Summer is here, and that means it's time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious BBQ. Whether you're hosting a backyard cookout or just looking for a way to relax after a long day, there's nothing quite like the smoky, savory flavors of barbecued meats and vegetables.
But what about the drinks? While beer and wine are always popular choices, why not mix things up with a refreshing, flavorful cocktail?
Of course, not just any cocktail will do when it comes to pairing with BBQ. You need something that can stand up to the bold, complex flavors of grilled meats and veggies, without overpowering them.
That's where the art of mixology comes in. A great BBQ cocktail should be both sweet and tangy, with just the right amount of smokiness and spice to complement the food.
But with so many different ingredients and flavor profiles to choose from, where do you even begin? That's where we come in. As bartenders with years of experience creating delicious and innovative cocktails, we've put together a list of the best BBQ cocktail recipes out there.
From classic favorites to new twists on old classics, these drinks are sure to impress your guests and elevate your next BBQ to the next level. So fire up the grill, grab a shaker, and let's get mixing!
1. Orange Cranberry Smoked Cocktail
The Orange Cranberry Smoked Cocktail is a unique and flavorful addition to any BBQ party. This cocktail is made with smoked ice cubes, giving it a hint of smokiness that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tart flavors of cranberry and orange.
The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to suit individual preferences. The Orange Cranberry Smoked Cocktail is a great way to impress guests with a creative and delicious drink that is perfect for any BBQ occasion.
2. Grilled Lemon Gin and Tonic
The Grilled Lemon Gin and Tonic is a refreshing twist on the classic gin and tonic cocktail. The recipe involves grilling lemon slices to add a charred flavor to the drink, which complements the citrus-based gin and tonic water.
The cocktail is garnished with fresh thyme, adding a subtle herbaceous note to the drink. This cocktail is perfect for a summer barbecue or outdoor gathering, and is sure to impress your guests with its unique and delicious flavor profile.
3. Icy Rum Slush Cocktail
Looking for a refreshing and boozy cocktail to serve at your next summer BBQ? Look no further than the Icy Rum Slush Cocktail! Made with just a few simple ingredients, this frozen rum drink is perfect for hot weather and will be sure to impress your guests. The cocktail is easy to make in advance and can be stored in the freezer for up to a couple of weeks.
The alcohol won't freeze, giving the drink a soft ice texture that is perfect for sipping on a hot day. Whether you're lounging by the pool or enjoying a summer evening with friends, the Icy Rum Slush Cocktail is the perfect drink to cool you down and get the party started.
4. Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
The Watermelon Vodka Cocktail is a refreshing and light cocktail that's perfect for a summer BBQ party. Made with fresh watermelon chunks, lime juice, honey, water, and vodka, this cocktail is easy to make and can be made in a larger batch depending on how much watermelon you have.
It's a great way to use up any leftover watermelon you have on hand. The cocktail is blended and strained to remove any seeds or pulp, and then mixed with vodka and served over crushed ice. It's a sweet and fruity cocktail that's not too heavy and is sure to be a hit with guests.
5. Coconut Lemon Sour
The Coconut Lemon Sour is a refreshing and light cocktail that's perfect for any spring or summer BBQ. This party pitcher drink is easy to make and only requires four ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up for a crowd. The bright lemonade flavor is perfectly balanced with the subtle taste of coconut water, making it a delicious and refreshing option for those hot summer days.
Whether you're looking to serve up a big batch for your next BBQ or want to enjoy a single serving during happy hour, the Coconut Lemon Sour is a must-try cocktail recipe. So, grab your pitcher and get ready to impress your guests with this delicious and easy-to-make cocktail!
6. Dirty Dr Pepper Cocktail
The Dirty Dr Pepper Cocktail is a unique and refreshing drink that is perfect for a summer barbecue. Despite its name, the cocktail does not actually contain Dr Pepper. Instead, it is made with a combination of Amaretto, cinnamon alcohol, and Coca-Cola, which gives it a similar taste to the popular soda.
This cocktail is easy to make and can be prepared in a pitcher for guests to self-serve. It's a great option for those who want a sweet and flavorful drink without the heaviness of beer or the harshness of straight liquor. Give the Dirty Dr Pepper Cocktail a try at your next BBQ and impress your guests with this delicious and unexpected drink.
