When it comes to creating a meal that’s both delicious and fun, nothing beats a BBQ. From grilled chicken to hamburgers and hot dogs, you can serve just about anything on your grill and now you can also serve some of these delicious drinks as well!
Make your next cookout even more enjoyable by adding one (or more!) of these tasty cocktails to your menu.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Grilled cocktails are perfect for summer barbecues and can be made easily using a few ingredients and a grill. |
| There are a variety of grilled cocktail recipes that can be made using unique ingredients like grilled fruits and herbs, which add an extra layer of smoky flavor to the drinks. |
| Grilling gadgets like cocktail shakers, juicers, and muddlers can be used to make delicious cocktails. |
| It is important to keep your grill maintained properly to ensure the best results when grilling and making cocktails. |
| Offering a variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and providing ample seating and shade for guests can help host a successful BBQ party with cocktails. |
Smoky Margarita
If you want to stay away from tequila and margarita purists, consider this smoky spin on the classic cocktail.
The key is upping the ante on the smokiness: use a tequila that has been aged in oak, swap regular salt for smoked salt and throw in some chipotle peppers instead of jalapeños. Then add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to round out the flavors.
Looking to elevate your BBQ game? Our article on 15 Grilled Side Dishes That Will Make Your BBQ the Best on the Block provides mouth-watering and easy-to-make recipes that will complement your grilled cocktails perfectly.
Summer Sangria
Sangria is the perfect cocktail for summer. It’s got everything you need to make your backyard barbecue a hit: booze, fruit, and sugar. If you’re hosting a party or want to contribute to one as a guest, this is a drink that people will love. Plus it only takes 10 minutes of work at most!
What You’ll Need
- 1 bottle red wine (750ml)
- 1 cup brandy or other liquor (optional)
- 2 cups fresh fruit chunks (any kind will do!)
- 1/2 cup sugar
BBQ Bloody Mary
Step 1: In a large pitcher, blend the vodka and tomato juice until smooth.
Step 2: Add the Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and black pepper to taste. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Step 3: Serve in tall glasses filled with ice cubes or on the rocks (if you want to get fancy!). Top off with celery sticks for garnish if desired!
If you want to kick up the heat level of your BBQ Bloody Marys or just make them less boozy (they can also be served nonalcoholic) then simply add more Tabasco sauce or horseradish instead of water when blending ingredients in a blender before adding ice cubes and garnishing with celery sticks as desired!
Searching for more grilled appetizer ideas to serve with your cocktails? Our article on 10 Delicious Grilled Appetizers That Will Blow Your Mind has got you covered with some creative and tasty recipes.
Fruit-Flavored Shandy
Fruit-Flavored Shandy
Ingredients:
1/2 cup lemonade
1/2 cup beer (light or dark)
Mix together with ice, then use a straw to drink. If you don’t have the right glassware, serve it over ice in a tall glass with two slices of lemon.
Strawberry Rhubarb Mojito
Strawberry Rhubarb Mojito
1 1/2 ounces rhubarb syrup (recipe below)
1 1/2 ounces fresh lime juice
1 1/2 ounces white rum (we recommend Bacardi Limon)
Ice cubes (optional; we don’t like our drinks watered down, so we skipped this step)
Strawberry rhubarb simple syrup: Combine 2 cups chopped strawberries, 2 cups diced rhubarbs and 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until mixture reaches a simmer; reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes more, stirring occasionally until mixture has thickened slightly. Strain through cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into glass jar to remove solids; set aside for use in cocktail recipe later on.
Pineapple Aperol Spritz
This cocktail is simple, but it has a really unique taste. Aperol is a bittersweet Italian liqueur that has been around for over 100 years.
It’s an orange-flavored drink and comes from the heart of Italy—the regions of Modena and Reggio Emilia specifically. You can find it at most liquor stores, or you can order a bottle online. To make this drink:
1 oz pineapple juice (preferably fresh)
2 oz Campari (or another bitter liqueur like dry vermouth)
1 oz Aperol
Keep your grill in top shape for optimal BBQ experiences. Our comprehensive guide on The Ultimate Grill Maintenance Checklist provides practical tips and steps you can take to ensure your grill is always ready for action.
Grilled Watermelon Cooler
Grilling watermelon is a great way to add some flare to your summertime dinner party. Use this recipe as a guide, but don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients.
For example, you can substitute tequila for vodka, or use mint leaves instead of basil. The possibilities are endless!
This drink tastes best when served over ice with a squeeze of lime juice and garnished with basil or mint leaves.
