Labor Day is the perfect time to gather with family and friends for a cookout or picnic. Pair your favorite Labor Day foods with a refreshing cocktail to sip between bites, cool off in the late summer sun and toast the unofficial end of the season. Whether you're serving a crowd or keeping it casual with close family, we've rounded up ideas for Labor Day cocktails, mocktails and low-prep drinks everyone can enjoy.

Classic Labor Day cocktails

1. Classic margarita

• Type of drink: Tequila cocktails

• Flavor profile: Bright and citrusy

A classic margarita is an easy choice for Labor Day, pairing well with street tacos, grilled burgers and grilled seafood. 

Shake together 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice and 1 ounce of orange liqueur with ice, then strain into a salt-rimmed glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge or add sliced jalapeño or fresh fruit for a simple twist.

2. Classic paloma

• Type of drink: Tequila cocktails

• Flavor profile: Refreshing and citrusy

When it comes to cocktails for Labor Day, you can’t go wrong with a paloma. Similar to a ranch water, this tequila-based drink is light and easy to customize.

To make our classic paloma, all you need is 3 ounces of grapefruit soda, 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of lime juice and sliced grapefruit to garnish. If you like a smoky and spicy flavor, you can also add a splash of mezcal or some jalapeño.

3. Mojito

• Type of drink: Rum cocktails

• Flavor profile: Refreshing and minty

The lime and mint in a mojito make for a refreshing way to cool off on a hot day. Mix the drinks one by one or make a big batch for the pitcher! 

For a classic mojito, muddle some fresh mint (about 10 leaves), three lime wedges and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a glass. Then add your ice, 1 1/2 ounces of light rum and 1/2 a cup of soda water.

4. Moscow Mule 

• Type of drink: Vodka cocktails

• Flavor profile: Refreshing and tart

This take on the classic mule is a delicious summer addition. You’ll use vodka as the main liqueur in this cocktail, along with lime, ginger beer, mint and ice. 

Just follow our classic Moscow Mule recipe to get started.

5. Dark and stormy

• Type of drink: Rum cocktails

• Flavor profile: Spicy

A dark and stormy is a classic rum cocktail that’s a total crowd-pleaser. Use your favorite rum to mix with a slightly spicy ginger beer for a traditional drink that’s perfect for your cookout. 

Pour over ice and serve with a thin slice of lime.

Fruity cocktails for the last taste of summer

6. Strawberry margarita

• Type of drink: Tequila cocktails

• Flavor profile: Sweet and tart

Take advantage of the sweet summer-end strawberries with our fresh strawberry margarita. 

In batches, blend 12 ounces of tequila, 6 cups of strawberries, 6 ounces of lime juice, 6 tablespoons of honey, 6 ounces of triple sec and 6 cups of ice. 

7. No-blend mango margarita 

• Type of drink: Tequila cocktails

• Flavor profile: Sweet

This recipe is perfect for picnics or campouts where you won’t have access to a blender but still want an icy cold margarita. For each margarita, put the following in a small zip-top bag: 

• 2 ounces of tequila

• 2 ounces of mango juice

• 1 ounce of lime juice

• 1 ounce of agave syrup

• 1/2 ounce of water

Seal well and freeze. When you’re ready to serve, let the mixture sit out for 15-20 minutes until slushy, then pour into glasses. 

Want to go the traditional blended margarita route? Follow our frozen mango margarita recipe.

8. Watermelon margarita 

• Type of drink: Tequila cocktails

• Flavor profile: Sweet and refreshing

Watermelon is one of summer's signature fruits, making this margarita a fitting choice for Labor Day weekend. Blend 2 cups of cubed watermelon with 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of lime juice, 1 ounce of triple sec and a handful of ice until smooth. Garnish with a lime wedge or a small watermelon slice for an extra festive touch.