7. The Creamy Coconut Pearl Paloma
If you're looking for a refreshing and creamy cocktail to enjoy during your next BBQ party, The Creamy Coconut Pearl Paloma is a must-try. This tequila-based cocktail is made with coconut milk, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and reposado tequila, creating a tropical and citrusy flavor that will transport you to a Caribbean beach.
The use of boxed coconut milk instead of canned gives the drink a lighter touch, allowing the lime and tequila flavors to shine through. The cocktail is shaken until frothy and cold, making it the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot summer day. Whether you're pairing it with spicy fajitas, grilled veggies, or zesty beef tacos, The Creamy Coconut Pearl Paloma is sure to be a hit at your next BBQ.
8. Watermelon Gin Punch
If you're looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail for your next BBQ, look no further than the Watermelon Gin Punch. This cocktail is perfect for summer gatherings, and it's made with fresh watermelon juice, tangy lemon juice, fragrant mint, and your favorite gin. It's a beautiful and tasty cocktail that screams all things summer.
The best part? It's a batch cocktail, so you don't need to play bartender all night. Just mix up a big batch, and let your guests serve themselves. So, if you're tired of drinking wine or beer at your parties, give this Watermelon Gin Punch a try. It's sure to be a hit with your friends and family.
9. Orange Lemon Gin Cooler Cocktail
The Orange Lemon Gin Cooler Cocktail is a refreshing summer drink that is perfect for a BBQ party. Made with gin, orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling water, this cocktail is a delightful mix of bright citrus flavors that are well-balanced and easy to sip.
The recipe is inspired by the classic Orange Blossom Cooler cocktail and is a great way to introduce yourself to gin if you're not a fan of gin and tonics. The cocktail is easy to customize, and you can make it a mocktail by omitting the gin. Overall, the Orange Lemon Gin Cooler Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves refreshing summer drinks that are perfect for a BBQ party.
10. Frozen Coconut Mojito
Looking for a refreshing summer cocktail to sip on while enjoying a BBQ? Look no further than the Frozen Coconut Mojito. This cocktail takes the traditional Cuban mojito and gives it a tropical twist with the addition of coconut water and coconut milk.
The result is a creamy, dreamy, and refreshing cocktail that will transport you to a tropical paradise. The combination of mint, rum, and lime juice adds a zesty kick to the drink, making it perfect for a hot summer day. So, if you're looking for a cocktail that will impress your guests at your next BBQ, give the Frozen Coconut Mojito a try.
11. Summer Watermelon Mojito
The Summer Watermelon Mojito is the perfect cocktail for a hot summer day. Made with fresh watermelon juice, white rum, lime juice, and mint leaves, this cocktail is a refreshing twist on the classic mojito. The natural sweetness from the watermelon makes it a healthier option than other sugar-loaded cocktails, and the addition of fresh mint leaves adds a burst of freshness.
Whether you're sipping it by the pool or serving it at a backyard BBQ party, the Summer Watermelon Mojito is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, why not try this delicious and easy-to-make cocktail at your next summer gathering?
12. Strawberry Mojito
Looking for a refreshing and fruity cocktail to enjoy at your next BBQ? Look no further than the Strawberry Mojito. This classic cocktail recipe is a twist on the traditional mojito, with the addition of fresh strawberries. The combination of sweet strawberries, zesty lime, and herbaceous mint make for a perfectly balanced and delicious drink.
Whether you choose to make it with white rum, cachaça, or dark rum, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests. It's easy to customize with different fruit combinations, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. So why not mix up a batch of Strawberry Mojitos at your next BBQ and let the good times roll?
13. Scarlett O'Hara Cocktail Punch
The Scarlett O'Hara Cocktail Punch is a perfect drink for any summer BBQ party. This Southern-inspired cocktail is made with Southern Comfort, cranberry juice, and lime juice, creating a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
The classic flavors of the drink make it a crowd-pleaser, but there are also variations of the recipe to try out. The Scarlett O'Hara Cocktail Punch is a must-try for anyone who loves a refreshing and delicious cocktail.
14. Peach Mojito
The Peach Mojito is a refreshing twist on the classic mojito cocktail, perfect for sipping on during a summer BBQ. The combination of fresh peaches and mint creates a crisp and clean taste that is undeniably refreshing.
This fruity cocktail is easy to make and can be enjoyed with grilled shrimp or salmon for a perfect summer pairing. If you're looking for a new summer cocktail recipe to try, the Peach Mojito is definitely worth a shot.
