The Best Camping co*cktail Recipes for Your Next Night Under the Stars | Hipcamp Journal (2024)

Looking for something better than the typical beer or red wine to sip on during your next camping trip? There’s no better way to enjoy an evening around the fire at camp than with a stiff, spirited beverage. And even though it can feel like a lot of work to make your favorite drinks without all of your home kitchen gear, all of these easy camping co*cktail recipes keep things simple—some you can make at camp, while others you can make in advance at home and bring along ready-made for adventure. Relax with these simple and delicious co*cktails for camping that make for the perfect night out in nature.

Camp bar packing list

• Ice and a cooler
• Stainless steel drinking cups or mason jars
• Drink shaker
• Stirrer
• Hand juicer
• Strainer
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Shot glasses (for when the mood strikes)
• Salt

1. Smoky Campfire Moscow Mule

This easy classic is a sweet and smoky twist on the old-fashioned Moscow mule you know and love. No shaker required, and copper mugs are optional (but very fun).

What you’ll need

• 2 oz vodka (try Tito’s)
• ½ cup ginger beer (We love Fever Tree and Q Ginger Beer, both of which come in small bottles for easy transport.)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 lime wedge
• Pinch of salt
• Ice
• Marshmallows, toasted to your liking

Directions

1. Combine vodka and ginger beer (ideally in a copper mug) with ice.
2. Add lime juice, then stir.
3. Toast the marshmallows until they’re golden, brown, or black. You choose! Then stick them on the side of the mug to garnish (and enjoy).

2. The Classic Hipcamp-arita

Our personal spin on the classic margarita, this camping drink is sure to satisfy after a long day of exploring the outdoors. Get ready to kick back in your hammock with this perfect summer camping co*cktail!

What you’ll need

• 1.5 oz tequila (we recommend Ocho Reposado)
• 0.5 oz CapRock pear brandy
• 0.5 oz agave nectar or simple syrup
• 0.75 oz lime juice (one half lime)
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of Tajín Clásico seasoning
• Pinch of hibiscus powder

Directions

1. In a co*cktail shaker, combine tequila, brandy, agave, and lime juice. Add ice, then shake vigorously.
2. Rim an eco-friendly cup with a blend of salt, Tajín Clásico seasoning, and hibiscus powder.
3. Strain shaker contents into the rimmed cup.

3. Camper’s Pine Cone Punch

Refreshing with a bite and perfect for summertime, the fruity and fragrant Camper’s Pine Cone Punch is a great make-ahead camp co*cktail. Alternatively, use that dark rum for a moody dark and stormy (mix it with ginger beer and ice).

What you’ll need

• 6 oz Goslings dark rum
• 2 oz Clear Creek Distillery liqueur
• 8 oz unsweetened pineapple juice
• Pinch of salt
• Ice

Directions

1. Combine the rum, liqueur, and pineapple juice in a drink shaker and shake gently, or combine and store in a sealed container. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Before you serve after storing, stir the mixture again and pour over ice to enjoy.

4. Winter Hiker’s Make-Ahead Hot Toddy

Perfect for winter backpackers and cold weather hiking, this make-ahead camp co*cktail is sure to keep you cozy on the trail or around the fire.

What you’ll need

• 6 oz water, boiled
• 1.5 ounces High West Campfire whiskey
• 1 oz honey, to taste
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1 lemon round
• Optional: 1 cinnamon stick for garnish

Directions

1. Boil the water and pour it into a mug or thermos.
2. Add the whiskey, honey, and lemon juice, then stir until the honey dissolves.
3. Garnish with the lemon round and cinnamon stick if you’re using a mug and feeling fancy. Add a dash of cinnamon to the thermos if you’re hitting the trail!

5. Cold Weather Camper’s Orange Hot Chocolate

This camp drink warms you from the inside with hints of cocoa and citrus, and you can opt to leave out the booze for an easy non-alcoholic camp co*cktail option that will warm your soul on those chilly camp nights. Make at camp or make-ahead at home!

What you’ll need

• 2 oz Grand Marnier cognac and orange liqueur
• Splash of orange juice
• 2 cups whole milk, or milk alternative
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• Zest of 1/2 orange

Directions

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add sugar and cocoa as it warms, then stir until combined.
3. Add the orange juice and cognac. Stir until combined and pour into mugs.
4. Garnish with orange zest and start sipping.

6. Backpackers Manhattan

This sophisticated choice for a fireside hang is one you can prepare in advance and then pour into a flask or portable container for an off-grid treat with a kick.

What you’ll need

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Optional: 2 dashes pepper bitters

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in an eco-friendly cup, add ice, and stir roughly 35 to 40 times for proper dilution.
2. Strain into your flask for later.
3. Now you are prepared to cast off into the great wilderness. Double the recipe depending on the size of your flask.

You may not have the full bar (or kitchen) with you during your next camping trip, but you can still enjoy amazing mixed drinks around the fire with these ingredients and a few extra items from home.

Looking to more camping recipes?

Read on for more camping recipes and amazing campsites where you can make them.

• 3 Foil Recipes for Campfire Cooking with Tinfoil
• A Foodie’s 2-Day, 3-Night Backpacking Menu
• Vegan Buddha Bowls with Spicy Goddess Dressing
• 5 Ways to Class Up Your Camping co*cktail Game

April is based in New England (for now!) and spends as much time as possible outside with her partner and cute dog hiking, camping, and off-roading. In her spare time you can find her home, caring for one of her far-too-many house plants or working in the vegetable garden.