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.