10 Refreshing Drink Ideas for Your Next BBQ

Fire up the grill and refresh your summer gatherings with these ten drink ideas perfect for your BBQ! From zingy non-alcoholic sips to a zesty cocktail that packs a punch, these recipes are designed to complement your grilled creations and keep your guests hydrated and happy. Forget the predictable cooler full of soda or the sameold six-pack, this summer deserves better. From smoky bourbon to sparkling citrus spritzers, these drink ideas are bold, refreshing, and built for sun soaked afternoons.

Each drink features bold flavors and approachable techniques, ensuring you can whip them up with ease. Whether you prefer fruity infusions or refreshing spritzers, you’ll find a delightful drink for everyone. Cheers to a great BBQ!

1. Classic BBQ Lemonade Shandy

This Classic BBQ Lemonade Shandy is the perfect drink to enjoy during a sunny BBQ. It combines the refreshing taste of lemonade with the crispness of beer, making it a delightful choice for warm days. The balance of tart and sweet flavors makes it easy to sip while mingling with friends and family.

Simple to make, this shandy requires just a few ingredients and can be whipped up in no time. Whether you prefer it with a light lager or a fruity wheat beer, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

Ingredients

• 2 cups lemonade
• 2 cups light lager or wheat beer
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a pitcher, combine the lemonade and beer. Stir gently to mix.
2. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the shandy mixture over the ice.
3. Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves if desired.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing drink!

Tips

For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the beer with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda. This drink pairs well with grilled meats and light salads.

Servings

This recipe makes about 4 servings.

Nutritional Information

Approx. 150 calories per serving (with beer), 100 calories per serving (non-alcoholic version).

2. Cherry Limeade Spritzer

Cherry Limeade Spritzer is a refreshing drink perfect for any BBQ. This drink combines the tartness of lime with the sweetness of cherries, creating a delightful balance that’s sure to please everyone. It’s super simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort, making it a great choice for your summer gatherings.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or enjoying a picnic, this spritzer adds a fun twist to your drink options. You can easily customize it to be non-alcoholic or add a splash of vodka for an adult version. Everyone will love the vibrant color and zesty flavor!

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
• 4 cups sparkling water
• 1/4 cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Lime slices for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. In a blender, combine the pitted cherries and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove the pulp.
3. Add the sparkling water and simple syrup to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the spritzer over the ice.
5. Garnish with lime slices and a few whole cherries before serving.

Tips: For an alcoholic version, add 1-2 ounces of vodka per glass. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup based on your preference.

Servings: This recipe serves about 4-6 people.

Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 80, Carbohydrates: 20g, Sugars: 15g, Protein: 1g.

3. Spicy Watermelon Mint Cooler

The Spicy Watermelon Mint Cooler is a refreshing drink that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors. With juicy watermelon, fresh mint, and a hint of jalapeño, it’s a delightful choice for your BBQ gatherings. This drink is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser, keeping everyone cool and satisfied.

This cooler is a fantastic way to enjoy summer flavors while adding a little kick. It’s simple enough for anyone to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for those hot days spent outdoors.

Ingredients

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1-2 slices jalapeño (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 cups sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions

1. Blend the watermelon cubes in a blender until smooth. Strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher.
2. Add the fresh mint leaves, jalapeño slices, and lime juice to the watermelon juice. Stir well.
3. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the watermelon mixture over the ice.
4. Top each glass with sparkling water and gently stir to combine.
5. Garnish with mint sprigs and serve immediately.

Tips: Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your spice preference. For a fun twist, you can also add a splash of tequila for an adult version!

Servings: This recipe serves about 4-6 people.

Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 60, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 0g, Sugar: 12g.

4. Smoky Bourbon BBQ Cocktail

The Smoky Bourbon BBQ Cocktail is a delightful blend of rich bourbon and smoky flavors, perfect for sipping during your next BBQ. This drink balances sweetness with a hint of spice, making it a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats.

Making this cocktail is simple and requires just a few ingredients. It’s a great way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Just mix, shake, and serve!

