The Ultimate Mother’s Day & Father’s Day Gift Guide for the Cocktail-Loving Parent

Because socks and mugs are overdone—give them something they actually want to drink.

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are fast approaching, and while some people will default to the usual greeting cards or a brunch reservation, we’re here to help you step things up. This year, skip the clichés and give the gift of a well-crafted drink. Whether you’re buying for a whisky-loving dad, a gin enthusiast mom, or someone exploring non-alcoholic options, this curated collection of DIAGEO spirits and cocktail recipes is designed to make you the favorite child—no competition needed.

We’ve rounded up a variety of bottles paired with custom cocktail recipes that are equal parts thoughtful, delicious, and easy to make. From rich aged whiskies to non-alcoholic garden-inspired spirits, this list covers every taste and every type of celebration.

For the Classic Whisky Dad Who Thinks He’s a Mixologist

Old Parr 12 Year Old – SRP: $37.99

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Old Parr 12 is a blend that carries bold character with a smooth finish, making it a great base for cocktails that highlight its warmth. It’s the kind of bottle dads proudly put on display—and actually enjoy drinking.

Cocktail: Golden Light‍

This cocktail blends citrus and bitters for a refreshing yet complex pour.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Old Parr 12
• 1 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
• 0.5 oz. maple syrup
• 0.25 oz. lemon juice
• 3 dashes of angostura bitters

Glassware: Rocks Glass
Garnish: Grapefruit Slice

Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Add bitters on top and garnish with a slice of grapefruit inside the glass.

For the Dad Who Travels with a Lime and a Knife

Johnnie Walker Black Label – SRP: $37.99

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A global icon, Johnnie Walker Black Label delivers a smoky blend of rich Scotch notes that work beautifully in highball applications.

Cocktail: Guava Highball‍

Sweet tropical fruit meets the bold backbone of Scotch in this modern twist on a classic highball.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Johnnie Walker Black Label
• 4.5 oz. guava soda

Glassware: Highball Glass
Garnish: Lime wheel and Tajín rim

Preparation: Build ingredients over ice in a highball glass. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wheel and Tajín rim for a punch of flavor and presentation.

For the Parent Who Dreams of the Beach

Buchanan’s Pineapple – SRP: $29.99

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This tropical take on whisky is as surprising as it is smooth. Buchanan’s Pineapple blends Scotch whisky with pineapple flavors, ideal for light and fizzy cocktails.

Cocktail: Piña Soda‍

A two-ingredient build that proves simple can still be standout.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Buchanan’s Pineapple
• 4 oz. mineral water

Glassware: Highball Glass
Garnish: Tajín rim and lime wedge

Preparation: Rim a highball glass with Tajín. Add Buchanan’s Pineapple over ice, top with mineral water, and garnish with a lime or pineapple wedge.

For the Cool Parent Who Keeps a Bar Cart Ready

CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka – SRP: $29.99

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CÎROC is smooth, elegant, and crafted from fine French grapes. This vodka is made to be the star of fresh and vibrant cocktails.

Cocktail: Thyme Spritz‍

A herbal, spa-like experience in cocktail form.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. CÎROC Vodka
• 0.5 oz. fresh lime juice
• 1 oz. fresh cucumber juice
• 0.5 oz. thyme syrup
• Sparkling coconut juice to top

Glassware: Rocks Glass
Garnish: Thyme leaf and cucumber

Preparation: Combine vodka, lime juice, cucumber juice, and thyme syrup in a rocks glass over ice. Stir, top with sparkling coconut juice, and garnish.

For the Minimalist Who Appreciates a Little Extra

Tequila Don Julio Ultima Reserva – SRP: $499

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This limited-edition extra añejo is aged to perfection. You don’t mix this tequila—you honor it.

Cocktail: Don Julio Ultima Reserva On the Rocks

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Don Julio Ultima Reserva

Glassware: Rocks Glass
Preparation: Serve over one large ice cube. Nothing else needed.

