The warm weather is here, and it’s time to start grilling! Grilled fruit is the perfect addition to your next BBQ. With just a few simple ingredients and a grill, you can make amazing cocktails that will keep your guests entertained all night long.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Grilling isn’t just for appetizers and entrees, it’s also a great way to add unique flavors to cocktails |
| There are many types of grill-friendly cocktails that can be easily paired with grilled dishes |
| Grilling or smoking fruits, herbs, and vegetables before adding them to a cocktail can add a smoky flavor |
| Safety should always be a top priority when grilling, including when grilling cocktails |
| Looking for inspiration? Check out our suggested resources for more grilled cocktail recipes and easy cocktail ideas |
Here are 15 recipes for grilled cocktails that everyone will love:
Grilled Pineapple and Watermelon White Sangria
This white sangria is the perfect summer drink, especially if you’re grilling up some delicious pineapple and watermelon. Make sure to buy the juiciest watermelon you can find. Don’t be surprised if it has to be cut open before you can take it home; that means it’s ripe!
For this recipe, we used a pound of fresh pineapple (one medium-sized pineapple) but feel free to use more or less depending on your own personal taste. Just make sure not to add too much liquid—you don’t want the drink watered down!
How long does it take for pineapples and watermelons to grill? It depends on how hot your grill is and how thickly sliced your fruit pieces are. We recommend grilling each side for about two minutes (total four minutes).
Once done grilling, let cool enough so that they’re safe enough for handling with tongs or gloves.
While still warm but cool enough not to burn ourselves with flaming liquids like sangria, add them into our large pitcher filled halfway with ice cubes this will keep them cold while infusing their flavor into our drinks as well!
If you’re planning to host a BBQ and looking for the perfect cocktails to pair with your grilled dishes, our guide on grill-friendly cocktails and drinks has got you covered. From classic cocktails to unique and refreshing drinks, we’ve got something for everyone.
Grilled Maple Lemonade
In a pitcher, add the lemon juice, maple syrup and sugar. Stir until blended.
Add fresh mint leaves and muddle them in the mix until it’s nicely broken down (you want to release all of those oils).
Fill your glass with ice cubes and pour in the cocktail mixture from step 1 over top just enough to fill your glass about halfway; you don’t want it too full since there’s club soda coming up!
Now stir this together so that all of the ingredients are combined well before serving on a hot day outside at home or out on a patio somewhere else!
Grilled Strawberry Daiquiri
It’s summer, it’s hot and you need a cocktail. What better way to cool off than with this Grilled Strawberry Daiquiri?
This recipe is super simple just add fresh strawberries, lime juice and rum to your shaker or blender. Muddle the strawberries with a little sugar and then shake or blend until everything is combined.
This delicious beverage can be served over ice if you like yours on the sweeter side or it can be drunk straight up if you prefer yours more tart. Either way, this drink will fit right in at any backyard BBQ!
Grilled appetizers are the perfect way to kick off your BBQ and get your guests’ appetites going. Our ultimate guide on mouthwatering starters features delicious recipes that are grilled to perfection, leaving your guests begging for more
Grilled Pear Sour
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup fresh-pressed apple juice (or cider)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 ounces rye whiskey or bourbon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or lime juice, plus wedges for garnish
Directions: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the apple juice, honey and rye or bourbon. Shake well to combine. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and top with lemon/lime juice. Garnish with a slice of grilled pear if you want something extra special!
Honey Whiskey Lemonade
Honey whiskey lemonade is a great summer cocktail that’s refreshing and easy to make.
The drink is made with lemonade, honey, whiskey and lime juice. You can add mint leaves if you like to give it an extra twist.
Grilling is not just an art, it’s a science, and understanding the science behind it can help you elevate your grilling game. Check out our page on the science behind grilling to learn how to get perfect results every time you fire up your grill
Chipotle Margarita
To make this delicious cocktail, you’ll need:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup silver tequila | In a cocktail shaker, muddle together the chipotle pepper and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. |
| 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce | Add the tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur to the cocktail shaker. |
| 2 teaspoons sugar | Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, or until well chilled. |
| 1/4 cup fresh lime juice | Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a glass and dip in salt to coat. |
| 2 tablespoons orange liqueur | Add fresh ice to the prepared glass and strain the cocktail over the ice. |
| Salt, for rimming the glass | Garnish with a lime wedge and additional chipotle pepper, if desired. |
For those who don’t like spicy drinks but want to try this one anyway, I won’t tell anyone. Just leave out the chipotle and it will taste fine!