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz smoked simple syrup
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 dash of Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Orange slice and rosemary sprig for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, smoked simple syrup, lemon juice, and bitters.
2. Add ice and shake well until chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with an orange slice and a sprig of rosemary.

Tips: For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with iced tea and use the same ingredients for the syrup and lemon juice.

This cocktail serves one, but you can easily scale it up for a group.

Nutritional information per serving: approximately 180 calories, 7g carbs, and 0g protein.

5. Mango Coconut Rum Punch

Get ready for a tropical treat with this Mango Coconut Rum Punch! This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the creamy richness of coconut rum, making it a perfect companion for your BBQ. It’s simple to whip up, so you can spend less time mixing and more time enjoying the sunshine.

The flavors blend beautifully, creating a drink that’s both fruity and smooth. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just relaxing with friends, this punch will surely be a hit!

Ingredients

• 2 cups mango juice
• 1 cup coconut rum
• 1 cup coconut cream
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1 cup club soda
• Fresh mango slices, for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, combine mango juice, coconut rum, coconut cream, and lime juice. Stir well until mixed.
2. Add ice cubes to the pitcher and gently pour in the club soda. Stir again to combine.
3. Serve in glasses garnished with fresh mango slices. Enjoy your tropical punch!

Tips: For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the coconut rum with extra coconut cream and add more club soda.

This recipe serves about 6-8 people and is perfect for sharing at your BBQ.

Nutritional information per serving: approximately 200 calories, 5g fat, 30g carbohydrates, and 1g protein.

6. Peach Basil Iced Tea

Peach Basil Iced Tea is a refreshing drink perfect for your BBQ gatherings. This delightful blend combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with the aromatic touch of fresh basil, creating a drink that’s both tasty and visually appealing. It’s simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy your time with friends and family.

The combination of flavors is light and invigorating, making it an ideal choice for warm weather. Whether you’re serving it as a non-alcoholic option or spicing it up with a splash of vodka, this iced tea will surely impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 4 cups brewed black tea, cooled
• 2 ripe peaches, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup honey or agave syrup (adjust to taste)
• Ice cubes
• Optional: 1 cup vodka (for an alcoholic version)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tea: Brew black tea according to package instructions. Let it cool completely.
2. Blend the Peaches: In a blender, combine the sliced peaches and honey. Blend until smooth.
3. Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the cooled tea, peach puree, and fresh basil leaves. Stir well.
4. Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the peach basil iced tea over the ice, and garnish with additional peach slices and basil leaves.
5. Optional: For an alcoholic twist, add vodka to each glass before pouring in the iced tea.

Tips: For a stronger basil flavor, muddle the basil leaves in the pitcher before adding the other ingredients.

This recipe serves about 4-6 people and can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.

Nutritional information per serving (non-alcoholic): approximately 80 calories, 20g sugar. Enjoy your BBQ with this delightful drink!

7. Citrus Sangria with Grilled Fruits

This Citrus Sangria with Grilled Fruits is a refreshing drink perfect for your BBQ. It combines the bright flavors of citrus with the smoky sweetness of grilled fruits, making it a delightful choice for warm days. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so you can spend more time enjoying the party!

The combination of oranges, lemons, and berries creates a zesty flavor profile that’s both sweet and tangy. Whether you’re serving it with or without alcohol, this drink is sure to be a hit with everyone at your gathering!

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of white wine (750 ml)
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1-2 cups club soda or lemon-lime soda
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish
• 1-2 cups assorted fruits for grilling (peaches, pineapples, etc.)

Instructions

1. Grill the Fruits: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Slice the peaches and pineapples, then grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they have nice grill marks. Remove and let cool.
2. Mix the Sangria: In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, orange juice, and brandy (if using). Add the sliced orange, lemon, and mixed berries. Stir in honey if you prefer a sweeter drink.
3. Add Grilled Fruits: Once the grilled fruits have cooled, chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pitcher.
4. Chill: Let the sangria sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve: Just before serving, add club soda or lemon-lime soda for some fizz. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and enjoy!

