You’re here because you want to make better drinks while camping. Good news: it’s much easier than you think. Forget packing a dozen bottles, a shaker, and a set of fancy glasses. This guide is your blueprint for creating amazing cocktails with just a few key items and a little bit of prep work at home. We’re going to cover everything from how to safely pack your spirits to batching drinks for a crowd. Get ready to explore some of our favorite, no-fuss camping cocktail recipes that will make you the hero of your next outdoor adventure.
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</div>Key Takeaways
- Simplify Your Bar with Smart Packing: Instead of hauling heavy glass, transfer your Mash & Mallow into a lightweight flask or reusable bottle. This lightens your pack, prevents breaks, and makes pouring drinks on the trail much easier.
- Batch Your Drinks Before You Go: Mix a large jug of your favorite cocktail at home so it’s ready to pour over ice at the campsite. This saves you from packing multiple ingredients and lets you spend less time playing bartender.
- Choose Versatile, Simple Recipes: Stick to easy recipes that work for any forecast. A versatile spirit is perfect for a refreshing Whiskey Ginger on a warm day or a cozy S’mores Hot Chocolate on a cool night.
Your Camping Cocktail Toolkit
Making great cocktails in the great outdoors doesn’t require a full bar cart. With a little planning, you can easily pack everything you need for delicious drinks by the fire. The key is to think smart, light, and multi-purpose. A well-prepared toolkit means less time fumbling with gear and more time enjoying the sunset with a perfect drink in hand. Let’s get your camp bar set up for success.
Packable Spirits
First things first: leave the heavy glass bottles at home. They’re bulky, breakable, and add unnecessary weight to your pack. Instead, transfer your spirits into a lightweight, reusable container. A flexible flask, bladder, or a sturdy water bottle works perfectly for this. Before you head out, simply pour your bottle of Mash & Mallow into your chosen vessel. This simple swap saves a surprising amount of space and ensures your precious cargo arrives safely. Plus, when it’s empty, you can just collapse it or roll it up, making the hike out a little bit lighter.
Essential Mixers and Garnishes
When it comes to mixers, think simple and concentrated. Powdered drink mixes are your best friend—lemonade, iced tea, or even instant espresso powder can add a ton of flavor without the weight of canned or bottled mixers. You can also get creative with what you already have. The orange peel from your afternoon snack makes a fantastic garnish for an Old Fashioned. A few berries from your trail mix can add a fresh twist to a simple whiskey and water. This approach not only lightens your load but also cuts down on waste.
Lightweight Bar Tools
You don’t need a full set of bar tools to craft a great camping cocktail. A durable, insulated mug can double as a shaker, and a long-handled spoon or even a clean stick can work for stirring. If you’re camping with friends, consider batching your drinks ahead of time. Mix up a large jug of your favorite recipe from our cocktails page and simply pour over ice at the campsite. This saves you from playing bartender all night. Pack everything in a small, dedicated bag to keep it organized and easy to find when cocktail hour strikes.
Our Favorite Easy Camping Cocktails
After a long day of hiking, there’s nothing better than kicking back by the fire with a well-deserved drink. But you don’t want to be stuck playing bartender with a complicated recipe when you could be relaxing. The best camping cocktails are simple, require minimal gear, and taste like a treat. Think two- or three-ingredient wonders that are easy to batch, pour, and enjoy.
The key is to choose drinks that work with the limitations of the outdoors. You want recipes that don’t need a shaker, a strainer, or a dozen different bitters. From batch-friendly margaritas to a campfire-ready twist on the Old Fashioned, these drinks prove you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for convenience. We’ve gathered some of our go-to recipes that are perfect for your next trip, and you can always find more inspiration for creative cocktails to try at home or on the trail.
