If you think that craft cocktails are only for fancy bars, think again. Some of the best drinks I’ve ever had were mixed right at a campsite, with the smell of pine in the air. It’s all about embracing simplicity and getting a little creative. A well-made drink can turn a regular evening under the stars into a core memory. This guide is designed to help you do just that. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from essential gear to pro packing hacks. Most importantly, we’ll share our top ten recipes for easy camping cocktails that will make you the hero of your next trip, proving that a great adventure deserves a great drink to go with it.
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</div>Key Takeaways
- Prep Ahead for More Campfire Time: The best camping cocktails are made before you even leave. Batching drinks and prepping ingredients at home means less work at the campsite and more time relaxing.
- Embrace a Minimalist Bar Kit: You don’t need to haul your entire bar cart into the woods. A flask of Mash & Mallow, a lidded jar for shaking, and insulated mugs are the only essentials for making great drinks outdoors.
- Prioritize Temperature from Start to Finish: Use block ice in your cooler for long-lasting chill and serve drinks in insulated cups. This simple strategy ensures every cocktail stays perfectly cold (or hot) from the first sip to the last.
What Makes a Great Camping Cocktail?
Enjoying a great cocktail around a campfire shouldn’t be complicated. In fact, the best camping cocktails are all about simplicity. You don’t need a full bar cart or fancy techniques to craft a delicious drink in the great outdoors. The secret is a little bit of planning, some smart packing, and focusing on recipes that are easy to assemble once you’re settled at your campsite. A great camping cocktail uses minimal gear, relies on ingredients that travel well, and, most importantly, adds a little something special to your outdoor adventure without adding stress. It’s the perfect reward after a day of hiking or setting up your tent.
Think of it as front-loading the effort so you can relax and enjoy the moment. By prepping ingredients at home and choosing the right tools, you can spend less time mixing and more time soaking in the scenery. Whether you’re batching a big jug of a crowd-pleaser or shaking up a single serving in a mason jar, the goal is a fantastic drink with zero fuss. It’s about making your time outdoors even more memorable, one delicious sip at a time. Let’s get into what you’ll need to make it happen.
Gather Your Gear: Tools and Ingredients
You can absolutely make great drinks while camping without hauling your entire home bar into the woods. The key is to pack multi-purpose items. A lidded mason jar or an insulated water bottle works perfectly as a cocktail shaker. Instead of full-sized bottles, opt for smaller “mini” bottles of spirits or transfer your Mash & Mallow into a smaller flask to save space and weight. For mixers, canned sodas and juices are much easier to pack than large bottles. Think light, simple, and resourceful. Your camping cocktail kit should be efficient and easy to carry, leaving more room for the essentials.
Keep It Cool: Storage and Temperature 101
Nothing ruins a refreshing drink faster than lukewarm ingredients. A quality insulated cooler is your best friend for keeping mixers, garnishes, and ice perfectly chilled. For an even better experience, use insulated camping mugs to keep your cold drinks cold and your hot toddies hot long after they’re poured. A pro tip is to pre-chill all your beverages and mixers before they even go into the cooler. This helps your ice last longer and ensures every drink you pour is crisp and cool from the first sip to the last, no matter how far from a freezer you are.
Plan Ahead for Better Drinks
The single best thing you can do for your camping cocktail game is to prepare as much as possible before you leave home. Batching is a total game-changer. You can mix a large jug of your favorite cocktail, like a sangria or a margarita, and simply pour it over ice at the campsite. This saves you from having to measure and mix ingredients in the dark. You can even find cocktail recipes that are perfect for making ahead of time. Pre-cutting garnishes like lemon or lime wedges and storing them in a small container also makes a huge difference. A little prep work at home means more time enjoying the campfire.
10 Easy Cocktails for Your Next Camping Trip
Forget settling for lukewarm drinks on your next outdoor adventure. With a little planning, you can enjoy delicious, well-crafted cocktails by the campfire. These ten recipes are designed for simplicity and portability, using minimal gear and easy-to-pack ingredients. They prove you don’t need a fully stocked bar to make something special. From whiskey warmers to refreshing coolers, there’s something here to make your next trip even more memorable. Many of these drinks can be partially prepped at home, saving you time and effort once you’re surrounded by nature. So, grab your favorite insulated cup and get ready to try some new cocktail recipes that are perfectly suited for the great outdoors.
