Strong, spirited, and occasionally shaken—just like your old man.
Ah, Father’s Day. That magical Sunday in June when we celebrate the man who taught us how to ride a bike, change a tire, and tell a truly terrible pun with full confidence. This year, instead of another novelty tie or “World’s Best Dad” mug (he already has six), why not serve up something that’s strong, well-balanced, and totally dad-worthy?
Yes, we’re talking cocktails.
Whether your dad’s a classic Old Fashioned kind of guy, a beer-turned-cocktail explorer, or just in it for a good story and a stiff drink, we’ve got a line-up of Father’s Day sippers that’ll knock his socks off (hopefully the ones with sandals).
So dust off the cocktail shaker and raise a glass—because these drinks are pop stars in their own right.
1. The Old Fashioned Father
For the dad who still calls the remote the “clicker” and insists music was better in his day.
Ingredients:
- 60ml bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube (or 1 tsp simple syrup)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
Method:
Muddle the sugar and bitters in a glass. Add whisky and ice. Stir like you’re thinking about mowing the lawn. Garnish with an orange peel and a groan-worthy pun.
Dad Joke Pairing:
“Why did the dad carry a whiskey bottle in his toolbox?
In case he needed a screwdriver.”
2. The Rad Dad Rickey
Cool, crisp, and endlessly refreshing—just like your old man in those cargo shorts and aviators.
Ingredients:
- 50ml gin (or bourbon for a twist)
- Juice of half a lime
- Sparkling water
- Lime wedge
Method:
Fill a tall glass with ice, add gin and lime juice, top with sparkling water, and give it a quick stir. Serve with a lime wedge and a reminder that dad invented hydration.
Dad Joke Pairing:
“What do you call a dad who makes cocktails?
A poptender!”
3. Papa’s Paloma
For the dad who dreams of a beach chair, but settles for the recliner. This grapefruit-forward cocktail is sweet, salty, and sassy—just like his dad jokes.
Ingredients:
- 50ml tequila
- 100ml grapefruit soda (or fresh juice + soda water)
- Lime juice
- Salt for the rim
Method:
Rim a glass with salt, fill with ice, add tequila and lime, then top with grapefruit soda. Stir gently and serve with sunglasses and dad’s favourite grilling playlist.
Dad Joke Pairing:
“I asked dad if he wanted a salty rim and he said,
‘Only if it comes with a side of complain chips.‘”
4. Manhattan Your Business
For the distinguished dad with a closet full of flannel and an appreciation for the classics—this cocktail doesn’t mess around (much like his “serious talk” voice).
Ingredients:
- 60ml rye whiskey
- 30ml sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Cherry (for garnish)
Method:
Stir ingredients with ice, strain into a coupe glass, and garnish with a cherry. Sip slowly while dad tells you the exact year they stopped making “real cars.”
Dad Joke Pairing:
“Did you hear about the dad who opened a cocktail bar?
It didn’t do well… turns out people didn’t want pop culture.”
5. The “Grill Sergeant” Bloody Mary
Perfect for brunch or pre-barbecue prep—this cocktail is spicy, bold, and comes with its own snack tray. Just like dad’s legendary backyard feasts.
Ingredients:
- 50ml vodka
- 100ml tomato juice
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, salt & pepper
- Celery, olives, bacon, or anything that says “I’m the dad now”
Method:
Build in a tall glass over ice. Stir like you’re flipping burgers. Garnish like a buffet. Sip proudly.
Dad Joke Pairing:
“What did dad say when he served this?
‘Ketchup with me later—I’ve got a Bloody good one!’”
One Last Toast (and Groan)
Father’s Day is about more than just ties, tools, and thermostats—it’s about honouring the man who taught us how to laugh, even (especially) when it’s cringey. This year, skip the golf balls and go straight for the good stuff: a cocktail that’s strong enough to match his wisdom, and silly enough to suit his sense of humour.
So here’s to you, Dad:
May your drink be strong, your jokes be weak, and your day be absolutely dad-lightful.