30 BBQ Drink Ideas

Alcoholic BBQ Drink Ideas

Catering services provide bartenders the chance to prepare delicious BBQ drink ideas for your friends, such as mojitos, margaritas, and spiked lemonades all while staying on a great budget. They will know how to make a variety of tasty drinks for your guests and they will be able to choose from a handful of options. Take a trip down to your local winery shops, wineries, and liquor stores, and buy some cocktail supplies to ensure that you don’t run out; you always want to follow a bbq checklist to make sure you have everything you will need!

For liability reasons, you’ll want to make sure that underage guests aren’t getting a hold of alcohol and that there are plenty of exciting things for them to do and that your legal guests aren’t drinking while intoxicated. Hiring a professional cuts back on your liability as a host and saves you money in the long run because your guests won’t be allowed to over-pour their drinks.

1. Krazy Kiwi Kolada

What better way to celebrate the warm weather than with the flavors of the season? For his delicious frozen cocktail, you’ll need a blender, 5 peeled kiwis, equal parts of rum and Midori (preferably ¼ cup), 3 tablespoons of cream of coconut, a can of pineapple juice, and 3 cups of ice. All you have to do is blend everything together, and you’ll have the perfect fruity drink! You can find all of the liquid ingredients at any of your local liquor stores.

2. Classic Strawberry Daiquiri

This frozen drink is a must-have for your barbecue party or picnic. You’ll need 3 ounces of fresh strawberries, 3 ounces of light rum, 1 ounce of lime juice, 3 teaspoons of powdered sugar, and of course, ice! Blend these ingredients together for a classic drink option.

3. Lime Sangria

Looking for a way to kick your sangria up a notch? This unique drink will leave the red wine sitting on top of green limeade to create a colorful two-toned effect. You’ll need 1 bottle of chilled red wine, 1 cup of lime juice, ¾ cup of sugar, 1 sliced nectarine, and ice. The trick here is to mix the other ingredients separately from the wine. Once you’ve poured the limeade mixture into individual glasses, slowly pour ½ cup of wine on top of each Consult your local wineries to find the best tasting wines for this pretty beverage!

4. Grown-up Root Beer Floats

What better way to enjoy ice cream in the summer than by adding some root beer and flavored vodka to it? The idea is simple: add flavored vodka to the normal root beer float (root beer and vanilla ice cream) to have yourself a deliciously strong summer concoction! Consult your local liquor stores for a selection of flavored vodkas.

5. Sinful Summer Punch

If you’re looking to make something that is quick and easy for your guests to enjoy, try out this spiked punch. Use the same ingredients that you would for a normal punch (lime juice, cranberry juice, orange juice, sugar, etc.) and mix it with your desired amount of rum and vodka!

6. Strawberry Vodka Lemonade

Lemonade is an essential drink for a summer cookout, so why not add a little flare for the adults? This drink is simple yet refreshing and will go great with classic barbecue food. First, muddle your strawberries at the bottom of the tumbler, and then add ice to make sure its nice and cold. Pour in 1 1/2 ounces of vodka and top with 3 ounces of lemonade. Finish it off with fresh strawberries on top. Feel free to make a larger batch if your gathering is bigger!

7. Piña- Rita

Have trouble deciding between a classic margarita and a yummy pina colada? Now you don't have to! Enjoy this pina colada margarita mash-up that's sure to be a hit. All you have to do is combine 1 cup cream of coconut, 1 cup coconut tequila, 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits and 1/2 cup pineapple juice, juice from 1/2 a lime, and 3-4 cups of ice into a blender and blend until all the ice is completely crushed. Pour into your margarita glasses and enjoy with a garnished lime wedge!

8. Grilled Watermelon Margarita

Watermelon is a BBQ staple, which means you have to have a watermelon cocktail! To make the watermelon syrup, grill both sides of sliced watermelon until both sides have grill marks. Let the watermelon cool, blend with simple syrup, and fine strain. Then, add 1-ounce Cointreau, 2 ounces tequila, 1-ounce fresh lime juice, 1/2 ounce fresh grapefruit juice, and the watermelon syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake and fine strain into your Tajin-salted glass over ice, and feel free to garnish with a lime.

9. Blueberry Lavender Vodka Spritzer

This summertime sip is sure to hit the spot! With summer being the prime blueberry season, this drink is bound to be delicious. First, spread 1 cup of blueberries between two ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Meanwhile, start making the blueberry lavender simple syrup by combining 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 1 cup blueberries in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and add 4 lavender sprigs (or 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried lavender.) Keep this on low heat for about 10 minutes. In a glass pitcher, combine 2 cups vodka, 4 ounces lime juice, soda water, your made ice cubes, and 3/4 cup of the blueberry lavender simple syrup. When you're ready to serve, pour the mixture over top glasses with additional ice cubes and serve with a sprig of lavender.

