Ask a Bartender: The Best Drinks to Serve at Your 4th of July BBQ
Sunday, July 05, 2015
Pam Martin, GoLocalWorcester Ask A Bartender Columnist
Everyone’s favorite summer holiday is finally here. Now that graduations and Hallmark holidays are over for a few months, it’s time for everyone to get together without the pressure of gift giving. Alas, you still can’t show up empty-handed to the BBQs that will keep you well fed this weekend. If you want to be the true patriot of the cookout, bring a beverage that goes beyond a case of Leinenkugel. The secret ingredient to success in all of these is not really a secret: fruit. Summer brings out the best fruits to enjoy in every form.
Sangria - Sangria requires the least amount of effort. You can make it the night before for optimize how the fruit flavors blend with the wine. Of course you can make it the morning of your event if you enjoy the panic of last minute preparations. When choosing what flavor of liquor you add to the mix, read the wine label. You’ll want to pick fruits that compliment the flavors in the wine. In the summer you can’t go wrong with anything citrus, but don’t forget the red berries that are most delicious this time of year, like raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry. At the end of the pitcher enjoy snacking on the liquor soaked fruit.
Jell-o Shots – There isn’t a time of year that Jell-o shots aren’t appropriate. These are a great quick fix at cookouts so you’re hands aren’t tied up during your friendly cornhole tournament. Not only are they easy to make, but they are easy to theme. Because you can never have too much red, white, and blue this weekend, try out color appropriate flavors like Berry Blue and Strawberry. Go crazy and shape them with a small star cookie cutter that you can buy for a dollar or two at Michael’s.
Watermelon Keg – I tried this for a Memorial Day cookout a few years ago and it was a hit. Slice the bottom off of a watermelon so that you can stand it up and it will balance. Hollow out the inside. Next drill out a hole for the slip ball valve that you picked up at Home Depot for about five dollars. Then the fun begins. Fill the keg with the concoction of your choice. Rum works, but I found that to be a little too sugary to start, especially considering the other ingredients you might add. Try flavors like raspberry, orange, and guava. It’s pretty hard to mess this up.
Bourbon Cocktails – You don’t have to abandon your bottle of bourbon when the summer hits. Bourbon cocktail hits the spot, especially with a seasonal fruit twist. Blackberry pairs surprisingly well with bourbon. For a delicious, more strategically poured cookout drink, mix your favorite bourbon—Maker’s Mark is a solid choice—with muddled blackberries, agave, and Campari. This isn’t something you can necessarily mix in a pitcher and bring with you – but if you’re feeling daring by all means give it a try. This is an impressive drink for the host of the party. Set up the station or be the resident bartender for your cookout.
Pam Martin bartends at Compass Tavern at 90 Harding Street in Worcester every Friday night and Sunday afternoon.