Elevate Your Evenings with a Sundowner: Best Places to Enjoy the Sunset with Drinks

A sundowner is a delicious drink—usually a cocktail—enjoyed at sunset, marking the transition from day to evening. It’s a wonderful way to relax and catch up with loved ones over a fun beverage at the end of a long afternoon.

Here are our tips for incorporating a sundowner ritual into your lifestyle or even trying it out on a luxury vacation!

Location Matters for Enjoying a Sundowner

Finding an ideal setting can make all the difference for an unforgettable sundowner evening. As long as you can see the sunset and enjoy some peace while you kick back, whether on a boat, rooftop bar, or in your backyard. Find a great view of the sunset for you and your friends to celebrate together—after all, what’s the fun of a drink called Sundowner without watching the sun go down?

Boating

For an unforgettable sundowner experience, take your drink onto the water in a boat—if you’re planning a luxury vacation or a romantic getaway, enjoying a sunset cruise with a cocktail is a must! And if you want to go full luxury and buy your own, consider a Sylvan boat. These stylish, comfortable vessels provide everything needed for a fantastic evening—plus, there are many types of Sylvan boats for sale so that you can repeat your sundowner ritual out on the water any evening you’d like.

Rooftop

If water sports aren’t your cup of tea, try a rooftop sundowner instead! Whether it’s the city skyline, mountain vista, or countryside view, a rooftop is bound to be an excellent setting for your evening drinks. If you’re skipping the rooftop bar at a hotel or restaurant and turning your own balcony or rooftop into a party place, make sure you have enough comfortable seating and ambient lighting to add atmosphere as day turns to night. Add some relaxing music and cozy blankets for the chilly evening, and don’t forget to stock up on snacks!

Backyard

Turn your backyard into a relaxing sanctuary by adding simple touches like string lights or lanterns for ambient lighting, comfortable seating with lots of cushions, and even a fire pit to warm things up once the night falls. Set up a small table with snacks and drinks within arm’s reach. Play soft background music or set up an outdoor movie night projector for a family-friendly evening. With just a bit of creative thinking, your backyard can become the ideal venue for creating memorable evenings filled with good company and enjoyable moments.

Curate Your Sundowner Drink Selection

In any sundowner session, drinks are the star of the show. Traditional sundowners feature a simple gin and tonic or wine, but don’t feel bound by those limitations. The fun of planning your own sundowner evening is that you can pick and choose whatever drinks you’d like to fit your mood, the location, and your company!

Here are a few ideas:

• Classic Cocktails: Pour yourself some refreshing classic cocktails as the sun goes down, such as a Negroni, Mojito, Aperol Spritz, Pisco Sour, or classic Margarita. They offer light refreshment while packing just the right punch.
• Mocktail Magic: For those who prefer their drinks sans alcohol, there are an array of delightful mocktails that can still provide the same enjoyable experience. A Virgin Mojito, Nojito, or sparkling elderflower lemonade make great options, while fresh herbs, fruits, and flowers add complexity and sophistication to each drink.
• Wine Down: Sometimes all it takes is one delicious glass of wine to relax and unwind. From robust reds, crisp whites, and fruity rosés, make sure it’s something that speaks to you. Pair it with some light snacks, and you’re ready to go!

So what are you waiting for? The sun’s setting somewhere…now’s the time for an epic sundowner party!

About the Author

Heather is a freelance writer who loves exploring the intersection of travel and history. Read her other articles on Frayed Passport here.

Featured image by Cory Bjork on Unsplash