, but we like ice when the sun is shining.

Cocktails served on the rocks can be sophisticated and refined, relaxed and beachy, or anything in between. From spicy to sweet and fruity to flavorful, you can make these amazing cocktails for any occasion. 

What’s great is that many of these drinks can be made easily at home but taste like premium cocktails from your favorite bar.

Like a strong cocktail that is full of flavors? Try one of these Peach Crown Royal cocktails.

Prefer a lighter drink with the perfect balance of natural ingredients? This Raspberry Moscow Mule or this Skinny Vodka Margarita will hit the spot.

Why We Love Cocktails on the Rocks

These rocks cocktails can be made with premium spirits or whatever you happen to have around the house. 

If you’re planning to have a party, for the sake of convenience you can batch a cocktail (make a large amount in advance) and then pour it over the rocks to serve. 

Whether you’re going with a classic cocktail, a simple cocktail, a popular cocktail, or just mixing up some new kind of different drink from an original recipe that you came up with on the spot, there are few wrong ways to make a cocktail on the rocks.

Equipment Needed

You can get by with very little equipment when making cocktails, as you've probably learned. But it's nice, especially when entertaining, to have a set up. This Cocktail shaker set has everything you need to have a proper bar set up, including a bamboo stand to keep everything together and organized.

For glasses, you'll want to have whiskey rocks glasses and highball glasses. If you like mules, pick up a set of copper mugs. If you drink out by the pool as we do, you'll need plastic tumblers.

We also like these ice ball makers.

We have a really nice fridge, but the ice maker hasn't worked for years. We picked up this counter top ice maker and it works great! It was the third brand we had tried and cost less than fixing the fridge, too.

You might want to pick up a set of bitters as so many cocktails call for it.

Our Favorite Cocktails on the Rocks Recipes

We created this list of recipes for our favorite kinds of cocktails served over ice to help get you started. Take a look to find your perfect drink for your next happy hour. 

Raspberry Mojito Recipe

This raspberry mojito recipe is one of my favorite summertime drinks. Though usually made with rum, we freshened this up with vodka instead and it’s so delicious!

Check out this recipe

Raspberry Moscow Mule Cocktail

I thought a raspberry Moscow mule cocktail would be fun instead of the traditional recipe. I used candied ginger and it turned out delicious!

Check out this recipe

Refreshing Vodka Margarita

Love a good margarita but not a fan of tequila? We’ve got you! This Vodka Margarita has the fruity flavor of a margarita without the taste of tequila.

Check out this recipe

Spiked Arnold Palmer Cocktail

If you love an Arnold Palmer, you’ve got to try this Spiked Peach Arnold Palmer cocktail bursting with fresh peach, sweet tea, and lemonade flavors, spiked with vodka and rum.

Check out this recipe

Delicious Crown Peach Drink

Delicious peach flavored cocktail made with Crown Royal and Peach Schnapps. It's one of our favorite cocktails on the rocks.

Check out this recipe

Refreshing Mango Margarita

This refreshing Mango Margarita is festive enough for an elegant gathering and easy enough for a drink by the pool! (In plastic glasses, of course!)

Check out this recipe

Blackberry Mint Gin Bramble

This Blackberry Mint Gin Bramble is a classic gin cocktail that is perfect for summer sipping. A little bit sweet and a little bit tart, you’ll love this refreshing drink.

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Raspberry and Citrus Mezcal Cocktail

Muddled fresh raspberries and fresh citrus in this mezcal cocktail give a sweet and tart tang. The Tajin rim adds an extra zip of flavor, too.

Check out this recipe

Sex On The Beach Cocktail

There’s a big history debate behind how this cocktail got its name. But one thing is certain, it is tasty and quick to make. You can whip it up in under 5 minutes and with 4 ingredients!

Check out this recipe

Classic Mint Julep Recipe

The classic mint julep is the signature drink for Derby Day, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying it all summer long! It is cool, refreshing, and delicious on any hot summer day.

Check out this recipe

The BEST Vodka Strawberry Lemonade

If you have a love of all things summer, this combination of strawberry lemonade with vodka needs to be on your drink list.

Check out this recipe

Easy and Refreshing Strawberry Moscow Mule Drink

With fresh strawberry, mint, and tart lime flavors, this is a delightful twist on a classic Moscow Mule.

Check out this recipe

Whiskey Sour Cocktail Cocktail

Quality ingredients are the key to making the perfect Whiskey Sour cocktail. Fresh citrus works a lot better than bottled juices for this recipe.

Check out this recipe

Low Carb Hatch Chili Margarita

If you love spicy drinks, this easy-to-make margarita recipe is for you. It’s also keto-friendly!

