The South is known for its delicious, slow-cooked barbecue dishes that are packed with flavor. From pulled pork to brisket, these dishes are a staple of Southern cuisine.
But what's a barbecue without a drink in hand? Southern BBQ Cocktails are the perfect complement to any barbecue dish, with their bold flavors and refreshing taste.
Whether you prefer a classic whiskey sour or a fruity sangria, there's a Southern BBQ cocktail for everyone.
These cocktails are made with fresh ingredients like citrus fruits, herbs, and spices, giving them a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with barbecue. They're also easy to make, so you can spend more time enjoying the party and less time making drinks.
One of the best things about Southern BBQ cocktails is their versatility. They can be served as a pre-dinner cocktail or a refreshing drink to enjoy while you're waiting for the food to cook.
They're also great for parties and gatherings, as they're easy to make in large batches.
In this blog post, we'll be exploring some of the best Southern BBQ cocktail recipes that you can make at home.
From classic cocktails to new twists on old favorites, we've got you covered. So, grab your shaker and let's get mixing!
1. Scarlett O'Hara Cocktail Punch
The Scarlett O'Hara Cocktail Punch is a perfect summer drink for any BBQ or cocktail party. Made with Southern Comfort, cranberry juice, and lime juice, this cocktail has a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. The fruity and spicy flavors of Southern Comfort blend well with the tartness of cranberry and lime juices, making it a refreshing and delicious drink.
This cocktail is a classic and has been enjoyed for years, but there are also many variations to try. So, if you're looking for a refreshing and flavorful drink that will impress your guests, try the Scarlett O'Hara Cocktail Punch.
2. Alabama Slammer
The Alabama Slammer is a classic Southern cocktail that has been around since the 70s. It is a sweet and fruity drink that blends Southern Comfort with amaretto, sloe gin, and orange juice. The cherry notes from the amaretto and sloe gin dominate the Southern Comfort, creating a balanced and delicious flavor.
The cocktail has a deep orange color and is perfect for sipping by the pool or serving at a barbecue. It's a drink that most people enjoy and is a classic for a reason. If you're looking for a refreshing and flavorful cocktail to enjoy during your Southern BBQ, the Alabama Slammer is a must-try.
3. Bourbon Sweet Tea Cocktail
The Bourbon Sweet Tea Cocktail is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that captures the essence of Southern hospitality. It's a perfect blend of sweet tea and bourbon, making it a must-try for anyone who loves sweet tea and bourbon.
The recipe is designed to be a large-batch cocktail, making it perfect for serving at parties or in a pitcher while you are out enjoying the company of loved ones. It's a perfect drink for those hot summer days and will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied.
4. Scarlett O'Hara
The Scarlett O'Hara is a classic Southern BBQ cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. With its tart and fruity taste, it's a refreshing drink that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. The cocktail is made using Southern Comfort, cranberry juice, and lime, which gives it a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and tangy.
The cranberry flavor dominates the drink, which is balanced out by the notes of whiskey, fruit, and spice from the Southern Comfort. The lime adds a citrusy kick that makes this cocktail a must-try for anyone who loves fruity drinks. If you're looking for a refreshing and delicious cocktail to enjoy at your next BBQ, the Scarlett O'Hara is definitely worth a try.
5. Cheerwine Bourbon Slushies
The Cheerwine Bourbon Slushies is a refreshing and patriotic cocktail that perfectly complements the flavors of Southern BBQ. Made with the famous cherry-flavored Cheerwine soda and blended with American bourbon whiskey, this frozen treat is perfect for a hot summer day.
The recipe involves freezing the soda into ice cubes and blending it with bourbon, resulting in a crisp and sweet drink with a bubbly fizz. The choice of bourbon can affect the taste of the cocktail, making it a fun drink to experiment with. Whether you're celebrating a Memorial Day weekend or a July 4th party, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavor and Southern charm.
6. Kentucky Mule
The Kentucky Mule is a classic cocktail that is perfect for any Kentucky Derby party. It is a take on the popular Moscow Mule, but with a twist.
Instead of using vodka, this cocktail uses bourbon, which is a superior choice in the Bluegrass State. The cocktail is nontraditional in that it also uses Ale-8-One instead of ginger beer, giving it an extra kick of Kentucky flavor.
7. Southern Orangeade
"Southern Orangeade" is a refreshing and vibrant cocktail that is perfect for summer. This classic southern soda fountain favorite is made with fresh orange juice and a simple syrup made from sugar and water. The addition of a little bit of lemon and a pinch of salt gives it an extra pop of flavor.
For a fizzy soda fountain-style orangeade, club soda can be added, or tap water can be used for a non-fizzy version. This sweet and invigorating beverage is a lovely diversion from lemonade and iced tea. It is a must-try for anyone looking for a taste of the South in their cocktail.
8. Banana Rum Punch
If you're looking for a refreshing and delicious cocktail to serve at your Southern BBQ party, you should definitely try the Banana Rum Punch. This tropical flavored drink is perfect for a warm summer night, and it's sure to impress your guests.
Made with Bacardí Banana Rum, Pineapple Rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, Gingerale, and grenadine, this cocktail is easy to mix up in a big pitcher or blender. You can even serve it with slices of orange and lemon, and a bowl of maraschino cherries for a fun and festive touch. The Banana Rum Punch is a must-try for anyone who loves fruity and flavorful cocktails.
9. Watermelon Sangria Slush
The Watermelon Sangria Slush is a refreshing and festive cocktail that's perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to summer barbecues. This cocktail is made with watermelon, which gives it a light and refreshing flavor, and is a great source of vitamins and antioxidants.
The slushy frozen base is mixed with club soda, ginger ale, or lemon-lime soda, and can be adjusted to personal taste and to control the alcoholic content of the drink. This cocktail is perfect for those who want to indulge while still getting some good nutrition. Overall, the Watermelon Sangria Slush is a must-try cocktail for anyone looking for a refreshing and delicious drink.
10. John Daly Drink
The John Daly Drink is a refreshing and boozy twist on the classic Arnold Palmer. Named after the famous golfer, this cocktail combines lemonade, iced tea, and vodka to create a perfect summer drink. It's easy to make and perfect for a summer BBQ or happy hour on the patio.
The combination of sweet lemonade, iced tea, and a kick of vodka make for a delicious and refreshing cocktail that is sure to please. If you're a fan of Arnold Palmers, you'll love the John Daly Drink. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of summer in a glass.
11. Watermelon Martinis
Watermelon Martinis are the ultimate summer cocktail that will refresh your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Made with fresh watermelon juice, vodka, and orange liqueur, this drink is perfect for sipping by the pool or at a backyard BBQ.
The light and icy-cold drink is always a crowd-pleaser and is sure to impress your guests. If you're looking for a refreshing cocktail to serve at your next Southern BBQ, then the Watermelon Martini is a must-try.
12. Watermelon Limeade
Watermelon Limeade is a refreshing and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for any summer BBQ or celebration. This cocktail is a must-have for Juneteenth celebrations, as it features the traditional color of red, symbolizing the blood shed during the fight for freedom.
The cocktail is made with fresh watermelon, lime juice, and sugar, blended together and served over ice. It's a sweet and tangy drink that will keep you cool on a hot summer day. If you're looking for a unique and delicious cocktail to serve at your next BBQ, Watermelon Limeade is definitely worth trying.