1. S’mores Old Fashioned (featuring Mash & Mallow)
This is the ultimate campfire cocktail. It takes the classic Old Fashioned and gives it a sweet, nostalgic twist using Mash & Mallow S’mores Whiskey. Just combine our whiskey with a dash of bitters and a large ice cube in your favorite camping mug. For the full experience, garnish with a toasted marshmallow speared on a small twig. It’s a simple way to bring the authentic taste of s’mores to your favorite drink without any of the mess.
2. Campfire Mule
A smoky twist on the Moscow Mule, this drink is incredibly refreshing after a long day of hiking. The recipe is simple: mix vodka, spicy ginger beer, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. The real magic happens when you garnish it with a lightly toasted marshmallow, which adds a hint of campfire smoke to every sip. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and fun to drink, especially out of a classic copper or enamel mug.
3. Forest Berry Mojito
Use the flavors of the forest to build a better mojito. Muddle fresh mint, lime, and whatever berries you have on hand (blackberries or raspberries work great) before adding your favorite light rum and a splash of soda water. This vibrant, fruity cocktail is a fantastic way to cool down on a warm afternoon at the campsite. If you want to prep ahead, you can make a berry and mint syrup at home to bring with you.
4. Mountain Sunrise Margarita
Who says you can’t have a great margarita in the middle of nowhere? This simplified version uses just three ingredients: tequila, limeade, and a splash of orange juice for that sunrise color. You can easily pre-mix a large batch before you leave home, so all you have to do at the campsite is shake it with ice and pour. It’s a bright, zesty drink that’s perfect for sipping as the sun goes down.
5. Trail Mix Manhattan
This cocktail brings a sophisticated classic to the great outdoors. The concept is simple: a standard Manhattan made with whiskey and sweet vermouth gets a rustic twist. You can achieve this by infusing your whiskey with nuts and dried fruit ahead of time or simply garnishing the finished drink with a few choice pieces from your trail mix—think dried cherries and a single almond. It’s an unexpected and delicious take on a timeless drink.
6. Fireside Hot Toddy
There’s nothing better than a warm drink on a chilly night under the stars. The Hot Toddy is a timeless camping cocktail for a reason. Just combine whiskey (Mash & Mallow works beautifully here), honey, and lemon juice in a mug and top it off with hot water from your kettle. It’s the perfect, soothing nightcap to sip while you watch the fire burn down. You can even add a cinnamon stick for extra warmth and flavor.
7. Moonlight Kalimotxo
If you’re looking for the easiest cocktail imaginable, meet the Kalimotxo. This popular Spanish drink is a simple, two-ingredient mix of equal parts red wine and cola. It sounds unusual, but the combination is surprisingly refreshing and delicious, with the cola’s sweetness balancing the wine’s tannins. It requires zero special equipment and is perfect for a low-key evening when you want something tasty without any effort.
8. Dark ‘N’ Stormy
This classic highball is a fantastic camping option because it’s so straightforward. All you need is dark rum and spicy ginger beer, served over ice with a wedge of lime. The bold flavors are invigorating, making it a great drink to enjoy as the sun sets. It’s a simple recipe that always delivers a satisfying kick. For the best results, use a good quality ginger beer with a strong, spicy bite.
9. Wilderness Hot Chocolate
Upgrade your standard campfire hot chocolate by turning it into a grown-up treat. Just prepare your favorite hot cocoa and stir in a shot of your spirit of choice. Bourbon, peppermint schnapps, or a flavored liqueur all work well, but adding Mash & Mallow S’mores Whiskey creates an incredibly rich and decadent dessert drink. Top it with mini marshmallows for the full effect.
10. Backpacker’s Sangria
Sangria is the perfect batch cocktail for sharing with your camping crew. Before you head out, combine a bottle of red wine with some sliced oranges, apples, and a splash of brandy or orange liqueur in a durable, sealed container. Let the flavors meld in the cooler, and by the time you’re ready to drink, you’ll have a delicious, fruit-infused cocktail ready to pour. It’s a great way to leave no trace by using up fruit before it goes bad.
