5 Essential Cocktails for September 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.

September bridges the seasons, offering time to enjoy summer’s lingering brightness while welcoming the first hints of fall’s warmth. Which means your cocktail menu can have the best of both worlds. Each of these cocktails can easily be adapted to cater to different palates, with ingredients that can be swapped depending on what’s behind the bar.

This month’s drinks celebrations will bring plenty of inspiration for your menu. Some of these five essential cocktails lean into using seasonal ingredients, while others put a spin on the classics. Each recipe is here to help encourage celebrations, no matter how small the occasion may seem.

Coconut Mojito

Before the warm weather completely escapes us, celebrate World Coconut Day on September 2 with a Coconut Mojito. This cocktail is especially fitting for the occasion due to its use of coconut in two forms—coconut water and coconut cream. It brings out both the refreshing side and indulgent side of the tropical fruit. Adding this festive yet balanced cocktail to a seasonal menu is the perfect way to wrap up the summer.

Michelada

A cocktail that is often overlooked is a Michelada. On National Beer Lovers Day (9/7), give the beer enthusiasts something new to try. This drink transforms a simple bottle of beer into something much more exciting. Anyone can crack open an ice-cold beer, but the creativity behind making it into a cocktail takes more effort. This drink showcases the beverage in a way that elevates it. The addition of the tangy, spicy, and salty rim takes this drink to the next level.

P100D Punch (20 servings)

Transitional drinks are here as we get later into the month. For National Punch Day on September 20, you’ll need a big batch drink to bring together a crowd to celebrate with. P100D Punch offers a vibrant blend of flavors that embrace the new season approaching while still being appropriate for a warm September day. The ingredients create a flavorful and comforting drink that is easy to enjoy with friends and family.

Jackie Brown

Turn your everyday ritual into something more indulgent on National Coffee Day (9/29) with the Jackie Brown cocktail. This tequila-based cocktail is an inventive way to serve up something unique while still being on theme. With just a few simple ingredients, this cocktail is worth adding to any menu. The homemade spicy syrup perfectly complements the rich espresso flavor without overpowering it.

Trouble Mulled Cider

Round out the month by sipping on something warm and cozy. Give a toast to National Hot Mulled Cider Day on September 30 with this comforting bourbon-based cocktail. It begins with an autumn classic, apple cider, and elevates it with warm spices and fresh citrus. The combination of ingredients creates a balance of sweet, tart, warm, and spiced flavors, making it great for the beginning of crisp fall days.

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