Barbecues are a great way to enjoy your summer, one you can organize without much hassle. For a truly impressive backyard barbecue, you may need to check out couple of things. One of the many things you should be prepared, as a good host, is planning for the cocktails at your BBQ. Providing your guests with the best cocktails at your BBQ, would leave a good impression.
A good cocktail that is complementary to the delicious food served, is always appreciated. You can have your own drinks’ station at your backyard and help your guests make cocktails on their own. For your BBQ, you would want drinks that could be fixed in bulk.
Drinks that could be served in a pitcher or even a beverage server, would be perfect. You would also want that the drinks you serve, are light and refreshing, so they cut the grease, from the heavy main course.
The drinks you serve, should also stand up to ice. Because you will serve them, over quite a bit of that. Cocktails for your BBQ can be prepared in advance and served in a pitcher when the time comes. They can even be poured into a beverage server to help the guests pour the drink themselves. So, let us go through 30 amazing cocktails, that you can serve at your BBQ.
Whisky Cocktails
Northern Harvest Buck
Bartenders and mixologists are now paying great deal of attention to Canadian whisky. This cocktail is an elegant take on the Whisky Ginger( also known as the Irish Buck).
It adds some bitters and a squeeze of lime, to compliment the flavor of the smooth and spicy- Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye. Serve it to your guests and see their taste buds titillate.
Crown berry Apple
A cocktail which is easy to make and soothing to taste, is the dream of every host. This is a pretty simple cocktail to make. It is more like the alcoholic version of Ocean Spray Cran Apple. This cocktail is made when cranberry juice and Crown Royal Apple Whisky are mixed together.
They are then stirred and topped with an apple wheel. A tall tumbler filled with ice is mostly use to serve this amazing cocktail.
Manhattan Cocktail
With just the right combination of whisky, rye, bitters and sweet vermouth, this cocktail is treated like an icon in the world of whisky. It is one of the most used bases for several other cocktails too. Bartenders use it a lot and so should you, in your BBQ.
You can make it with Canadian whisky, bourbon or any other style. It will serve as the perfect complimentary drink to your main course. You can try out new styles and this cocktail is a proven amazing recipe to use, when trying a brand that is fairly new to you.
Mint Julep
You can easily pull off a Mint Julep at home. All you need is 3 ingredients. This iconic bourbon cocktail should not be missed by cocktail lovers. Apart from the mint, sugar and bourbon, the only other vital ingredient for this cocktail is ice. A nice mound of crushed ice would be the right fit for this drink.
It is the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby, which has helped to propel the popularity of this drink. But you shouldn’t wait for that particular occasion to taste this amazing drink. Serve this at your BBQ and see your guests appreciate your efforts.
Whisky cobbler
Have some extra fruit at your home and don’t want to eat it? Well, you can use the fruits at your home to prepare this drink. It is a classic cocktail. The cocktail is made with a very basic formula. A base alcohol is mixed with syrup or sugar.
It is then adorned with the addition of a seasonal fruit. The garnishing of this drink allows your creative mind to come into play. You can make it appealing to the eyes. As far as the taste is concerned, you will never need to worry about that.
Whisky Sour
It’s a timeless recipe that is too good to pass. You should include it in your list. It is relatively easy to prepare. The recipe is also the base for the entire sour drinks family.
So, you should definitely give it a try. Your guests would love the taste of this easy to prepare, amazing to taste cocktail. Serve this drink along with the main course, and let your guests have a memorable experience.
Gin Cocktails
Classic Gin Martini
Say hello to the world’s most famous cocktail. It is a cocktail which should be included in the list of every bartender and mixologist. Though there have been many variations of the classic Martini, the best is the simplest to make. You should definitely have this on your list of cocktails for your BBQ.
The drink is gin and dry vermouth. Every drink lover has a personal preference and the recipes may differ. While making a Martini, you should focus on the recipe which you enjoy the most, as a drinker. Most part of making a preference for Martini is, adjusting the ratio of Gin and vermouth.