Prep and Pack Like a Pro
A little planning before you leave home makes all the difference. The goal is to spend more time enjoying the fire and less time fumbling with bottles and measuring cups. With a few simple strategies, you can have delicious cocktails ready in minutes, giving you more time to soak in the scenery. These tips will help you streamline your process so you can feel like a seasoned camp bartender without hauling your entire home bar into the woods.
Mix Your Cocktails Before You Go
One of the best things you can do is batch your cocktails ahead of time. For any drink that doesn’t include carbonated ingredients, mix everything at home and pour it into a reusable bottle or flask. This means you won’t have to pack multiple liquor bottles, bitters, or syrups. When you’re ready for a drink, just pour the pre-made mix over ice, add any bubbly toppers like soda water, and you’re set. It’s a simple step that saves a ton of space and effort at the campsite.
Your Essential Camping Bar Kit
You don’t need a fancy set of tools to make great drinks outdoors. A minimalist approach is your best friend. A large mason jar with a secure lid works perfectly as a cocktail shaker. For measuring, a simple jigger or even a standard shot glass will do the trick. Pack a small knife for cutting citrus and a long spoon for stirring. That’s really all you need for a functional camping bar kit that can handle most recipes without weighing down your pack.
How to Keep Everything Cold
Nothing is worse than a lukewarm cocktail on a warm day. Your cooler is your most important tool, so make sure it’s well-insulated. A solid base of block ice will last much longer than cubed ice. Pack your mixers, garnishes, and pre-batched cocktails close to the ice. For your finished drink, an insulated travel mug or tumbler is a game-changer. It will keep your cocktail perfectly chilled for hours, so you can sip slowly and enjoy the sunset without your ice melting instantly.
Pack Smart: Space-Saving Hacks
When you’re packing for a camping trip, every inch of space counts. Instead of bringing full-sized bottles of spirits, decant what you need into smaller, leak-proof flasks—especially if you’re backpacking. For mixers like tonic water or ginger beer, look for cans or small individual bottles. This not only saves space but also ensures every drink is perfectly fizzy. By thinking small and planning your cocktail menu in advance, you can bring everything you need without overpacking.
Set Up Your Bar at the Campsite
Once you’ve found your spot and the tent is up, it’s time for the fun part. Creating a simple, dedicated space for your drinks makes cocktail hour feel like a real event, even in the middle of the woods. You don’t need a full-service counter—the top of a cooler or a flat-topped log works perfectly. A little organization goes a long way in turning your campsite into the best bar in the wilderness.
Manage Temps Once You’re There
Nothing beats a perfectly chilled drink on a warm day or a steaming hot toddy on a cool night. The key is managing your temperatures once you’re unpacked. Keep your cooler in the shadiest spot you can find, and try to open it as little as possible to preserve the ice. For your drinks, insulated mugs are your best friend; they’ll keep your cold cocktails from getting warm and your hot drinks from cooling off too quickly. If you’re near a cold stream or lake, you can even carefully submerge sealed cans or bottles for a natural chill—just make sure they’re secure so they don’t float away!
Create Your Pop-Up Bar
Designate a central spot for your pop-up bar. This keeps everything in one place and makes it easy for everyone to help themselves. Set out your bottle of Mash & Mallow, a few mixers like ginger beer or cream soda, and any garnishes you brought along, like orange peels or cinnamon sticks. This DIY approach lets everyone get creative and mix a drink they’ll love. It’s a simple way to make your campsite feel more social and inviting, turning a regular evening into a memorable cocktail hour under the stars. For more ideas on what to mix, you can always check out our list of favorite cocktails.
Clean Up and Pack Out Easily
A great campsite bartender is a clean one. To make cleanup a breeze, plan ahead. Instead of bringing full-sized bottles of spirits, transfer them into smaller, reusable flasks. This not only saves space and weight but also means fewer large containers to pack out. Bring a small, designated bag just for your bar trash—things like bottle caps, used citrus wedges, and empty mixer cans. By containing your mess as you go, you’ll have less to worry about when it’s time to pack up and head home. It’s a simple habit that makes the end of your trip so much smoother.
