12 Cocktails to Kick Off the Weekend

updated May 25, 2023

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Strawberry & Limoncello Rosé Sangria (Image credit: Maureen Petrosky)

Is there any greater time of the week than Friday happy hour? The work week is finally done, but the weekend to-do list — filled with errands, events, and obligations — has yet to begin. It’s basically your free pass for the week.

So why not mark this magic hour or two with a fabulous cocktail … or two? Here are 12 of our favorites that are sure to get your weekend off to a good start.

Weekend Cocktails

1 / 12

The Boulevardier

If you aren’t familiar with the Boulevardier, now is the time to try it. It’s akin to a Negroni, but it replaces the gin with whisky. It’s a great cocktail to master, and there’s no time like the present.

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2 / 12

Rosé, Gin & Pink Peppercorn Pitcher Cocktail

This blush-colored drink is a pretty update on the gin and tonic.

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3 / 12

Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri Recipe

A frozen strawberry daiquiri is a great way to enjoy strawberries at their sweetest — not to mention, it's a perfect way to cool down this summer.

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4 / 12

Cucumber, Ginger & Prosecco Sangria

Even if it’s not quite warm enough for daiquiris where you live, go ahead and make them anyway. Consider it the harbinger of warmer temperatures.

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5 / 12

The Cuba Libre

Rum, lime, cola, and bitters — it doesn’t get much more refreshing than this classic cocktail.

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6 / 12

Strawberry & Limoncello Rosé Sangria

With very little effort, you can make a pitcher of gorgeous sangria that's perfect for brunch or happy hour on your porch.

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7 / 12

The Income Tax Cocktail

This orange juice-based cocktail is about to have its day in the sun.

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8 / 12

Rhubarb Basil Cocktail

As soon as you are able to find the first stalks of rhubarb at the farmers market, grab some in preparation for making this cocktail. You’ll find that sweetened-up rhubarb pairs perfectly with basil.

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9 / 12

Lemongrass, Lime & Thai Basil Mojito

The key to this refreshing mojito (which can also be made as a mocktail) is the lemongrass simple syrup.

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10 / 12

The Black Lily

This three-ingredient cocktail is a quintessential San Francisco drink. Made with Fernet Branca, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice, it’s refreshing and perfect for anyone who likes an amaro-based cocktail.

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11 / 12

The Palermo Cocktail

This cocktail is a Sicilian riff on the traditional Paloma cocktail made with grapefruit juice and tequila. In this version, the grapefruit juice is replaced with blood orange juice for a brilliantly colored beverage.

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12 / 12

The Dry Martini

If ever there was a cocktail made for end-of-the-week happy hour, the martini is it. Whether you prefer it with a twist or dirty with olives, a well-made martini is always a welcomed after-work sip.

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