It’s summer, and the grill is fired up. But what do you do with your food after it’s been cooked? You drink it!
At least that’s what I did when I got tired of drinking beer out of a can. Here are 15 mouthwatering drinks to try on your next trip to the barbecue:
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| There are many delicious cocktails and drinks that are perfect for BBQs and grilling. |
| Cocktails with citrus and berries are refreshing and complement grilled foods well. |
| Beer and wine are also great options for summer grilling. |
| Creating a fun and exciting drink station can be a great way to impress guests. |
| Staying hydrated is essential, so make sure to have water and non-alcoholic drinks available. |
A Touch of Ginger Beer
Ginger beer is a sweetened, carbonated beverage made from fermented ginger root. It can be used in mixed drinks or as an ingredient in other beverages, such as ginger ale.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of sipping on this spicy beverage, get ready for your taste buds to explode with excitement!
Ginger beer has a very distinct flavor that’s both refreshing and spicy at the same time it’s basically like drinking liquid candy on steroids (in the best way possible).
If you’re looking for amazing cocktail recipes that are perfect for your BBQ or grilling, our guide on The Top 15 Grill-Friendly Cocktails is exactly what you need. Mix and match some of these drinks with your grilling menu to impress your guests and take your next BBQ to the next level.
Blackberry and Sage Mint Julep
- 3 cups blackberries
- 2 sprigs of mint
- 2 sprigs of sage
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
Muddle the berries, herbs and orange juice in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain into a glass over fresh ice and garnish with a sage leaf or blackberry.
Blackberry and Basil Lemonade
Ingredients: 8 cups water, 2 cups white sugar, 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, 6 large blackberries
How to make it: In a pot over medium heat, combine water and sugar. Stir until dissolved. Pour into a pitcher like this one and add basil leaves; let steep for 5 minutes. Squeeze out liquid from blackberries (you’ll have about 1/2 tablespoon).
Add blackberries to the pitcher along with ice cubes and lemon slices and serve! This refreshing drink will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator and it’s so pretty that you might want to set it out on your porch or patio table instead of keeping it in the fridge!
St. Clements cup
St. Clements is a Canadian drink, which makes it perfect for any summer BBQ. It’s made with lime juice and ginger beer a carbonated soft drink that tastes like ginger ale but has more bite to it.
It’s tart, refreshing, and easy to make at home if you don’t already have some in your fridge (or if you just want a reason to try it out).
The original recipe called for 1 ounce vodka per glass of St. Clements mix—but since this is intended as a non-alcoholic beverage, feel free to make yours the way you like it!
Do you want to become a grill-friendly cocktail expert? Look no further than our Ultimate Guide to Grill-Friendly Cocktails and Drinks! Master the art of grilling drinks with our guide and elevate your BBQ parties.
Raspberry Mint Julep
- 2 oz. raspberry vodka
- 1 oz. lime juice
- 1/2 oz. simple syrup (or one teaspoon)
- 5-6 mint leaves, torn or chopped finely with a muddler (or you could use a mortar and pestle)
- Muddle together the vodka, lime juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker until combined well. Add the mint leaves, cover tightly and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to a minute to release the oils from the mint into your drink. Strain into an ice-filled collins glass filled with fresh ice cubes; top with club soda to taste (I used about 3/4 cup). Garnish with fresh raspberries and serve immediately!
Garden-Infused Gin and Tonic with Basil, Lavender and Rosemary
Serves 1
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup lavender buds
- 1/2 cup rosemary leaves (or pine needles)
- 1/2 cup mint leaves
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
750ml bottle of gin (I like Tanqueray) and tonic water to taste. I used Fever Tree Premium Tonic Water, which is my go-to brand because it doesn’t have any sweeteners or artificial flavors added! You can use any brand of tonic water but make sure to look for one that doesn’t contain high fructose corn syrup, just regular cane sugar instead.
If you don’t drink alcohol at all, you can substitute the gin with seltzer water and add a few drops of lemon juice. I like using fresh herbs from our garden whenever possible because they give off so much flavor but dried herbs work well too if that’s what you have on hand!
Pink Grapefruit Margarita Cocktail
This drink is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, thanks to pink grapefruit juice, lime juice and sugar syrup. Coriander seeds provide a little bit of kick to this refreshing cocktail, while ginger ale adds some bubbly effervescence to keep it from being too heavy.
