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6 Easy Cocktails for Backyard BBQs

6 Easy Cocktails for Backyard BBQs

Nothing beats the smoky aroma of grilled meats and veggies, but pairing your BBQ with the right cocktails can take the experience to the next level. Whether you're hosting a summer cookout or a casual weekend gathering, these refreshing drinks are sure to impress your guests and keep everyone cool and satisfied.

1. Whiskey Lemonade

A tangy, crisp and easy classic. While it's more of a mixed drink, it's an easy one to serve up (as opposed to its cousin, a Whiskey Sour). Whiskey lemonade combines smooth whiskey with fresh lemon juice, a touch of simple syrup, and a splash of soda water. It’s perfect for sipping on a hot day, offering a balance of sweetness and tartness that complements grilled foods.

Ingredients needed:

  • 2 oz Whiskey
  • 1 oz Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
  • Soda to Top

Add ingredients except soda to a highball glass. Add ice, then top with soda. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

2. Moscow Mule

Spicy, refreshing, and served in style. This iconic cocktail features vodka, spicy ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. Served over ice in a copper mug, it’s both eye-catching and cooling—ideal for outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients needed:

  • 2 ounces vodka
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • 4 oz ginger beer
  • Crushed Ice
  • Mint Leaves

Muddle mint in a julep cup. Add ingredients, then ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

3. Mint Julep

Minty whiskey cocktail. This light cocktail is a perfectly easy drink to make as long as you have crushed ice on the ready. Muddle mint in a julep cup, add a 1/2 oz of simple syrup and 2 oz of bourbon and ice, and you're good to go.

Ingredients needed:

  • 2 oz. Bourbon
  • 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
  • 3 Fresh Mint Leaves
  • Crushed Ice

Muddle mint in a julep cup. Add ingredients, then ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

4. Rum Punch

Fruity and festive. This tropical favorite combines rum with pineapple juice, orange juice, and a splash of grenadine. It's easy to batch out for quick pouring at a party. Garnish with slices of fresh fruit for a colorful, flavorful addition to your BBQ table.

Ingredients needed:

  • 1 1/4 oz light rum
  • 1 1/4 oz dark rum
  • 2 oz pineapple juice
  • 1 oz orange juice, freshly squeezed
  • 3/4 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 oz grenadine
  • Garnish: maraschino cherry

You can batch all ingredients by multiplying by the needed servings. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

5. Gin & Tonic

Simple and timeless. This cocktail is low effort, simple, and the epitome of refreshment. With its clean taste and bubbly finish, it pairs beautifully with grilled meats and veggie skewers alike.

Ingredients needed:

  • 2 oz Gin
  • Tonic to top

Pour gin in a highball glass, add ice, pour tonic to top. Garnish with a lime wheel.

6. Paloma

Bold and citrusy. Made with tequila, grapefruit juice, lime, and soda water, the Paloma offers a tart, slightly bitter flavor that’s both invigorating and satisfying.

Ingredients needed:

  • 2 oz tequila (blanco or reposado)
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • 4 oz chilled grapefruit soda
  • Pinch of salt (optional)
  • Lime wheel or grapefruit wedge for garnish 

Add ingredients to a shaker tin and shake with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a lime.

Ready to Shake Things Up?
These cocktails are easy to make and sure to keep your guests cool and happy throughout your BBQ.

Cheers to great food, good company, and delicious drinks. Happy grilling!