Best Summertime Sips for Your Weekend Barbecue
Yunhee Kim
Put a chill into your grilling and chilling weekend by mixing up a few simple and refreshing summer drinks. Our diverse ideas below will please the kids – and kids at heart – while offering some grown-ups-only favorites and unique twists on classic cocktails. Whether you’re simply barbecuing in the backyard with your family or hosting a neighborhood holiday cookout, these cool recipes are sure to quench everyone’s thirst.
Yunhee Kim
A traditional Spanish and Portuguese cocktail, sangria is most often made by mixing red or white wine with fresh fruit, sparkling soda water and various liqueurs. Food Network Magazine’s Red and White Sangria recipes are classic examples of this European summer sipper.
Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Like sangria, the mojito has evolved from its original Cuban mixture of white rum and mint into a transformable cocktail capable of pleasing everyone. Not a rum fan? Not a problem. Guy Fieri’s Double Apple Mojito is made with vodka and apple juice.
Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
Similarly, Tyler Florence’s Blueberry Ginger Mojito Pitchers combine vodka, soda and fresh ginger.
Stephen Murello, Stephen Murello
Bring the beach to your barbecue this weekend with the classic seaside tastes of daiquiris and Pina Coladas.
David M. Russell, 2015 Watershed Visual Media, LLC
For a twist on the classic Strawberry Daiquiri, try a Blueberry Daiquiri or Peach-Basil Daiquiri. Simply skip the alcohol in these drinks to make virgin mocktails that even kids can enjoy.
Giada’s Melon and Mint Slush is a definite crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love. With fresh honeydew and mint leaves, this cool cup goes perfectly with spicy grilled chicken wings or savory ribs.
Sang An
Perhaps the summer drinks most often made — lemonade and iced tea — define the hot weather season and, best of all, can be poured all day long and still leave you feeling sunny and bright. Food Network Magazine’s Berry-Guava Lemonade and Sage Limeade recipes are inventive takes on the classic lemony favorite.
Sang An
Similarly, Peach-Ginger Iced Tea and Sunny Anderson’s Sweet Minted Tea offer creative additions to traditional iced tea.
Combine these established tastes for the ultimate summertime flavor: Fruity Lemon Iced Tea, made with fresh lemon and lime juices and hibiscus-based herb tea.
Looking for a drink that will double as dessert? Bobby Flay’s Double Chocolate-Marshmallow Milkshake will bring everyone to your yard this weekend with its richly decadent chocolate-cream combo. Robin Miller’s Root Beer Floats are also naturally delicious, with their enduring mixture of bubbly root beer and frothy vanilla ice cream.
Still thirsty? Check out more of our Favorite Summer Drinks and recipes from Food Network Magazine.