Remember to Leave No Trace
Enjoying a drink in the great outdoors comes with the responsibility of protecting it. A major rule of thumb is to avoid bringing glass. It’s heavy, and if it breaks, it creates a serious hazard for you, other campers, and wildlife. Opt for plastic, stainless steel, or other non-breakable containers instead. Always follow the Leave No Trace principles by packing out everything you pack in. That includes every bottle cap, can, and lime peel. Keeping our natural spaces beautiful is a team effort, and it ensures they’ll be there for our next adventure. It’s about leaving the campsite even better than you found it.
Add a Final Touch: Garnishes and Serving
Just because you’re in the great outdoors doesn’t mean your cocktails have to be basic. The final touches—how you garnish and serve your drinks—can turn a simple beverage into a memorable campfire moment. It’s not about being fussy; it’s about taking a few extra seconds to make the experience special for you and your friends. A little bit of effort in presentation goes a long way, showing that you can enjoy a well-crafted drink anywhere, from a high-end bar to a log by the fire. These simple tips will help you add that perfect finishing flair to your campsite cocktails, using what you’ve packed and what nature provides. From finding the right cup to using your surroundings creatively, here’s how to serve drinks that look as good as they taste.
Forage for Fun Garnishes
One of the best parts of camping is being surrounded by nature, so why not let it inspire your drinks? You can garnish creatively by looking for wild berries or edible flowers, as long as you can identify them safely. A sprig of pine or a few wild mint leaves can add incredible aroma and a rustic touch. If you’re not a confident forager, no worries. You can still get the same effect by packing a few simple garnishes. A couple of lime wedges, a small orange for peels, or a few cinnamon sticks take up almost no space but make a huge difference. For our S’mores Old Fashioned, a toasted marshmallow on a twig is the ultimate garnish.
Choose the Right Cups
The cup you drink from matters, especially when you’re dealing with the elements. To keep your hot drinks steamy and your cold drinks frosty, it’s a great idea to use insulated mugs. They’re a camper’s best friend for maintaining the perfect temperature from the first sip to the last. No one wants a lukewarm hot toddy or a watered-down margarita. Beyond temperature control, think about durability. Leave the fragile glassware at home and opt for sturdy enamel, stainless steel, or high-quality plastic cups. They’re lightweight, nearly indestructible, and easy to clean, making them the perfect companion for any camping adventure.
Make Your Drinks Look Great
Presentation can make a simple drink feel like a special occasion. Even when you’re miles from civilization, a thoughtful touch shows you care. Think about how a unique garnish or a specific type of cup can change the whole vibe of a drink. For example, a Campfire Mule just feels right in a classic copper or stainless steel mug, which also helps keep it extra cold. For a cocktail made with Mash & Mallow S’mores Whiskey, you could rim your mug with crushed graham crackers before you leave home. It’s these small details that make your fireside happy hour feel a little more magical.
Use Your Natural Surroundings
Get resourceful and let the campsite be part of your bar setup. If you’re camping in a snowy spot, you can use nature to your advantage. Pack clean, tight snowballs to use as ice, or melt fresh snow for water in your recipes. Just be sure you’re gathering it from an undisturbed, clean area. A cold, running stream is perfect for chilling bottles of wine or mixers, saving precious cooler space. You can also use a flat, sturdy rock as a makeshift cutting board or a place to set your drinks. Integrating the environment into your cocktail-making process isn’t just practical—it makes the whole experience more fun and immersive.
Keep Your Drinks Fresh All Weekend
Nothing ruins a great outdoor cocktail faster than a lukewarm temperature or a missing ingredient. But with a little planning, you can enjoy perfectly chilled, fresh-tasting drinks from the moment you set up your tent to the last campfire story. The key is to think like a pro bartender who’s also a seasoned camper. It’s all about smart storage, efficient packing, and a few simple tricks to solve common campsite drink dilemmas before they even start. Let’s get your drinks ready for an amazing weekend in the wild.
The Secret to Long-Lasting Cold Drinks
The foundation of any great camping cocktail is keeping it cold. Your cooler is your best friend here, but how you pack it makes all the difference. Start with a quality cooler and pre-chill it before you load it up. Instead of just using cubed ice, which melts quickly, use a combination of block ice and cubes. The block ice acts as a thermal mass, keeping everything colder for longer. For serving, skip the flimsy plastic cups. Insulated camping mugs or tumblers are a game-changer, ensuring your Campfire Mule stays icy and your Fireside Hot Toddy stays piping hot, just the way they should be.
