Best Campfire Drinks For Adults
Cozy Cocktails for Nights Around the Fire
Some of my favorite camping memories have been made after the sun goes down, sitting beside a crackling fire with a cozy drink in hand and an endless canopy of stars overhead. From my family’s traditional bottle of Tuaca to spiked hot chocolate and Baileys coffee, these are my favorite campfire drinks for keeping warm and toasty long into the night.
Tuaca
My all-time favorite camping drink is Tuaca, hands down. When I tell people this, I usually get a puzzled look as most have no idea what Tuaca is. Well, if you go camping with me, you will soon become well acquainted. Passing a bottle of Tuaca around the campfire has become quite the family tradition and it is guaranteed to warm you up with just a few sips. It’s an Italian Brandy with vanilla and Mediterranean citrus that was born during the Italian Renaissance.
Baileys Irish Cream
Baileys may not be a very original choice, but it’s definitely a classic favorite. A warm Baileys with coffee around a campfire always hits the spot. It is a perfect way to end an adventure filled day and relax under the stars. Just make sure to use decaf if coffee tends to keep you awake at night.
✨ Pro Tip: I am a complete coffee snob and have even been known to travel with my French press. However, when I’m camping—especially when making a dessert drink—I find that decaf instant coffee works surprisingly well.
Spiked Hot Chocolate
While the kids are enjoying hot chocolate with marshmallows, why not indulge in an adult version? Spike it with spiced rum, coffee liqueur, amaretto, peppermint schnapps, or whatever sounds good, then top it with plenty of whipped cream.
Another favorite variation is spiked Mexican hot chocolate. Add a dash of cinnamon and a hint of chili or cayenne pepper—a surefire way to keep you extra warm.
Classic Hot Toddy
An easy to make drink around a campfire, which is also my go to “home remedy” for the common cold, is a classic Hot Toddy. Simply boil water, pour it in a mug and add a shot of whiskey, fresh squeezed lemon juice and honey. Easy-peasey.
Spiked Apple Cider
Warm apple cider with cinnamon sticks and orange slices, then add bourbon, spiced rum, or even a splash of Tuaca. The combination of apple, citrus, vanilla, and spice tastes like fall in a mug and makes this an especially good choice for chilly evenings around a campfire.
✨ Pro Tip: Heat the cider first and move it away from the fire before adding the alcohol.
Hot Buttered Rum
Hot buttered rum is rich, sweet, and made for cold nights. It is also a drink that holds a special memory for me. My dad was never a camper, but every Christmas, we would take a little Duffy boat into the harbor to watch the Christmas Boat Parade, and hot buttered rum was always his drink of choice. I still associate it with the chill of the night air, colorful lights reflecting across the water, and the warmth of holding a steaming mug between my hands. Although the setting is different, it feels every bit as perfect beside a crackling campfire beneath the stars.
Prepare the batter at home by combining softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little vanilla. At camp, add a spoonful to an insulated mug with dark rum and hot water, then stir until everything melts together.
✨ Pro Tip: Store the prepared batter in your cooler so making each drink at camp is quick and easy.
🏕️ More Camping Guides
Winter Camping for Beginners — Tips for staying warm and comfortable in the snow
Camping Checklist — Things to consider before leaving home
Campfire Treats Beyond S’mores — Unexpected desserts worth trying
