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What to Drink in May


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May is filled with warm weather, bright flavors and fun! Kick off summer with refreshing drinks that are ready for whatever the month holds.

A glass of pink raspberry cocktail with ice, garnished with fresh mint and raspberries, with a bamboo straw. A golden jigger, mint leaves, and a bowl of raspberries are nearby.

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Your guide to May drinks

Ah, May. It’s the unofficial kickoff to summer, with Memorial Day marking the end of the school year for most and bringing warmer temps and sunny days. Personally May makes me ready for outdoor entertaining and patio sips.

With a few other occasions thrown into the month, each with a distinct drink menu, you’ll want to plan ahead. The perfect compliment to anything the month holds is refreshing drinks packed with ice and flavor. Plenty of these recipes work well as a single serving or batched for a bash. From classic recipes to seasonal twists, your new favorite for the month awaits.

May flavors

When it comes to May, the flavors of the month come straight from the garden. Rhubarb and strawberries are ready to shine, along with flavorful herbs. You can use them whole in cocktails like a whiskey smash, or make them into a syrup (this strawberry rhubarb syrup is a current favorite) for a sweet, flavorful punch.

Don’t give up on your floral flavors just yet! Rose, elderflower and lavender provide soft sweetness in a twist on a classic recipe or can stand alone in a signature cocktail.

What’s happening this month 

With fewer official events than previous months, there’s more room for casual get-togethers and impromptu happy hours. Here’s what’s on the calender:

  • Kentucky Derby: Derby day kicks off the month of May with fancy hats and bourbon favorites. The classic mint julep is the official drink of the race, but there are plenty of other options if you want something different.
  • Mother’s Day: Whether you celebrate Mom with brunch favorites or something more elegant, a handmade drink is a great way to show her you care.
  • Cinco de Mayo: Tequila drinks take center stage on May 5, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a margarita! Don’t forget some chips and salsa to go with your drinks.
  • Memorial Day: The last Monday in May kicks off summer — do it in style with refreshing drinks fit for a crowd.

Your May drink menu 

Whether you’re kicking off summer in style or easing into the season, there is a drink here that fits any occasion.

Seasonal May flavors

May brings some of the best flavors of the year, and these recipes lean right into them. Bright citrus, juicy berries and fresh herbs make an appearance in a mix of drinks that feel light and lively without sacrificing any of the fun. Whether you're hosting on the patio or just soaking up a sunny afternoon, these are the sips that make spring feel like a celebration.

1
A red iced drink garnished with a lemon slice, mint sprig, and blackberry, served in a wavy glass on a wooden coaster.
Blackberry Lemonade
Tart citrus meets the rich sweetness of ripe blackberries in this Blackberry Lemonade, a seasonal stunner that's as beautiful in the glass as it is refreshing to drink. It's a simple, elevated twist on a classic that earns a spot on the table all month long, from a quiet afternoon on the porch to a full-blown backyard cookout.
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2
a honey whiskey mint julep garnished with a mint sprig in a silver julep cup on a green plate with a honey wand
Honey Whiskey Mint Julep
Fresh mint, bold whiskey and a touch of honey come together in this Honey Whiskey Mint Julep, a smooth and naturally sweet take on a Southern classic. The honey adds a soft floral note that makes every sip feel a little more special, whether you're watching the Derby or just enjoying a warm May afternoon.
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3
A glass of frothy cocktail garnished with a lime twist sits on a wooden coaster, with sliced limes and a knife nearby.
Tequila Sour
Bold, citrus-forward and silky smooth, this Tequila Sour strikes the kind of balance that keeps you coming back for another sip. Tart citrus and smooth tequila come together with just enough sweetness to round out the edges — a cocktail that earns its place in any spring lineup.
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4
A cocktail in a stemmed glass garnished with cucumber spirals and fresh mint, set against a white backdrop with a cocktail shaker in the background.
Eastside Cocktail
Crisp, cooling and deceptively simple, this Eastside Cocktail layers fresh cucumber, lime and mint into one of the most refreshing drinks of the season. Light herbal notes add just enough depth to keep things interesting without losing that clean, bright finish that makes it so easy to reach for again.
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5
A strawberry margarita with a salted rim, garnished with lime slices, served in a tall gold glass, surrounded by fresh limes and strawberries.
Virgin Frozen Strawberry Margarita
Sweet strawberries and fresh lime juice make this Virgin Strawberry Margarita a bright, crowd-pleasing mocktail that nobody has to opt out of. Smooth, fruity and just a little indulgent, it's the kind of drink that earns a permanent spot in the May rotation.
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6
Two glasses with berries and mint leaves in them.
Cheerwine Shandy Cocktail
A North Carolina original meets its perfect match in this Cheerwine Shandy, combining the state's beloved cherry soda with light beer for a fizzy, refreshing drink that's as fun to make as it is to sip. It's casual, slightly sweet and just the thing for a May afternoon — especially if you're celebrating Cheerwine Festival season.
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7
a grapefruit cocktail with a salt rim and a garnish of lime and grapefruit wedges.
Salty Dog Drink
Crisp, tangy and just a little bold, this Salty Dog pairs tart grapefruit juice with vodka or gin for a cocktail that lets spring citrus do the heavy lifting. The salted rim adds a savory edge that makes every sip feel bright and well-balanced.
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8
A tropical tequila cocktail.
Tequila Sunrise
Few cocktails are as instantly recognizable as the Tequila Sunrise, with its gorgeous gradient of orange juice, tequila and grenadine that mimics the real thing right in the glass. It's as refreshing as it looks, making it a natural fit for any warm May morning or afternoon gathering.
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Kentucky Derby drinks

