25 Best Birthday Cocktails: Martinis, Spritzers & More

Happy Birthday! Cheers to another year older and wiser. 

Make your birthday a bit sweeter (or more sour) by incorporating a signature spritz, martini or mimosa to your drink list.  From dessert martinis to fruity cocktail recipes, there is a drink to match all taste buds.

Regardless if you are a veteran or rookie mixologist, here are a few birthday cocktails to try this celebratory season that take less than 30 minutes to make. We also included perfect pairings for each birthday cocktail idea.

Table of contents:

• Fruity cocktail ideas
• Sweet cocktail ideas
• Sour cocktail ideas
• Drinks for 21st birthday

Fruity cocktail ideas

When it comes to birthday cocktails, fruit is a key ingredient to balance out any bitterness of the alcohol. Here are a few fruity birthday drinks to put to the taste test.

1. Hurricane cocktail

Hurricane cocktails are a party staple due to their delicious blend of passion fruit, orange and lime juices with rum. You can serve these celebration drinks in curvy glasses garnished with a slice of orange and maraschino cherry.

Pairs well with: chicken skewers

2. Blueberry mojitos

Mojitos are one of those rum cocktails you can’t mess up since they involve only a few ingredients and steps. Adding muddled blueberries (when they’re in season) into your mojito can elevate your summer birthday cocktails with minimal effort. We recommend using fresh blueberries, but frozen will work too if you’re looking to make a fruity cocktail year-round.

Pairs well with: shrimp tacos

3. Orange razzletini

When you mix orange juice with raspberry rum you create an undeniably refreshing summer cocktail perfect for the summer or any season celebration. Serve this easy-to-make drink in a martini glass and garnish with an orange peel.

Pairs well with: pita and hummus

4. Sparkling peach Bellini

Not sure what cocktails to serve at your birthday brunch? You can’t go wrong with sparkling peach Bellinis. Create this elevated mimosa by mixing peach puree with sparkling wine.

Pairs well with: French toast or eggs Benedict

5. Rosemary strawberry daiquiri

Strawberry daiquiris are never dull — and you can take your daiquiri to the next level by incorporating rosemary for an herbal and refreshing taste. Don’t forget to garnish your glass with a fresh strawberry (when in season) and a piece of rosemary.

Pairs well with: fish tacos

6. Pomegranate cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitans are cocktails that look elegant and sophisticated, but they actually require minimal effort to make. This signature vodka cocktail can shake up your party with the sugar rim and fruity flavors of pomegranate liquor and juice.

Pairs well with: burrata with balsamic tomatoes

Sweet cocktail ideas

Sweeten up your birthday with these cocktail ideas.

7. Cotton candy champagne cocktail

Your birthday party guests will be impressed with your bartending skills when you serve these cotton candy champagne cocktails. All you have to do is pour rosé champagne in flutes and top with a small piece of cotton candy. This pink drink will be the talk of your party!

Pairs well with: cheese and crackers

8. Rosé spritz cocktail

If you are looking for a light and refreshing cocktail for your birthday, put the rosé spritz to the taste test. Fill your choice of glass (we recommend using stemless champagne flutes) with ice, and pour in your favorite rosé wine and top with club soda.

Pairs well with: hummus and pita

9. Birthday cake martini

There isn’t much that’s sweeter than sipping a birthday cake martini. Ring in your birthday with a festive cocktail of whipped vodka, chocolate liqueur and half and half. We can’t forget about the sprinkle-coated rim that adds a bit of sweetness with every sip.

Pairs well with: fresh fruit

10. Frozen mudslide

For all our fellow chocolate lovers out there, the frozen mudslide is an adult beverage that will make you feel nostalgic. The blend of vanilla ice cream, Irish cream liqueur, coffee liqueur, vodka and a chocolate syrup finish is the sweetest treat.

Pairs well with: truffle fries

11. Chocolate martini

We’re still not sure if this is a drink or a dessert due to the irresistibly rich flavors. Kick off your birthday the sugary way — but be aware this chocolate martini recipe is potent!

Pairs well with: cheese and crackers

12. Irish coffee cocktail

For all the fall and winter birthdays out there, you can warm up your celebration with an Irish coffee cocktail. To make this birthday cocktail, all you have to do is brew your favorite type of coffee and mix it with Irish whiskey and Irish cream liqueur. Don’t forget to top it off with whipped cream and flavored syrup! 

Pairs well with: molten lava cake

13. Red velvet shot

You can have your cake and drink it too with a red velvet shot packed with sweetness. Add red velvet liquor and vodka in a shaker to mix together this shot. Top it off with whipped cream and red sugar or sprinkles and enjoy this tasty treat.