Mash & Mallow S’mores Old Fashioned
This is the ultimate campfire cocktail. It takes a timeless classic and gives it a cozy, nostalgic twist that’s perfect for sipping under the stars. By using Mash & Mallow S’mores Whiskey, you get all the complex flavors of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker infused right into the spirit. Just combine 2 oz. of Mash & Mallow with a splash of maple syrup and a few dashes of chocolate bitters over ice. The best part? The garnish is a toasted marshmallow, which you can char to perfection right over the campfire. It’s a simple way to create a sophisticated drink with minimal effort.
Classic Gin and Tonic
You can’t go wrong with a Gin and Tonic. It’s crisp, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make at the campsite. This drink is especially great for warm afternoons or after a strenuous hike. All you need to pack is your favorite gin, a few small cans of tonic water, and a lime. The canned tonic is key here—it saves space and ensures you have fresh fizz for every drink. Just pour over ice in your favorite camp mug, squeeze in a lime wedge, and you’re all set. It’s a simple, no-fuss classic for a reason.
Spiked Lemonade
When it comes to effortless camping drinks, spiked lemonade is a top contender. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for sunny days and requires almost no prep. You can bring a bottle of pre-made lemonade or a powdered mix to save on weight and space. Simply mix the lemonade with your vodka of choice, and you have an instant cocktail. It’s easy to adjust the strength to your liking and serves as a great base if you want to get creative by adding muddled berries or a sprig of mint you foraged nearby (safely, of course!).
Campfire Mojito
A mojito might sound too ambitious for a camping trip, but with a little prep, it’s surprisingly easy. The secret is to make a batch before you even leave the house. In a large, sealed container, muddle fresh mint leaves and lime wedges with a bit of sugar. Add your rum, top it off with soda water, and seal it tight. When you get to the campsite, all you have to do is pour it over ice. It’s a fantastic way to serve a fun, refreshing drink to a group without having to pack a muddler and other bar tools.
Whiskey Ginger
The Whiskey Ginger is a go-to for its straightforward simplicity. It’s a classic two-ingredient cocktail that delivers every time. Just mix whiskey with ginger ale or ginger beer, and you’re done. This drink is especially good for camping because it doesn’t require any fresh garnishes or special equipment. For a delicious twist, try it with Mash & Mallow S’mores Whiskey. The warm, sweet notes of chocolate and marshmallow pair beautifully with the spicy kick of ginger, creating a uniquely satisfying fireside drink that feels like a special treat.
Vodka Cranberry Splash
If you’re looking for a light, easy-sipping drink, the Vodka Cranberry is a perfect choice. It’s one of the simplest camping cocktail recipes out there, needing only two main ingredients that are easy to pack and pour. Just combine vodka and cranberry juice over ice, and if you’re feeling fancy, add a squeeze of lime. This drink is ideal for campers who want to keep their cooler light and their drink prep to an absolute minimum. It’s a reliable and refreshing option that never fails to hit the spot after a day outdoors.
Dirty Shirley
Bring a bit of fun and nostalgia to your campsite with a Dirty Shirley. This grown-up version of the childhood favorite is as simple as it is delicious. Just mix vodka with lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7-Up) and add a splash of grenadine for that classic pink hue. Garnish with a maraschino cherry to complete the look. It’s also a great option for camping with a mixed group, as you can easily make a non-alcoholic version for kids or anyone who isn’t drinking. It’s a sweet, bubbly, and fun cocktail for any gathering.
Pomegranate Margarita
A margarita at the campsite? Absolutely. The key to a hassle-free camp margarita is batching it ahead of time. Before your trip, mix tequila, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and a touch of agave or simple syrup in a large pitcher or jug. This pre-mixed batch can be stored in your cooler, ready to pour over ice as soon as you’ve set up your tent. The pomegranate adds a tart, complex flavor that makes the drink feel a little more special than your standard margarita, and having it ready to go means more time enjoying the view.
