There’s something special about the rhythm of the water, the laughter of friends, and the alchemy of a well-mixed cocktail. Onboard hospitality is part art, part heart — and docktails are my favourite way to bring both to the table.
There’s something about being on the water that begs for a cocktail in hand, preferably something salty, sweet, and a little bit adventurous. Whether you’re anchored in a quiet cove, tied up at the dock with friends, or just daydreaming about your next rendezvous, these 15 Nautical-Themed Docktails capture the spirit of boating life perfectly. Grab your shaker, kick off your boat shoes, and let’s dive into docktails designed to keep the good times flowing as effortlessly as the tide.
1. Dark ‘n’ Stormy
A bold, moody mix perfect for weathering life’s squalls. The spicy ginger beer pairs with the rich dark rum to create a drink that’s both invigorating and comforting. It’s a cocktail that says, “We may be in for a ride, but we’ll enjoy every minute.” Named after the ominous clouds that sailors often watched nervously on the horizon.
Recipe: Fill a tall glass with ice, pour 2 oz dark rum over 4 oz ginger beer, and squeeze in fresh lime. Stir gently.
2. Sea Breeze
Light, refreshing, and just the right amount of tart. It’s a perfect sip for sunny days when the sea sparkles and the breeze feels like a blessing. A reminder that simple can be spectacular. Named for the soft winds sailors and beachgoers cherish.
Recipe: Mix 1.5 oz vodka, 4 oz cranberry juice, and 1 oz grapefruit juice over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
3. Navy Grog
Strong and citrusy with a kiss of honeyed sweetness, this drink packs a punch, fitting for its historic roots. It’s the taste of hearty adventure and salty sea tales. It’s named after the rum rations given to British sailors, known as “grog.”
Recipe: Shake 1 oz light rum, 1 oz dark rum, 1 oz demerara rum, .75 oz lime juice, .75 oz grapefruit juice, .75 oz chilled club soda and 1 oz honey syrup with ice. Strain over crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.
4. Blue Lagoon
Tropical, electric, and impossible to miss. Its vibrant colour mirrors exotic waters, and its sweet-tart balance keeps you coming back for more—vacation in a glass, no passport required. Named after the famous serene waters and sun-soaked lagoons.
Recipe: Combine 1 oz vodka, 1 oz blue curaçao, and 4 oz lemonade over ice. Garnish with a cherry.
5. Sailor’s Sunset
Rich with tropical flavours and just a hint of mischief, this cocktail captures that fleeting, magical moment when the sun dips below the horizon. It is a drink for dreamers and sunset chasers alike, named for the breathtaking views sailors cherish at day’s end.
Recipe: 1.5 ounces dark rum (preferably Jamaican), .5 ounce Campari, .5 ounce lime juice, .5 ounce grapefruit juice, .5 ounce simple syrup (1:1, sugar: water), 2 ounces ginger soda
6. Shipwreck
Sweet, fruity, and dangerously easy to drink. It sneaks up on you in the best possible way. Perfect for laughing too loudly on the dock. Named for the infamous misadventures sailors find themselves in after a little too much rum.
Recipe: Shake 2 oz dark rum, 1 oz pineapple juice, .5 oz lime juice and 1 tsp of honey, serve over ice in a hurricane glass and garnish with a pineapple slice.
7. Mermaid Water
Tropical with just enough rum kick to feel adventurous. Bright, blue, and whimsical enough to convince you mermaids are real. For those who believe magic happens at sea. Named for the mythical creatures said to enchant sailors.
Recipe: Mix 1.5 oz coconut rum, 1.5 oz spiced rum, 1 oz blue curaçao, 6 oz pineapple juice, and 1 oz lime juice. Shake and pour over ice in a tall glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
8. Harbour Mule
Crisp, citrusy, and lively with a hint of floral sweetness, it’s a familiar classic with a bit of seaside romance. It’s best enjoyed with bare feet and salty air, and named for the bustling harbour scenes where sailors and merchants once swapped tales over drinks.
Recipe: Pour 1.5 oz Vodka, .5 oz Whiskey, .75 oz Lime Juice and 4 oz Ginger Beer. Add the vodka, whiskey, and lime juice to a copper mug, top it with ginger beer, and garnish it with mint.
