The odds were definitely in our favor when we bought our first home. We are surrounded by neighbors with kids similar in age to our own, and we genuinely like the grownups and kiddos. One of things we all look forward to each summer is big, backyard bashes. In fact, next weekend we’re all dropping our kids off for a free fun night at church, then gathering back in our yards to grill, toast s’mores, and enjoy some fruity bevs. It’s a kid-free night out under the stars with good friends. What more could I ask for?
I’m volunteering to whip up a drink or two because, let’s face it, I need to put my super cute drink dispenser to good use. Gotta justify the purchase and all. While I love a good ole Arnold Palmer, and I do mean “love,” I want to add some fancy schmancy new big-batch drinks to my barbecue repertoire. I’ve got a few tasty sips up my sleeve: Here are my favorite thirst-quenching big batch drink recipes that everyone at your next BBQ will love.
Check them out in the slideshow.
15 Summer Drinks for BBQs and Backyard Parties
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Raspberry Rhubarb Collins Punch
This fruity twist on a Tom Collins will have you and your guests "sippin' on gin and juice." (Source: Simple Bites)
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Coconut Water Lemonade
If your backyard bash starts during the heat of the day, keep guests hydrated with a big dispenser of this tropical lemonade. (Source: Rasa Malaysia)
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Strawberry Cucumber Limeade
Everyone loves lemonade, but this is the summer of limeade. Add another twist with the addition of strawberries and cucumbers. (Source: Blahnik Baker)
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Raspberry Peach Iced Tea Lemonade
This refreshing drink has it all: Tea, lemonade, and two fruits. Seriously, it's got a little something for everyone. (Source: Baker by Nature)
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Blackberry Lemonade
Blackberries are so good in everything: cobbler, pie, milkshakes. So it's no surprise that they'd be an awesome addition to basic lemonade. (Source: Pastry Affair)
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Rosemary Citrus Spritzer
Break out of your beverage comfort zone this summer with a drink combo that's anything but conventional. Rosemary and honey make great partners for your citrus fruit of choice. (Source: The Kitchn)
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Strawberry Mint Infused Water
A sprig of mint is all you need to add a splash of the unexpected to fruit-infused water, and ripe strawberries are an obviously delicious choice. (Source: Recipes Remembered)
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Watermelon Raspberry Lemonade
The trick to sweetening drinks with a ton of sugar? Coconut water. This watermelon and raspberry lemonade is the perfect balance of tart and sweet. (Source: Gourmande in the Kitchen)
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Three Suns Summer Punch
You've gotta love when a drink does double duty as dessert. Sherbet and fruit juice make the perfect summer punch. (Source: Something Swanky)
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Earl Grey Ginger Spritzer
Double this light, ginger-y recipe for a big batch of tea spritzer. Go the extra mile by layering it in the dispenser, or just let the ingredients mix as they please. (Source: Serena Bakes Simply from Scratch)
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Arnold Palmer Slushie
Tea and lemonade are perfection, but a slushy version of my fave drink might be too much goodness for me to handle. But I'm willing to risk it. (Source: Use Real Butter)
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Blackberry, Lemon, & Thyme Soda
If you're in the mood to experiment with making your own sodas, double up this recipe to create a unique summer brew. (Source: Reclaiming Provincial)
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Lavender Lemonade
Gourmet lemonade is definitely "a thing." This lavender version is geared toward the grownups in the group, and it's a true crowd-pleaser. (Source: Eat Yourself Skinny)
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Cherry Limeade
You can't go wrong with Maraschino cherries, no matter what the occasion. In this instance, they're exactly the sweet punch that limeade needs. (Source: The Idea Room)
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Raspberry Peach Sweet Tea Sangria
A splash of sweet tea and some fresh fruit make this white wine recipe worth toasting. Bottoms up! (Source: The Wicked Noodle)
