Golf Party Drinks 11 Best Refreshing Recipes for 2026

Struggling to find drinks for your golf party that go beyond the usual beer and soda? You want something creative and on-theme, but also easy enough to make for a crowd. It’s a common challenge for hosts wanting to elevate their event.

The best golf party drinks are refreshing, easy to make in batches, and often themed around the sport. Popular choices include the Transfusion (vodka, ginger ale, grape juice), the spiked Arnold Palmer (iced tea, lemonade, vodka), and fun non-alcoholic options that everyone can enjoy. These proven recipes are favorites for a reason.

Drawing from classic clubhouse recipes and proven party-hosting methods, this guide provides everything you need. You’ll discover 11 impressive yet achievable golf party drinks to delight every guest. Get ready to become the legendary host of every golf viewing party.

What Are The Best Drinks for a Golf Party?

The best drinks for a golf party strike a perfect balance between being refreshing, on-theme, and easy to serve. Think about the setting: whether it’s a sunny afternoon watching a tournament or a cozy evening at the “19th hole” in your own home, the drinks should match the vibe. Iconic golf cocktails like the Transfusion drink are popular because they are deeply rooted in golf culture, taste great, and aren’t complicated to prepare. The goal is to find a mix of golf themed drinks that includes both alcoholic classics and equally thoughtful non-alcoholic versions. This ensures every guest, from the serious golfer to the casual fan, has a delicious and festive beverage in hand, making your golf event a memorable success.

11 Best Refreshing Golf Party Drink Recipes for 2026

Here is the ultimate list of best golf cocktails and mocktails to make your party a hole-in-one. We’ve curated 11 proven golf cocktail recipes, covering everything from the most famous clubhouse classics to creative new ideas. You’ll find options for every taste, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices, ensuring your golf party drink menu is a guaranteed winner. Each recipe is designed to be straightforward, with pro-tips to help you prepare them for a crowd.

1. Mix the Unofficial Clubhouse Classic: The Transfusion Drink

Pin this iconic golf cocktail to your “Party Ideas” board!

Ingredients

• 2 oz. high-quality vodka, chilled (like Grey Goose, as mentioned in SERPs)
• 4-5 oz. premium ginger ale, chilled
• 1 oz. Concord grape juice (Welch’s is the classic choice)
• 1/4 oz. fresh lime juice
• Garnish: Lime wedge or frozen grapes

Instructions

1. Fill a tall Collins glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the chilled vodka and fresh lime juice.
3. Top with the chilled ginger ale, leaving a little room at the top.
4. Slowly pour the Concord grape juice over the top, allowing it to cascade down through the drink.
5. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge on the rim of the glass. Serve immediately.

Pro-Tip: For a party, you can pre-mix the vodka and lime juice in a pitcher. When guests are ready, they can pour the base over ice, top with ginger ale, and add their own grape juice float. This keeps the fizz fresh for every single refreshing golf drink.

2. Prepare the Legendary Spiked Arnold Palmer

Save this timeless iced tea lemonade recipe for your next sunny day on the patio!

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz. vodka (or a sweet tea vodka for extra flavor)
• 3 oz. freshly brewed iced tea, chilled
• 3 oz. fresh lemonade, chilled
• Garnish: Lemon wheel or a sprig of mint

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka to the glass.
3. Pour in the iced tea and lemonade in equal parts.
4. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
5. Garnish with a fresh lemon wheel.

Pro-Tip: To make a large batch for a golf viewing party, combine 1 part vodka, 2 parts iced tea, and 2 parts lemonade in a large beverage dispenser. Add lemon slices directly to the dispenser for a beautiful presentation.

3. Serve a Taste of The Masters: The Azalea Cocktail

Bring the magic of The Masters home! Pin this beautiful Azalea recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. vodka or gin
• 2 oz. pineapple juice
• 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz. grenadine (for the iconic pink color)
• Garnish: Lemon wedge and a maraschino cherry

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka (or gin), pineapple juice, lemon juice, and grenadine.
3. Shake well until the outside of the shaker is frosty, about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a maraschino cherry.

Pro-Tip: The key to the Azalea’s signature color is the grenadine. Start with a smaller amount and add more until you reach that perfect ‘azalea pink’ shade. This makes it a fun golf drink to prepare.

4. Create the Bold and Fun “Birdie Juice”

Need a little luck on the course? Pin this fun Birdie Juice recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 oz. white rum
• 1 oz. blue curaçao liqueur
• 4 oz. white grape juice or pineapple juice
• A splash of club soda or lemon-lime soda
• Garnish: Pineapple wedge or an orange slice

Instructions

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the white rum and blue curaçao.
3. Top with the white grape or pineapple juice.
4. Add a small splash of club soda for a bit of fizz.
5. Stir gently and garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Pro-Tip: Make this a non-alcoholic golf drink by swapping the rum and blue curaçao for 2 oz. of white grape juice and 1 oz. of blue raspberry syrup. It keeps the fun color and sweet taste! This directly addresses the comparison_alternative_keywords of alcoholic vs. non-alcoholic.

