Grilling season is here! And with it, the opportunity for some serious drinkin’. But if you’ve ever tried to mix a cocktail outdoors in the heat of summertime, you know it can be extremely difficult. That’s why I’m so excited to share these 13 delicious grilled cocktails.
From boozy slushies and fruity margaritas to smoky sippers and old-fashioned classics with a twist, these recipes are sure to spice up your backyard BBQ and maybe even help cool you down after those hot grills get fired up!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Grilled cocktails can add a delicious and unique smoky flavor to your next BBQ party. |
| 2. There are many different types of grill-friendly cocktails and drinks to choose from, including classic cocktails and refreshing spritzers. |
| 3. Infusing grilled fruits, herbs, or spices into your cocktail can help create a unique and memorable flavor. |
| 4. With the right tools and techniques, it is possible to grill or smoke almost any cocktail or drink. |
| 5. By exploring different grilled cocktail recipes and techniques, you can take your BBQ game to the next level and impress your guests with your mixology skills. |
Grilled Lemonade
Grilled lemonade is a great way to add a smoky flavor to your summer drink of choice. This recipe makes enough for two large glasses, but you can easily scale it up if you’re throwing an outdoor party.
The beauty of this drink is that it gives you all the flavors of grilled fruit without the hassle of cooking over an open flame and all in one glass!
If you don’t have access to fresh oranges and lemons, feel free to substitute whatever kind of citrus sounds good at the market (or whatever’s left over from last night’s dinner).
You’ll be amazed at how much depth this simple syrup adds when mixed with sparkling water or seltzer and ice cubes: Your friends will think they’re having one last taste before summer ends.
Next time you organize a BBQ party, don’t forget to add some amazing grill-friendly cocktails to your menu! Get inspired with our list of top 15 grill-friendly cocktails that are sure to impress your guests and take your BBQ to the next level.
Grilled Peach Lemonade
- 1 peach, cut into wedges
- 2 cups peach juice
- Slice the remaining peaches into wedges and thread them onto skewers. Grill over medium-high heat until slightly charred, about 5 minutes on each side. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool for 5 minutes before chopping into bite-size pieces.
In a large pitcher, combine the grilled peaches, mint leaves (stems removed), lemon juice and agave syrup; muddle with a wooden spoon until combined but still chunky. Pour in water; refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight before serving over ice with lemon wheels as garnishes
Smoked Sazerac
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the sugar cube, Herbsaint and bitters.
- Add ice and 2 ounces of rye whiskey to the shaker; stir until chilled, about 5 seconds.
- Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass; garnish with a lemon twist or an orange peel twist (optional).
- Drink up!
Smoked Old Fashioned
- Cut a small piece of wood—your choice on the type, but I prefer apple or cherry—to fit into your barbecue pit.
- Place a handful of wood chips in the middle and light them with a butane torch or lighter fluid, making sure to not add too much and risk setting fire to your drink!
- Put your drink glass on top of either side of the charcoal basket so there is room for airflow underneath (this helps smoke circulate).
Add one teaspoon each ginger syrup, simple syrup and peach bitters to your Old Fashioned glass; mix with ice cubes until chilled; pour contents over smoked cocktail bottle (or other container) placed upside down in center opening of grill cover/barbecue pit lid/etc.; place tip upwards on top edge (see photo); serve by pouring off bourbon through straw attached directly above rimmed edge
Elevate your BBQ game with the ultimate guide to grill-friendly cocktails and drinks. From classic cocktails to refreshing spritzers, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guide on grill-friendly cocktails and drinks for some creative ideas to impress everyone at your next party
The Smoke Bomb
Combine ice, vodka, gin and dry vermouth in a cocktail shaker. Add 2 dashes of bitters and shake vigorously for 10 seconds (no more!). Strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Smoky Pineapple Margarita
If you want to bring the party to your grill, this Smoky Pineapple Margarita is the way to do it. It’s made with a homemade pineapple-infused tequila, and served in an ice-filled glass rimmed with chili powder. If you’re hosting a backyard barbeque this summer, this cocktail is a must-have!
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup of fresh pineapple juice (1/2 cedro de piña)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice (1 limón)
- 1 oz agave nectar or simple syrup (1 cucharadita)
- 2 oz reposado silver tequila (2 onzas)
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder for garnish
Grilled Watermelon-Basil Margarita
What to buy:
- 1 cup tequila
- 1/2 cup watermelon-basil syrup (recipe below)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons agave nectar or honey
How to make it:
Heat the grill to medium and coat with cooking spray. Cut the watermelon into approximately 1-inch cubes, working in batches if your grill isn’t big enough for all of them at once. Place on the grill, close the lid and let cook until lightly charred, about 5 minutes per side.
Transfer to a plate covered with paper towels to drain any excess liquid before transferring them back to the bowl you used for chopping them up in advance; set aside until ready for assembly later in this recipe!
DO NOT use an ice cream scoop as these will be too large once frozen—use something like a melon baller instead so that they’re relatively uniform in size (this will help with presentation).
Grill up some delicious cocktails at your next BBQ with our easy-to-follow recipes! From spicy margaritas to refreshing lemonade, we’ve got something for everyone. Check out our list of 15 grill-friendly cocktail recipes and start experimenting with new flavors today!