How to Prep and Store Cocktails Before You Go
A little prep work at home can make a world of difference at the campsite. Instead of fumbling with shakers, jiggers, and multiple bottles in the dark, you can have a delicious, well-made cocktail ready in seconds. Pre-mixing your drinks not only saves you from packing a full bar but also minimizes cleanup and lets you spend more time enjoying the campfire.
Whether you’re making drinks for the whole crew or just a few for yourself, preparing them beforehand is a pro move. You can create a large batch of one signature drink or portion out a variety of single-serving cocktails so everyone gets what they want. The key is to think about how you’ll mix, transport, and serve your drinks before you even pack your tent. With the right strategy, you’ll be sipping a perfectly chilled cocktail while your friends are still searching for their bottle opener. This approach lets you bring more complex and interesting drinks to the woods without hauling your entire home bar along for the ride.
Batching for a Crowd
If you’re camping with friends, making a big batch of one cocktail is the easiest way to serve a group. This works especially well for spirit-forward drinks that don’t require last-minute bubbly toppers. Simply scale up your favorite recipe, mix it in a large pitcher or jug at home, and you’re set. This method ensures every drink is consistent and saves you from playing bartender all night. A batched S’mores Old Fashioned, for example, can be mixed and stored in a large, sealed container. Just pour over ice at the campsite and serve. Learning how to properly batch cocktails will make you the hero of any group trip.
Pre-portion Individual Drinks
For solo trips or when your group has different tastes, pre-portioning individual cocktails is the way to go. Mix and strain each drink at home, then pour them into small, leak-proof bottles or jars. This grab-and-go approach is perfect for having a trailside drink ready at a moment’s notice. It also lets you bring a few different options without packing full-sized bottles of every ingredient. You can label each container so you know exactly what’s inside. Small, reusable plastic bottles or stainless steel flasks are great for this, as they won’t break in your pack. This is one of the best make-ahead strategies for easy campsite entertaining.
Use Lightweight, Reusable Containers
Leave the heavy glass bottles at home. They’re bulky, heavy, and can easily break. Instead, transfer your spirits and batched cocktails into lightweight, durable containers. A classic stainless steel flask is perfect for sipping whiskey neat, while larger Nalgene-style bottles work well for pre-mixed drinks. For backpackers looking to save every ounce and inch of space, a collapsible bladder or water bottle is an excellent choice. You can pour your Mash & Mallow into one, and as you drink it, the bladder collapses, freeing up valuable room in your pack for the hike out. This simple swap makes your bar setup much easier to carry and manage.
Cocktails for Any Camping Weather
One of the best parts of camping is that you have to be ready for anything—and that includes the weather. A sunny afternoon can quickly turn into a chilly evening, so your drink menu should be just as adaptable as your packing list. Having a few recipes up your sleeve for both hot and cool temperatures means you’ll always have the perfect drink to match the moment. Whether you’re looking to cool down after a long hike or warm up by a crackling fire, the right cocktail can make your outdoor adventure even more memorable. A versatile spirit like our S’mores Whiskey is a great foundation, as its sweet and smoky notes work beautifully in both chilled and heated drinks. Think about it: that same bottle can be used for a refreshing, iced cocktail during the day and a rich, warm hot chocolate at night. Planning for both possibilities ensures you’re never caught off guard. It’s all about simple, smart preparation so you can spend less time worrying about what to make and more time soaking in the scenery. Let’s get you prepared for any forecast with some easy ideas.
Refreshing Drinks for Hot Days
When the sun is high and you’re kicking back in your camp chair, nothing beats a cold, refreshing drink. The key is to keep it simple, since you probably don’t have a full bar at your disposal. Think easy-to-pack ingredients and minimal prep. A classic Spiked Lemonade is always a winner—just mix your favorite lemonade with a shot of whiskey or vodka for an instant upgrade. If you prefer something with a little fizz, pack a few cans of ginger ale or tonic water. A simple mix of whiskey and ginger ale with a squeeze of lime is one of the most refreshing cocktails you can make. These drinks are perfect for sipping while you set up camp or relax after a day of exploring.