Store Ingredients the Right Way
No one wants to lug heavy glass bottles through the woods. While your bottle of Mash & Mallow looks great on your bar cart, it’s not practical for a campsite. Lighten your load by decanting spirits into lightweight, shatterproof containers. Flasks are perfect for whiskey, and lightweight water bottles or bladders work well for other liquors and mixers. An even better strategy is to pre-mix your cocktails at home. Batching a pitcher of a simple drink means you only have to pack one container instead of five separate ingredients. Check out our cocktail recipes for some easy-to-batch ideas before you head out.
Keep Your Mixers and Garnishes Fresh
Keeping your mixers and garnishes fresh requires a bit of foresight. For fresh juices like lime or lemon, squeeze them at home and store them in a small, sealed plastic bottle in your cooler. You can even freeze the juice in an ice cube tray for individual servings that double as ice. For garnishes, think multi-purpose. A bag of trail mix with dried berries can add a nice touch to a drink, and orange peels from your morning snack can become a perfect twist for your S’mores Old Fashioned. If you’re pre-batching a mixer, store it in a sealed plastic mason jar to prevent leaks and keep it fresh in the cooler.
Solve Common Cocktail Problems
The best way to handle campsite cocktail problems is to avoid them altogether. Simplify your menu by choosing drinks with just two or three ingredients. This means less to pack, less to forget, and less to clean up. A simple mix of Mash & Mallow and cola or ginger ale is always a winner. If you’re backpacking, a flask is non-negotiable for carrying your spirits efficiently. And don’t forget to plan for bugs! Using insulated mugs with lids will keep your drinks pest-free while you relax by the fire. Before you leave, make sure you’re stocked up and ready to go by grabbing a bottle of Mash & Mallow online.
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- 12 Whiskey Dessert Cocktails for a Sweet Finish
- Toasted Marshmallow Whiskey: Taste, Brands & More
- 11 Decadent Chocolate Whiskey Drinks to Try
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</div>Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the easiest way to make a good cocktail if I don’t want to pack a lot of gear? The simplest approach is to stick to two-ingredient drinks. A highball, which is just a spirit and a carbonated mixer, is your best friend at the campsite. Think about pouring a shot of Mash & Mallow into a mug and topping it with cola, cream soda, or ginger ale. You don’t need any special tools, and the result is consistently delicious. This method saves you from packing shakers, jiggers, and multiple bottles.
My ice always melts by the first night. How can I make it last longer? The key is to pack your cooler strategically. Start by pre-chilling the cooler itself with some sacrificial ice before you load it. For the main event, use a large block of ice or a few frozen gallon jugs of water as your base, as they melt much slower than small cubes. Pack everything in tightly to eliminate empty air space and always keep the cooler in the shadiest spot you can find.
Is it really that bad to bring glass bottles camping? Yes, it’s a rule you should always follow. Glass is heavy to carry and poses a real safety risk if it breaks, leaving sharp fragments that are dangerous for you, other campers, and wildlife. It’s also difficult to ensure you’ve cleaned up every piece. Instead, transfer your spirits into a lightweight flask or a sturdy, reusable plastic bottle before you leave home. It’s safer, lighter, and makes practicing Leave No Trace principles much easier.
Besides the S’mores Old Fashioned, what are some simple mixers for Mash & Mallow at a campsite? Our S’mores Whiskey is incredibly versatile. For an easy and delicious drink, try mixing it with root beer for a rich, creamy float-inspired cocktail. It also pairs wonderfully with hot or iced coffee for a morning kick or an evening treat. If you prefer something classic, a simple cola or cream soda works perfectly to complement the whiskey’s chocolate and marshmallow notes without any extra fuss.
I’m backpacking and can’t bring a cooler. How can I still make a decent drink? When you’re backpacking, every ounce counts. Your best bet is to carry your Mash & Mallow in a small, lightweight flask. You can make an excellent Fireside Hot Toddy with just hot water from your kettle and maybe a honey packet. Another option is to mix it with a powdered drink mix you’re already carrying, or simply add a splash to your evening hot chocolate for an instant upgrade.