Beach Bum Spritz
The Beach Bum Spritz is the perfect drink for your next backyard BBQ. It’s light and refreshing, with a touch of citrus flavor from the orange liqueur and lemon juice. The rim is coated in powdered sugar, which can get messy but adds a great crunch to this classic spritz.
Ingredients
- 1 oz. vodka
- ½ oz. triple sec (or Cointreau)
- ½ oz lime juice
- 1 oz club soda or seltzer water
Instructions: Pour all ingredients into an ice-filled shaker, shake well and strain into an ice-filled highball glass filled with fresh ice cubes; garnish with an orange twist if desired, and serve immediately!
Cedar Planked Manhattan
To make a Cedar Planked Manhattan, you’ll need:
- 2 oz rye whiskey (I like Bulleit)
- 1 oz sweet vermouth (I like Dolin Rouge)
- 1 tsp maple syrup or simple syrup (you can use regular sugar if you don’t have maple syrup or simple syrup)
- ½ oz lemon juice (fresh squeezed is best but bottled works fine too)
To get started, soak your cedar plank in water for about an hour before grilling. Then drain and pat dry with paper towels. Heat the grill to medium-high heat and place the cedar plank on top of it for about five minutes per side until it begins to char around the edges.
Remove from heat and immediately add in your ingredients: whiskey, sweet vermouth, simple/maple syrup, lemon juice. Stir well with a spoon until mixed together evenly then pour into glasses over ice cubes made from filtered water only!
A great BBQ party is not complete without some amazing cocktails to go with it! Check out our list of 10 grill-friendly cocktails that will definitely impress your guests. From fruity and refreshing to bold and spicy, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Grilled Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is a great cocktail for your summer BBQ. Aperol, a bitter orange liqueur, is mixed with Prosecco and topped off with an olive.
The watermelon and olive make this drink feel especially refreshing, while the Aperol adds just the right amount of bitterness to balance out the sweet juices.
You can use a grill basket to make flipping your watermelon easier—but you’ll still want to be careful when grilling it so that you don’t lose any of those delicious juices inside!
Whiskey Sour Grilled Cocktail
If you’ve ever had a Whiskey Sour, then this recipe will be familiar. However, instead of reaching for the simple syrup and soda water in the fridge, grab your grill and prepare to impress.
To make this grilled cocktail, mix together 2 oz of high-quality whiskey (I used Bulleit) with 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/4 oz fresh orange juice and 1/4 oz fresh lime juice.
Add 1 tsp simple syrup (or more if you prefer stronger drinks) and add a splash or two of soda water to top it off. Garnish with strips of lemon or orange peel before serving!
Charred Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail
The Charred Grapefruit Paloma is a light, crisp cocktail that’s simple to make and can be served in a wide variety of glassware.
It’s also incredibly versatile: it works as an appetizer or dessert drink, and goes well with any sort of grilled food.
For the cocktail itself, you will need:
- 1 oz tequila blanco (we recommend Reposado if you don’t have blanco on hand)
- 1/2 oz grapefruit juice (fresh squeezed for best results)
- 3/4 oz lime juice (fresh squeezed for best results)
Quench your thirst while grilling with these amazing grill-friendly drinks! From iced teas to frozen cocktails, we’ve got some creative and refreshing drinks to make your BBQ experience even better. Check out our list of 15 mouthwatering grill-friendly drinks and impress your guests with your amazing bartending skills!
White G&T with Rosemary-Infused Ice Cubes
Take your G&T to the next level with Rosemary-Infused Ice Cubes. These ice cubes will add a subtle hint of rosemary flavor to your drink, while also keeping it cool without diluting the gin too much.
To make the ice:
1 cup water
1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
Conclusion
If you’re looking to add something new to your backyard BBQ repertoire, we hope these cocktails will be the perfect addition. You can find all of these recipes and more on our website, so get started!
Further Reading
Here are some more resources on grilled cocktails and drinks:
My Bartender: BBQ Cocktails: Learn how to create some amazing BBQ cocktails that are perfect for any outdoor party.
Dine with Drinks: Best BBQ Cocktails: Check out this list of the best BBQ cocktails that you can make at home with just a few simple ingredients.
BBQ Champs: Grilled Cocktails: Discover some unique and delicious grilled cocktails that will make your next BBQ party the talk of the town.
FAQs
What are grilled cocktails?
Grilled cocktails are drinks that are infused with smoky and charred flavors from being grilled or heated over an open flame.
What types of cocktails can be grilled?
Almost every cocktail can be grilled or smoked, but some popular choices include margaritas, negronis, and old fashioneds.
How do you grill a cocktail?
To grill a cocktail, you can smoke the ingredients or use grilled fruits, herbs, or spices to infuse a smoky flavor. You can also use a smoking gun, a grill plank, or a cocktail smoker to achieve the desired flavor.
What are some common ingredients used in grilled cocktails?
Some common ingredients used in grilled cocktails include grilled fruits (such as peaches or pineapple), grilled herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), and grilled spices (such as cinnamon or cloves).
Is it safe to grill cocktails?
Yes, it is safe to grill cocktails as long as you take precautions and use high-quality, food-grade materials. Always keep safety in mind and follow the manufacturer’s instructions if using specialized equipment like a smoking gun or cocktail smoker.
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.