Five Portable Cocktails Perfect For the Great Outdoors
The United States is home to amazing landscapes, from our many national parks to our lakes, rivers, and canyons. It’s no wonder so many of us love to get outside to explore the great outdoors. In Tennessee, we love escaping to the Great Smoky Mountains for a break from day-to-day life.
Whether you’re setting up camp in a forest or prefer a more sedate picnic in your local park, a refreshing cocktail is essential to the itinerary. But not all liquids travel well, and not all cocktails can be made in advance. We feel that no camping trip should be without your favorite drink, so these are our recommendations for the best portable cocktails for your next outdoor adventure.
Our Top Five Cocktails For the Outdoors
Choose your favorite, or try all five. These cocktails will keep the party going through to fall.
1. Mason Jar Margaritas
This classic will help you get in touch with your wild side.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Ice
- Lime wedges for garnish
Combine the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup in a mason jar. Fill the jar with ice, secure the lid, and shake well. When serving, Garnish the jar with a lime wedge.
2. Canned Paloma
Mexico’s signature drink will taste just as good around your campfire.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 4 oz grapefruit soda
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Ice
- Grapefruit slices for garnish
Pour the tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice into a canning jar or reusable can. Add ice and stir gently. Garnish with a grapefruit slice when serving.
If your can isn’t resealable, you can make this cocktail in a mason jar—it’s just as good!
3. Pre-mixed Mojitos
Cool and zesty, the ultimate pick-me-up after a day in the sun.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Cal F. Johnson Silver Rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Fresh mint leaves
- Soda water
- Ice
- Lime wedges and mint for garnish
Muddle mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup in a sealable bottle. Add rum and ice, then top it up with soda water. Secure the lid and shake gently. When serving, garnish with lime wedges and mint leaves.
4. Sangria To-Go
If you can’t visit Spain, bring Spain to you.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 1/2 cup Old Tennessee Premium Apple Brandy
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
- Sliced oranges, lemons, and berries
- Ice
Combine wine, brandy, orange liqueur, orange juice, and simple syrup in a large pitcher.
Add sliced fruits and stir. Fill individual mason jars or reusable bottles with ice, then pour in the sangria mixture. Secure the lids and refrigerate the jars until ready to go.
5. Portable Pina Coladas
Chances are you’ll be caught in the rain, so you might as well enjoy a pina colada while you wait it out!
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Cal F. Johnson Coconut Rum
- 1 oz coconut cream
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- Ice
- Pineapple slices for garnish
Blend your rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice with ice until smooth. Pour the mixture into a sealable bottle or thermos. Garnish with a pineapple slice when serving.
So, pack your cooler with your pre-prepared garnishes and pre-mixed cocktails, and you’ll be ready for this summer’s great adventure.
Looking for more cocktail ideas? We’ve compiled a list of our best cocktails for an unforgettable summer party.
Buy Your Cocktail Ingredients
Stop by our distillery in East Tennessee to stock up on spirits, including award-winning gin, rum, and whiskey, and if you don’t have time to make your own cocktails, try out our famous moonshine!