Gimlet
If you have ever wondered how Gin and lime taste together, then look no further. This drink is the best way to test the combination. This drink can be made with lime and simple syrup. Other combinations can also be tried and it depends up on the host as to what kind of gimlet they prefer to serve.
Lime has always been the citrus of choice for this recipe. When it is paired with a Gin, the result is a tart, sweet and refreshing drink that all your guests can enjoy.
Floradora
As catchy and appealing as its name, this drink is one of the best Gin based cocktails you can use for your BBQ. It elegantly portrays the beauty of Gin and raspberry. Any drinker who tries it, is sure to fall for it.
It is a mix of Gin, ginger ale, lime and raspberry. Originally, this drink was made with raspberry syrup. But it is now made using framboise liquor (raspberry flavored). It is as pleasing as its name and should be given a try.
Monkey Gland
The combination of Gin and orange juice is another treat for drinkers. It stands out in the list of Gin based cocktails. This cocktail has a bizarre inspiration, a little surprise and obviously a funny name. It is a mix of Gin, orange juice and grenadine.
It may be a little tricky to prepare, but if you do get the flavors right, you are in for a treat. Almost every other recipe will suggest a splash if absinthe. The aroma of this drink is itself intoxicating and delightful. Serve it to the guests at your BBQ alongside a well crafted main course, to enrich their experience.
Hanky Panky
This Gin martini is made with fernet branca, an Italian herbal digestivo. This adds a delightful accent to this amazing gin and sweet vermouth cocktail. It is sure to tantalize the taste bud of the guests at your BBQ. With a preparation time of less than 3 minutes, it is a cocktail you can include on your drink stand.
Gin And Tonic
If this drink has to be described in one word, then that would be- reliable. It is a 2 ingredient drink and is the foundation of many other gin highballs too. You have to try really hard, to screw making this simple drink.
The combination of gin and tonic is on the drier side of the sofa highballs. So, its a great choice for those who are tired of all the sugary drinks. Swipe fresh lime across the rim before giving it a squeeze to make the perfect cocktail.
Vodka Cocktails
Cosmopolitan
Vodka has always been the right base for flavors of light fruit. This cocktail is the best proof of it. This pink and fruity cocktail is made with vodka, lime juices and cranberry. It is affectionately called “the cosmo“, by many drinkers. You can adapt it to suit your taste.
Some people add more cranberry to make it taste sweeter, while some prefer to add it only for color. Either way, this vodka based cocktail is a must- have on your list of cocktails for the guests at your BBQ.
Apple Martini
It is really hard to resist the magnificent taste of a well made Apple Martini. Though the bright green version is the most commonly used, other varieties are becoming popular too. With the recipe ranging from using green apple schnapps to the ones having a drier profile, this drink is a treat for your taste buds.
The fruit flavor for this drink may come from brandy or an apple liquor, but some recipes use juice or apple cider too. If you want the greenest color for you apple martini, then using green apple schnapps is the right idea. A touch of lemon juice will balance the sweetness of the schnapps.
Bloody Mary
Planning a BBQ? This vodka and tomato juice highball is the perfect drink for that. Sunday mornings of many drinkers aren’t complete without having a great glass of Bloody Mary. The good thing about this drink is that it can be customized to fit your exact taste. You can cherish this drink as you like. It is one of the most recommended drinks by bartenders and mixologists.
It is also known to have hangover fighting properties. So, in case someone has a bit too much to drink, this can be the blessing in disguise. It is a relatively easy drink to prepare. All you have to do is pour a shot of vodka over ice, add tomato juice to fill the glass and then add spices and lemon juice. The drink can be as spicy as you like. With such amazing properties, there is no wonder that this drink has inspired many tomato drinks.
Black Russian
Want a refreshing and short vodka drink? Look no further. The Black Russian is the best candidate for the job. It needs only 2 ingredients to be made. Coffee liquor and vodka. It mixes up readily and can be served promptly. The combination creates a pleasant and soothing drink to be savored by all the guests at your BBQ.
