15 Liquor Pairings to Transform Your Trader Joe’s Beverage into a Cocktail

Trader Joe’s is a treasure trove of unique and exciting soft drinks, which can be enjoyed on their own but also offer endless opportunities to craft simple but impressive cocktails or mocktails. Whether you’re in the mood for tropical flavors, a spicy kick, or something smooth and cozy, these drinks can easily be transformed into delicious creations with just the right liquor pairing.

From sparkling sodas to rich juices, Trader Joe’s beverages provide the perfect base for cocktails that require no special expertise. With a few clever combinations, you can elevate your favorite TJ’s drinks and surprise your guests—or simply treat yourself to something new. As a journalist with a background in the wine industry, I’ve explored countless ways to enjoy beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Here, I’m sharing some of the best liquor pairings to turn your favorite Trader Joe’s drinks into cocktails.

All it takes is a little mixing, a splash of your favorite liquor, and a garnish to bring these easy cocktails to life. If you’re new to mixing cocktails, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of a cocktail shaker set which will help you combine ingredients to create smooth, flavorful drinks.

Trader Joe’s Sparkling Black Tea with Peach Juice is a refreshing and fizzy drink that pairs perfectly with a splash of bourbon. The combination of smooth black tea and sweet peach juice creates a crisp and light base, ideal for a cocktail. Adding bourbon brings a depth of flavor, with its warm caramel notes complementing the peach’s sweetness. The result is a well-balanced drink that’s both refreshing and rich. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a fresh peach slice. This easy-to-make cocktail offers the perfect mix of refreshing fizz and cozy warmth, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Mandarin Orange Sparkling Water is the perfect base for a light, citrus-forward tequila cocktail that’s easy to make and refreshingly vibrant. The sparkling water’s bright mandarin flavor bring a tropical twist to the classic tequila pairing, making it an ideal choice for warm evenings or casual get-togethers.

To create this cocktail, start with a generous pour of your favorite tequila and add a splash of orange liqueur to enhance the citrusy notes. For a margarita-inspired twist, rim your glass with salt and fill it with ice before adding the mango-tangerine mixture. The bubbles add a lively effervescence, while the natural sweetness of the sparkling water balances the bold, earthy tequila. Elevate the experience with a garnish of fresh lime or orange slices, and consider adding a dash of agave syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.

Trader Joe’s Fresh Pineapple Juice is a vibrant, tropical drink that pairs wonderfully with the bold richness of dark rum. The juice, made from one-and-a-half ripe Guatemalan pineapples per bottle, offers a naturally sweet, smooth flavor that perfectly balances the deep, caramelized notes of dark rum. The bright acidity and fruity sweetness of the pineapple juice provide an ideal foundation for the rum’s complexity, making each sip both refreshing and indulgent.

To craft this simple yet delicious drink, fill a glass with ice, pour in a generous measure of dark rum, and top it off with Trader Joe’s Fresh Pineapple Juice. Stir gently to combine the flavors, then garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, a maraschino cherry, or a slice of pineapple. For an extra layer of flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon on top, adding a warm, spiced finish that enhances the drink’s richness. This easy cocktail is the perfect combination of tangy, fruity pineapple and smooth, bold rum.

Trader Joe’s Sparkling Coconut Water with Yuzu is a hidden gem that pairs perfectly with vodka for a refreshing cocktail. The creamy, subtly sweet flavor of coconut water is elevated by the sharp, tangy citrus notes of yuzu, creating a bright and irresistible combination. When mixed with vodka, the drink gains a smooth, clean balance that highlights the natural flavors without overpowering them. Add a squeeze of fresh lime for an extra zesty kick, and you’ll have a drink that feels like a tropical escape in a glass.

Perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon, this cocktail is as easy to make as it is delightful to drink. The effervescence of the sparkling coconut water adds a light, bubbly texture that makes each sip refreshing. Don’t forget a garnish of lime or a sprig of mint to complete the vacation vibes.

The 100% Honeycrisp Apple Cider makes the perfect partner for bourbon, creating a cocktail that’s both crisp and cozy. The slightly tart, refreshing flavor of the Honeycrisp apple juice pairs beautifully with the rich, warming notes of bourbon, resulting in a smooth drink ideal for fall evenings or anytime you crave a taste of autumn.

