A great cookout is not just about the grilled meats, smoky vegetables and colorful side dishes you’ll be serving; it is also about the drink you’ll be sipping as you soak up the sun. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a family reunion or a Fourth of July cookout, a drink menu has the potential to take the entire experience up a notch. You can also check our cookout tray menu.
From delicious mocktails to boozy backyard staples, we have put together an array of drink ideas that are sure to please everyone at your cookout and keep every guest refreshed! Let’s jump into the tasty drink menu ideas that are simple to make, budget-friendly, and delicious!
Why the ‘Drink Menu’ is Important
The right drinks can set the tone for your event! They can cool you down on a hot summer day, bring some flair to the day, or help to ensure guests stay hydrated. Crafting a thoughtfully developed drink menu allows for:
- Variety: Something for everyone – kids, adults, and non-drinkers!
- Vibe: Tropical drinks feel incredibly fancy, while iced tea is offered seasonally, and a true Southern experience!
- Convenience: Big-batch cocktails and dispensers will take the work off of you!
Cookout Drink Basics: What You Need
Before you start whipping up your first drink, we want to make sure you have the basics covered:
- Coolers or Ice Buckets – For keeping drinks icy cold.
- Drink Dispensers or Pitchers – Great for lemonade, sweet tea, and cocktails.
- Plastic or Mason Jar Cups – Durable, cute, and outdoor-friendly cups.
- Straws, Garnishes, and Umbrellas – Add something special to the presentation of your drink.
Non-Alcoholic Cookout Drink Menu
Great for any age and hot summer afternoons, these drinks are bright, fruity, and hydrating.
1. Traditional Lemonade
Ingredients
- Fresh Lemons
- Sugar
- Water
- Ice
- Lemon Slices for garnish
You can easily enhance this with mint, berries, or sparkling water.
2. Strawberry Basil Lemonade
A twist on the tradition lemonade with muddled strawberries and fresh basil. This drink in drink menu is sweet with a hint of herby and a crowd pleaser to eat with grilled chicken or veggie skewers.
3. Iced Sweet Tea (Southern Style)
Ingredients:
- Black tea bags
- Sugar
- Lemon
- Ice
Tip: Brew the tea strong and pour over ice in a pitcher for that true Southern flavor.
4. Cucumber Mint Sparkler
A refreshing combination of:
- Cucumber slices
- Mint leaves
- Lime juice
- Sparkling water
Let sit for 2+ hours and serve in chilled glasses.
5. Watermelon Agua Fresca
Ingredients:
- Fresh watermelon chunks
- Lime juice
- Agave syrup
- Water
Blend and strain to create a fruity drink menu that is lower calorie and thirst quenching.
Ideas for Kid-friendly Drinks
Give the kids fun drinks for them to feel included with their own “fancy” drinks.
1. Rainbow Punch
Layered with:
- Blue raspberry drink
- Orange juice
- Lemon-lime soda
You can add colorful gummy rings or fruit skewers if that adds to the fun!
2. Tropical Smoothie
Blend together bananas, pineapple, mango, yogurt, and serve in coconut cups for a beachy feeling!
3. DIY Italian Sodas
Allow the kids to pick their own syrups and finish with soda water and whipped cream.
Cookout Drinks to Add Some Spirit
Celebrate summer with these nostalgic recipes and boozy pitchers, perfect for outdoor gatherings!
1. Spiked Arnold Palmer
Half lemonade, half iced tea, and a shot of vodka or bourbon. This drink is cool and smooth!
2. Mojito Pitcher
You will need:
- White rum
- Fresh mint
- Lime juice
- Sugar
- Club soda
Take the guess work out, and make it in a big pitcher and refill!
3. Margarita Slush
For a frozen-style drinks you will need:
- Tequila
- Lime juice
- Orange liqueur
- Ice
If wanting different flavor cocktails, add watermelon, or strawberries.
4. Sangria
Choose red or white wine and mix in:
- Orange juice
- Brandy
- Fresh fruits. (oranges, apples, berries)
Mix it the night before.
