Summer is upon us, and it’s time to pop the tops on the sunscreen and our favorite summer beverages. As the sun comes out to play out and our diaries begin filling with weekend BBQs, we want to take only the best out of the cooler and into our hot top five lists of the best BBQ drinks for your 2021 chargrilled summer.

So, get your punch bowls and paper straws at the ready, and let’s sip our way through summer with some yummy, iced favorites from around the world. And don’t worry, we’ve slipped some alcohol-free options in there too!

1.Long Island ice tea

If you want to kick off your summer BBQ season with a bang—it’s got to be the punchy Long Island ice tea. A strong swirling of vodka, tequila, triple sec, gin (and a splash of cola) is not for the faint-hearted, nor ‘light-weighted.’

Seriously refreshing with every sip, it’s an ideal icy candidate for your BBQ drinks this summer. You could serve this devilish concoction up in a large punch bowl for your guests to top up whenever their glass miraculously appears empty.

Let this beverage with a kick cool you off this summer but watch out for the heavy hangover! Check out this recipe to make a classic Long Island ice tea, or try this non-alcoholic alternative.

2.Pimms

It’s Pimms o’clock, people! Posh up your summer BBQ with this gin-based, warm spice-infused British classic. Since Mr. Pimms himself served up the beloved beverage at his London oyster bar back in the 1850s, it’s still getting cracked open at every summer BBQ.

Go classic with Pimms and lemonade and a generous handful of summer fruits, or spice things up with some fancy Pimms cocktail recipes!

Everyone is sure to have a sup on the good stuff at your BBQ. After all, who doesn’t love a Pimms when the sun is out?

3.Mojito

Let’s take a trip to Cuba with one of the most popular cocktails of all time—the minty, zesty, sweet, and fizzy Mojito. The Cuban classic typically consists of white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda, and spearmint. The fresh lime and cool mint combo make it an absolute smash-hit at any summer event. Its reputation has made it a number one choice when it comes to summer BBQ drinks, so why not check out some fabulous mojito recipes to try this summer?

4.Watermelon Lemonade (non-alcoholic)

If you want a non-alcoholic summer drink that looks and tastes amazing—try a watermelon lemonade. Watermelon is the fruit of summer, and who doesn’t feel refreshed and fabulous digging into a freshly cut slice of juicy goodness?

All you need to make this delicious summer BBQ drink is a great big watermelon, some lemon, sugar and soda, and you’ve got the ingredients for a masterpiece. Get rid of the pips and blend it all up to create a simple yet super summery liquid addition to your summer BBQ. The designated drivers will love you for it!

Check it this easy recipe and get quenched this summer.

5.Sangria

It’s ‘S’ for summer and sangria—the perfect BBQ drink to swim around your punchbowl. The famous Spanish classic, sangria’s yummy blend of red wine, fresh fruit, and sugar is the perfect fruity addition to your summer feast.

Turn your garden into a Spanish-sensation with sizzling meat and deep red, fruit-infused sangria. It’s a great drink for sharing and so easy to prepare; you just chuck it all together in a bowl and—voilà! Grab a ladle and fill up your cup with this delicious summer favorite.

Take a look at this recipe for a delightful take on the acclaimed Spanish drink.

Let’s cheers to this summer!

Freshen up this summer and bring forth some of the best drinks to your BBQ this year. Woo your friends and family with some delicious classics from around the world. Bring some fruity fun with a taste of Spain, or plunge into icy freshness with British classics.

For the non-drinkers, you can switch things up and find non-alcoholic alternatives to all the classics, so no one is left out!

jdp can’t wait to try these summer BBQ drinks—what about you?