Best Summertime Sips for Your Weekend Barbecue

Food Stylist:  Anne Disrude 
Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

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Photo by: Yunhee Kim

Yunhee Kim

Put a chill into your grilling and chilling weekend by mixing up a few simple and refreshing summer drinks. Our diverse ideas below will please the kids – and kids at heart – while offering some grown-ups-only favorites and unique twists on classic cocktails. Whether you’re simply barbecuing in the backyard with your family or hosting a neighborhood holiday cookout, these cool recipes are sure to quench everyone’s thirst.

Food Stylist:  Anne Disrude 
Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

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Photo by: Yunhee Kim

Yunhee Kim

A traditional Spanish and Portuguese cocktail, sangria is most often made by mixing red or white wine with fresh fruit, sparkling soda water and various liqueurs. Food Network Magazine’s Red and White Sangria recipes are classic examples of this European summer sipper.

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Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Like sangria, the mojito has evolved from its original Cuban mixture of white rum and mint into a transformable cocktail capable of pleasing everyone. Not a rum fan? Not a problem. Guy Fieri’s Double Apple Mojito is made with vodka and apple juice.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Similarly, Tyler Florence’s Blueberry Ginger Mojito Pitchers combine vodka, soda and fresh ginger.

Photo by: Stephen Murello ©Stephen Murello

Stephen Murello, Stephen Murello

Bring the beach to your barbecue this weekend with the classic seaside tastes of daiquiris and Pina Coladas.

A photo from the production of "The Kitchen" in Montclair, N.J., on Wednesday, June 3, 2015.
Photo: David M. Russell/BSTV

The Kitchen

Photo by: David M. Russell ©2015 Watershed Visual Media, LLC

David M. Russell, 2015 Watershed Visual Media, LLC

For a twist on the classic Strawberry Daiquiri, try a Blueberry Daiquiri or Peach-Basil Daiquiri. Simply skip the alcohol in these drinks to make virgin mocktails that even kids can enjoy.

Giada’s Melon and Mint Slush is a definite crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love. With fresh honeydew and mint leaves, this cool cup goes perfectly with spicy grilled chicken wings or savory ribs.

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Photo by: Sang An

Perhaps the summer drinks most often made — lemonade and iced tea — define the hot weather season and, best of all, can be poured all day long and still leave you feeling sunny and bright. Food Network Magazine’s Berry-Guava Lemonade and Sage Limeade recipes are inventive takes on the classic lemony favorite.

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Photo by: Sang An

Similarly, Peach-Ginger Iced Tea and Sunny Anderson’s Sweet Minted Tea offer creative additions to traditional iced tea.

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Combine these established tastes for the ultimate summertime flavor: Fruity Lemon Iced Tea, made with fresh lemon and lime juices and hibiscus-based herb tea.

Looking for a drink that will double as dessert? Bobby Flay’s Double Chocolate-Marshmallow Milkshake will bring everyone to your yard this weekend with its richly decadent chocolate-cream combo. Robin Miller’s Root Beer Floats are also naturally delicious, with their enduring mixture of bubbly root beer and frothy vanilla ice cream.

Still thirsty? Check out more of our Favorite Summer Drinks and recipes from Food Network Magazine.

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