Check out this recipe

Hot Honey Margarita

Hot honey for a margarita? Once you’ve tried it, this may be a new favorite drink. Smooth and sweet, and just the right heat to delight your tastebuds.

Check out this recipe

Lemon Margarita (Tequila Lemon Cocktail)

Out of limes? Try this recipe for a lemon-based margarita instead. You still get those classic flavors from the triple sec and cane sugar, but with a lemony twist.

Check out this recipe

Pimm’s Cup

Pimm’s Cup is a signature drink of England, like Sangria is to Spain. With fresh fruit and refreshing flavors, it makes a lovely afternoon cocktail.

Check out this recipe

Peach Old Fashioned

It’s a southern twist on the classic Old Fashioned. The peach flavor makes this a perfectly balanced cocktail with summertime vibes.

Check out this recipe

Paloma Cocktail

Three simple ingredients are all it takes for the delightful Paloma cocktail. It’s so easy to whip this drink up any time.

Check out this recipe

Tipsy Mermaid Drink

If you love a good Mai Tai, you’ll want to try the Tipsy Mermaid. Tropical fruit and rum will carry you away to white sand beaches and ocean breezes.

Check out this recipe

Orange Creamsicle Cocktail

This drink brings back memories of those delightful orange creamsicles you loved as a kid. But this boozy version is a treat for the big kid in all of us.

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Amaretto Stone Sour A Perfect Blend

The Amaretto Stone Sour is the perfect blend of the classic bourbon based Stone Sour and the Amaretto Sour. You will love this cocktail!

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Limoncello Cocktail (Italian Limoncello Spritz Recipe)

With only three ingredients, you can put together this refreshing Italian drink in no time. Limoncello cocktails are fabulous as a summer drink!

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Maple Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

There’s a lot to love with this Maple Old Fashioned Cocktail. It’s a sweet Fall twist on the classic Old Fashioned drink.

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Blood Orange Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

Fresh blood orange juice gives this drink a rich color, and the whiskey matches it with a lively flavor. This drink is easy to make and looks gorgeous.

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Limoncello and Vodka Cocktail

This bright and bubbly limoncello cocktail is happiness in a glass. It’s perfect for a hot day!

Check out this recipe

Pomegranate Margaritas

Sweet, sour, and dangerously delicious, the pomegranate margarita is just right for any happy hour get-together.

Check out this recipe

Salty Dog Cocktail Recipe

Using a good gin (like Larios London Dry Gin) is essential to making a delicious Salty Dog cocktail. Here’s everything else you need to know.

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Skinny Margarita

Low-cal and refreshing, you can’t go wrong with the classic flavors in this skinny margarita.

Check out this recipe

Candy Kiss Cocktail

Do you love candy? Like, really love candy? Well then you’re really going to love this Candy Kiss Cocktail - an epic candy-inspired cocktail for the sweet tooth. The alcohol content in

Check out this recipe

Orange Pomegranate Manhattan

This Orange Pomegranate Manhattan includes the traditional whiskey (bourbon or rye) and red vermouth, but gets a modern twist with the addition of pomegranate molasses and orange bitters. The pomegranate molasses brings subtle tart fruit to a smooth and drinkable cocktail!

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Bourbon Rosemary Cocktail

This bourbon rosemary cocktail is perfect for fall & winter. Made with homemade rosemary syrup, bourbon, lemon and a dash of maple syrup.

Check out this recipe

Blackberry Bourbon Smash

Fruity, smoky and fizzy this blackberry bourbon smash is an easy and delicious bourbon cocktail for summer. Discover the best blackberry bourbon smash recipe.

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Hibiscus Margaritas

Refreshing, vibrant, and delicious Hibiscus Margaritas made with homemade hibiscus syrup and garnished with hibiscus margarita salt.

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Singapore Sling Cocktail Recipe

Tropical, refreshing, and potent, the Singapore Sling Cocktail is a warm weather essential.

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The Tiki Rita Margarita

Take a traditional margarita and add some tropical flavors – you’ve got the incredibly fun Tiki Rita Margarita!

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Hibiscus Margaritas

Homemade hibiscus syrup and hibiscus margarita salt give a unique flavor to this vibrant margarita.

Check out this recipe

Tips for Making Cocktails on the Rocks

1. Don’t shake or stir too long as you’ll water down the drink. You want to blend the ingredients, but not cause the ice to melt. 
2. Use a high-quality jigger to measure out ingredients. This will allow for a precise blend of the ingredients so your drink is perfectly balanced.
3. Chill your glasses ahead of time. Using a chilled glass will mean the ice in your drink won’t melt as quickly, keeping the drink cool and refreshing and not instantly watered down.

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