Summer is just around the corner, which means the weather is perfect for grilling and drinks on the patio! After the year we have had, quality time spent relaxing with loved one’s outdoors is the perfect way to get back in the groove of socializing. Climbing out of this hibernation mode may have you wondering what the best cocktails for a backyard bbq are and how to make them. Don’t you worry, we’ve got it covered!
Sweet Tea Mint Julep
This breathes new life into a classic. Blending two southern favorites to create a refreshing treat, this may become your new go-to!
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- 10 mint leaves
- 3 family-size black tea bags or 12 individual black tea bags
- 1 1/2 cups bourbon
- Crushed ice
- Lemon slices
- Mint sprigs
Directions
- Bring 4 cups of water + 1 cup of sugar to a boil to create a simple syrup.
- Remove from heat and add the mint leaves + tea bags, ensuring the tea bags are fully saturated. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and mint, then add the 2 remaining cups of water. Chill in refrigerator.
- Remove from the fridge and add the bourbon, stirring to ensure its fully mixed.
- Pour over ice into highball glasses, then garnish with lemon and mint if desired.
Serves: 8
Margarita
This is a tried-and-true crowd-pleaser. Always refreshing and easily customized, you can’t go wrong with a good margarita.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Silver tequila
- 1 oz. Cointreau
- 1 oz. Lime juice
- Coarse salt
Directions
- Rub lime and coarse salt onto the rim of a chilled cocktail/margarita glass.
- Combine tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and ice together in a cocktail shaker.
- Shake and strain the mixture into the glass over ice.
Mojito
This may be the most refreshing of all patio cocktails with its burst of mint and lime combined with a gentle fizz from the seltzer.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. white rum
- 1/2 oz. lime juice (squeezed fresh)
- 1 tsp. superfine sugar
- 3 mint leaves
- club soda or seltzer
Directions
- In a small glass, muddle lime juice with 1/2 to 1 tsp. of sugar.
- Add mint leaves, muddling them gently into the lime juice and sugar.
- Fill the glass 2/3 of the way with ice and add rum + the squeezed-out lime shell.
- Top off with your choice of club soda or seltzer.
Summer Berry Sangria
Sangria is one of the most versatile drinks on here, with endless possibilities for customization! Use this recipe as a guide to making something all your own.
Ingredients
- 2 peaches sliced thin.
- 1 cup berries (blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries)
- 1 lime thinly sliced.
- 1 bottle crisp white wine or rosé wine
- 1 cup peach nectar (from concentrate)
- 1/3 cup Grand Marnier or Cointreau
- Lemon-lime soda
- Fresh mint leaves
Directions
- In a large pitcher, mix all ingredients except for lemon-lime soda and mint leaves.
- Cover and chill for about 1 hour.
- Pour the mixture into individual glasses, leaving 2/3 room.
- Top off with about 1/4 cup of lemon-lime soda per glass.
- Add ice and garnish with mint leaves.
Paloma
As a close relative of the margarita, the Paloma knows a thing or two about patio drinking. If you are looking for a twist on the fan-fav, you have found it.
Ingredients
- Coarse salt
- 2 oz. tequila
- Lime wedge
- 1/2 oz. lime juice
- Grapefruit soda
Directions
- Rub the rim of a chilled tall glass with the lime wedge and salt
- Combine the tequila, lime juice in the glass.
- Add ice then top off with grapefruit soda.
The Daisy Buchanan
This is a lesser-known cocktail that is sure to become a favorite this summer. Botanical and beautiful, you simply can’t go wrong serving this!
Ingredients
- 4 cups chamomile tea
- 1 1/2 cups elderflower liqueur
- 1 1/2 cups gin
- 6 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- Lemon peel strips
Directions
- Combine tea, elderflower liqueur, gin, lemon juice and ice in a shaker.
- Pour into a lovely cocktail glass and garnish with strips of lemon peel.
Mason Jar Watermelon Frosé
If you are in the mood for something a little crazy for your bbq, you have found the perfect cocktail. Delicious, simple, and refreshing~ it is the perfect recipe to beat the heat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rosé wine
- 1/3 cup watermelon juice
- 1 mint sprig
Directions
- Combine the rosé and watermelon juice in a 16-ounce mason jar.
- Attach its lid and screw shut tightly.
- Freeze for 1 hour then shake the jar once. Return to the freezer.
- Shake the jar every 30 minutes after this until the mixture is slushy (1-1.5 hours).
- Garnish with mint sprig.
Grapefruit Ranch Water
Ranch water is a big up-and-comer this year. Its versatility in both creation and carb count makes it a popular choice for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cups fresh pink grapefruit juice
- 3 tbsp. simple syrup
- 1 1/2 oz. Spiced Tequila
- Sparkling Water (such as Topo Chico)
- Pink grapefruit wedges, cilantro, and sliced jalapeño are all optional garnishes.
Directions
- Combine fresh lime juice + tequila + simple syrup (if desired).
- Add 2/3 to a tall glass filled with ice.
- Pour sparkling water over the top and garnish with any desired items from above.