Tips: For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the wine and brandy with sparkling water and additional fruit juice. This recipe serves about 6-8 people and is perfect for any BBQ!

Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 150, Carbohydrates: 20g, Sugars: 15g, Fat: 0g, Protein: 0g.

8. Grilled Pineapple Mojito

Grilled Pineapple Mojito is a refreshing twist on the classic mojito, perfect for your next BBQ. The sweetness of the grilled pineapple pairs beautifully with the mint and lime, creating a drink that’s both fruity and refreshing. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a great choice for summer gatherings.

This drink is a delightful mix of flavors that will impress your guests. Whether you’re enjoying it with friends or family, it’s sure to be a hit at any outdoor event!

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup white rum (optional for an alcoholic version)
• 1 cup club soda
• Ice cubes
• Mint sprigs and lime slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Grill the Pineapple: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the diced pineapple on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until caramelized. Remove from the grill and let cool.
2. Muddle the Ingredients: In a glass, combine the grilled pineapple, mint leaves, lime juice, and sugar. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently crush the ingredients together, releasing the mint oils and pineapple juices.
3. Add the Rum: If you’re making the alcoholic version, pour in the white rum and mix well.
4. Mix with Club Soda: Fill the glass with ice cubes and top off with club soda. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with mint sprigs and lime slices. Enjoy your refreshing Grilled Pineapple Mojito!

Tips: For a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the rum. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your taste. This recipe serves about 2-3 people and is a great addition to your BBQ drink lineup!

Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 150, Carbohydrates: 20g, Sugars: 15g, Protein: 0g, Fat: 0g.

9. Herbed Cucumber Gin Fizz

The Herbed Cucumber Gin Fizz is a refreshing drink that perfectly complements any BBQ. With its light and crisp flavors, this cocktail is a delightful mix of gin, fresh cucumber, and aromatic herbs. It’s simple to whip up, making it a great choice for both casual gatherings and more festive occasions.

This drink offers a unique twist on the classic gin fizz, bringing a garden-fresh taste to your glass. The combination of cucumber and herbs creates a cooling effect that’s perfect for warm days. Whether you’re sipping it by the grill or enjoying it with friends, this cocktail is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 4 slices of cucumber
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or mint)
• Club soda
• Ice

Instructions

1. In a shaker, muddle the cucumber slices and fresh herbs to release their flavors.
2. Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker with ice. Shake well.
3. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
4. Top with club soda and garnish with additional cucumber slices and herbs.

Tips: For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace gin with tonic water and enjoy a refreshing cucumber fizz. This recipe serves 1, but you can easily multiply the ingredients for a larger batch.

Nutritional information per serving: approximately 150 calories, 0g fat, 0g protein, 10g carbohydrates.

10. Spiked Strawberry Lemonade

Spiked Strawberry Lemonade is a refreshing drink that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors. This drink is not only delicious but also super easy to whip up, making it a fantastic choice for your BBQ gatherings. With fresh strawberries and zesty lemons, it’s a crowd-pleaser that adds a fun twist to your summer drinks.

Whether you’re lounging by the grill or enjoying the sunshine, this drink will keep everyone cool and happy. Plus, you can easily adjust the alcohol content to suit your guests, making it a versatile option for both adults and kids!

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup vodka (optional for spiking)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh strawberries and lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

1. In a blender, combine the sliced strawberries, lemon juice, and sugar. Blend until smooth.
2. In a large pitcher, mix the strawberry-lemon blend with water. Stir well to combine.
3. If desired, add vodka to the pitcher and mix again.
4. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh strawberries and lemon slices.

Tips: For a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the vodka. You can also add sparkling water for a fizzy touch!

Servings: This recipe makes about 6 servings.

Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 150, Carbohydrates: 20g, Sugars: 18g, Protein: 0g, Fat: 0g.

As the sun dips low and the grill winds down, a great drink keeps the good vibes flowing. Whether you’re sipping something fizzy and citrusy or rich and smoky, these cocktails and mocktails are made to match the mood of summer, easygoing, flavorful, and a little bit festive. Don’t be afraid to experiment, garnish boldly, and make it your own.

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