Pairs well with: hummus and pita

14. Espresso martini

The latest craze (rightfully so) in the cocktail scene is the espresso martini. Enjoy this drink on your birthday or truly any celebration for a quick pick me up while also getting a slight buzz. All you have to do is mix espresso, coffee liqueur, simple syrup and vodka and strain into a glass. Elevate your espresso martini by dusting espresso or cocoa powder on top.

Pairs well with: charcuterie board

Sour cocktail ideas

Not a fan of sweet cocktails? These sour cocktail ideas will be perfect for your birthday.

15. Sour apple martini

For folks who enjoy sour drinks, try making the simple apple martini as your signature drink. The tartness of the apple liqueur is the perfect balance of sourness without being too overpowering. Enjoy the refreshing drink in a chilled cocktail glass with a thin slice of apple garnished inside.

Pairs well with: shrimp cocktail

16. Classic margarita

You can never go wrong with a classic margarita for your birthday, especially if you like sour drinks — there is nothing sweet about this cocktail from the salt rim to the lime juice. This celebration drink tastes great on the rocks or even blended.

Pairs well with: fresh salsa and tortilla chips

17. Lemon drop martini

When life gives you lemons, you make a lemon drop martini. Take your birthday to the next level with the bold lemon flavors and a sugar rim. Don’t forget to garnish your chilled martini glass with a lemon slice.

Pairs well with: salmon on toast

18. Pink lemonade mimosa

Take your birthday brunch to the next level with a pink lemonade mimosa. Not only is this pink cocktail adorable, but it also tastes delectable and not too sweet. Mix together champagne or prosecco with pink lemonade to create this cocktail.

Pairs well with: Belgium waffle or French toast

19. Paloma cocktail

Once you try a paloma, you’ll want to serve it at all future celebrations. The mix of grapefruit juice, lime and tequila is a great balance of sweet and sour cocktails. You can’t forget to add salt to the rim and garnish with a lime!

Pairs well with: fresh salsa with tortilla chips

Drinks for your 21st birthday

Now that you are legally allowed to consume alcohol, here are a few drinks to taste for your 21st birthday.

20. Rum punch

You can’t go wrong with rum punch for your 21st birthday drink. The sweet fruit juices mask the taste of the liquor for easier (but responsible) drinking. Serve your punch in curvy glasses for a fun, party vibe.

Pairs well with: chicken skewers

21. Mimosa

Mimosas are a staple brunch cocktail you can find on almost every menu. This birthday cocktail is champagne or prosecco topped with orange juice — you can make this with minimal effort, but it enhances the brunch experience.

Pairs well with: French toast or eggs Benedict

22. Sangria

What happens when you mix fresh fruit with alcohol? You create the ever-so-popular sangria. You can make your sangria with red or white wine and fruit. Add in fresh orange slices, lime or even peaches (when they’re in season) to create your 21st birthday cocktails.

Pairs well with: bruschetta

23. Long Island iced tea

Newbie drinkers should try a classic Long Island iced tea for a refreshing drink that isn’t too overpowering. This cocktail will transport you to a tropical paradise with its blend of juices.

Pairs well with: traditional burger

24. Moscow mule

Moscow mules are a safe option for rookie drinkers since you can order them at almost every bar — you might also sound sophisticated when ordering them. The blend of vodka, ginger beer and lime juice is also so simple to make at home.

Pairs well with: coconut shrimp

25. Ginger spritz

Looking for a boozy version of sprite? Look no further than the delicious ginger spritz. Mix together lime juice, simple syrup, sparkling wine or prosecco, club soda and fresh ginger for a refreshing cocktail for your 21st birthday.

Pairs well with: charcuterie board

Birthday cocktail FAQ

Picking your signature birthday cocktail should be fun, not stressful, but it’s normal to have some questions along the way!

Cheers to birthday cocktails

Now that you are more familiar with birthday cocktails it’s time to put your bartending skills to the test. Don’t forget to garnish your drinks with fresh fruit or add salt or sugar to your rim (depending on the cocktail). For rookie drinkers, start off slow with a refreshing rum punch or mimosa at brunch. 

Regardless of your drink-making skill level, all of the recipes included take less than 30 minutes to make and are sure to impress your party guests. Save even more time by placing an online order with Instacart for your alcohol and cocktail ingredients. Receive your groceries at your doorstep while you finish setting up for your celebration. Enjoy your birthday celebration and make sure to drink responsibly!