BBQ season is in full swing, and there’s nothing worse than being invited to a BBQ and not bringing anything. Don’t be the guest that doesn’t think to bring a drink, instead be the guest that brought an awesome cocktail to the party!
Here’s a few simple pre-mix drinks you can make ahead of time and still look like the hero.
Watermelon Smash
The Watermelon Smash from Casa Tua Cucina at Brickell City Centre is the perfect mix of watermelon, lime, amaro and vodka.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- Splash of Fernet Branca menta
- 3-4 leaves of fresh basil
- 1.5 oz fresh watermelon juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
Method: Mix all ingredients in a collins glass, add ice and stir to combine. If making a pre-mix, increase the recipe by 5x more and mix in a pitcher, add ice to the pitcher once ready to drink and stir to combine.
Strawberry Pimm’s Cup
Pimm’s cup is a fantastic cocktail that practically everyone enjoys. Add in the freshness of strawberries for the summer season and you’ve got a winner. This recipe is for a full pitcher.
Ingredients:
- 1 full sprig of fresh mint
- 16 cucumber slices
- 16 sliced strawberries
- 8 lemon slices (approximately two lemons)
- 8 lime slices (approximately two limes)
- 16 oz Pimm’s No. 1
- 16 oz ginger beer
Method: Fill a pitcher with the fruit and mint. Add in the Pimms and ginger beer and stir to combine. Add in ice when ready to serve. Garnish individual cups with more slices of cucumber and strawberry.
Classic Margarita
You can in fact premix margaritas and it takes little to no effort in advance. Feel free to make any variation off of the classic recipe below.
Ingredients (per glass):
- 1.75 oz Blanco tequila
- 1 oz Lime juice
- 0.75 oz Triple Sec
Method: Combine the ingredients together in a pitcher. Either before or during the BBQ, add ice and stir well to combine. If adding before, be sure to remove the ice cubes and chill the mixture.
Champagne Punch
For the BBQ that requires a little more pizzaz, bring along this champagne punch. Works for brunches too…
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Grand Marnier
- 1 cup brandy
- 0.5 cup Chambord
- 2 cups unsweetened pineapple juice
- 1 quart chilled ginger ale
- 2 750 ml bottles dry Champagne
- 2 cups raspberries
Method: In a large pitcher combine the triple sec, brandy, Chambord and pineapple juice making sure to allow the mixture to chill for at least 3-4 hours. Add the pre-made mixture to the ginger ale and champagne in a large punch bowl filled with ice. Garnish with fresh raspberries.
Paloma
Paloma’s are easily the drink of summer. They are refreshing and delicious and should be on anyone’s list for cocktails to enjoy with any occasion. Rather than using the traditional grapefruit soda, this recipe uses fresh ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups blanco tequila
- 2.5 cups grapefruit juice
- 1 cup lime juice
- 1 cup water
- 5 tbs agave (or simple syrup)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 10 oz sparkling water, or soda
Method: In a pitcher, stir together grapefruit juice, lime juice, water, and simple syrup. Let chill for an hour or more. Finish with the tequila and salt. When serving, fill a glass halfway with ice, add in 3/4 of the glass of the mixture and top with the sparkling or soda water. Garnish with grapefruit wedge.
Ale/Sessions 