It is so well known a drink, that it is one of the first cocktails that a bartender commits to memory. This easy to prepare, soothing to taste drink, should be served at your BBQ as a complimentary drink to the delicacies of the main course.
Moscow Mule
This rather simple drink was designed to introduce Americans to vodka, way back in the 20th century. As the current generation discovers the appeal of this cocktails, it has had a recent brush with fame. Vodka, lime juice and ginger beer are the ingredients of this pleasant drink. It has the quality of having a snappy spice that is invigorating.
This drink is utterly spectacular and simple at the same time. So, it is a great drink for any occasion. For those who want to add an extra traditional touch, serving this drink in a copper mug is a good idea. Though irrespective of the container, the drink tastes splendid.
Screwdriver
If you had already thought of including this in your list, it’s because of the huge popularity that this drink enjoys. It is a highball which is nothing more than spiked fruit juice. Freshly squeezed orange is preferred to make the most savoring and pleasant drink. With practice and experimentation, this drink can be altered according to your taste.
Pouring a shot of vodka and filling the glass with orange juice is the only requirement for this drink. You can choose the proportion of the juice which fits your taste. This highly popular cocktail is another must- have on your list.
Tequila Cocktails
Margarita
The elegance of Tequila is that its perfectly agave taste brings a sweet, earthy element to drinks. The Margarita is one if the most widely known tequila based cocktails. The original version is easy to prepare from scratch. The fresh citrus flavor of this drink is highly appealing. There are many varieties of Margarita to explore, once you get the taste of the original version.
Tequila, lime juice and triple sec are the 3 key ingredients of this drink. When you reach that sweet spot of ideally flavored and balanced margarita, there’s no looking back. You can also salt the rim of the glass if you want to add an extra delight for the guests at your BBQ.
The Paloma
If there was an award for the most underrated cocktails around the world, The Paloma would still be underrated in it! Choose your favorite tequila, add some lime juice and then top it off with some grape fruit soda, to make this exquisitely amazing drink. The combination of grapefruit and tequila comes out well and its a treat for drinkers.
Its highly popular in Mexico and its name is derived from the Spanish word for “dove”. A true classic in the world of tequila, this is one of the most under appreciated cocktails. You should give it a go at your BBQ.
The Tequini
It really shouldn’t come as a surprise that tequila has found its way in the world of Martinis. Gin is replaced by Tequila in this fascinating switch from the routine. Start with the blanco tequila that you find the best, combine it with dry vermouth and the result is a dry cocktail having a shining personality.
It is drier than most of the tequila cocktails but is a really great drink to savor. It is a great choice for your BBQ at dinner time. And as it goes without saying, this drink is a perfect complimentary cocktail for Mexican cuisine. So, use it to serve your guests with an out of the box Martini, and see the look of pleasant surprise.
Sangrita
There may be many tequila based cocktails but few can compete with the taste of Sangrita. This two-part shot will give you a taste experience like no other drink. There are many different ways of making this amazing drink. Tequila with a shot of lime, orange juice and grenadine, makes up the ingredients of this drink.
It adds a tasty mouth watering twist to an average tequila shot. There are 2 different methods to make it. The Mexican version uses orange juice while the American version uses tomato juice, to add extra bite to this drink. Either version can be made as spicy as you like.
Dulce de Tequila
Tequila is known to make a delicious dessert cocktail as well. The Dulce de Tequila is a margarita of sorts. Its key ingredients include- lime juice, orange liqueur and agave nectar with reposado tequila . Many people opt to add a little shot of cognac and rub sugar on the rim, to add that extra sweetness to the drink.
This sweet drink can be made even sweeter by 2 methods. You can either use orange flavored liquor or can choose to use the rich agave nectar. You can add a hint of lime and a perfectly balanced drink is ready to be served!
El Diablo
This is one of those amazing drinks that every tequila lover needs to try at least once. The sweetness of the black currant flavor of creme de casis is paired with an aged tequila and a hint of lime juice, to prepare this cocktail. Some people choose to top it off by adding ginger beer.