To elevate this simple combination, add a dash of cinnamon or a few drops of bitters to deepen the flavor profile. The spice brings out the natural sweetness of the apple cider while complementing the boldness of the bourbon. For an elegant finishing touch, garnish your drink with a thin slice of fresh apple or a cinnamon stick—both visually appealing and aromatic.

This cocktail is versatile enough to enjoy at a holiday gathering or while relaxing at home. Its balance of tartness, sweetness, and warmth creates a drink that feels both refreshing and comforting, making it an instant favorite. Whether you’re an apple lover, a bourbon enthusiast, or both, this pairing is sure to impress.

Trader Joe’s 100% Tart Cherry Juice makes an incredible cocktail base, especially when paired with vodka. This juice, crafted from freshly pressed, whole Montmorency cherries, brings a tangy and vibrant flavor that beautifully complements the smoothness of vodka. The result is a perfectly balanced drink with a bold, refreshing taste.

To create this cherry-inspired cocktail, combine tart cherry juice with vodka and shake it with ice until chilled. Pour into a glass and garnish with a twist of lime or a few fresh cherries for a playful pop of color and flavor. The natural tartness of the juice makes it a standout mixer, offering a pucker-worthy punch that enhances every sip.

For an extra layer of complexity, consider adding a splash of soda water for sparkle or a dash of orange bitters to deepen the flavor. You’ll not only get a cocktail that’s bright and bold but also one that’s packed with the healthful antioxidants known as anthocyanins.

Spiced Cider is a fall favorite that transforms into a warm, cozy cocktail when paired with rum. The cider, brewed with apples and spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, is perfect for cooler weather and offers a comforting balance of tart apple flavor with a subtle citrusy finish. When combined with rum, especially spiced rum, it creates a seasonal drink that’s both relaxing and indulgent.

For this easy cocktail, simply pour Trader Joe’s Spiced Cider into a glass, then add a generous splash of spiced rum. Stir to blend the flavors, and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of apple for an extra touch of autumn charm. For a chilled variation, serve it over ice and garnish with a fresh orange wedge to bring out the cider’s citrusy notes.

To make this cocktail even more special, try using different spiced rum options to suit your taste. Consider pairing it with Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, which offers warm vanilla and cinnamon notes or, if you prefer a lighter, more aromatic rum, try The Kraken Spiced Rum for a complex balance of spices that complement the cider’s sweetness.

Trader Joe’s Sparkling White Tea with Pomegranate Juice is the ultimate summer beverage, and when paired with vodka, it transforms into a vibrant and invigorating cocktail perfect for the warm-weather. This drink combines the delicate, floral notes of white tea with the tart, fruity kick of pomegranate, while the fizzy bubbles provide a refreshing effervescence that complements the vodka beautifully.

To craft this cocktail, simply mix the Sparkling White Tea with Pomegranate Juice with vodka and pour it over ice. Add a splash of fresh pomegranate juice or a squeeze of lemon to enhance the flavors and garnish with a sprig of mint or a few pomegranate seeds for a touch of elegance. For an extra twist, try muddling some fresh mint leaves or adding a splash of soda water for even more fizz.

The Organic Jalapeño Limeade is a bold, tangy drink that delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. With zesty lime flavor and a spicy kick from the jalapeño, it’s a refreshing choice for hot summer days. But it’s not just great on its own—it makes a great margarita mixer when paired with tequila.

The combination of tequila with this jalapeño limeade is a natural fit. The smooth, earthy notes of the tequila complement the tangy lime and spicy kick of the jalapeño, creating a flavor profile that’s both vibrant and bold. To take it a step further, add a splash of triple sec to enhance the citrusy sweetness, and garnish with a fresh slice of jalapeño for an extra kick. At just $2.79, Trader Joe’s Organic Jalapeño Limeade is an affordable yet flavorful option for crafting a standout cocktail. If you’re looking for something more exciting than your average margarita, this simple combination of limeade and tequila is an easy way to elevate your drink game.

Something Spritzy is an ideal mixer for a vibrant twist on the classic Aperol spritz. This refreshing sparkling beverage, made with grapefruit, cranberry, and orange juices has a touch of aromatic bitters and just enough cane sugar to create a balanced, bubbly base.

To make your own twist on an Aperol spritz, start by filling a glass with ice and pouring a generous amount of Aperol. Top it off with Trader Joe’s Something Spritzy, allowing the tangy citrus flavors to complement the bittersweetness of the Aperol. The natural effervescence of Something Spritzy adds a lively sparkle, making this drink both festive and refreshing. For extra flair, garnish with an orange slice or a twist of grapefruit peel.

