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There’s something magical about smoky, sweet cocktails shared around a summer grill. This campfire marshmallow cocktail brings that fireside flavor into your glass. The bold warmth of bourbon pairs so well with charred oranges and gooey toasted marshmallows. Add cherries and bitters if you like a more complex sip. Enjoy these at a BBQ, when camping or just in the mood for a fun, fireside twist on happy hour.
This campfire marshmallow cocktail blends smoky grilled oranges, smooth bourbon and sticky toasted marshmallows for a fun drink that’s perfect for summer nights.
You might also like whip up a classic old fashioned, some negronis, this clementine martini, or one of these viral TikTok cocktails.
Why You’ll Love It
Great for entertaining: It’s easy to scale up and makes an impression at cookouts. And you can’t beat a sweet, smoky sip and toasted marshmallows under the stars!
Smoky and sweet: Charred fruit and toasted marshmallows offer unique flavor depth.
Customizable: You can add cherries and bitters to suit your flavor preference.
Fun presentation: Toasted marshmallow skewers look amazing and taste even better.
Quick to make: Minimal prep with just a few simple ingredients.
Toasted Marshmallow Cocktail Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Navel oranges: Grilled until charred to bring out their sweetness and smoky flavor.
Bourbon, rye or whiskey: The base spirit, adding warmth and complexity. A smooth bourbon or rye whiskey pairs nicely with the smoky-sweet flavors. I used Glenfiddich 14 Scotch whiskey, as it’s what I had on hand.
Large marshmallows: Grilled to a gooey golden brown for a nostalgic garnish.
Maraschino cherries (optional): Adds a sweet, retro twist to the muddled fruit mix.
Angostura bitters (optional): For a deeper, spiced undertone.
How to Make a Campfire Cocktail
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Grill the orange slices: Cook them until charred and caramelized.
Muddle the fruit: Lightly crush the oranges with cherries and bitters, if using.
Add the alcohol: Stir in bourbon, rye or whiskey.
Toast the marshmallows: Grill them on skewers until golden and soft.
Assemble the cocktail: Fill glasses with ice, pour the drink and garnish with marshmallows.
Substitutions and Variations
Use rum instead: Swap bourbon for dark rum for a sweeter twist. If you don’t like bourbon or dark rum, you can try vodka or light rum.
Citrus variation: Try grilled grapefruit or blood orange instead of navel orange.
Add herbs: Muddle in a sprig of rosemary or thyme for a savory note.
Make it gluten free: Stick with bourbon or whiskey brands labeled gluten free.
Make it sweeter: Add a dash of toasted marshmallow syrup.
Make it vegetarian: Use marshmallows that don’t contain gelatine.
No campfire? Use a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallows and char the orange slices in a grill pan.
Serving Suggestions
As an aperitif: Enjoy this cocktail, perhaps with some roasted party nuts, before dinner.
After dinner: Savor this after dinner drink/dessert-in-one after a meal of campfire shrimp scampi, surf and turf foil packs, gnocchi foil packs, or a smoked sausage and potato skillet.
How to Store Toasted Marshmallow Cocktails
Store: These are best served fresh while the marshmallows are warm and melty. If you must prepare them ahead, combine the fruit and whiskey and keep in a mason jar or similar in the fridge, but don’t add ice cubes or toast the marshmallows until serving.
Freeze: These aren’t suitable for freezing.
Top Tips
Don’t over-grill the marshmallows: Turn them constantly for even browning without burning.
Use fresh oranges: They caramelize better and give the best flavor.
Serve right away: Toasted marshmallows are best enjoyed warm and gooey.
Chill your glasses: This helps keep the cocktail colder longer. A rocks glass or old fashioned glass would work best for these.
And for the kids: Bring graham crackers and chocolate squares too. While the adults are feeling fancy with their delicious campfire cocktails, the little ones can make classic s’mores!
Campfire Old Fashioned Cocktail FAQs
Angostura is a legendary name in the cocktail world, prized for its intensely aromatic bitters made from a secret blend of roots, herbs and spices. Just a dash adds complexity and depth, transforming simple drinks into signature sips. Although it’s named after a Venezuelan town, this iconic concoction is actually crafted in Trinidad and Tobago, where its exact recipe has stayed closely guarded for generations.
Yes, a grill pan works just as well to char the oranges indoors.
No, just a pitcher or large mixing glass. No shaking required for this drink.
Bourbon Marshmallow Cocktail Recipe
Campfire Marshmallow Cocktail
Equipment
- Muddler or Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 navel oranges, cut into half-moon slices
- 16 Ounces bourbon, or rye, or whiskey of choice
- 8 marshmallows, large
- ice cubes, to serve
Optional Extras
- 8 maraschino cherries
- 8 Dashes angostura bitters
Instructions
- Heat your grill to medium high and then cook the navel orange slices for a 2 to 4 minutes until charred.
- Muddle the orange slices with maraschino cherries and/or angostura bitters if using in a pitcher, just until the fruit is a bit mashed.
- Stir in your bourbon, rye or whiskey.
- Thread the marshmallows on skewers and grill for a minute or until charred, turning often.
- Fill 4 serving glasses with ice cubes, then pour in the cocktail mixture.
- Add a toasted marshmallow garnish and serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh oranges: They caramelize better and give the best flavor.
Serve right away: Toasted marshmallows are best enjoyed warm and gooey.
Chill your glasses: This helps keep the cocktail colder longer. A rocks glass or old fashioned glass would work best for these.
And for the kids: Bring graham crackers and chocolate squares too. While the adults are feeling fancy with their delicious campfire cocktails, the little ones can make classic s’mores!
Nutrition
Bring a taste of the outdoors to your next gathering with this playful twist on a fireside classic. The charred citrus, rich whiskey and gooey marshmallows combine to make every sip of this campfire marshmallow cocktail feel like a warm evening by the fire, and makes a change from apple cider. If you’re want to sing kumbaya around a campfire or just treat yourself to something special, campfire marshmallow cocktails are sure to spark smiles as well as special memories.
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
