23 Beach Drinks That Bring the Chill to Chilling by the Ocean
A day by the sea should really be a soiree, fit with great snacks and the best beach drinks to sip on. Toes in the sand, breathing in the salty air, even that unwanted sunburn is a welcome treat, especially for those without the privilege of perennial sunshine. Now, I know what you may be thinking—a beach drink that doesn’t come out of a can is nothing but a hassle. To that I say: Wrong! A little planning, an insulated bottle or airtight pitcher, lots of ice, and a good cooler make for a pretty solid libation station, not just at the beach but in any outdoor setting.
The list below is a mix of refreshing recipes—some a little boozy, others totally zero-proof—that are ideal for seaside sipping. The Garibaldi, bamboo cocktail, and negroni slushie (Yes, slushie!) are hilariously easy to make. For fizzy drinks like a cucumber spritz, a blackberry-basil mule, or the Pimm’s Royale Punch, add the carbonated elements from your cooler once you’re ready to drink in order to maintain the bubbles. Whichever refreshment you choose, just remember to have fun and wear plenty of sunscreen.
Photo & Food Styling by Joseph De Leo2/23Ginger and Tamarind Refresher
Mix zingy ginger and tart tamarind to make the base of this refreshing nonalcoholic beach drink. Bring it with you in a thermos, then pour it into cups with ice and top with seltzer or club soda.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Stevie Stewart3/23Avocado Margarita
The avocado and lime cordial for this margarita tastes a bit like Key lime pie. It’s great with tequila, but just as good when simply topped with bubbly water if you’re looking to stay booze-free.
Photo by Kelly Puleio5/23The Blaylock
Grapefruit and honey are a match made in breakfast heaven and, unsurprisingly, that pairing works just as well as a drink. You can prep the honey syrup way in advance, but the recipe does require squeezing nine or 10 grapefruits, which may warrant an electric juicer.
Photo by Jennifer Davick7/23Blackberry-Basil Mule
This sparkling alcohol-free drink—sweetened with ginger and coconut sugar syrup—is perfect for seaside sipping. To make it beach-friendly, muddle the blackberries and basil in advance, transfer to an insulated container, and then top with seltzer once you’re ready to drink.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert8/23Raspberry Lemonade
Raspberry syrup is a necessary component of any serious cocktail bar, but it also makes a damn good pitcher of lemonade that will keep your thirst quenched all day long.
Photo by Araceli Paz9/23Agua de Aguacate y Limón Amarillo
All you need is a blender, an avocado, some lemons, and a touch of sugar to make the most revitalizing agua fresca around. Double the batch and fill an insulated water bottle or two.
Vanessa Stump10/23Coconut Water and Lime Rickey
Coconut water doesn’t need any help, but paired with tart lime and club soda, it’s even more refreshing. For the best bubbles, save adding the club soda for when you’re at the beach.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton11/23Japanese Thirst Killer
This soda fountain drink, which leans on acid phosphate for its tartness, can be traced back to 1915. To make it transportable, shake and strain the grape juice mix into a thermos or flask.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton14/23Negroni Slushie
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t always need a blender to whip up a frozen drink. Case in point: this negroni slushie. You simply combine all its ingredients in a resealable bottle (cap off if it’s vacuum-sealed) and forget it in the freezer for a few days. Stick it in a backpack or a dry bag on your way to the beach and it will stay frozen-ish and slushy for the entire day.
Photo by David A. Land, food styling by Carrie Purcell, prop styling by Alyssa Pagano15/23Pimm's Royale Punch
This ideal brunch punch can also make your oceanside outing a little fancy. Mix up the fruit and juice mixture the night before, then top it with bubbly at the beach.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Drew Aichele17/23Life of the Party
This crowd-pleasing punch stars Ghia, a nonalcoholic apéritif that’s bursting with notes of citrus peel and hints of ginger. Paired with sweet-tart pomegranate juice and aromatic cinnamon syrup, it’s the ultimate party in a cup. To serve at the beach, combine all ingredients except for the nonalcoholic sparkling wine and the lemon and orange slices; keep it chilled in a cooler until ready to serve.
19/23Pimm's Iced Tea
Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio, Food Styling by Pearl Jones20/23Spicy Citrus Refresher
Photo by Peden + Munk21/23Blackberry Collins
This flexible cocktail recipe also works with blueberries—or whatever berries you have on hand.
