Best Cocktails For Barbecues

As we all know, the summer season is very much upon us. With that comes plenty of outdoor barbecues with family and friends. What better way to complement your grilled meats and vegetables than with some great cocktails?

When coming up with recipes for cocktails to serve at your barbecues this summer, it's important to consider all of the different elements around you. The weather, the food you'll be serving, spirits and mixers that complement grilled flavors — these are all important parts of putting together the perfect drinks for you and your friends and family to enjoy this summer.

The most important thing to remember? It's warm out — really warm — so making cold drinks will be extra refreshing, not only with the warm weather, but with the warm food as well. Because food at a barbecue tends to be a little on the heavier side with all the grilled meats and creamy salads and sides, having light, refreshing drinks is really the best way to go. Bogging drinks down with more heaviness won't be as enjoyable as something light and fresh to cut through those heavier flavors. A base spirit and a few fresh and slightly sweet ingredients are all you'll need to complement all that delicious BBQ.

— Sara Kay, The Spir.it