The ingredients added to the earthy experience of tequila, produce a delightful combination. You can experiment with this drink and make changes to suit your taste. Serve this pleasant cocktail to the guests at your BBQ and get brownie points for being a considerate host.
Rum Cocktails
Daiquiri
The daiquiri is the first rum based drink that one should try to prepare. Lime juice, rum and simple syrup are the chief ingredients of this drink. It is a pretty simple drink to make. Once you master it, the flavor possibilities that emerge by making small changes, are endless. Making this cocktail should be known by any good bartender.
A well made daiquiri has the perfect balance of sweet and sour, and tastes just right. Just like Martini and Margarita, it has developed into a subfamily on its own. There are many variations of this drink, that enthusiasts try. The variations take on plethora of flavors and are sometimes blended as well.
Mojito
You ask a drinking enthusiast about a drink they think was one of the most pleasurable drink they had, and chances are, the answer will be Mojito. It is yet another simple drink to prepare. Its key ingredients are rum, lime, soda and sugar. A muddler is also needed for making this drink.
Just after a single sip of this fabulous drink, you will come to know why it is one of the best cocktails ever. You can change the fruits according to your whims. It is a perfectly awesome drink even for beginners. A muddler and stirrer are needed for making this drink. Prepare it and you will have one of the freshest cocktail available.
Hurricane
If you want a drink, that is both easy to make and potent, then look no further. It contains abundant amount of rum. It also introduces a drinking enthusiast to tiki cocktails. Tiki cocktails are known for their complex flavors.
The recipe for this drink includes rum, lime juice, passion fruit and orange. With simple methodology and easily available ingredients, this drink can be prepared easily, to be served at your BBQ.
Pina Colada
Whether you shake it or blend it, no drink says “summer” better than a Pina Colada. This cocktail heaven in a glass includes rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice. Every sip of this soothing drink is a burst of refreshment.
A cocktail shaker and ice, along with the ingredients mentioned above, are the only requirements for this soothing drink.
This drink is a modified version of the Frozen Pina Colada. Both the variations should be tried once. You should then choose the one which caters more to your taste buds. You should serve this drinks to the guests at your BBQ, to get well deserved appreciation.
Hot Buttered Rum
Hot Buttered Rum is another rum based cocktail that you can try at your BBQ. Rum has always been a good base for cozy cocktails. When the gloomy winters hit you hard, forget the fruit for a while and prepare a hot buttered rum to pamper yourself and your guests at the BBQ. Dark rum and kitchen pantry staples are the only requirements for making this drink.
This sweet spicy winter warmer, is a pleasant drink for your BBQ. The mixture of sweetness and warmth is the perfect combination you will need, if you host a BBQ in winter. The recipe for this drink is very easy and you can make it at a moment’s notice. You can make a big batch of the batter and then store it in the refrigerator. Then serve it when the right moment comes.
Easy Rum Eggnog
A classic rum cocktail, easy rum eggnog is a hugely popular drink. Bartenders love to serve it and drink enthusiasts love to devour it. While the origin of this drink is linked to England, it became very popular in America. Rum which was distilled in the colonies, was obviously a key ingredient if this drink. Rum, simple syrup, port wine, egg and nutmeg are the requirements for this drink.
This recipe helps you prepare a glass of frothy drink, ready in few minutes. Several hosts love to serve this at their BBQ and you can too. The luscious velvety texture of this drink, is soothing and pleasant. Serve this comforting drink to your guests at the end of a heavy meal.
These are some amazing cocktails that you can serve to your guests at your BBQ. All these drinks are easy to prepare, and soothing to drink. A perfect cocktail for your BBQ is one which adequately complements your main course. A good drink is the perfect cherry on the top of the cake, that is your BBQ. Based on rum, vodka, tequila, whisky and gin, these drinks should be tried at your BBQ at least once.
Having these drinks along with a perfectly made main course, will make the experience of BBQ, more entertaining and enjoyable for you and your guests as well. These drinks are soothing and as mentioned above, offer a wide range of flavors. You can modify the recipe as per your needs. You should serve these drinks at your BBQ and turn the event, into a delightful memory!