The only thing left to do is pour everything into a glass with ice cubes and garnish it with a pinch of salt before drinking up!
Grilling and cocktails are a match made in heaven, and our guide on Grill Up Some Delicious Cocktails offers 15 cocktail recipes that are perfect for your next BBQ. Impress your friends with these easy, yet delicious cocktail recipes that are sure to be a hit
Elderflower Cordial Fresh Peach Champagne Punch
Elderflower cordial, fresh peach juice, fresh lime juice and a champagne float will make this punch the perfect addition to your summer soiree.
Add the elderflower cordial along with some mint leaves to your preferred glass or pitcher of choice. Over top of this, add equal parts peach and lime juices—it’s important not to overdo it on either of these ingredients so that you don’t end up with too much sugar content in your drink (and no one likes a cloying margarita).
Top everything off with sparkling wine and garnish with more mint leaves if you please!
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Elderflower cordial | Combine the elderflower cordial and vodka in a large pitcher or punch bowl. |
| Vodka | Add the sliced peaches to the pitcher, and stir gently to coat. |
| Sliced fresh peaches | Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until well chilled. |
| Champagne or sparkling wine | Before serving, slowly pour in the champagne or sparkling wine and stir gently. |
| Club soda | Serve the punch in glasses over ice, and top each glass with a splash of club soda. |
| Mint leaves (optional) | Optional: Garnish each glass with a mint sprig before serving. |
Strawberry Fizz Bellini
The Strawberry Fizz Bellini is a refreshing, fruity cocktail that is perfect for summer. There are many different variations of this drink, but you can easily make it at home with only three ingredients: Prosecco or Champagne, frozen strawberries and water.
The recipe also calls for sugar but if you want your drinks to be alcohol-free, simply substitute it with more water or ice.
To make this delicious beverage all you need to do is combine the first three ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth then pour into champagne flutes or cups filled with ice cubes (if using). Top off each glass with some sparkling wine before serving them up!
The best way to enjoy your BBQ party or grilling is with a drink in hand, and our 10 Grill-Friendly Cocktails article provides you with top 10 cocktails that you must try. With our guide, become a mixologist and rock your next BBQ party.
Spicy Mango Martini
Spicy Mango Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. vodka
- 3/4 oz. mango puree (1 mango, peeled and pitted)
- 1/3 oz. lime juice (juice of 1 lime)
- 1/2 oz. simple syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar to water)
Directions: Muddle the mango in a cocktail shaker with the simple syrup. Add ice and remaining ingredients, then shake well until chilled throughout. Strain into cocktail glass and garnish with a wedge of pineapple or a slice of jalapeno pepper if you like things really spicy!
Spicy Watermelon Sangria
The combination of watermelon and tequila is a surprising but delicious one, which makes this sangria perfect for summer. To make it, you’ll need:
- 1 bottle white wine (chardonnay or pinot grigio work well)
- 3 cups chopped watermelon (you can also use cantaloupe or honeydew melon)
- 1/2 cup sugar, plus more to taste if desired
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (make sure it’s real vanilla extract and not artificial flavoring!)
To add some heat, mix in red pepper flakes at your discretion. The amount will vary based on how much spice you like—start with just half a teaspoon and add more as needed.
To serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour in the watermelon mixture until they’re filled but not overflowing with liquid (the ice will dilute them), then top off each glass with sparkling wine to taste!
You can grab some fun straws from any dollar store or bulk retailer like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market; we recommend ones made from bamboo so they don’t break down easily over time like regular plastic ones do when exposed to heat from cooking outdoorsy activities like grilling meals out back on hot summer days!
Strawberry Tequila Fizz (Strawberry Paloma)
Alcoholic and refreshing, this drink combines the tartness of lime with the sweetness of strawberries.
The combination is a great way to beat the heat on a hot summer day because it’s light and refreshing, but still has plenty of alcohol to help you forget about how hot it is outside. Plus, you can make this one in less than five minutes once you stock up on some ingredients!
1 1/2 ounces tequila
3/4 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
4 fresh strawberries, rinsed and cut into slices for garnish
Grapefruit Mojito
Start with a big pitcher of this citrusy cocktail, which is perfect for those who just can’t get enough of the season’s best fruit.
Make simple syrup by bringing the sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool completely. Add cold water as needed (about 2 cups total) to make 1 cup total simple syrup; refrigerate until ready to use.
In large bowl combine lime juice, mint leaves and rum; let stand at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours before serving (this will make it easier to strain).