5. Craft the Golfer’s Go-To: The John Daly Cocktail

For the bold golfer in your life! Pin this easy John Daly recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. vodka
• 4 oz. lemonade
• 4 oz. iced tea
• Garnish: Lemon wedge

Instructions

1. Fill a tall glass completely with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka.
3. Add equal parts lemonade and iced tea.
4. Stir well to combine.
5. Garnish with a thick lemon wedge.

Pro-Tip: The beauty of the John Daly is its simplicity. There’s no need for fancy shakers. You can build this simple golf drink right in the glass you’re serving it in, making it perfect for a busy party or a quick post round drink.

6. Mix a Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Fairway Fizz

An elegant choice for everyone! Pin this non-alcoholic golf drink recipe.

Supplies Needed

• 3-4 thin slices of cucumber
• 5-6 fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 oz. lime juice
• 1/2 oz. elderflower syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• 5 oz. chilled sparkling water or club soda
• Garnish: Cucumber ribbon and a mint sprig

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In the bottom of a glass, gently muddle the cucumber slices, mint leaves, and lime juice.
2. If using, add the elderflower syrup.
3. Fill the glass with ice.
4. Top with chilled sparkling water.
5. Stir gently and garnish with a cucumber ribbon and a fresh mint sprig.

Pro-Tip: To make a cucumber ribbon, use a simple vegetable peeler to shave a long, thin strip from the side of a cucumber. It’s an easy way to make this elegant golf drink look like it was made by a professional mixologist.

7. Stir Up a Southern-Style Clubhouse Bourbon & Tea

A sophisticated sip for the bourbon lover. Pin this Clubhouse Bourbon & Tea recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. bourbon whiskey
• 4 oz. unsweetened black tea, chilled
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Garnish: Orange peel twist

Instructions

1. Fill a rocks glass with one large ice cube or several smaller ones.
2. Add the bourbon, chilled black tea, and simple syrup to the glass.
3. Add two dashes of bitters.
4. Stir gently until well-chilled.
5. Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by twisting it, then drop it in as a garnish.

Pro-Tip: Making your own simple syrup is easy and much cheaper than buying it. Just combine equal parts hot water and sugar and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let it cool before using. Store it in the fridge for up to a month.

8. Shake Up a Spicy Caddie’s Kick

For those who like it hot! Pin this spicy golf cocktail recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. vodka (or tequila for a “Bloody Maria” version)
• 4 oz. high-quality tomato juice
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 2 dashes of your favorite hot sauce
• Pinch of celery salt and black pepper
• Garnish: Celery stalk, jalapeño slices, or a lime wedge

Instructions

1. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a tall glass and dip it in celery salt.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. Add the vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and a pinch of black pepper.
4. Stir well (or roll between two shakers) to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Garnish with a crisp celery stalk and a slice of jalapeño for that extra kick.

Pro-Tip: Set up a “Build Your Own Caddie’s Kick” bar for your golf party. Lay out the base mix (tomato juice and spices), vodka, and a variety of hot sauces and garnishes (olives, pickles, bacon) for a fun, interactive experience.

9. Create a Light and Bubbly “Gimme” Spritzer

Effortlessly elegant and so refreshing. Pin this easy Spritzer recipe!

Ingredients

• 3 oz. chilled dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or Rosé
• 3 oz. chilled club soda or sparkling water
• Garnish: A few fresh raspberries or a lemon twist

Instructions

1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the chilled white wine or rosé.
3. Top with an equal amount of chilled club soda.
4. Garnish by dropping a few fresh raspberries into the glass. Serve immediately.

Pro-Tip: This is one of the best drinks for a hot day on the golf course because it’s lower in alcohol and hydrating. To keep it cold without watering it down, use frozen grapes instead of ice cubes.

10. Warm Up with a “Mulligan” Hot Toddy

A perfect do-over for a chilly day. Pin this comforting Hot Toddy recipe.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz. whiskey or dark rum
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 4-5 oz. hot water
• Garnish: Lemon slice studded with cloves, and a cinnamon stick

Instructions

1. Pre-warm a heat-proof mug by filling it with hot water and letting it sit for a minute, then discard the water.
2. Add the whiskey, honey, and lemon juice to the warm mug.
3. Top with hot (not boiling) water and stir until the honey is dissolved.
4. Garnish with the clove-studded lemon slice and a cinnamon stick.

Pro-Tip: To make a clove-studded lemon, simply press whole cloves into the rind of a thick lemon slice. It not only looks beautiful but also infuses the drink with a wonderful, warm spice aroma as it steeps.

11. Pour a Simple & Sweet “Hole-in-One” Punch (Non-Alcoholic)

The perfect party punch for all ages! Pin this easy non-alcoholic recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 can (46 oz.) pineapple juice, chilled
• 1 bottle (2 liters) ginger ale, chilled
• 1 container (64 oz.) orange juice, chilled
• Garnish: Orange slices, fresh cranberries

Instructions

1. In a large punch bowl, combine the chilled pineapple juice and orange juice.
2. Stir gently to mix.
3. Just before serving, slowly pour in the chilled ginger ale. This preserves the carbonation.
4. Add orange slices, fresh cranberries, and an ice ring to the bowl.
5. Serve immediately in punch cups.