You could also use 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper instead of the chipotle if there aren’t any peppers available at your store. You may also want some ice cubes made from water poured into an ice cube tray as well as some fresh cut limes for garnish if desired.
Grilled Bourbon Peach Smash
One of the most unique features of this cocktail is its use of grilled peaches. The smokiness from the grilling combined with bourbon, honey and lemon juice creates a taste that’s different from your standard peach smash recipe.
You can use almost any type of bourbon you like for this drink, but we recommend trying it with Wild Turkey 101 or Buffalo Trace if you want something with some extra oomph!
This cocktail is very easy to make and can be served chilled or at room temperature depending on your preference. We love serving it in mason jars as they make it easy to serve while still maintaining an elegant presentation.
No BBQ is complete without a great selection of cocktails, and our guide on grill-friendly cocktails has got you covered. Whether you’re into fruity, boozy or refreshing drinks, we’ve got something for everyone to enjoy
Bourbon Mint Peach Tea
This tea-based cocktail is a refreshing way to cool off on a hot summer day.
- 1½ oz bourbon
- ¾ oz peach schnapps or juice (from 1 medium peach)
Mix everything in a cocktail shaker with ice, then strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if you like.
Blood Orange Julep with Pomegranate Ice
Use a julep strainer to pour the drink through. You can find this at your local bar or kitchen store, but if you don’t have one handy, you can just pour the drink through a fine mesh sieve.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves and pomegranate ice cubes! If you’re looking for an easy way to get pomegranate juice without buying it pre-packaged (it tends to be more expensive), try freezing it in ice cube trays instead of chilling it overnight in your fridge before freezing.
This way, you won’t need as much liquid since there will be less water from melting ice cubes in the glasses and in turn less dilution from added water later on when making your cocktails!
If using grenadine syrup instead of homemade pomegranate juice is easier/cheaper/more accessible then go for that instead!
Grilled Pineapple Old Fashioned
- Ingredients
- 2 cups pineapple chunks
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- How to Make It:
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and water. Stir until dissolved. Add the pineapple chunks and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or so, stirring occasionally to coat evenly. Remove from the refrigerator 15 minutes before grilling. Grill over medium heat until charred in spots on all sides (about 5 minutes per side). Let cool slightly before serving.
Grilling is all about learning through trial and error, but there are some common mistakes that can easily be avoided. Our page on grilling mistakes and how to avoid them provides expert tips and advice to help you become a pro at grilling cocktails and appetizers
Smoky Hibiscus Margarita with Tarragon and Orange Liqueur
This cocktail is a summer cocktail, and it’s really delicious. The hibiscus flower adds a floral note that you don’t get in a regular margarita it’s not too sweet, and it has a nice acidic kick to it. Plus, tarragon is an herb that pairs well with tequila, so that’s always good news!
You can make this drink with orange liqueur or triple sec if you want to go the traditional route, but I like using Cointreau orange liqueur because it has more depth than some other brands (and I love its versatility).
To make about 4 servings of this drink:
1 cup ice cubes 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1/2 cup fresh hibiscus flowers 2 ounces tequila 2 ounces orange liqueur (or triple sec) 3/4 ounce simple syrup 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped tarragon leaves Coarse salt for rimming glasses Lime slices for garnish
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 2 cups tequila | Combine the tequila and hibiscus flowers in a large glass jar or pitcher. Cover and let steep for at least an hour, up to overnight. |
| 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers | Strain the tequila mixture and discard the flowers. |
| 1/2 cup fresh lime juice | In a small bowl, mix together the lime juice and tarragon. |
| 1/4 cup fresh tarragon leaves | Spread a thin layer of salt on a small plate. Rub the rim of each glass with a lime wedge, and dip in the salt to coat. |
| 1/4 cup orange liqueur | Fill each glass with ice. |
| Mezcal, for topping | Divide the tequila mixture and lime-tarragon juice among the glasses. |
| Salt, for rimming the glasses | Top each glass with a splash of mezcal and garnish with an orange twist. |
Cucumber Jalapeno Tequila Gimlet with Charred Lime Ice Cubes
- 1 cucumber
- 1 jalapeno pepper, stemmed and seeded
- 3 lime wedges
- Add the cucumber, jalapeno and 1 lime wedge to a cocktail shaker. Muddle gently until the ingredients are well combined. Set aside.
- Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes and add the tequila, simple syrup, ginger liqueur and grapefruit juice. Shake well to combine all ingredients. Strain into a martini glass or serve over ice in an old-fashioned glass garnished with dried rosemary sprigs if desired.* Repeat as needed!
Honey Lavender Mint Julep
This cocktail is a nod to the classic julep, but it’s also a bit more complex. A honey-lavender syrup adds depth to this drink—and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how well mint and lavender complement each other.
This recipe makes enough syrup for two drinks, so you can keep some on hand in case you want to mix up another batch right away.
This cocktail is perfect for sipping on the patio after work or during those hot summer days when there’s nothing better than sitting outside with a tall glass of something cool and refreshing by your side.
It’s also incredibly simple: all you have to do is stir together some ingredients in a pitcher, add ice and pour into glasses!
Ginger Lime Moscow Mule with Candied Ginger Ice Cubes
So you want to try something new? Why not make a Moscow Mule with ginger beer, lime juice, vodka and candied ginger ice cubes?
It’s super easy to make—just mix all the ingredients in a shaker and strain into a glass filled with ice cubes. Garnish with fresh sprigs of mint or lime wedges.
Ginger Lime Moscow Mule with Candied Ginger Ice Cubes Recipe
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup candied ginger | Crush the candied ginger with a mallet or the back of a spoon until broken into small pieces. |
| 2 cups ginger beer | In a large measuring cup, mix together the ginger beer and lime juice. Set aside. |
| 1/4 cup fresh lime juice | |
| 1/2 cup vodka |
For the Candied Ginger Ice Cubes:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup candied ginger | Crush the candied ginger with a mallet or the back of a spoon until broken into small pieces. |
| Water | Place small pieces of candied ginger at the bottom of each ice cube tray. Fill with water and freeze until solid. |
These Cocktails Are The Perfect Summer Treat
Summer is the perfect time for cocktails. Not only are they fun and festive, but they’re also a great way to celebrate the season’s bounty of fresh fruit.
This week, we’ve rounded up 15 recipes that use seasonal fruits, spices, herbs and citrus peels to make delicious drinks that you’ll want to sip all summer long.
From bright-colored bevs courtesy of ginger beer or watermelon juice to refreshing whiskey-based concoctions with hints of mint or basil you’re sure to find something new on this menu!
If you’re looking for an easy cocktail recipe as part of your entertaining strategy this summer (and beyond), these tasty treats are sure to please.
And while it’s always nice when someone brings over some hors d’oeuvres when they come over for dinner party it never hurts if you show up with one yourself!
Conclusion
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue party or just want to make your summer cocktails extra special, these recipes are sure to impress.
These delicious drinks will be the perfect addition to any outdoor gathering or evening on the patio. Enjoy!
Further Reading
Looking for more grilling and cocktail inspiration? Check out these resources:
Grilled cocktail recipes from SheKnows – This slideshow features unique and flavorful cocktail recipes that you can grill to perfection.
Easy cocktail recipes from BBC Good Food – This page features a collection of easy and delicious cocktail recipes suitable for any occasion.
20 easy cocktails to make at home from BBC Good Food – Check out this guide if you’re looking for quick and easy cocktail recipes that you can make at home.
FAQs
What are grill-friendly cocktails?
Grill-friendly cocktails are any type of cocktail that can be made with ingredients that can be easily grilled or smoked, such as fruits, herbs, or vegetables. These ingredients can add a unique smoky flavor to the cocktails, making them perfect for pairing with grilled dishes.
What are some popular grill-friendly cocktails?
Some popular grill-friendly cocktails include margaritas, mojitos, sangrias, and the famous grilled pineapple margarita.
How do you make a grilled cocktail?
To make a grilled cocktail, you first need to grill or smoke the fruit or herbs that will be used in the cocktail. Once that’s done, you can muddle or blend the grilled ingredients with other cocktail ingredients, such as liquor, juices, and sweeteners.
What are the benefits of grilling cocktails?
Grilling cocktails not only adds a unique smoky flavor to the drinks, but it’s also a great way to impress your guests and add some excitement to your BBQ.
Are there any safety concerns when grilling cocktails?
As with any type of grilling, safety should always be a top priority. Make sure to use safe grilling practices and keep an eye on the drinks while grilling to avoid any accidents.
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.