The Ultimate Campfire Cocktail/Mocktail Guide Using Our Insulated Drinkware

There’s a certain magic that happens around a campfire. As the sun dips below the horizon and the sky erupts in a palette of orange, pink, and purple, the crackle and pop of the flames become the evening’s soundtrack. It’s a time for storytelling, for connecting with friends and family, and for soaking in the serene beauty of the great outdoors.

But what if you could take that perfect moment and make it even better? The answer is simple: a perfectly crafted drink, held at the perfect temperature, cupped in your hands.

Forget lukewarm beer or a watered-down cooler. We’re talking about a genuinely satisfying beverage experience, one that complements the crisp night air or the lingering warmth of the day.

The secret isn’t just in the recipe. It’s in the vessel. A durable, high-performance tumbler or mug is the unsung hero of any campfire gathering, ensuring your hot toddy stays steaming and your gin and tonic remains refreshingly frosty from the first sip to the last.

This is our guide to mastering the art of the campfire beverage, with a little help from your favourite adventure companion, Chilly Moose.

The Non-Negotiable: Why Your Drinkware Matters

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about the gear. You wouldn’t go hiking in flip-flops, so why would you compromise on your drinkware?

Glass is a definite no-go—it’s fragile and a hazard to pack out. Standard plastic cups are flimsy, terrible for the environment, and offer zero temperature control. This is where high-quality insulated drinkware becomes an essential piece of your camping kit.

Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

  • Temperature retention. Our triple-insulated stainless steel construction means your hot drinks stay hot for hours, and cold drinks stay icy cold, even when you’re sitting next to a roaring fire. No more rushing to finish your drink before it becomes tepid.

  • Durability. Built for the Canadian wilderness, our drinkware can handle the bumps and tumbles of campsite life. It’s rugged, rust-resistant, and ready for any adventure.

  • No more condensation. The double-walled design prevents sweating, so you won’t have a slippery, wet cup in your hand or a water ring on your camp table.

  • Lids for the win. A good lid is crucial. It keeps the precious heat (or cold) in, while keeping pesky bugs, falling leaves, and campfire ash out. It also minimizes spills when you’re navigating uneven ground in the dark.

Now that we’ve set the stage, let's get to the fun part—the recipes. We’ve curated a list of cocktails and their mocktail counterparts that are easy to prep, require minimal ingredients, and are guaranteed to elevate your fireside experience.

Part 1: Warm & Toasty Classics for Chilly Nights

When the temperature drops and you pull your toque a little lower, these warm concoctions are like a hug in a mug.

1. The Campfire Hot Toddy

A timeless classic for a reason. It’s soothing, warming, and incredibly simple to make.

You’ll Need:

  • 1.5 oz Whisky or Dark Rum

  • 1 tbsp Honey

  • 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

  • 4–6 oz Hot Water

  • Garnish: A lemon slice and a cinnamon stick (optional, but worth it)

Campfire Instructions:

  1. Heat your water in a kettle over the fire or on your camp stove.

  2. In your 12 oz tumbler or 14 oz mug, add the whisky, honey, and lemon juice.

  3. Carefully pour the hot water into the mug and stir until the honey is completely dissolved.

  4. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick. The lid will help trap the aromatic steam.

The Mocktail Version (The “Hot Not-Toddy”): Simply swap the whisky for strongly brewed spiced herbal tea (like a cinnamon or chai tea). It delivers the same warming, aromatic experience without the alcohol.

2. Spiked Campfire Hot Chocolate

This isn’t your childhood hot chocolate. It’s a decadent, grown-up treat that’s perfect for dessert or a late-night indulgence.

You’ll Need:

  • 1 packet of high-quality hot chocolate mix

  • 6–8 oz hot milk or water

  • 1.5 oz of your favourite liqueur:

    • Peppermint Schnapps for a “Peppermint Patty”

    • Baileys Irish Cream for a creamy kick

    • Spiced Rum for extra warmth

  • Garnish: Mini marshmallows or a sprinkle of cinnamon

Campfire Instructions:

  1. Heat your milk or water.

  2. Pour the hot chocolate mix into your Chilly Moose mug.

  3. Add a splash of the hot liquid and stir to create a smooth paste—this prevents clumps.

  4. Pour in the rest of the hot liquid and stir well.

  5. Add your chosen liqueur and give it one final stir.

  6. Top with marshmallows and let them get gooey from the heat.

The Mocktail Version: Make an exceptional hot chocolate! Use hot milk instead of water, add a dash of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to enhance the chocolate flavour.


Part 2: Crisp & Cool Sippers for Milder Evenings

Sometimes you need something refreshing to sip on as you watch the embers glow. These cold drinks are simple, crisp, and stay perfectly chilled in your tumbler.

3. The Backcountry G&T

A well-made Gin and Tonic is elegant, refreshing, and surprisingly easy to make at the campsite.

You’ll Need:

  • 2 oz gin

  • 4 oz chilled tonic water

  • A wedge of fresh lime

Campfire Instructions:

  1. Fill your 20 oz Georgian tumbler or 12 oz lowball tumbler with ice from your cooler. The more ice, the less dilution.

  2. Pour the gin over the ice.

  3. Top with the chilled tonic water.

  4. Squeeze the lime wedge over the drink and drop it in. Give it a gentle stir.

The Mocktail Version (Juniper & Tonic): There are some fantastic non-alcoholic gin alternatives available now that mimic the botanical flavours perfectly. If you can’t find one, simply mix your tonic water with a generous squeeze of lime and a few muddled juniper berries for a similar aromatic profile.

4. The Moose Mule

Our take on the classic Moscow Mule. It’s zesty, spicy, and incredibly thirst-quenching. While traditionally served in a copper mug, the stainless steel of your Chilly Moose tumbler keeps it just as frosty.

You’ll Need:

  • 2 oz vodka

  • 4–6 oz chilled ginger beer (the spicier, the better!)

  • 0.5 oz fresh lime juice

Campfire Instructions:

  1. Fill your tumbler with ice.

  2. Add the vodka and lime juice.

  3. Top with the ginger beer and stir gently.

  4. Garnish with a lime wheel if you’re feeling fancy.

The Mocktail Version (Spicy Ginger Buck): This one is easy—just omit the vodka! A good quality ginger beer mixed with fresh lime juice is a fantastic and invigorating drink all on its own.

A Moment for Reflection

As we sit around the fire, sharing stories and enjoying the beauty of this land, it’s a powerful time for reflection. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge the long history of the territories we are privileged to explore.

Taking a quiet moment of gratitude for nature and community is a wonderful tradition, especially as we approach observances like National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Enjoying Canada’s wilderness comes with a responsibility to honour its past and present, and to connect with the land in a meaningful way.


Your Adventure Awaits

The right drink can transform a great camping trip into an unforgettable one. It’s the finishing touch on a perfect day of adventure. By planning ahead and packing the right gear, you can easily become the master mixologist of your campsite, crafting memories one delicious sip at a time.

Ready to gear up for your next fireside gathering? Have questions about our gear or want to share your own campfire creations? Get in touch with us! We’d love to hear from you.

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