Grilled Watermelon Cooler Recipes
| Recipe | Description |
|---|---|
| Grilled Watermelon Margarita | This recipe includes grilled watermelon, honey syrup, lime juice, tequila, and orange liqueur. Add chili salt on the rim and garnish with a grilled watermelon wedge. |
| Grilled Watermelon Mojito | This recipe combines grilled watermelon, lime juice, mint leaves, simple syrup, white rum, and soda water. Garnish with mint leaves and grilled watermelon cubes. |
| Grilled Watermelon and Pineapple Cooler | This recipe includes grilled watermelon and pineapple, coconut water, lime juice, and mint leaves. It can be served with or without alcohol. |
| Grilled Watermelon and Basil Cocktail | This recipe includes grilled watermelon, basil leaves, lime juice, simple syrup, and gin. Garnish with a grilled watermelon cube and basil leaf. |
| Spicy Grilled Watermelon Margarita | This recipe includes grilled watermelon, lime juice, jalapeno pepper, agave syrup, tequila, and orange liqueur. Add chili powder on the rim and garnish with a grilled watermelon slice and jalapeno. |
Bloody Lemonade
There are few things more refreshing than a perfectly crafted, ice cold Bloody Mary. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any barbeque or house party, and it’s easy enough for anyone to make at home.
Let’s start with the basics: what is a Bloody Mary? A classic bloody mary is made with vodka and tomato juice, along with other seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, horseradish and lemon juice.
While they can be served clear or red (with Clamato), traditionally they are served in an ice filled glass rimmed with celery salt and topped off with a celery stalk garnish. If you’re looking for something extra special try our Gin & Tonic-infused gin recipe!
Spicy Peach Lemonade
Fresh peaches are the secret to this drink. Not only do they add a sweet and tangy flavor, but they also give you that nice, creamy texture that makes your mouth water.
This cocktail is delicious by itself, but it really shines when mixed with tequila or vodka—and if you’re feeling adventurous (or like your drink to pack a punch), try adding a jalapeño for an extra kick!
Are you using the right grilling gadgets and tools to make your cocktails and dishes? Our article on 15 Grilling Gadgets You Never Knew You Needed recommends innovative equipment that will make your grilling experience more efficient and enjoyable
Grilled Grapefruit Paloma
A paloma is a cocktail made with tequila and grapefruit soda. It’s light, refreshing and has just enough sweetness to complement the smoky flavor of a grilled steak or chicken.
But first things first: if you’re going to make one, you’ll need to grill some grapefruits. If you have an outdoor grill, that’ll work; otherwise, you can use your stovetop like we did at home. Just make sure the flame doesn’t get too hot so as not to burn the fruit before it’s fully cooked through!
After that comes smoking the tequila in either an outdoor smoker (if available) or pan over medium heat until fragrant (about 10 minutes).
After that take out of heat and let cool for 15 minutes before combining with ice in pitcher along with gin/vodka and sweetened lime juice into shaker filled halfway with ice cubes; then strain into Collins glass filled halfway with crushed ice garnished with salt rimmed rims around edge of glass & slices of orange wedge
Our article on Get Grilled: The Top 15 Grill-Friendly Cocktails for Your Next BBQ has a curated list of amazing cocktail recipes that can be easily prepared using a grill. From fruity margaritas to refreshing sangrias, there’s a drink for everyone in this list.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever been to a cookout or backyard barbecue, then you know that there are few things more important than the drinks.
So whether it’s a summertime cookout or an early fall evening spent by the fire pit, we think it’s important to decide how you will quench your thirst before getting started on dinner. We hope these recipes help take some of the stress out of planning your next outdoor party!
Further Reading
The Best Summer BBQ Cocktails – This article provides a list of refreshing cocktail recipes with a BBQ twist that are perfect for summer gatherings.
BBQ Cocktails – This website provides easy-to-follow recipes for delicious BBQ cocktails with a variety of ingredients and flavors.
Grilled Cocktails – This article offers unique and creative recipes for grilled cocktails that are perfect for adding a smoky flavor to your drinks.
FAQs
What are grill-friendly cocktails?
Grill-friendly cocktails are mixed drinks that are ideal to prepare and enjoy during a barbecue, either using a grill for an extra layer of smoke flavor or pairing well with grilled foods.
What are some BBQ cocktail recipe ideas?
Some popular BBQ cocktail recipe ideas include fruity margaritas, mojitos, lemonade, sangria, and vodka cocktails. You can also experiment by adding smoky flavors to cocktails using grilled fruits or herbs.
How can I incorporate cocktails into my BBQ party?
You can incorporate cocktails into your BBQ party by setting up a bar area with an assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Offer a few signature cocktail drinks that guests can customize with their garnishes and fruits.
What are some tips for hosting a successful BBQ party with cocktails?
Some tips for hosting a successful BBQ party with cocktails include planning a menu that complements the drinks, providing ample seating and shade for guests, and offering a variety of beverage options, including non-alcoholic drinks.
What are some types of grilling gadgets that can be used to make cocktails?
Some types of grilling gadgets that can be used to make cocktails include cocktail shakers, juicers, and muddlers. You can also use skewers to skewer fruits and mason jars for serving drinks.
Hi there! I’m Hellen James, and I’m a grilling enthusiast. I’ve been grilling for years, and I absolutely love it. I love how it brings people together and how you can feed your family with just a few minutes of work.