10. Sea Breeze

Serve this 1980's icon that pairs perfectly with a sunny summertime day. Add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, 3 ounces cranberry juice, and 1 1/2 ounces of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice into a highball glass with ice and stir. Finish it off with a garnished lime wheel and you're good to enjoy your yummy drink with your friends.

11. Blue Long Island Iced Tea

The Blue Long Island Iced Tea makes a very delicious and refreshing cocktail. First, fill a collins glass with ice. Pour in 1-ounce vodka, 1-ounce gin, and 1-ounce light rum into the glass. Then pour in 3 ounces of fresh-squeezed lemon juice, 1 1/2 ounces simple syrup, and 1 ounce of Blue Curacao liqueur. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a straw!

12. Mint Julep

This southern classic will be a refreshing and cooling addition to your barbecue. Pour leaves from 4-6 mint sprigs, 1/2 ounce simple syrup, and some crushed ice into a tall glass. Add 3 ounces of bourbon to the glass and top it off with crushed shaved ice. Stir well until frost forms on the glass. This drink is perfectly paired with some BBQ chicken!

13. Summer Blackberry Mojito

This is sure to be a beautiful summer cocktail your guests will love. In a Boston shaker, muddle 3 limes (or 1/2 ounce lime juice,) 6-7 mint leaves, 3 blackberries, and simple syrup (or 1 tablespoon of sugar,) until pulverized. Add 2 ounces white rum and 1 cup of ice and shake for 10 seconds. Pour all the content into a glass and top with 2 ounces of club soda. Stir and feel free to garnish with mint leaves and blackberry.

14. Pineapple Rosé Sangria

A refreshing sangria is a perfect and easy recipe for entertaining your summertime guests. All you have to do is combine 1 750-ml bottle of Rosé, 2 cups 100% pineapple juice, 1-pint raspberries, 1-pint blackberries, and 1 cup of pineapple into a large pitcher. Serve over ice and feel free to mash up your fruit if you'd prefer.

15. Summer Beer

This summer beer is a fun drink to serve at your barbecue. Place 1 can (12 fluid ounces) of thawed frozen pink lemonade concentrate in a gallon pitcher. Add 12 fluid ounces of vodka and 12 fluid ounces of water and add it to the pitcher. Pour in 1 can or bottle of beer, mix well, and serve over ice to refresh all your guests!

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

You can also request that your bartender makes non-alcoholic beverages. Kiddie cocktails and sparkling juice cocktails are tasty non-alcoholic drinks to serve. Classic sodas and juices are also great to have in stock for flavorful and non-alcoholic beverages. It is also essential to have water for all guests, especially on a hot day, to help keep everyone hydrated. Here are some fun ideas if you're looking for a twist!

16. Virgin Piña Coladas

Its a staple summer drink! In a blender, blend together 1 bag (10 ounces) of frozen pineapple, 4 large scoops of ice cream, 1 cup coconut milk, and 1/2 cup of pineapple juice. Simply divide between glasses and garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry. So easy and delicious!

17. Virgin Strawberry Daiquiris

A classic, fruity, delicious summer drink! Start by filling a blender with cracked ice. Add 1-ounce fresh lime juice, 3 ounces fresh or frozen strawberries, and 1-3 teaspoons of sugar and blend until smooth. Feel free to add a little water if too thick. Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with extra strawberries!

18. Shirley Temples

The classic drink of our childhood! Start by filling 4 glasses with ice. Divide 3 cups of lemon-lime soda and juice from 1 lime between glasses and top it off with 4 teaspoons of grenadine. Serve with a maraschino cherry and there you have it!

19. Strawberry Limeade

Put a little twist on lemonade! To make this strawberry limeade, blend 1 1/2 cups of quartered fresh strawberries and 1 cup fresh lime juice until smooth. Pour the mixture into a large pitcher and add 5 cups of cold water and 3/4-1 cup of granulated sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves. When you're ready to serve, add in ice cubes and pour into individual glasses.

20. Blueberry Ginger Cooler

Start by making your simple syrup. In a pot over medium heat, combine 1 cup water, 3/4 cup sugar, and ginger. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and let cool. Next, in a food processor, add 1 cup blueberries and 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice and puree until smooth. Press the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to discard solids. In a bowl with a pour spout, add the cooled syrup and blueberry mixture and stir to combine. When you're ready to serve, fill two glasses with ice and divide the mixture evenly. Top it off by splitting up 1 cup of seltzer over the mixture.

