The best bank holiday drinks
Rain or shine, bank holidays are a great excuse to indulge in a cocktail. From flavoured gins to fruity punches, we've rounded up our favourite drinks to share.
If you're celebrating the bank holiday, our most popular cocktail recipes are here to make your long weekend even more enjoyable. Not only are they easy to make, there's something for everyone.
Watch our video on how to make prosecco cocktails in minutes or explore our extensive mocktail selection for an alcohol-free alternative.
Fancy a spot of baking this bank holiday? We've got plenty of fun and easy bank holiday baking ideas to get you excited for the long weekend. For even more inspiration, see our complete bank holiday recipe collection including mains, desserts and sharing dishes.
1. Vodka punch
If you're feeling optimistic about the weather, get yourself geared up with some delicious punch. Perfect for throwing a party, this vodka-based punch is easy to put together, simple to serve and filled with crowd-pleasing fruity flavours, including pineapple, orange and raspberry.
For more fruity cocktail inspiration, we've got 10 of the finest summer punch recipes you can make in minutes that are fabulously fruity and will help you beat the heat.
2. Mango margarita
Blend mangoes with tequila blanco, triple sec, lime juice, agave syrup and ice to make a creamy mango margarita. Use mangoes that are very ripe for this recipe – the riper they are, the more rounded the flavour.
We also love a classic margarita when the sun comes out to play – find more of our Mexican cocktails to celebrate with.
3. Rhubarb gin
We've used up a glut of rhubarb in the best way we know: transforming it into two litres of gloriously pink rhubarb gin. It'll make a winning G&T, or lengthen with soda water for a refreshing summertime tipple.
Find more rhubarb-infused tipples with our rhubarb recipe collection, or find out how to make raspberry gin and blackberry gin for more gins with a flavour twist.
4. Aperol spritz
Transport yourself to sunny Italy with our take on this classic Aperol spritz. Simply mix Aperol with prosecco and soda – it really is that easy!
Take a browse through our Italian cocktail recipes for more sipping in the sun, or learn how to make the perfect Campari spritz.
5. Pimm's slushie
If the weather permits, a round of Pimm's slushies makes the perfect summer drink to kick-start the weekend. Lemon sorbet is the magic ingredient.
Find more frozen cocktails to sip al fresco – who could resist these watermelon prosecco sorbet slushies?
6. Mojito pitcher
Turn this classic cocktail into a pitcher for a bank holiday party using white rum, sparkling water, limes, sugar and mint sprigs. Jug cocktails are a great make-ahead drink, allowing you to spend more time with friends.
Discover more party drinks recipes to set the scene – our frozen piña colada is dangerously delicious...
7. Rosé sangria
If you're looking for a refreshing punch to kick off the weekend, mix up a jug of our fabulously fruity rosé sangria. Featuring nectarines, strawberries and orange liqueur, you can make it in minutes and it can be easily doubled for parties.
Check out our cocktail jugs or try a fruit punch for more batch cocktail inspiration.
8. Fruity mocktail
Just because it’s a booze-free bank holiday doesn’t mean it can’t be celebrated in style. Our fruit-packed mocktail combines grenadine with orange juice and is garnished with funky grape and blueberry stirrers.
For more booze-free drinks that won't disappoint, see our top 10 best ever mocktail recipes.
9. Rhubarb cordial
Whether you’re entertaining kids or ensuring teetotallers don't miss out, our crisp rhubarb cordial will tick the boxes. This refreshing cordial takes just 10 minutes to prep and makes great use of fresh rhubarb.
For more non-alcoholic drinks see our non-alcoholic drinks collection for alcohol-free punches, mulled drinks, spritzers, smoothies and more.
10. Peach iced tea
It can be a challenge to inject soft drinks with the same amount of sparkle as their alcoholic equivalents, but our peach iced tea ensures teetotallers are well catered for. Sure to be a hit with friends or family, you could also make it with raspberries for a tart twist.
Take a look at more mocktail suggestions with our lemonade recipes featuring a watermelon lemonade that's perfect for a kids' party.
Like these cocktails? Get more drinks ideas:
The best gins, taste tested
4 easy prosecco cocktails
10 vodka cocktails you can make in minutes