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    Home » Recipes » Cocktails

    35 Best Cocktails on the Rocks

    Published: Aug 9, 2022 by Kelly Stilwell · This post may contain affiliate links 2 Comments

    Collage of cocktails served over ice.

    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.

    Collage of cocktails served on the rocks.

    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 Mojito 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
    Raspberry Moscow Mule Cocktail

    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
    Refreshing Vodka Margarita

    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
    Spiked Arnold Palmer Cocktail

    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
    Delicious Crown Peach Drink

    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
    Refreshing Mango Margarita

    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.
    Check out this recipe
    Blackberry Mint Gin Bramble

    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
    Raspberry and Citrus Mezcal Cocktail

    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
    Sex On The Beach Cocktail

    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
    Classic Mint Julep 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
    The BEST Vodka Strawberry Lemonade

    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
    Easy and Refreshing Strawberry Moscow Mule Drink

    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
    Whiskey Sour Cocktail Cocktail

    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
    Low Carb Hatch Chili Margarita

    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
    Hot Honey Margarita

    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
    Lemon Margarita (Tequila Lemon Cocktail)

    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
    Pimm’s Cup

    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
    Peach Old Fashioned

    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
    Paloma Cocktail

    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
    Green cocktail on the rocks with cherries and lime slice.

    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.
    Check out this recipe
    Orange Creamsicle Cocktail

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    Amaretto Stone Sour A Perfect Blend

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    Limoncello Cocktail (Italian Limoncello Spritz Recipe)

    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.
    Check out this recipe
    Maple Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

    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.
    Check out this recipe
    Whiskey cocktail in a glass with candle in background.

    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
    Limoncello and Vodka Cocktail

    Pomegranate Margaritas

    Sweet, sour, and dangerously delicious, the pomegranate margarita is just right for any happy hour get-together.
    Check out this recipe
    Pomegranate Margaritas

    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.
    Check out this recipe
    Salty Dog Cocktail Recipe

    Skinny Margarita

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

    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
    Candy Kiss Cocktail

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    Orange Pomegranate Manhattan

    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
    Bourbon Rosemary Cocktail

    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.
    Check out this recipe
    Blackberry Bourbon Smash

    Hibiscus Margaritas

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

    Singapore Sling Cocktail Recipe

    Tropical, refreshing, and potent, the Singapore Sling Cocktail is a warm weather essential.
    Check out this recipe
    Singapore Sling Cocktail Recipe

    The Tiki Rita Margarita

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

    Hibiscus Margaritas

    Homemade hibiscus syrup and hibiscus margarita salt give a unique flavor to this vibrant margarita.
    Check out this recipe
    Hibiscus Margaritas

    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.

    FAQs

    Do cocktails expire?

    While unopened liquors are shelf-stable for years, once they are open, alcohols have about 8 months before they start to lose their peak flavor. If you’re mixing a batch of cocktails at home, keep them in the fridge. Drinks that contain fruit juices should be consumed within a day or two. Any drinks with perishable ingredients like egg whites or milk should be consumed right away.

    What is the most common alcohol used in cocktails?

    Vodka is the most popular spirit in the US, with gin, rum, whiskey, and tequila being other must-haves for your bar setup.

    What is the best ice for cocktails on the rocks?

    One-by-one-inch standard cubes are the most versatile and can be used in any drink. Crushed ice, large cubes, ice spheres, and Collins spears can dress up certain cocktails but aren’t absolutely necessary. 

    More Delicious Cocktails

    • Raspberry Moscow Mule Cocktail
    • Cranberry Mimosa Recipe
    • Pear Martini Recipe
    • Easy Malibu Pina Colada Recipe
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    Food, Fun & Faraway Places participates in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Christina Conte

      August 09, 2022 at 12:15 pm

      What a great list of cocktails to go through this summer (and fall)! They all look fab!

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        August 09, 2022 at 12:23 pm

        Thanks, Christina! I love your Limoncello cocktail!

        Reply

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    Welcome! Food, Fun & Faraway Places® is a travel and food blog written by Kelly Stilwell. From delicious recipes to world travel, we’ve got you covered! Contact Kelly at kastilwell@gmail.com.

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