Elevating your outdoor experience is what camping cocktails are all about – combining the joys of nature with a good stiff drink. It’s not uncommon for people to discover something they love and feel a pang of regret that they didn’t know about it sooner. This is exactly how I feel about camping cocktails. There’s something special about enjoying a drink while surrounded by trees, under the stars, or beside a serene lake – it’s the perfect way to unwind and appreciate nature’s beauty.
Camping doesn’t have to mean sacrificing great drinks for the sake of convenience. With these camping cocktails, you can enjoy a delicious mixed drink even without access to a fully stocked kitchen or pantry. Of course, you’ll still need some basic equipment to prepare your cocktails on-the-go. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered – just be sure to pack the right essentials and get ready to elevate your camping experience with these easy-to-make drinks.
Top 10 Campfire Cocktails To Try This Summer
Raspberry Lemon Drop Camping Cocktail Recipe
Wonderfully refreshing cocktails can be made with just a few simple ingredients. To create this 5-minute raspberry rosemary spritzer, bring along a cocktail shaker, raspberries, a handful of fresh rosemary leaves, brown sugar, vodka, a lemon, and plenty of ice. With these six easy-to-pack items, you can quickly whip up an icy, slushy cocktail that’s bursting with flavor – the tangy taste of the raspberries and lemon perfectly balanced by the herby undertones of the rosemary.
If you’re not a fan of strong-tasting drinks, this cocktail is an excellent choice as it cleverly masks the alcohol with the dominant flavors of the fruits and herbs.
Black Velvet
With its unique blend of rich and crisp flavors, the black velvet cocktail is a camping classic that’s surprisingly easy to make. While traditional recipes often call for specific spirits and mixers, this version takes advantage of readily available ingredients: Guinness beer and Champagne. What sets it apart from other camping cocktails is its simplicity – all you’ll need to bring along are a few bottles of each, and you’re good to go.
Of course, if you’re planning to serve a crowd, you’ll want to pack extra bottles, but even then, the list of ingredients remains impressively short.
Cape Codder
Just like its more famous cousin, the Cape Codder is a staple in many bars and households around the world. Although it may not be as widely recognized by name, it’s essentially the same drink made with vodka and cranberry juice. The sweetness of the cranberry pairs perfectly with the subtle flavor of vodka, while a squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a burst of citrus to each sip.
To assemble this refreshing cocktail, simply combine vodka, cranberry juice, and a splash of lime juice over ice, stir for about 30 seconds, and you’ll have a delicious drink ready to enjoy in just a few minutes.
Dark and Stormy
Elevating the experience of a classic cocktail, the ‘Dark and Stormy’ is a drink that has captured many hearts with its exceptional taste profile. Equally refreshing and bold, its complex flavor notes are sure to tantalize your senses every time you take a sip. Its distinctive golden hue is also a sight to behold, especially when it’s lit up by the moon on a camping trip or a night out under the stars.
Even better, this cocktail is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just three simple ingredients: dark rum, limes, and ginger beer. Enjoying one of these ‘Dark and Stormy’ cocktails is like unwinding in style, as the smooth, silky texture glides effortlessly down your throat, leaving you feeling content and at ease.
Chelada
Having a gathering and want to offer your guests something refreshing and unique? Consider bringing along the ingredients to make a traditional chelada, a salty, lime-infused Mexican beer with an Old Bay seasoning ‘salted’ rim. While it may not be a fancy cocktail, this drink is surprisingly delicious and easy to prepare. For the base, I prefer using Dos Equis, but feel free to choose your favorite Mexican beer to give it your own twist.
Make-Ahead Negroni
Making your own camping cocktails at home is a great way to ensure that you have the perfect drinks without having to carry a multitude of supplies. One such cocktail that can be easily prepared ahead of time is the negroni, which requires just a few simple ingredients: an orange, gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. To make these delicious sweet and tangy cocktails, simply mix all the ingredients together in a sealed container.
While it’s certainly possible to whip them up on-site while camping, packing the individual components can be unnecessary when you’ve already taken care of it at home. This approach allows for a more streamlined and efficient camping experience.
7&7
Creating a classic cocktail experience while camping may seem daunting, but Seagram’s 7&7 is an excellent choice for those looking for something simple and effective. This iconic blend of whiskey and lemon-lime soda has been a staple in many people’s liquor cabinets for decades, and its ease of preparation makes it an ideal option for outdoor enthusiasts.
All you’ll need to bring along are two essential ingredients: whiskey (traditionally, Seagram’s 7 Crown is the go-to choice) and a refreshing glass of lemon-lime soda – typically 7-UP. The name ‘7&7’ is a nod to the classic combination that has made this drink so popular. While it may not be the most sophisticated cocktail on the market, its straightforward ingredients make it an excellent option for camping trips.
However, it’s essential to note that the whiskey flavor will still be present in this drink, and if you’re sensitive to alcohol taste, you might want to consider another option on our list.
Shandy
Everyone who has tried a traditional British summer will be familiar with the refreshing qualities of the shandy. Essentially, it is the UK equivalent of the Mexican chelada, made by combining beer and lemon-lime soda in a single glass. Since beer replaces liquor as the primary base spirit, this cocktail is notably lighter than others on our list, allowing you to enjoy even more servings while out camping without worrying about the effects of stronger drinks.
The traditional shandy is often mixed with dark lager, but feel free to experiment and choose either dark or light options according to your personal taste preferences.
Red Wine Spritzer
Fancy cocktails are often associated with elaborate ingredients and complicated recipes, but this particular drink defies those expectations. With just four simple components – red wine, Sprite, ice, and a few minutes of your time – you can create a delightful and refreshing beverage that’s perfect for any occasion.
The flavor profile is primarily dominated by the rich taste of red wine, but the addition of Sprite introduces a delightful bubble and zestiness that adds a unique twist to this classic drink.
Whiskey Ginger
Yesterday, we saved the best for last – a drink that’s sure to delight all you whiskey enthusiasts out there. This 2-minute, 3-ingredient cocktail is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for those looking for a simple yet satisfying drink. You’ll only need three ingredients: whiskey, ginger ale, and a lime wedge. The choice of whiskey brand can influence the flavor profile of this drink, which may bear some resemblance to the classic 7&7 combination.
However, unlike its more vibrant counterpart, 7-UP, the ginger ale used in this recipe is bubbly, with a beautiful light amber hue, and has a lighter, sweeter taste that’s infused with a hint of lime for added depth.
10 Best Camping Cocktails
Zeroing in on the perfect drink for your next outdoor adventure is easier than ever. Zesty mixers, rich spirits, and refreshing garnishes come together to create unique cocktails that will complement any camping experience. From a classic Black Velvet made with stout beer and cherry liqueur to a Dark ‘N’ Stormy featuring ginger beer and dark rum, these drinks are sure to tantalize your taste buds while you’re enjoying the great outdoors.
Whether it’s a Whiskey Ginger or a simple yet satisfying Vodka Spritz, these camping cocktails will help you unwind and relax by the campfire.
Instructions
You’ve picked out the perfect dish for your outdoor gathering, now it’s time to focus on the essentials. Gather and organize all the necessary ingredients to ensure that everything runs smoothly. With some quick planning, you can even whip up a refreshing camping cocktail in under 30 minutes!