Few occasions call for a drink in hand quite like Derby Day. Minty classics, bold bourbon blendsand recipes that feel as festive as a wide-brimmed hat in the infield — pull these out for race day or any spring gathering that deserves a little extra flair. For even more inspiration, check out our full list of Kentucky Derby drinks.

9
a mint julep with a heaping scoop of crushed ice
Classic Mint Julep
No drink is more synonymous with Derby Day than the Mint Julep, and for good reason. Fresh mint, bourbon and a touch of sweetness over a mound of crushed ice make for a cooling, timeless classic that feels right at home whether you're trackside or watching from the living room in a fabulous hat.
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10
Top view of a strawberry cocktail garnished with a lemon slice and strawberry, surrounded by whole strawberries and a lemon.
Kentucky Buck Cocktail
Spicy, bright and full of character, the Kentucky Buck puts a lively spin on bourbon with ginger beer and fresh citrus. It's a modern Derby favorite that balances bold flavors with a refreshing finish — the kind of cocktail that holds its own alongside the classics.
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11
A drink for the Preakness Stakes, the Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail is so named for the Maryland-shaped blanket of yellow flowers that is draped around the winner's neck. Vodka and elderflower liqueur join pineapple, orange and lime juices for a sunny drink worthy of race-watching. (via feastandwest.com)
Black-Eyed Susan Drink
Named for the flowers draped over the Preakness winner, the Black Eyed Susan is a fruity, vibrant race day cocktail that's as festive as the occasion itself. Bright citrus juices and spirits come together in a layered, easy-drinking sip that looks just as good as it tastes.
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12
two arnold palmers and a cutting board with lemons
Arnold Palmer Drink (Iced Tea Lemonade)
Sweet, tangy and endlessly refreshing, this Iced Tea Lemonade is a reliable pour that keeps everyone happy on a warm Derby afternoon. Bold tea and bright lemon strike a perfect balance, making it an easy go-to for guests who prefer to skip the bourbon. You can even serve iced tea and lemonade separately and let people build their own drinks and add booze if they like.
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Cinco de Mayo drinks

Zesty, lively and full of personality, these are built for a good time. Expect bright citrus, bold flavors and a little kick of spice that pairs perfectly with your favorite Mexican-inspired spread, whether everyone's in the mood for cocktails or something alcohol-free. We've also got a full roundup of Cinco de Mayo cocktails and margarita recipes worth bookmarking.

13
Close-up of a Paloma cocktail with a salted rim, garnished with a lemon wedge and mint leaves, against a white background.
Paloma Cocktail
The national drink of Mexico, the Paloma is the tequila cocktail worth knowing if you only know one. Grapefruit and lime do the heavy lifting, with a salted rim adding just enough savory contrast to make every sip feel crisp and celebratory.
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14
frozen margaritas with tajin rims
Frozen Margaritas
Icy, tangy and impossible to resist, this Frozen Margarita is a Cinco de Mayo essential that earns its place at any festive spread. Fresh lime juice and tequila blend into a smooth, slushy classic that never needs much convincing.
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15
jalapeños garnishing a spicy Moscow mule
Spicy Jalapeño Moscow Mule
This Jalapeño Moscow Mule takes the classic mule in a bolder, spicier direction that's hard to put down. Fresh jalapeño brings the heat, zingy ginger beer keeps things refreshing and lime ties it all together — a fiery twist that's perfect for anyone who likes a little kick with their Cinco de Mayo celebration.
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16
Two tropical cocktails with orange slices and pink umbrellas, next to a cocktail shaker and measuring jigger.
Sunrise Mocktail
All the color and charm of the classic Tequila Sunrise, this mocktail skips the spirits without losing any of the fun. Citrus juices and grenadine layer into a stunning, sweet-tangy sip that's just as worthy of a spot on the Cinco de Mayo table as anything with tequila in it.
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Mother’s Day drinks

Floral notes, fresh fruit and bubbly textures come together in drinks that feel thoughtful, elegant and just indulgent enough for a morning worth lingering over. Whether you're serving brunch, hosting an afternoon gathering or just treating someone who deserves it, these are the recipes to reach for — and our Mother's Day drinks roundup has even more ideas if you need them.

