The Refund Cocktail: What to Drink Based on How You Feel About Your Taxes
From refund euphoria to audit anxiety, there's a cocktail for that.
There are only two certainties in life: death and taxes—and we have a cocktail for both. But today, we’re focusing on that one glorious moment every spring when your inbox lights up with a single phrase: “Your federal refund has been issued.”
Or, on the flip side: the realization that you now owe the government more than you spent on espresso martinis this winter. Either way, emotions run high.
At Art of the Cocktail, we believe in meeting each fiscal feeling with the right glass in hand. Whether you’re ready to toast to a surprise windfall or need a drink that tastes like mild panic with a twist, here’s what to pour.
If You Got a Refund (And You’re Acting Like You Won the Lottery)
Drink: Champagne Daiquiri
Rum, fresh lime, sugar, topped with a generous pour of brut Champagne.
It’s festive, it’s tropical, and it costs just enough to feel like a splurge without requiring a CPA to approve it. You’re allowed to celebrate a little—especially if you direct deposit that joy straight into a coupe glass.
Optional garnish: A gold leaf sugar rim (because you’re that person now).
If You Got a Refund, But Immediately Had to Use It on Something Boring
Drink: The Paper Trail
Bourbon, lemon, dry Curaçao, overproof float, rosemary sprig.
It starts off hopeful—citrus and spice—but finishes with a bit more heat than expected. That refund went straight to rent or dental work, but at least this cocktail feels like an accomplishment.
Best served: In your favorite glass, at home, while deleting Amazon cart items.
If You Broke Even and You’re Telling Everyone It’s a Win
Drink: Low-ABV Shandy with a Mezcal Float
Pilsner, lemon cordial, splash of sparkling water, mezcal mist on top.
It’s light. It’s technically a drink. You didn’t win, but you didn’t lose. This is your polite, humblebrag of a cocktail. Drink it while explaining “tax efficiency” to someone who didn’t ask.
Optional pairing: A smug smile and very clean spreadsheets.
If You Owe Money and Are Thinking of Living Off the Grid
Drink: The Smoke Signal
Mezcal, Amaro, cold brew concentrate, mole bitters.
This is for the part of you that wants to disappear into a mountain town with no Wi-Fi and only cash under your mattress. Bitter, bracing, and surprisingly good at silencing financial dread—for at least a few sips.
Tip: Drink it slowly. Or not at all, depending on the penalty fee.
If You Filed an Extension and Haven’t Opened the Email Since
Drink: Frozen Piña Procrastinada
Rum, coconut, pineapple, blended with crushed deadlines and denial.
You’re still pretending it’s fine. So is this drink. It’s sweet, tropical, and about three months behind schedule. But it’s beautiful, and nobody can say you didn’t try.
Garnish with: A tiny paper umbrella and a Post-It marked “April 15.”
Want to Make These With Friends? Or Fellow Freelancers?
Our Art of the Cocktail mixologists are no strangers to tax season stress—and we’ve built entire classes around mood-based mixology. Book a private cocktail experience and we’ll walk your group through the drinks above (and others we’re too classy to list online).
We offer:
Private classes for groups of 6 to 60
Low- and high-ABV builds for every bracket
Mobile bar setups at your home or venue
Menu personalization based on actual refund vibes
Celebrate, commiserate, or just sip through the fiscal fog. We’ll bring the shaker and the sharp pour. You bring the receipts.
Need Help Organizing the perfect Refund celebration?
When it comes to orchestrating seamless, stylish events in New York City, few people bring the level of care, creativity, and logistical mastery that Morgan of NYC Event Venues does. As a seasoned event director, Morgan specializes in matching clients with distinctive venues across the city—then layering in every thoughtful detail, from vendor coordination and timeline management to mood-setting flourishes that make a space feel personal. Whether you’re planning a private celebration, a corporate gathering, or a branded activation, Morgan acts as your behind-the-scenes producer—ensuring that your event runs smoothly, looks exceptional, and leaves your guests with something to talk about.
