5 Essential Cocktails for August 2025
Each month Chilled presents you with five essential cocktails based on our National Drink Day Calendar. Don’t forget to reference it so you can prepare for the upcoming holidays.
Even though the stores are displaying fall candles and Halloween candy, it’s still summer, and we are going to celebrate that. Don’t let the month slip by without giving one of these drinks a chance. The playful holidays, while they may be quirky, offer the opportunity to have some fun behind the bar. These five cocktails are here to provide inspiration for reimagining the classics, getting fancy with seasonal flavors, and promoting the use of house-made ingredients.
Swapping in a few limited-time menu items will invite guests to try something new and make every visit feel like a new experience. Let the calendar inspire your next signature pour and shake up one of these five essential cocktails for August.
Strawberry Spritz Cocktail
Nothing feels more appropriate on a hot summer day than sipping on a spritz of some kind. On National Prosecco Day (8/13), mix up this fruity delight. This cocktail is a play on a traditional brunch favorite but adds a little something to make it special. The fresh muddled strawberries bring a bright burst of flavor with every sip, while the orange juice offers the perfect amount of tartness. This is a cocktail you’ll want to have on your roster.
Calypso Sun
No passport is required for this tropical escape. Celebrate National Rum Day on August 16 with this bright and flavorful cocktail. The Calypso Sun highlights the light flavor and smooth finish of white rum, making it a terrific option for a day all about the spirit. It has the perfect balance of sweet and citrusy flavors with just the right amount of richness from the cream of coconut.
Smoked Chocolate Pecan Old Fashioned
Sometimes you want to swap your dessert for a nightcap, and this cocktail will be the sweet treat you are looking for. National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day falls on August 20, and instead of indulging in a piece of pie, opt for this unique twist on a classic fan favorite. The chocolate-infused rye has a depth of richness that is highlighted in this cocktail by the ideal amount of nuttiness. It isn’t overly sweet, but the chocolate bitters bring that dessert-like flavor.
Vodka Rosemary Lemonade Fizz
It wouldn’t be the summer if a cold glass of lemonade weren’t enjoyed. On National Lemonade Day (8/20), give that tart drink a little jazzing up. The Vodka Rosemary Lemonade Fizz is made in a big batch, making it convenient to have on hand for a busy August night. The homemade lemonade is accompanied by a fragrant rosemary profile that elevates each sip. It’s endlessly refreshing, and the addition of vodka gives just the right amount of a kick.
Pistachio Mai Tai
When surrounding bars and restaurants are offering the traditional version for National Mai Tai Day (8/30), stand apart by serving this nutty take on the rum-based cocktail. The dark and amber rum allows for this cocktail to still live up to its name, while the pistachio orgeat provides a velvety sweetness that perfectly complements the tropical notes. This modern flair is a bold and unique way to stand out from the crowd.
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