For an even more celebratory version, consider adding a splash of prosecco to amplify the bubbles and give the drink that signature spritz sparkle. This version offers a vibrant, citrusy twist while keeping the refreshing qualities of the original, making it the perfect drink for those who want something light and spritzy.

The Organic Sparkling Yerba Mate Beverage brings a vibrant, effervescent twist to cocktails, especially when combined with rum. The bold, earthy flavors of yerba mate — with hints of hibiscus, white tea, and a citrusy zest — provide an invigorating base that contrasts beautifully with the rich sweetness of rum. The natural bubbles add a refreshing lift, creating a lively drink that’s both herbal and smooth.

To craft the cocktail, pour rum over ice and top it with sparkling yerba mate. The result is a drink that feels crisp and invigorating while still packing a punch of complexity. The herbal yerba mate enhances the rum’s depth, providing an interesting contrast to traditional mixers.

For extra flavor, garnish with a twist of lime or a sprig of mint, which pairs perfectly with the drink’s lively, citrusy undertones. Unlike sugary sodas, the yerba mate beverage is unsweetened, making it a cleaner, more refreshing choice for those looking for a cocktail that isn’t too sweet.

This tangy, bubbly drink with apple cider vinegar is the perfect base for a gin cocktail. This vibrant beverage blends the zesty brightness of lemon with the spicy warmth of ginger, creating a lively foundation that complements the botanicals in gin. The apple cider vinegar adds a touch of tartness, while its effervescence provides an extra kick that makes it stand out. To enhance the drink, a sprig of thyme introduces an aromatic layer, adding a fragrant touch of complexity that elevates the overall experience.

This sparkling apple cider vinegar beverage isn’t just for sipping straight out of the can—its unique flavor profile makes it the perfect mixer for cocktails. The combination of organic lemon juice, ginger, and apple cider vinegar brings together the best qualities of lemonade and ginger beer, with an unexpected twist. Ideal for pairing with light summer dishes or as a complement to rich, spicy foods, this drink makes for an easy yet sophisticated cocktail. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, a splash of gin will transform this drink into a delightful, refreshing cocktail that’s sure to impress.

Infused with vanilla and cardamom, Trader Joe’s Vanilla Cardamom Cold Brew Coffee offers a smooth, slightly sweet taste with floral and spicy notes that complement the robust flavor of coffee. The result is a rich and balanced drink, ideal for enjoying on its own or as the foundation for an upscale cocktail.

When combined with bourbon, one of the best liquors to pair with cold brew, the result is a perfectly balanced drink that showcases both ingredients’ deep, rich flavors. The bourbon’s smoky, caramel, and vanilla notes mesh seamlessly with the sweet and spicy hints of the cold brew, creating a drink that’s both complex and satisfying. For a more creative twist, consider transforming this into a “cold fashioned” cocktail by adding cinnamon-vanilla syrup and chocolate bitters, and garnishing with an orange twist.

Trader Joe’s Egg Nog is a rich, creamy, nutmeg-infused holiday classic that can turn into the ultimate festive cocktail. The sweet, velvety texture of the egg nog is perfectly balanced by the warmth of rum, creating a smooth and indulgent drink that’s perfect for winter nights. Spiced rum works especially well, amplifying the nutmeg and vanilla notes in the egg nog, while adding an extra layer of warmth and depth. For a more complex flavor, try dark rum, which brings a robust, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy richness of the egg nog.

To make this drink, shake the egg nog and rum together with ice to chill, then pour it into a glass. Garnish with a dusting of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for an added festive touch. If you prefer a little extra flair, a sprinkle of grated nutmeg or even a dash of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor profile.

Fresh Squeezed Limeade, with its bright, tangy flavor and pure, natural sweetness, makes the perfect base for a refreshing cocktail. Combine it with mezcal for a smoky, citrus-forward drink ideal for warm weather. The mezcal’s smoky undertones add a deep complexity to the cocktail, beautifully balancing the fresh, zesty lime flavor. The limeade’s sweetness softens the mezcal’s boldness, creating a harmonious blend that’s both refreshing and flavorful.

To make the drink, pour mezcal into a glass over ice, then top it with Trader Joe’s Fresh Squeezed Limeade for a simple yet satisfying cocktail. You can garnish with a lime wedge for an added burst of citrus. Feel free to explore the versatility of mezcal and experiment with different options.