Summer is almost upon us and we all know what that means… Barbecues! Families and friends get together for some fun in the sun, some burgers on the grill and some cold drinks to relax and refresh. Most people just get a case of beer, some sodas and call it good. But this year, its time to get creative! Put a spin on some old classics or try some fresh new blends to quench that thirst. All recipes include alcohol though some may be made “virgin.”
Unwelcome Houseguest
How funny is the name of this drink and how perfect is it for a summer BBQ! Thanks to the Cocktail Chronicles, you can make this drink for only $1.76 per person!
Mix…
2 oz Gordon’s Gin
3/4 oz Martini and Rossi Sweet Vermouth
1/4 oz St. Germain
1 teaspoon Kubler absinthe (though can be excluded if unavailable)
1 dash Regan’s Orange Bitters
… into an empty beer can. Fill with crushed or scrapped ice. Stir, then strain into a cocktail glass. Classy.
Tropical Beer
Though the title might sound a little odd, the recipe is simple. Pour a glass of beer (preferably a seasonal summer blend or fruit flavored infused beer like Sam Adams Summer ale, Miller Chill, or Leinenkugels Berry Weiss), add some yellow and red food coloring until you get a nice bright orange color. Garnish with a slice of fruit (i.e. orange, pineapple, sliced strawberry) and/or a tropical flower or little umbrella. Presto! Tropical Beer!
Aztec Punch
Please the ancient gods with this tasty, refreshing drink for your guests.
Mix…
1 can Lemonade concentrate
5 oz Vodka (any brand)
7 oz Rum (any brand)
About 1 bottle of Ginger Ale
Ice
…in a pitcher or punch bowl. Stir thoroughly. This is very strong, so if you’d like to lessen the “punch,” literally speaking, of this mix, add more lemonade/gingerale, or less alcohol to the desired taste.
Sunny Holiday Punch
The Mixology Guide is a great place to get some unique recipes. This one in-particular is for a more discerning crowd… or less, depending on the brand of champagne you buy!
Mix…
46 oz Chilled Pineapple juice
28 oz Club Soda
6 oz Frozen Orange juice concentrate
Sliced lime or lime
2 cups sliced berries
1 bottle of Champagne (or 7-Up/Sprite for the non-alcoholic version)
… in a large punch bowl and serve! Refreshingly simple beverage for guests of all ages. Just don’t mix up the two bowls! No one likes a sauced child!
Washington Apple Shot
If you have some guests really wanting to have some fun, here is a great summer shot you can mix up.
Combine…
1 oz Crown Royal (though other liquors like vodka, flavored rum, etc. can work)
1 oz Sour Apple Pucker
1 splash Cranberry juice
… in a cocktail mixer. Shake with ice and strain into a shot glass, chilled. It packs a strong punch but its always nicer to down something fruity in the hot summer sun.
Drunken Orange Flamingo
Amp up this mixed summer drink for a nice cocktail for all your friends.
Mix…
4/5 can of Orange soda (Fanta, for example)
1 oz Vodka (any brand, exclude if you want to make it virgin)
… in a glass. Stir, don’t shake as the soda might fix all over you.
Add…
1 dash grenadine
And 2 tablespoons whipped cream (or just a nice swirl)
Perfect! Fixing orange goodness with an extra kick. The grenadine and whip cream combine and make this BBQ drink more of a desert than a beverage. Drink up!
Under Current Shot
This shot recipe from the Mixology Guide should be a summer staple. Make sure and follow the directions exactly to get the perfect look for this shot.
Mix…
1 oz Absolut Kurant
1/2 oz Blue Curacao
1/2 oz Sour mic
1/4 oz Sugar syrup
Splash of Sprite/7-Up
… in a cocktail mixer. Pour into shot glass then add…
1/4 oz Chambord raspberry liqueur
… on the top of the shot with a spoon. This gives the shot a color fading look. Add a raspberry on top for a little extra garnish.
Limona Corona
Nothing says summer like a cool bottle of Mexico’s finest, Corona. This year, however, try mixing a bottle of Corona with 1 oz of Bacardi Limon. Add the shot to the bottle of beer. It should be filled to the top pretty much. Plug the top with your thumb, or hand or anything to keeping the drink from coming out. Turn bottle upside down to mix. Unplug and drink!
Hop, Skip and Go Naked
Ah, there is nothing like skinny dipping on a sultry summer night and this punch mix will definitely help you get down to the water faster.
Mix…
6 oz frozen Limeade concentrate
6 oz frozen Lemonade concentrate
6 oz Peach schnapps
6 oz Bacardi 151
Ice
… in a blender until they are blended like a margarita. Serve in a chilled punch bowl or in individual glasses. It is recommended that you store the drinks in a cooler, freezer or some place cold, so they don’t melt too fast. Or, just adjust the mix to make to order. (Try 2 oz’s of the concentrates and 1 oz’s of the alcohol.)
These are a few of my favorites, but there are many other drink recipes out there that you can find to make your barbecue stand out. So take the time to mix up some fun refreshments for your guests and really get your party started.
But always remember; Don’t drink and drive, drink responsibly, and if you are under 21, don’t even think about it!