Warmers for Cool Evenings
As soon as the sun dips below the horizon, the temperature in the great outdoors can drop fast. This is your cue to switch to something that will warm you from the inside out. A steaming mug is the perfect accessory for a night of stargazing and campfire stories. You can’t go wrong with a classic Hot Toddy, made with hot water, honey, lemon, and a generous pour of whiskey. For something even more comforting, try mixing whiskey into hot apple cider. The combination of warm spice and smooth whiskey is pure coziness in a cup. These drinks don’t just take the chill off; they create a sense of comfort and turn a cool night into a highlight of your trip.
Go-To Drinks for Any Forecast
Sometimes the weather is just… weather. Not too hot, not too cold, but just right. For those in-between moments, you need a reliable, all-purpose cocktail that always hits the spot. A simple Whiskey Ginger or a classic Old Fashioned are fantastic choices that work in any season. These drinks are balanced, flavorful, and don’t require extreme temperatures to be enjoyed. The best part about these go-to recipes is that they are perfect for batching ahead of time. You can mix up a large container before you leave home, making campsite prep as easy as pouring it over ice. Having a pre-made cocktail ready to go means less time mixing and more time enjoying the view.
Hot Cocktails to Sip by the Fire
As the sun sets and a chill settles in the air, nothing beats the warmth of a crackling campfire and a hot drink in your hands. Forget plain old tea or coffee—a warm cocktail is the perfect way to end a day of adventure. These simple recipes use easy-to-pack ingredients to create comforting drinks that will keep you cozy under the stars. They’re the perfect companions for sharing stories and making memories around the fire.
S’mores Whiskey Hot Chocolate
This is the ultimate campfire indulgence and couldn’t be easier to make. Simply prepare your favorite hot chocolate—whether from a packet or your own homemade mix—and stir in a generous splash of Mash & Mallow S’mores Whiskey. The rich notes of chocolate, toasted marshmallow, and graham cracker blend perfectly with the creamy cocoa for a decadent treat. For the full experience, top it with a few mini marshmallows and let the heat from the drink make them soft and gooey. It’s everything you love about the classic campfire dessert, right in your mug.
Hot Apple Cider with Whiskey
Warm, spiced, and incredibly comforting, a hot apple cider with whiskey is like a hug in a mug. You can easily make this at the campsite by gently heating up some spiced apple cider in a pot over the fire or on a camp stove. Once it’s steaming, pour it into your mug and add a shot of whiskey. While any whiskey works, the sweet, toasty notes of Mash & Mallow add a delicious s’mores-like finish that complements the apple and cinnamon flavors beautifully. It’s a simple, soothing drink perfect for a crisp autumn evening.
Campfire Hot Toddy
The Hot Toddy is a timeless cold-weather classic for a reason. It’s simple, soothing, and warms you from the inside out. To make one at your campsite, you just need hot water, whiskey, a spoonful of honey, and a squeeze of lemon. All the ingredients are easy to pack and the result is a wonderfully balanced drink that’s both relaxing and restorative. This classic nightcap is perfect for winding down after a long hike or just enjoying a quiet moment by the fire before turning in for the night.
Peanut Butter Whiskey Hot Chocolate
If you’re looking for a fun and unique twist on a fireside favorite, give a Peanut Butter Whiskey Hot Chocolate a try. This drink combines the salty-sweet flavor of peanut butter whiskey with rich, creamy hot chocolate for a truly decadent treat. It’s like a liquid peanut butter cup, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. While you’re experimenting with flavored hot chocolates, don’t forget that the toasted marshmallow and chocolate notes in Mash & Mallow offer another delicious way to get creative with your go-to campfire cocoa.
