Cool Dad Margarita. Credit: Marisa Lynch

Father’s Day, Stirred

8 Minute read

13 Jun 2025

Journalist

Celebrate Dad with three no-fuss, high-reward cocktails made with Sanpellegrino® Italian Sparkling Drinks. Bold, balanced, and built for the man who’s earned it.

Skip the neckties and awkward brunches—this Father’s Day, give Dad something he actually wants: a well-made cocktail with bold flavor and a crisp, refreshing edge. Whether he’s an Old Fashioned purist, a bitter-and-bold boulevardier type, or the kind of cool customer who spikes his margarita with mezcal, we’ve got you covered.

Each of these drinks gets a lift from Sanpellegrino® Italian Sparkling Drinks, adding bright citrus notes and just the right bite. They’re made for sipping by the grill, kicking back in a lawn chair, or finally letting someone else bring him a drink for once.

The Cherry on Top

For the dad who likes his bourbon classic, but better.

This modern take on the Old Fashioned leans into depth and balance. The Sanpellegrino® Ciliegia & Limone adds a punch of cherry and lemon to brighten things up—no fuss, just flavor.

In a mixing glass, combine 60 ml bourbon, 1 barspoon cherry syrup, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
Add ice and stir until well chilled, about 20 seconds.
Strain into an old-fashioned glass over a large cube. Top with a splash of Sanpellegrino® Ciliegia & Limone.
Garnish with a Luxardo cherry on a pick.

The Boulevard-Dad

For the one who taught you how to drive stick and sip something bitter.

This bold riff on the Boulevardier plays it smooth, with Sanpellegrino® Aranciata Rossa layering in blood orange complexity for a lighter finish that still means business.

In a mixing glass, combine 30 ml bourbon, 30 ml sweet vermouth, and 30 ml Campari.
Add ice and stir until well chilled, about 30 seconds.
Strain into a rocks (with ice) or tumbler glass (without ice).
Top with a splash of Sanpellegrino® Aranciata Rossa.
Garnish with an orange twist, if desired.

The Cool Dad Margarita

For the one who grills shirtless, wears aviators unironically, and knows his way around a shaker.

Mezcal keeps things smoky, but Sanpellegrino® Limonata gives this margarita a citrusy lift—cool, crisp, and quietly confident.

Add 50 ml mezcal, 25 ml lime juice, and 20 ml Cointreau or triple sec to a shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds.
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Top with a splash of Sanpellegrino® Limonata.
Garnish with a lime wheel.
Salt the rim beforehand, if desired.