For the Gin-Loving Mom Who Hates Sweet Drinks

Tanqueray London Dry Gin – SRP: $25.99

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Tanqueray has a long-standing reputation for its sharp, juniper-forward flavor. It's a staple in the home bar for a reason.

Cocktail: Tanqueray Negroni‍

A bold, balanced classic with a bitter bite.

Ingredients:

• 0.75 oz. Tanqueray London Dry Gin
• 0.5 oz. Italian aperitif bitters
• 0.5 oz. sweet vermouth

Glassware: Lowball Glass
Garnish: Orange twist

Preparation: Build ingredients over ice in a lowball glass. Stir and garnish with an orange twist.

For the Sober Parent Who Still Wants a Great Drink

Seedlip Garden 108 – SRP: $33.99

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This non-alcoholic spirit has a refreshing blend of peas, rosemary, thyme, and spearmint. It’s the perfect base for sophisticated no-proof cocktails.

Cocktail: Garden Spritz‍

Fresh, herbaceous, and zero-alcohol.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Seedlip Garden 108
• Elderflower tonic to top

Glassware: Wine Glass
Garnish: Cucumber ribbon and herbs

Preparation: Fill a wine glass with ice. Add Seedlip Garden 108, top with elderflower tonic, and garnish.

For the Parent Who’s Always First to Brunch

Astral Tequila Añejo – SRP: $29.99

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With smooth aged flavor and sweet citrus undertones, Astral Añejo shines in layered, daytime cocktails.

Cocktail: Golden Hour‍

Sweet and citrusy, with a hint of heat from hot honey.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Astral Tequila Añejo
• 0.5 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
• 0.5 oz. hot honey
• 0.25 oz. fresh lemon juice

Glassware: Coupe Glass
Garnish: Grapefruit wedge

Preparation: Shake all ingredients with ice and double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.

For the Sophisticated Sipper

DELEÓN Reposado Tequila – SRP: $34.99

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DELEÓN Reposado offers rich, smooth flavor that works beautifully in sparkling cocktails with an elegant finish.

Cocktail: DELEÓN 75‍

A bubbly blend of agave and citrus.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. DELEÓN Reposado Tequila
• 0.5 oz. agave syrup (1:1)
• 0.5 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 1.5 oz. sparkling water

Glassware: Coupe Glass
Garnish: Lemon, mint, and green grapes

Preparation: Shake tequila, syrup, and lemon juice with ice. Strain into a coupe and top with sparkling water. Garnish.

For the Bourbon Traditionalist

Blade and Bow Bourbon – SRP: $54.99

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Blade and Bow’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon is rich and smooth, perfect for classic Southern cocktails.

Cocktail: Mint Julep‍

A refreshing staple with a strong foundation.

Ingredients:

• 1.25 oz. Blade and Bow Bourbon
• 2 sugar cubes (or 0.25 oz. simple syrup)
• 5–6 mint leaves

Glassware: Julep Cup
Garnish: Mint sprig

Preparation: Add ingredients to a julep cup. Muddle mint gently. Add crushed ice, stir, and garnish with a mint sprig.

For the Parent with a Sweet Tooth

Bailey’s Cookies and Cream (Oat Milk) – SRP: $29.99

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Bailey’s with Oat Milk is a rich, indulgent treat perfect for dessert-style cocktails.

Cocktail: Oat Milk Strawberries and Creamy‍

Think milkshake—but adult and better.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Bailey’s Cookies & Cream (Oat Milk)
• 1 oz. Don Julio Blanco
• 1 oz. strawberry simple syrup

Glassware: Rocks Glass
Garnish: Fresh strawberry and/or cookie

Preparation: Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain over fresh ice and garnish.

Cheers to a Conclusion!

No matter who you’re shopping for—or what their drink of choice might be—this guide gives you options that feel personal, thoughtful, and most importantly, delicious. These bottles aren’t just shelf upgrades. They’re experiences waiting to happen, each one backed by an easy-to-make recipe that will actually be appreciated.

Because this year, the best gift isn’t wrapped. It’s poured.