9. Captain’s Blood
Some cocktails are made for sunshine and deck shoes; Captain’s Blood is made for heavy skies and strong tides. Bold dark rum anchors the drink with rich, brooding warmth, while fresh lime cuts through with just enough sharpness to keep you upright. Two dashes of bitters add complexity without fuss — it’s the kind of drink that doesn’t explain itself, and doesn’t have to.
Recipe: Shake 2 oz Jamaican Dark Rum, .75 oz lime juice, and two dashes of Angostura bitters with ice—strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lime.
Boat life demands clever gear, and this Hybrid Cocktail Shaker is equal parts elegant and efficient. Thanks to its double-wall vacuum insulation, your cocktails stay refreshingly cold without freezing your fingers — or dripping condensation all over your teak.
10. The Little Dinghy
The Little Dinghy is a bright, tropical rush of coconut rum, pineapple, cranberry, and orange juices — a smooth, sweet escape that’s just a little mischievous, like its name suggests. 🚤🍍🍹
Recipe: 1.5 oz Captain Morgan Coconut Rum, 1.5 oz Malibu, 2 oz Pineapple Juice, 2 oz Cranberry Juice, 2 oz Orange Juice. Shake and pour over ice. Garnish with a fruit slice.
11. Seagull
The Seagull cocktail combines the bright bite of gin and lemon with the easy sweetness of Lillet and the Caribbean-influenced Falernum. It’s a drink that feels like leaning into a cool coastal breeze — crisp, bracing, and full of quiet energy. Quick to lift your spirit, just like the wingbeat of something wild over open water.
Recipe: Shake 1.25 oz Gin, .5 oz Falernum, 1 oz Lillet Blanc, 1 oz Lemon Juice. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lime twist. It’s a Missy Favourite, check out more info here.
12. Seabird
Creamy, lush, and lightly tropical. It’s a little indulgent, a little breezy, and completely irresistible. Think coconut daydreams on the bow of a boat. Named for the graceful creatures soaring over endless waters.
Recipe: Mix 1.5 oz aged rum, .75 oz Campari, 1.5 oz pineapple juice, .5 oz Lime Juice, .5 oz Coconut Syrup, 1 pinch of salt. Blend with ice for a frothy treat.
PRO TIP:
Give your docktails a gorgeous, bar-quality foam without cracking an egg — Fee Foam is the vegan-friendly cocktail upgrade that’s clean, easy, and perfect for bar-life afloat.
13. Sunset Martini
Elegant, silky, and just a bit sweet, it’s the martini’s casual, sun-drenched cousin. Perfect for golden hour toasts, it is named for the gorgeous blend of colours seen at sea as day fades to night.
Recipe: Shake 2 oz orange vodka, 1 dash of Triple Sec, and 2 oz pineapple juice with ice—strain into a chilled martini glass. Drop in a dash of Grenadine to create the sunset. Garnish with an orange peel.
14. Neptune’s Nectar
Fruity, lush, and fit for an underwater king. It’s a cocktail that tastes like a tropical escape. Every sip feels like a secret whispered by the sea named after Neptune, the Roman god of the sea.
Recipe: Shake 1.5 oz blue curaçao, 1.5 oz coconut rum, 1.5 oz Coconut Milk, and 3 oz Unsweetened Pineapple juice. Serve over ice with a slice of pineapple.
15. Ocean Mist
Delicate, floral, and fresh as a new tide. It’s light enough to sip all afternoon without a care. A drink that lets you drift. Named for the soft sea spray that kisses the skin on early morning sails.
Recipe: Mix 2 oz Silver Tequila, .5 oz Blue Curacao, .75 oz Apricot Brandy, .75 oz Lemon Juice, 1 Egg White or 4 shakes of Fee Foam, 1 small shake of salt. Shake and strain into a coupe glass with an orange twist.
From the electric blue sparkle of a Blue Lagoon to the rich, bracing bite of a Captain’s Blood, these docktails bring a little maritime magic to every glass. Each one tells a story of adventures at sea, sunsets watched from the bow, and the easy laughter floating across the water at the end of a perfect day. Cheers to slowing down, living simply, and savouring every delicious moment on and off the water.
See you on the water!
Missy