To serve: Strain through fine mesh strainer into pitcher filled with ice; stir in grapefruit juice then add more crushed ice if desired before serving
Want to take your BBQ to the next level? Try some of our 13 Grilled Cocktails that will leave your guests amazed. You won’t find unique and exciting cocktails like these anywhere else. So, don’t wait, head over to our guide and mix up some grilled drinks today!
Red Sangria Punch with Citrus, Berries, and Basil
In a large pitcher, combine the raspberries, strawberries, lime juice, simple syrup and water. Muddle with a wooden spoon until the fruit is well crushed but not completely pureed.
Add the red wine and stir to combine. Taste for sweetness and add more simple syrup as desired. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve (up to 24 hours). Just before serving, add basil leaves and gently stir them in so they don’t break down too much or discolor your punch bowl.
For an extra touch of color: For bright pink sangria that’s sure to make you smile every time you see it at your next get-together? Add 1 tablespoon of grenadine along with 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice instead of just lime juice!
Simple syrup recipe: Boil 1 cup water in a small nonstick saucepan over medium heat; remove from heat once boiling begins (if possible). Stir in 1/4 cup sugar until dissolved completely (this will take about 3 minutes). Cool completely before using in drinks like this one here–or any other cocktail recipe!
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Red wine | Combine the red wine, orange juice, and brandy in a large pitcher or punch bowl. |
| Orange juice | Add the sliced orange, lime, and lemon to the pitcher. |
| Brandy | Mix in the berries and basil leaves. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until well chilled. |
| Sliced orange | Before serving, add the soda water to the pitcher and stir gently. |
| Sliced lime | Serve the sangria in glasses over ice, and garnish with additional berries and basil leaves if desired. |
| Sliced lemon | Soda water |
| Mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries) | Fresh basil leaves |
Lime and Mint Julep Ice Popsicles
These ice pops are the perfect combination of mint and lime, with a hint of vodka. They’re best served on a hot summer day with friends, but if you need an excuse to make them for yourself all year round, we won’t judge!
Add all of the ingredients except for the garnishes to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into ice pop molds and freeze at least 4 hours or overnight until solid.
To unmold, run under warm water until they loosen. Serve immediately with fresh herbs as garnish. And don’t forget to grab some spoons—these guys are hard enough as it is without getting your hands sticky!
Try serving these beauties alongside grilled steak tacos or another barbecue dish like ribs or chicken wings (or both!). I also love adding them into my favorite sangria recipe when I’m feeling extra festive it adds just enough flavor without overpowering any other flavors in the drink!
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found some inspiration in this post and are ready to try some new summer drinks. If you have any other tasty recipes that would go well on the grill, we’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
Further reading
Here are additional resources that you may find helpful:
Summer BBQ Drinks Party: This article features a list of delicious summer drinks that will take your BBQ to the next level.
25 Best Summer Drink Recipes: This guide offers 25 delicious drink recipes that will help you beat the heat this summer.
10 Grilled Cocktail Recipes to Take Your Summer BBQ to the Next Level: This article offers 10 unique and exciting cocktails that are designed to complement the grilled flavors of your BBQ.
FAQs
What are some delicious drinks that are perfect for summer BBQs?
You can’t go wrong with classic summer drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or fruit-infused water. For alcoholic options, consider creating delicious cocktails like margaritas, mojitos, or sangria.
What are some non-alcoholic drinks that are perfect for summer BBQs?
If you’re looking for non-alcoholic options, consider making iced tea or lemonade. You can also create fruit-infused water with your desired mix of fruits and herbs.
What are the best grilled cocktails that I can try at my BBQ?
Grilled cocktails are a unique and exciting way to elevate your BBQ party. Some of the best-grilled cocktails include grilled peach iced tea, grilled pineapple margarita, grilled lemonade, grilled grapefruit cocktail, or grilled watermelon cocktail.
How can I make my BBQ drinks more interesting?
Create a fun and exciting drink station, offer a variety of drink options, and consider incorporating signature cocktails that are tailored to your guest’s taste. You could also create a DIY drink bar where guests can create their own cocktails.
What are some tips for serving drinks at a summer BBQ?
Make sure that you have a good stock of ice, keep drinks and mixers chilled, and have garnishes on hand for cocktails. It’s also important to stay well hydrated, so keep water and non-alcoholic drinks available to guests.
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.