9. Aperol spritz 

• Type of drink: Wine cocktails

• Flavor profile: Refreshing and citrusy

An Aperol spritz is more than just refreshing — it’s a summer cocktail staple and super simple to make at home. This yummy cocktail is just three parts prosecco, two parts Aperol and one part soda water.

10. Bee's knees 

• Type of drink: Gin cocktails

• Flavor profile: Sweet and tart

The Bee’s knees is a Prohibition-era favorite and super easy to customize with different garnishes or add-ins. The basic version comes together quickly with some cocktail and pantry staples — you just need gin, lemon and honey. 

To make the honey syrup, combine equal parts honey and water, then microwave in small increments, stirring until the honey dissolves. To make a bee's knees cocktail, shake 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of lemon juice and 1/2 ounce of honey syrup in a cocktail shaker with some ice.

11. Tom Collins

• Type of drink: Gin cocktails

• Flavor profile: Refreshing and citrusy

There’s something for everyone in this classic cocktail. The lemon juice adds a hint of tartness, the simple syrup gives it sweetness and the soda water adds the fizz. 

To make a Tom Collins, just add 2 ounces of gin, 3/4 ounce of lemon juice and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Add some ice and club soda, then stir before serving.

12. Blue Hawaii 

• Type of drink: Rum cocktails

• Flavor profile: Sweet

Blue Hawaiis were invented in 1957 by a bartender, after a liquor rep requested a drink that used the new-at-the-time blue curaçao. More than half a century later, it’s still a well-loved drink and tastes great blended or over ice. 

To enjoy a blue Hawaii, use about 1 cup of ice, 2 ounces of pineapple juice, 1 ounce of light rum, 1 ounce of blue curaçao, 1 ounce of cream of coconut and blend it all together. 

13. Painkiller

• Type of drink: Rum cocktails

• Flavor profile: Sweet

Sweet and delicious, painkillers are an orangey twist on piña coladas and a great way to beat the heat. All you’ll need for this Tropical Bliss Painkiller is 4 ounces of pineapple juice, 2 ounces of dark rum, 1 ounce of orange juice and 1 ounce of cream of coconut. 

Garnish with some nutmeg, a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry to keep it classic.

14. Gin basil smash 

• Type of drink: Gin cocktails

• Flavor profile: Refreshing and herbal

If you like fresh, herbal drinks, gin cocktails are the way to go. All you need for this gin basil smash is some fresh basil to muddle (eight to 10 leaves per serving), 2 1/2 ounces of gin, 3/4 ounce of lemon juice and 3/4 ounce of simple syrup. 

Top with soda water if you’re looking for some fizz.

15. Singapore sling 

• Type of drink: Gin cocktails

• Flavor profile: Fruity and sweet

Considered the national drink of its namesake country, the Singapore sling is fruity and sweet with pineapple and cherry flavors. Just combine the following ingredients in a cocktail shaker:

• 4 ounces of pineapple juice

• 1 1/2 ounces of gin

• 1/3 ounce of grenadine

• 1/2 ounce of lime juice

• 1/2 ounce of cherry heering

• 1/4 ounce of triple sec

• 1/4 ounce of Bénédictine

• One dash bitters

Then serve over ice and enjoy!

16. Mai Tai

• Type of drink: Rum cocktails

• Flavor profile: Fruity and tropical

Bring tropical vacation vibes to your Labor Day celebration with a mai tai. Shake together 2 ounces of light rum, 1 ounce of orange curaçao, 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice and 1/2 ounce of orgeat syrup with ice, then strain over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig, or float a splash of dark rum on top for a richer finish.

17. Gelatin shots

• Type of drink: Vodka cocktails or mocktails

• Flavor profile: Varies

Liven up your Labor Day celebration with some themed gelatin shots in red and blue. To ensure your shots are set properly, replace about 1/2 a cup of the cold water from the gelatin-making process with about 1/2 a cup of vodka for each 3-ounce packet of gelatin.

