Last Updated:May 14, 2025, 23:35 is

From fiery margaritas to floral highballs, these cocktails are here to add a splash of fun to your glass this World Cocktail Day.

World Cocktail Day, celebrated every year on May 13, marks the publication of the first definition of a cocktail in 1806. It’s a global toast to the art of mixology, honoring the creativity, history, and cultural significance behind your favorite drinks. From classic concoctions to bold new blends, the day invites enthusiasts and bartenders alike to shake things up, raise a glass, and appreciate the craftsmanship behind every pour. Whether you’re sipping a smoky Negroni, a tropical rum punch, or a floral gin fizz, World Cocktail Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in spirited celebrations around the world.

Spicy Watermelon Margarita By Daisy Mae Cantina

A refreshing summer cocktail where juicy watermelon and zesty lime meet jalapeño heat.

Ingredients:

Tequila

Watermelon juice

Lime juice

Triple Sec

Jalapeño Slices

Chili salt for rim

Method:

Muddle jalapeño in a shaker. Add tequila, watermelon juice, lime juice, and Triple Sec. Shake with ice, strain into a chili salt-rimmed glass.

Garnish: Watermelon wedge or chili

Glassware: Rocks glass

Artistic expansion by COSY BOX, GURGAON

A bold tequila cocktail that combines passion fruit, celery, and jalapeño for a vibrant, fiery blend.

Ingredients:

60ml Tequila

20ml passion Puree fruit

20ml Lime juice

10ml Caper brine

5ml Agave

4–5 Jalapeño Slices

Coriander leaves

Method:

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain.

Garnish: Coriander salt rim and capers

Glassware: Cocktail glass

Garden of Eden by The LaliT, New Delhi

Ingredients:

Lemongrass-infused gin

Aperol

Pineapple

Citrus

Apricot

Rose Soda

Method:

Add lemongrass-infused gin, Aperol, pineapple juice, lime juice, and apricot syrup into a shaker with ice.

Shake well for 10–12 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients.

Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.

Top up with rose soda for a refreshing fizz.

Garnish with mint leaves and a dehydrated citrus slice.

Preparation Time:

12-15 minutes

Toki matcha haiboru by shibani surkund, suntory global spirits

A crisp, earthy highball combining Toki Whisky and matcha for a uniquely Japanese refresher.

Ingredients:

45ml Toki Suntory Whisky

10g Granulated sugar + 10ml warm water

5g Matcha powder

20ml Lemon juice

100ml Tonic water

Lemon peel

Method:

Dissolve sugar in warm water. Add matcha and whisk. In a highball, stir whisky with ice, add tonic, then matcha mix.

Garnish: Lemon peel

Glassware: Highball glass

Jim Beam Summer Smash By Robert Hospet, Suntory Global Spirits

A tropical cocktail that brings together mango, tulsi, and jaggery with bourbon warmth.

Ingredients:

60ml Jim Beam Bourbon

30ml Mango pulp

6–8 Tulsi leaves

20ml Lime juice

15ml Jaggery syrup

10ml Ginger juice

Jim Beam soda to top

Method:

Muddle tulsi, shake all ingredients with crushed ice, strain into glass, top with soda.

Garnish: Mint sprig and raw mango slice

Glassware: Old Fashioned

Laphroaig Penicillin By Tanvi Dandekar, Suntory Global Spirits

A smoky yet soothing cocktail with Laphroaig, ginger, lemon, and honey.

Ingredients:

50ml Laphroaig Select

15ml Ginger juice

15ml Lemon juice

10ml Honey

Method:

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain.

Garnish: Lemon peel

Glassware: Old Fashioned

Ochre Aurum By Manoj Alphonse, Ochre Spirits

A golden, sparkling vodka cocktail with saffron warmth, honey, and lemon.

Ingredients:

60ml Ochre Saffron Vodka

15ml Lemon juice

10ml Honey water

2 dashes Orange bitters

60ml Sparkling water

Method:

Shake all but sparkling water. Strain and top with soda.

Garnish: Edible gold dust, lemon peel

Glassware: Highball

Ochre Ember Negroni by Manoj Alphonse, Ochre Spirits

A saffron-kissed twist on the classic Negroni—bold, bitter, smoky.

Ingredients:

30ml Ochre Saffron Vodka

30ml Dry vermouth

30ml lived

Method:

Stir all ingredients with ice.

Garnish: Torched star anise, orange slice

Glassware: Old Fashioned

Monkey Shoulder Jam Sour By Monkey Shoulder

A playful twist on the whisky sour with a sweet jam surprise.

Ingredients:

50ml Monkey Shoulder

20ml Lemon juice

2 tsp Jam

Dash of orange bitters

Egg white or aquafaba (optional)

Method:

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain.

Glassware: Rocks glass

Garnish: Optional jam dot or orange zest

Hendrick’s Flora Adora Strawberry Gimlet

A floral-meets-fruity gin highball that’s perfect for spring sipping.

Ingredients:

45ml Hendrick’s flora loves

15ml Strawberry cordial

15ml Lemon juice

100ml Soda water

Method:

Mix all ingredients and top with soda.

Garnish: Lemon twist

Glassware: Champagne flute

Grant’s Basil Smash

A crisp whisky cocktail with herbaceous freshness from basil and cucumber.

Ingredients:

60ml Grant’s Triple Wood Whisky

4–5 Basil leaves

25ml Cucumber syrup

20ml Lime juice

Method:

Muddle basil, shake all ingredients over ice, strain.

Garnish: Basil leaf

Glassware: Old Fashioned

Aperol Spritz By Ula at Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, UAE

The classic Italian aperitivo, perfect for beachside lounging.

Ingredients:

45ml Aperol

120ml Prosecco

60ml Soda water

Method:

Build over ice, stir gently.

Garnish: Orange slice

Glassware: Wine glass

Lemon Grass By Phulay Bay, Ritz Carlton Reserve, Krabi

A tropical rum cocktail with mint, lemongrass, and a hint of spice.

Ingredients:

Lime wedges

Mint leaves

Lemongrass

Ginger

Syrup

Rum

Brown sugar

Method:

Muddle lime, mint, lemongrass, and ginger. Add remaining ingredients, shake and strain over crushed ice.

Garnish: Mint sprig, lemongrass, or ginger slice

Glassware: Coupe or wine glass

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