21. Frozen Peach Mocktail

The perfect summer sip! To prep, place 2 ripe peaches (sliced and peeled) in a freezer for 1 hour. Then combine the peaches, 1 cup sparkling apple juice, 2 teaspoons SPLENDA® Sugar Blend, and 1 teaspoon lime juice in a blender and blend until smooth. Lastly, pour into 2 glasses and add about 1/2 cup more sparkling apple juice. Easy peachy!

22. Orange Mint Mocktail

A perfect drink to cool off and relax! Stir 2 cups of orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup water, and 2 tablespoons sugar in a vessel until the sugar dissolves. Then, garnish with 2-3 orange slices, 2-3 mint leaves, and ice cubes. Top it off with 1/2 cup of club soda or carbonated water.

23. Roasted Peach and Strawberry Fizz

Daiquiri lovers are sure to like this one! Start by preheating the oven to 175°C. Cut 3 peaches in half and remove the pit. Cut 600 grams of strawberries in half as well, and place both fruits on a lined baking tray, and roast for 25 minutes. Take the tray out and cool for over 10 minutes. Next, remove the skins from the peaches and blend them along 1 1/2 cup apple juice in a blender until smooth. Blend the strawberries separately and divide the strawberry puree into 6 glasses and add ice. Pour the peach/apple juice mixture into the glasses and add sparkling water (1 1/2 cup total.) Serve immediately!

24. Tropical Mocktail

Enjoy every sip with this tropical mocktail! In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 3/4 cup pineapple juice, 1/3 cup mango juice, and 1/4 cup fresh lime juice and shake vigorously. Strain into ice-filled glasses. Top each with some ginger beer (1 cup total) and garnish with pineapple wedges and mango slices. Serve immediately!

25. Watermelon Lime Mocktail

This is a clean, yummy drink that will be loved by the kids and parents at your gathering. In a blender, puree 8 cups of seedless cubed watermelon and strain in a large bowl through a mesh sieve. Stir in 6 tablespoons of raw honey and 1/3 cup of fresh lime juice and transfer to a pitcher. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of water to the mix, add ice and a few sprigs of mint, then chill and enjoy!

26. Perfect Arnold Palmer

What's better than two classic summer drinks combined into one? Start by making your lemonade. Add 1 cup water and 3/4 cup granulated sugar to a small pot over medium heat and bring it to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. After letting it boil for 2 minutes, let it cool to room temperature. Combine this mixture with 2 cups of water and 3/4 cup lemon juice. Next, make the tea by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1/3 cup honey and stir to dissolve. Then, turn off the heat and add 5 black tea bags, letting them steep for 5 minutes, and then cool to room temperature. Lastly, in a large pitcher combine the lemonade and tea. Pour into glasses over ice and garnish with lemon wedges and mint for an extra flare.

27. Blackberry Virgin Mojito

In a mortar and pestle, add 2/3 cup blackberries, 1 tablespoon sugar, 3 tablespoons lime juice, and 1/3 cup mint leaves, and crush them together until you have a puree. Place the mixture at the bottom of a large mojito pitcher. Add sprigs of mint and lime slices to the pitcher, and then fill it with ginger ale (you can also use a combination of ginger ale, club soda, and lemon soda.) Lastly, add ice to your taste and enjoy.

28. Frosted Lemonade

YUM! This drink will be gone in no time! Add 1 cup of fresh-squeezed lemon juice and 1/2 cup of sugar to a pitcher (if you are using bottled lemon juice, increase amount to 1 1/2 cups.) Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved. Add 2 1/2 cups water and stir until mixed thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill. Then add 1 cup of the chilled lemonade and 2 cups of vanilla ice cream to a blender. Pour into a cup and garnish with a lemon and you're done!

29. Firecracker Party Punch

A refreshing and pretty drink that will intrigue your guests and is also patriotic! Start by combining 3 cups of cheery cider, 1 cup peach nectar, and 1/2 cup of lime juice. Add in 50 baking cinnamon imperials (about 3/4 of a bottle) until they are fully dissolved. Add 12 ounces of ginger ale before serving!

30. Rosemary Lemon Spritzer

The name even sounds pretty! To make this spritzer, zest 1 lemon, and cut 4 slices out of the middle to reserve for garnish. Squeeze out the juice and set it aside. Next, over medium heat, stir together 1/2 cup sugar with 1/2 cup water until the sugar dissolves. Bring the water to a boil, remove from heat, and add 5 sprigs of fresh rosemary and the lemon zest. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, strain into a jar, and refrigerate until ready for use. When you're ready, fill 4 glasses with ice, and fill each 3/4 of the way full with sparkling water. Add a splash of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of flavored syrup. Garnish and enjoy!