Some popular alcoholic gelatin shot pairings include: 

• Watermelon gelatin and peach vodka

• Orange gelatin and orange vodka

• Cherry gelatin and whisky

• Blue raspberry gelatin and blue curaçao

• Pineapple gelatin, coconut and rum

If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, lemon-lime soda or flavored sparkling water makes a great substitute for most types of alcohol. Or you can use a fruit juice that complements the gelatin’s flavor, like pineapple, cranberry or orange.  

Big-batch pitcher cocktails for a crowd

18. Summer rosé sangria

• Type of drink:  Wine cocktails

• Flavor profile: Fruity and sweet

Garnished with mint sprigs and orange slices, this refreshing rosé sangria looks as nice as it tastes. Mix one bottle of rosé wine, 2 cups of sliced strawberries, 1/3 cup of brandy, a sliced half lemon, 2 cups of sparkling water, 2 teaspoons of sugar and a sliced orange. Make at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

19. Frosé 

• Type of drink: Wine cocktails

• Flavor profile: Sweet

A blended rosé drink is the perfect pitcher cocktail for warm weather. To make one, you’ll need a 750 mL bottle of rosé, 2 cups each of frozen strawberries and watermelon, 3 tablespoons of lime juice and 3 tablespoons of agave. Blend it all together and enjoy.

20. Rosé cucumber cooler 

• Type of drink:  Wine cocktails

• Flavor profile: Refreshing and sweet

For a rosé cucumber cooler, mix a 750 mL bottle of your favorite rosé wine with 1 cup of elderflower liqueur. Then add a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of citrus and some cucumber slices.

21. Bourbon sweet tea

• Type of drink:  Bourbon cocktails

• Flavor profile: Sweet

Sweet tea is a summer staple, so why not add some booze? This cocktail puts a boozy spin on an Arnold Palmer, the classic mix of iced tea and lemonade. All you need is your favorite sweet tea, some bourbon and lemon to throw together this batched bourbon cocktail. 

For the perfect pitcher of bourbon sweet tea, combine 7 cups of black iced tea, 1 cup of white sugar, ½ cup of lemon juice, 6 ounces of bourbon and 12 dashes of bitters. If you’d like, you can add some fresh ginger and mint to make it even more refreshing.

22. Rum punch

• Type of drink:  Rum cocktails

• Flavor profile: Fruity and tropical

Rum punch is easy to make in large batches, making it a great choice for Labor Day cookouts and backyard parties. In a pitcher, combine orange and pineapple juice, dark and light rum and grenadine. 

Then chill until you're ready to serve. When you’re ready, pour the mixture over ice and garnish with orange slices, pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries.

23. Lemon berry white wine slushies 

• Type of drink: Wine cocktails

• Flavor profile: Sweet and citrusy

This lemon berry white wine slushy recipe serves four to six and couldn’t be much simpler. Blend 16 ounces of frozen strawberries, 1 cup of lemonade, a 750 mL bottle of white wine and 1 cup of ice. Add extra lemonade to thin, if necessary.

Frozen Labor Day cocktails

24. Piña colada

• Type of drink: Cocktails

• Flavor profile: Sweet

To make a tropical piña colada, pineapple juice, cream of coconut and white rum with ice or frozen pineapple. Top it with a wedge of pineapple and a maraschino cherry for a cooling tropical drink you'll want to keep refilling.

25. Classic frozen margarita

• Type of drink: Tequila cocktails

• Flavor profile: Sweet and tart

This classic frozen margarita takes just five ingredients and is perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day. 

If you’re looking for a Labor Day mocktail, use a non-alcoholic spirit or limeade concentrate. Both produce delicious results that your guests will love.

26. Boozy strawberry daiquiri

• Type of drink: Rum cocktails

• Flavor profile: Sweet and tart

A strawberry daiquiri consists of just rum, strawberries and lime juice, so it’s perfect for making in large batches. Add some fresh basil or a lime garnish to make this drink stand out at any Labor Day gathering. 

