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The days are getting longer and brighter, which can only mean one thing: summer is once again on its way!

Summer in the UK can be fickle at even the best of times, but for that glorious two-week window of blaring sun, everything comes together.

The British barbecue is practically a tradition at this point, but there are always ways to improve on the classic formula. Here, we’ll be looking specifically at liquid refreshment, and the things you can offer to keep your guests sated and cool.

Frosty Beers

There is something quintessentially rewarding about a cold beer on a summer’s day – especially in the vicinity of hot coals, burger patties, and kebab skewers. Chilled lager beers are the gold standard for outdoor parties, being a light and refreshing beverage that pairs well with classic barbecue fare.

An ever-growing independent scene in beer has seen greater variety available than ever before, allowing you to cater to a variety of tastes; grassy, piney New England IPAs are an excellent thirst-quencher in the heat, and chocolate-y imperial stouts make for a great post-barbecue digestif.

Sangria

Beer doesn’t quite appeal to everyone, however. Wine is a great alternative option to have, but better even than a chilled bottle of white is the oversized jug of sangria. A simple mixture of red wine, brandy, fruit, and spices makes for a delightful summer drink perfect for the adult palate. A number of variations on the theme can also be made to suit different tastes – white wine sangria, in particular, is a modification that is largely slept on but utterly delicious.

Pre-Mixed Cocktails

Cocktails are a highly tasty and luxurious drink to include as part of any barbecue spread but are also incredibly effort-intensive to make. At least, they are if you insist on hand-shaking each one… You can save yourself the effort and hassle by pre-mixing cocktails in pitchers on the morning of your barbecue, allowing guests to help themselves to amazing drinks without you taking up permanent residence at the drinks table.

Some cocktails lend themselves to batch-making. Mojitos are an incredibly easy make, requiring little by way of ingredients or preparation. Negronis are even easier to prepare, simply requiring equal parts sweet vermouth, gin and Campari. Guests can ice and garnish the mixture themselves, to their own tastes.

Fruit Punch

As tasty and fun as the alcoholic beverages can be, there should always be adequate non-alcoholic options available – and not just for the kids! The reasons someone might not be partaking of the cocktails or beer are irrelevant, but their taste buds are certainly not – and fruit juice doesn’t always cut the mustard. Alcohol-free mojitos are easy to make and taste near enough to the real thing, while alcohol-free beers have come a long way in terms of flavour.

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