Serve Yourself Drinks
No need to make individual drinks when you can make big-batch drinks for relaxing time to enjoy with friends.
1. Citrus Punch Bowl
Mix:
- Orange juice
- Pineapple juice
- Lemon-lime soda
- Sliced citrus fruits
If you’re going to add some adult kick, you’ll want to add vodka or rum to this pineapple punch.
2. Lavender Lemonade
Steep dried lavender in hot water first, then mix in lemonade. The scent is beautiful and Insta-worthy!
3. Boozy Iced Coffee
Cold brew + Irish cream + whipped topping = treat yourself with a post BBQ drink menu, just don’t drink coffee after 4 pm!
Garnishes & Extras to Enhance Your Menu:
Don’t underestimate how important presentation is. Offer:
- Fruit skewers (pineapple, strawberries, grapes)
- Herb sprigs (mint, rosemary, basil)
- Sugared rims (citrus juice + sugar)
- Ice cubes with frozen fruit or edible flowers.
DIY Drink Bar
Create a “build-your-own” drink bar, where guests can build their own drink to suit their preferences:
For non-alcoholic:
- Multiple juices
- Sparkling water
- Sliced fruits and herbs
Mocktails That Wow
Great for guests that still want to be part of the party without alcohol.
1. Virgin Piña Colada: Blend pineapple juice, coconut cream and a lot of ice.
2. Grapefruit Rosemary Spritzer: Grapefruit juice + rosemary simple syrup + soda water.
3. Nojito: Mint, lime, sugar and soda water – like a mojito without the rum.
Seasonal and Themed Drink Ideas
Make your cookout be a little more special by tying in a theme or season.
Fourth of July:
- red, white and blue slushies
- berry sangria
- star shaped ice cubes
Tropical Luau:
- Mai Tais
- Pineapple coconut mocktails
- tiki mugs and paper umbrellas
Autumn BBQ:
- apple cider mimosas
- bourbon lemonade
- cinnamon sugar rims
Tips for a Successful Cookout Drink Setup
1. Pre-Chill Everything – Chill down your mixers and glasses to help minimize melting.
2. Be Clear – Tell your guests what is in each drink.
3. Use Freeze Packs – Instead of melting ice, consider using frozen fruit or reusable ice cubes.
4. Prep the Night Before – Make pitchers before hand to save on time.
5. Provide Water Everywhere – Water is absolutely essential, especially with heat!
Final Thoughts
Your cookout drink menu should communicate the vibe you want to create; casual and cozy, festival and fun, tropical and exotic. With the above tips and ideas, you will be able to serve your guests great and delightful drinks regardless of age or palette!
Faqs
1. What are the top non-alcoholic beverages for a summer cookout?
Traditional lemonade, strawberry basil lemonade, cucumber mint sparkler, watermelon agua fresca, and iced sweet tea are some delicious non-alcoholic options! All are refreshing, simple to prepare, and great for all age levels.
2. What are some ideas for a fun and functional DIY drink bar at my BBQ?
Find a table or cart and designate separate sections for juices, sparkling water, sliced fresh fruits, herbs and spirits (for adults only). You may want to include drink recipe cards or signs if you like. Fun garnishes are always a hit: think umbrellas, mint sprigs, or sugared rims!
3. What are some big-batch drinks I can prepare ahead of time for guests at a BBQ?
Some ideas for large batches of drinks are: citrus punch, sangria, lavender lemonade, mojito pitchers, or margarita slushes. You can serve them in large drink dispensers or pitchers. Make sure to chill everything ahead of time, and label the drink too.
4. How do I keep drinks as cold as possible throughout the event, without watering them down?
Instead of ice, use ice buckets that have freeze packs. Or, use frozen fruits. If it makes sense with your consumption, chill your drinks and glasses ahead of time, letting them sit in the ice before serving – this will make your drinks last longer!
5. What are fun drink options for kids at a cookout?
Definitely! Rainbow punch, tropical smoothies or, DIY Italian sodas make fun kids drink options. Use colorful straws or gummy garnishes and add some sprinkles too!