How to Serve Cocktails at the Campsite
Just because you’re in the great outdoors doesn’t mean you have to drink your cocktail straight from the flask—unless you want to, of course. Creating a pleasant sipping experience is part of the fun. With a little bit of prep, you can serve drinks that feel special, even when you’re miles from the nearest bar. It’s all about using what you have and keeping things simple. A well-served drink, like our S’mores Whiskey Hot Chocolate, just tastes better by the fire. Setting up a simple station and using the right gear makes happy hour the easiest part of your day.
Durable and Portable Drinkware
First rule of campsite cocktails: leave the glass at home. It’s heavy, breakable, and just not practical for a camping trip. Instead, opt for drinkware that can handle being tossed in a pack. Insulated stainless steel tumblers are fantastic because they work for both hot and cold drinks, keeping your cocktail chilled or your hot toddy steaming. Enamel mugs are a classic, lightweight choice that adds a rustic vibe. Many camping cocktails “are great for sipping from plastic cups.” High-quality, reusable plastic cups are a great, no-fuss option, especially for a group. Find some sturdy camping mugs that fit your style.
Nature-Inspired Garnishes
A good garnish can make a simple drink feel a little more polished. Out in nature, you have a whole new set of materials to work with. Get creative and use what’s already in your pack to minimize waste. You can “reuse snacks like orange peels or berries from your trail mix as garnishes.” A sprig of pine or a fresh wildflower can also look beautiful, just be absolutely certain you can identify any wild plants before you put them in your drink. Even a toasted marshmallow on a stick makes a perfect, on-theme garnish for any cocktail made with Mash & Mallow.
Set Up a Campsite Drink Station
Designate a small area for all your cocktail-making activities. This keeps everything organized and prevents sticky spills inside your tent. A flat-topped cooler, a corner of the picnic table, or a small folding camp table works perfectly. Lay out your bottle of Mash & Mallow, mixers, tools, and cups so everything is within reach. If you’re camping with friends, “making a large batch beforehand in a jug can be helpful.” This way, everyone can easily pour their own drink, and you can spend more time relaxing instead of playing bartender all night.
Pack Like a Pro: Getting Your Bar to Camp
A great cocktail by the fire is one of camping’s best little luxuries. But nobody wants to haul a heavy, clinking bag of bar supplies up a trail. The key is to pack smart, not hard. With a few simple tricks, you can bring everything you need for delicious campsite drinks without weighing yourself down or worrying about spills. It’s all about being strategic with your containers, ingredients, and how you arrange them in your pack.
How to Safely Pack Bottles and Liquids
Glass bottles are heavy and fragile—two things you don’t want in a backpack. Before you leave, pour your Mash & Mallow into a more trail-friendly container. A sturdy, lightweight flask is a classic choice, but you can also use a clean water bottle or a collapsible bladder. As a bonus, these bladders save space in your pack on the way home once they’re empty. This simple swap makes a huge difference in your pack’s weight and gives you peace of mind knowing your precious whiskey is safe and sound.
Keep Your Pack Balanced
A well-balanced pack is a happy pack (and a happy back). To keep your load from shifting, think multi-purpose. Can your morning coffee double as an ingredient for a whiskey cocktail? Can the lemon for your hot toddy also garnish another drink? Try to consolidate all your smaller cocktail items—like bitters, simple syrup, and garnishes—into one small, organized kit. Planning which camping cocktails you’ll make ahead of time is a great way to ensure you only bring what you absolutely need. This keeps your supplies compact and helps distribute weight evenly for a more comfortable hike.
Prevent Spills on the Trail
There’s nothing worse than opening your pack to find your sleeping bag has been marinating in whiskey all day. To avoid a sticky situation, prevention is key. Once you’ve transferred your spirits into a travel container, double-check that the lid is screwed on as tightly as possible. For extra insurance, you can wrap the threads with a little plumber’s tape before sealing. I also like to place all my liquid containers inside a zip-top bag. That way, if a leak does happen, the mess is contained. A little prep work goes a long way in protecting both your gear and your happy hour.