Pro-Tip: To avoid a watered-down punch, make a decorative ice ring. Fill a Bundt pan with water, orange slices, and cranberries, then freeze. The hole in the middle makes it easy to lift and place in your punch bowl.

Key Takeaways

• Embrace the Classics: The Transfusion drink and a spiked Arnold Palmer are the two most iconic golf cocktails. Having these on your menu is a must for an authentic feel.
• Plan for Everyone: Always include at least one appealing non-alcoholic golf drink, like the Fairway Fizz or a party punch. It makes all guests feel welcome.
• Batch for Success: For a crowd, choose recipes that can be pre-mixed in a pitcher or beverage dispenser (like the Arnold Palmer). Only add carbonated ingredients like ginger ale or club soda just before serving to keep them bubbly.
• Garnish is Key: Simple garnishes like a lemon wheel, a mint sprig, or a fun ice ring can elevate a simple golf drink into a signature golf cocktail.
• Keep it Cold: Especially for outdoor parties, use frozen fruit (like grapes or berries) instead of ice to prevent drinks from getting watered down. This is crucial for refreshing golf drinks.
• Know Your Theme: Drinks like the Azalea for The Masters or a spicy “Caddie’s Kick” for a brunch party show thoughtfulness and add a fun layer to your event.

People Also Ask About Golf Party Drinks

What is a Transfusion golf drink?

A Transfusion is a popular golf cocktail made with vodka, ginger ale, and a splash of Concord grape juice. It’s known for its refreshing taste and signature purple hue. Typically served over ice in a tall glass and garnished with a lime wedge, it’s considered the unofficial drink of many golf clubhouses.

What is in Birdie Juice?

Birdie Juice is a fun, modern golf cocktail, and recipes can vary, but it typically contains white rum, blue curaçao, and a light-colored juice like white grape or pineapple. The name comes from the superstition that drinking it will help a golfer score a “birdie.” Its vibrant blue color makes it a festive choice.

What is the difference between a Transfusion and an Arnold Palmer?

The main difference is the ingredients; a Transfusion uses ginger ale and grape juice, while an Arnold Palmer is a non-alcoholic mix of iced tea and lemonade. A “spiked” Arnold Palmer, often called a John Daly, adds vodka, but it still maintains the tea-and-lemonade base, which is distinct from the Transfusion’s flavor profile.

What drinks are served at The Masters?

The official signature cocktail of The Masters tournament is the Azalea. This vibrant pink drink is made with vodka or gin, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and grenadine. Beyond that, the classic non-alcoholic Arnold Palmer and domestic light beers are also extremely popular beverages served at Augusta National.

Can you bring your own drinks to a golf course?

This depends entirely on the golf course’s specific rules, but most public and private courses do not permit outside alcohol. They often have beverage carts and clubhouse bars where you can purchase drinks. Always check the course’s policy online or by calling the pro shop before you go to avoid any issues.

What are good non-alcoholic golf drinks?

Excellent non-alcoholic golf drinks are refreshing and hydrating. The classic Arnold Palmer (half iced tea, half lemonade) is the most popular. Other great options include sparkling water with muddled cucumber and mint (a “Fairway Fizz”), or a simple mix of cranberry juice and club soda with a lime.

How do you make golf cocktails for a crowd?

The best way is to choose a “batchable” recipe and use a large beverage dispenser. Cocktails like a Spiked Arnold Palmer or a party punch work perfectly. Mix all the non-carbonated ingredients (spirits, juices, syrups) ahead of time and keep them chilled. Add ice and any sparkling components just before guests arrive.

What spirits are best for golf cocktails?

Vodka is the most common spirit, as it’s the base for the Transfusion, John Daly, and Azalea. However, bourbon is excellent in a Clubhouse Bourbon & Tea, and white rum is the star in Birdie Juice. The best spirit depends on the specific golf themed drink you’re making.

How do you keep drinks cold on the golf course?

Use a high-quality insulated tumbler or a small, soft-sided cooler. Pre-chill your beverages before you leave home. Using frozen grapes or whiskey stones instead of regular ice can also prevent your drink from becoming watered down while staying cold for longer during your round.

What is a John Daly drink?

A John Daly is simply an Arnold Palmer with vodka. It’s named after the professional golfer John Daly and consists of three simple ingredients: iced tea, lemonade, and vodka. It’s a stronger, alcoholic version of the beloved classic and a very popular post round drink.

Final Thoughts on Serving the Perfect Golf Party Drinks

Serving memorable golf party drinks is about more than just the recipes; it’s about creating an experience. By blending timeless classics like the Transfusion with creative, themed options like the Azalea, you cater to every guest. Remember that presentation and thoughtful details, such as a great garnish or an inclusive non-alcoholic choice, are what truly elevate your hosting. Ultimately, the best drink is one that’s served with a welcoming spirit, turning a simple gathering into a celebration. Which of these golf cocktail ideas will you be serving at your next event?

Last update on 2026-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API