15. Italian Paloma
If you're looking for a refreshing and zingy cocktail to serve at your next BBQ, the Italian Paloma is a must-try. This tequila-based cocktail is a twist on the classic Paloma, with the addition of Campari and orange soda. The result is a beautiful pink cocktail that's perfect for sipping on a warm summer day.
With its citrusy flavors and bitter notes, the Italian Paloma is a great choice for those who love a complex and well-balanced cocktail. So why not add a little Italian flair to your next BBQ with this delicious and easy-to-make cocktail?
16. Watermelon & Honeydew Sangria
The Watermelon & Honeydew Sangria is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for any summer BBQ. This cocktail is a twist on the traditional sangria, with the addition of watermelon and honeydew melon, which adds a fresh and fruity flavor to the drink.
The recipe also includes gin, white wine, and orange liquor, which gives it a slightly boozy kick. What's great about this cocktail is that it can be made in large batches, making it perfect for entertaining a crowd. If you're looking for a delicious and refreshing cocktail to serve at your next BBQ, the Watermelon & Honeydew Sangria is definitely worth trying.
17. Tequila Mule
The Tequila Mule is a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule. Made with tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, and ginger beer, this cocktail is perfectly balanced and invigorating. The combination of tequila and lime creates a deliciously tart flavor that is not too sweet.
The addition of ginger beer gives it a fizzy kick that makes it perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. This cocktail is best served ice cold in a copper mug, which keeps the drink chilled and enhances its flavor. If you're looking for a fun and easy cocktail to serve at your next BBQ, the Tequila Mule is definitely worth trying.
18. Spanish Calimocho
Looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail to serve at your next BBQ party? Look no further than the Spanish Calimocho! This simple cocktail is made with equal parts red wine and Coca-Cola, served over ice with lemon slices and mint. Originating in the Basque region of Spain, this cocktail has become popular across Europe and South America.
While it may sound like an odd combination, the sweetness of the Coke balances out the dryness of the wine, resulting in a surprisingly tasty and refreshing drink. Give it a try and see for yourself why the Spanish Calimocho is a favorite among outdoor entertainers!
19. Summery Rosé Spritzer
The Summery Rosé Spritzer is a refreshing and light cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or serving at a party. Made with a dry rosé, fresh strawberries, lemon, and a touch of mint, this cocktail is a summer classic that is sure to please.
The lack of added sweetness or additional alcohol makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer a lighter drink. While it is simple to make, the combination of flavors is truly delightful and will leave you wanting more. If you're a fan of wine spritzers, this rosé cocktail is definitely worth trying.
20. Gordon's Pink Gin Spritz
Gordon's Pink Gin Spritz is a beautiful pink cocktail that is perfect for any BBQ occasion. Made with Gordon's Pink Gin, lemonade, and Prosecco, this cocktail is a refreshing and fizzy treat. The addition of fresh strawberries adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.
What's great about this cocktail is that it can be made with any pink gin, making it customizable to your taste. Whether you're a gin lover or not, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests and add a touch of elegance to your BBQ. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?
21. Limoncello Prosecco With Blueberries and Thyme
If you're looking for a refreshing and unique cocktail to serve at your next BBQ, look no further than the Limoncello Prosecco with Blueberries and Thyme. This Italian-inspired drink combines the sweet and tangy flavors of limoncello with the light, bubbly taste of prosecco.
The addition of blueberries and thyme not only adds a pop of color but also a subtle herbal note to the cocktail. Perfect for any celebration or summer day, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
22. Hawaiian Vodka Party Punch
If you're looking for a refreshing and tropical cocktail to serve at your next BBQ or pool party, look no further than the Hawaiian Vodka Party Punch. This easy-to-make cocktail combines the flavors of pineapple, orange, and rum with three different types of alcohol for a drink that's sure to pack a punch.
Whether you're sipping it by the pool or serving it to a crowd, this cocktail is the perfect way to transport yourself to a tropical paradise. So why not mix up a batch of Hawaiian Vodka Party Punch and let the good times roll?
23. Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing cocktail that's perfect for any BBQ. It's a balance of sweetness, tanginess, and minty freshness. The key ingredient is rum, but the lime, mint, and sweetness are the real stars.
A white rum is the best choice, and Bacardi Superior is a widely available and reasonably priced option. Give it a try and see why it's such a beloved drink.
