What kind of drink goes with BBQ flavor anyway? I mean, besides alcohol?
If you’re having one last barbecue to end all barbecues, then you know it’s just as much about the sides, the dessert, and of course the drinks.
But come on now – if you’re serving the finest selection of meats and high-quality BBC sauce, you don’t want to taint your cookout with something lame like ring dings and Pepsi!
If you really want your guests to enjoy themselves, then opt for some alcoholic beverages they haven’t tried lately. Think outside the box of beer and consider adding these options to the menu.
1. Margarita (Tequila)
Sure, everyone knows what a good margarita tastes like but here’s the point. You usually get one at a classy, high-end bar, right? Your best buds are not expecting authentic margaritas to be served at a BBQ but they’re going to love it when you go the extra mile.
For making real margaritas, don’t forget the most important features. Wide open rim glass, lime or lemon juice (for the glass), salt, and ice. No need to go more than two shots of high-quality tequila and then topped off with a margarita mix. But to get the right taste, be sure to add a shot of Cointreau or Triple sec to get the subtle orange taste.
2. Offer Malternatives As Well as Beers (Malt Base)
If “everyone” wants beer, then assume a few people would rather have a second option – like some fine malternatives. For people with a sweet tooth, serve some Smirnoff Ice, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Redd’s Apple Ale, Twisted Tea, or even “Best Damn Root Beer” or “Not Your Father’s Root Beer.”
In fact, you can serve these drinks at many outings besides just a BBQ. Check out the best occasions for a malternative beverage inside or outside the house.
3. Lemonade Shandy – (Beer)
No one’s going to complain if you have lemonade, since that’s a staple of most BBQs. Then again, no one’s going to complain if you have beer either. That’s why you should combine them both and make lemonade shandy, which is a glass of beer topped off with sweet lemonade.
The typical recipe is half and half, though you can make them sweet or more “hopsy” depending on your own preferences. Lemonade Shandy also goes well with strawberry desserts like this one.
4. (Everything) Long Island Iced Tea
Then again, a lot of people seem to think of ice tea at an old-fashioned southern BBQ. (Need a few ideas for what to barbecue? Here are some popular meats)
So let them have their ice tea – but make it New York style by adding a shot of everything! Long Island Iced[1] Tea consists of vodka, tequila, rum, gin, triple sec, sweet and sour mix, and a splash of Coca-Cola.
Combining all these liquors surprisingly leads to a very neutral ice tea flavored taste, especially when you add ice, lemon juice, and some lemon slices to top it off. Just don’t tell anyone there’s no real tea in this special glass of iced tea!
5. Mojito (Rum)
Mojitos are similar at least in taste, but they have the distinctive taste of rum. One shot of rum goes together with several fresh mint leaves, two teaspoons of sugar, and an ounce of lime juice. Add club soda for fizz and put a mint leaf on top just to show everyone your bartending skills.
Read more about the luxurious history of the mojito.
Conclusion
Finally, don’t forget to prepare and read up on barbecuing techniques before getting carried away with the condiments and sides. The Food Network has a helpful tips page on how to grill and season for an outside party.
Ready to throw a BBQ party for the ages? Remember the drinks but also don’t skimp on the sauce!
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