We recommend muddling some fresh strawberries into your serving glasses for an extra vibrant treat.

27. Frozen peach bellini 

• Type of drink: Champagne cocktails

• Flavor profile: Sweet and fruity

Give the classic peach bellini a frozen twist that's perfect for warm Labor Day afternoons. Blend 2 cups of frozen peach slices with 1 cup of peach nectar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until smooth, then divide into glasses and top with chilled prosecco. Garnish with a fresh peach slice or a raspberry for an easy finishing touch.

Non-alcoholic Labor Day drinks

28. Non-alcoholic sangria 

• Type of drink: Mocktails

• Flavor profile: Varies

Red or white grape juice is a natural substitute for wine in this non-alcoholic sangria recipe. Just add 750 mL of sparkling grape juice, 1/2 cup of pomegranate juice, a sliced nectarine, 1 cup of blueberries, 1 1/2 cups of soda water and ice to a pitcher.

29. Mango mule mocktail

• Type of drink: Mocktails

• Flavor profile: Sweet and refreshing

The great thing about Moscow mules is that they’re super easy to make without alcohol. To make a mango mule mocktail, muddle five slices of cucumber and some sprigs of mint in a cocktail shaker. Then add ice, 2 ounces of ginger ale, 1 1/2 ounces of lime juice, 1 1/2 ounces of simple syrup and 1 1/2 ounces of mango syrup. 

Shake it up and enjoy your Labor Day mocktail over ice.

30. Blue lagoon mocktail

• Type of drink: Mocktails

• Flavor profile: Sweet

Bring the ocean to you this summer by whipping up a refreshing Blue Lagoon mocktail. Made with curaçao-flavored syrup, this blue mocktail surprisingly tastes of summer oranges. 

Just combine 12 ounces of your soda, 1/4 cup of blue curaçao syrup and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice over ice.

31. Sparkling peach lemonade 

• Type of drink: Mocktails

• Flavor profile: Sweet and refreshing

Sweet peaches and tart lemonade make a refreshing combination for late summer celebrations. Stir together 2 cups of peach nectar, 2 cups of lemonade and 2 cups of sparkling water in a pitcher, then serve over ice. Garnish with fresh peach slices, lemon wheels or mint for a colorful finishing touch.

Tips for serving cocktails at your Labor Day party

The right presentation can make your Labor Day cocktails even more enjoyable while helping your gathering run smoothly. A little prep ahead of time means you'll spend less time mixing drinks and more time enjoying the holiday with your guests.

• Make drinks ahead when possible: Batch cocktails in pitchers or drink dispensers, then refrigerate them until guests arrive.

• Set up a garnish station: Offer sliced citrus, fresh herbs, berries and cocktail cherries so guests can customize their drinks.

• Keep plenty of ice on hand: Fill coolers or ice buckets before the party so you don't run out as the day warms up.

• Label each drink: Small signs make it easy for guests to identify cocktails, mocktails and common allergens or ingredients.

• Offer non-alcoholic options: Include mocktails, sparkling water and lemonade so everyone has something festive to enjoy.

• Use sturdy outdoor drinkware: Shatter-resistant cups or reusable plastic glasses are easier to manage at picnics, cookouts and pool parties.

• Keep drinks chilled: Store pitchers in coolers or tubs filled with ice and replenish them as needed throughout the day.

• Pair drinks with your menu: Bright citrus cocktails complement grilled seafood and chicken, while bourbon and rum drinks pair well with burgers, barbecue and smoky dishes.

Stock up and toast to the end of summer with Instacart

Once you know which Labor Day cocktails you want to serve, it’s time to stock up on everything you need to make them. With a range of fresh fruit, mixers, spirits, ice and garnishes, Instacart makes it easy to order party essentials.

Pair your drinks with easy picnic and cookout favorites to keep your guests full throughout the party.