Stay Safe While You Sip
A delicious cocktail next to a crackling fire is one of camping’s greatest pleasures. But enjoying a drink in the great outdoors comes with its own set of rules. The goal is to have a fantastic, memorable trip for all the right reasons. A little bit of planning and mindfulness goes a long way in making sure your cocktail hour is fun, relaxing, and completely safe for you, your friends, and the environment around you.
Drink Responsibly in the Wild
It’s easy to get carried away with the good vibes, but the wilderness isn’t the place to overdo it. One of the smartest tips for drinking while camping is to be selective about what you bring. Instead of packing a full bar, decide ahead of time how much you plan to drink and only bring that amount. This simple step helps you pace yourself and ensures you stay clear-headed enough to handle any situation that might pop up, whether it’s navigating back to your tent in the dark or dealing with a sudden change in weather. It’s about enjoying the moment without compromising safety.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
Camping often involves hiking, swimming, and sitting in the sun—all things that can dehydrate you. Add alcohol to the mix, and it becomes even more important to drink water. Make it a rule to have a glass of water for every cocktail you enjoy. This is especially crucial if you’re camping at higher elevations where your body is already working harder. Pairing your drinks for camping with hearty campfire meals and snacks is also a great move. Having food in your stomach helps slow the absorption of alcohol, keeping you feeling good throughout the evening.
Be Mindful of Wildlife and Fire
Enjoying a drink can make you feel relaxed, but it’s important to keep your wits about you. You’re sharing the space with wildlife, so always secure your food, trash, and sweet-smelling mixers to avoid attracting any curious critters to your campsite. The same goes for fire safety. A campfire is mesmerizing, but it demands respect. Always maintain a safe distance, never leave it unattended, and make sure it’s completely extinguished before you turn in for the night. Being a cautious and respectful camper ensures the wilderness stays wild and you stay safe.
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</div>Frequently Asked Questions
I’m new to this. What’s the absolute easiest way to make a good camping cocktail? The simplest approach is a two-ingredient drink. You can’t go wrong with mixing Mash & Mallow with ginger ale or adding it to a mug of hot chocolate. If you want something slightly more involved without the fuss, mix a larger batch of a simple cocktail like an Old Fashioned at home. Just pour it into a sealed jug, and when you get to the campsite, all you have to do is pour it over ice.
What’s the best way to pack my whiskey so it doesn’t leak or break? Definitely leave the original glass bottle at home. Your best bet is to pour your whiskey into a lightweight, shatterproof container before you go. A classic stainless steel flask, a sturdy Nalgene-style bottle, or a collapsible water bladder are all excellent choices. For extra peace of mind, I always place my liquid containers inside a zip-top bag to contain any potential spills.
Can I just mix all my cocktails before I even leave for my trip? Absolutely! Pre-mixing is a game-changer for camping. You can either create a large batch of one signature drink in a sealed jug for easy group serving or portion out individual cocktails into smaller, leak-proof bottles. This saves you from packing multiple ingredients and tools, and it means a perfectly crafted drink is ready the moment you are.
Is Mash & Mallow S’mores Whiskey only good for sweet or hot drinks? While it makes an incredible S’mores Hot Chocolate, it’s surprisingly versatile. The warm, toasty notes work beautifully in classic chilled cocktails, especially a S’mores Old Fashioned. It also pairs wonderfully with the spicy kick of ginger ale for a refreshing highball. Think of it as a whiskey with a unique character that can add a fun twist to many different kinds of drinks, hot or cold.
How do you keep drinks cold at the campsite without a giant cooler full of ice? A few smart tricks can help. Start by chilling all your ingredients before you pack them. Use insulated tumblers for serving, as they keep drinks cold for much longer than a standard cup. You can also freeze large water bottles to use as ice packs in your cooler. They’ll keep everything cold, and as they melt, you’ll have extra drinking water.