17
a pineapple mimosa on a white background with a whole pineapple
Pineapple Mimosas
This Pineapple Mimosa brings a bright, tropical twist to the brunch table that feels just right for a May morning worth celebrating. Sweet pineapple juice and sparkling wine come together in a light, bubbly pour — the kind of thing you make when someone deserves a little extra.
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18
A closeup view of a glass with gold stars containing a sparkling yellow beverages. A peach slice, blackberry and mint sprig garnish the glass.
Peach Bellini
Smooth, delicate and perfectly sweet, this Peach Bellini is a timeless brunch cocktail that never needs much of an introduction. Peach purée and sparkling wine make for an effortlessly elegant sip that's worth pouring for any mom, grandmother or woman you want to make feel special.
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19
A glass of iced coffee with a sprig of lavender, sitting on a white marble surface, with coffee beans scattered around.
Lavender Latte
Creamy, gently floral and just sweet enough, this Lavender Latte is the kind of drink that turns a slow morning into something she'll actually remember. Rich espresso and soft lavender come together in a comforting cup that feels like a little indulgence without any of the fuss.
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20
the garnishes on a Bloody Mary with tequila
Bloody Maria
Bold, savory and just a little spicy, this Bloody Maria puts a tequila spin on the brunch classic that's hard to go back from. Tomato, citrus and a kick of spice get an extra layer of depth from the tequila, making it a standout choice for the mom who likes her brunch with a little edge.
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Memorial Day drinks

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, and these drinks are ready to kick things off right. Fruity, vibrant and made for being outside, there's something here for every cooler, every backyard table and every guest at the barbecue. Don't miss our full collection of patriotic drink recipes to round out your spread.

21
Two glasses of raspberry cocktail with ice, fresh mint, and raspberries, next to a bowl of raspberries, mint leaves, and a gold jigger on a white background.
Raspberry Mojito
Juicy raspberries, fresh mint and lime come together in this Raspberry Mojito for a bright, cooling twist on a warm-weather classic. Crisp, slightly sweet and perfectly balanced, it's the kind of drink that disappears fast at a Memorial Day cookout.
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22
Small cups filled with layered red, white, and blue gelatin dessert topped with whipped cream and red, white, and blue sprinkles. The cups are arranged on a wooden board.
Red, White and Blue Jello Shots
Festive, fun and impossible to miss on the table, these Red, White & Blue Jello Shots are a Memorial Day standby through and through. Layered in patriotic colors with fruity flavor to match, they're the kind of playful touch that makes a backyard party feel like a real celebration.
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23
A refreshing watermelon drink sits in a glass surrounded by lime slices, watermelon slices and watermelon chunks.
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Light, hydrating and naturally sweet, this Watermelon Agua Fresca is summer in a glass before summer even officially arrives. Fresh watermelon blends into a smooth, refreshing pour with just a touch of lime to keep things bright — a perfect option for guests of all ages at the cookout.
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24
Two glasses of a red iced drink garnished with lime slices and cherries, placed on a pink plate with a spoon, surrounded by halved limes and a bowl of cherries.
Cherry Limeade
Bold, tangy and just a little fizzy, this Cherry Limeade is the kind of easy sipper that starts on the Memorial Day table and doesn't leave until summer is over. Bright cherry and zippy lime make for a refreshing combination that's simple to batch up whenever the occasion calls for it.
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About Susannah

Susannah Brinkley Henry is the founder of Feast + West, a cocktail blog featuring creative, budget-friendly drinks and hosting ideas. A graphic designer with bartending school training, she shares cocktails, mocktails, appetizers and desserts for easy, stylish entertaining. Her work has been featured by Southern Living, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post and Mashable, and she was a finalist in the Saveur Blog Awards. Susannah is also a publisher on MSN and has appeared on local news segments sharing seasonal drinks. She lives in Charlotte, N.C., where she brings Southern charm and global inspiration to every pour. Read more.

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