Fun Party Drinks for Summer Gatherings

The sun is out, the grill is hot, and summer is in full swing. It’s officially cookout and beach party season! While your BBQ menu might be packed with mouthwatering dishes, don’t forget one essential element: fun party drinks to match the summer vibes. Here’s your go-to guide for the best alcohol drinks this July, with crowd-pleasing cocktail recipes to suit every occasion.

Sipping by the Shore: Best Alcohol for the Beach

When it comes to drinks by the beach, you want something portable and refreshing. The best beach cocktails are tropical, chilled, and easy to mix – even in a cooler!

Top Picks for Beach-Friendly Drinks:

• Beer: Crisp lagers or citrusy ciders are easy to pack and universally loved.
  
• Rosé Wine: Chill it well and sip it slowly in the sun.
  
• Blueberry Gin & Tonic
   

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. gin
  
• Tonic water
  
• Fresh blueberries
   

Instructions: Fill a glass with ice, add gin, top with tonic, and drop in a handful of blueberries.

Tastes of the Tropics: Ocean-Inspired Cocktails

Capture the tropical spirit of a summer day with ocean-inspired cocktails that are fruity, fun, and vibrant. These are some of the best alcohol drinks for capturing that perfect drink by the beach moment.

Blue Hawaiian

A classic cocktail with rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and coconut cream, often garnished with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry. 

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. light rum
  
• 1 oz. blue curaçao
  
• 2 oz. pineapple juice
  
• 1 oz. coconut cream
  
  Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with pineapple and a cherry.

Blue Lagoon

A vibrant blue cocktail made with vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade or lemon-lime soda. 

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. vodka
  
• 1 oz. blue curaçao
  
• 4 oz. lemon-lime soda

Instructions: Combine ingredients over ice and stir. Garnish with a lemon slice.

Ocean Water

A refreshing mix of coconut rum, blue curaçao, and lemon-lime soda, often topped with a cherry. 

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. coconut rum
  
• 1 oz. blue curaçao
  
• 3 oz. lemon-lime soda

Instructions: Pour over ice, stir gently, and top with a cherry.

Sea Breeze

A simple yet satisfying mix of vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice, garnished with a lime wedge. 

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. vodka
  
• 3 oz. cranberry juice
  
• 1 oz. grapefruit juice
  
  Instructions: Mix over ice and garnish with a lime wedge.

Backyard Favorites: BBQ Cocktails That Bring the Flavor

Summer and barbecue go hand in hand, and while your grill may be sizzling with ribs, burgers, or skewers, the right cocktail can elevate the entire experience. But not every drink plays nicely with the sometimes spicy flavors of barbecue. You need something that can hold its own—refreshing, flavorful, and well balanced. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of easy to make, crowd approved cocktails designed to pair perfectly with grilled meats, charred veggies, and all your smoky summer sides.

Grilled Lemon Gin & Tonic

Smoky, herbal, and zesty, this grilled take on the classic G&T elevates backyard barbecues with every sip.

Perfect with shrimp skewers or grilled chicken.
Ingredients:

• 2 oz. gin
  
• 8 oz. tonic water
  
• Grilled lemon slices
  
• Fresh thyme
  

Instructions: Grill lemon slices until charred. Muddle in a glass with thyme, add ice, pour in gin and tonic, stir, and garnish.

Bourbon Lemonade

Sweet, tangy, and bold, this cocktail pairs smooth bourbon with fresh lemonade for a Southern-style refresher.

Pairs well with pulled pork sandwiches.
Ingredients:

• 2 oz. bourbon
  
• 4 oz. lemon juice
  
• 2 tbsp simple syrup
  
• Mint and lemon slices
  

Instructions: Shake bourbon, lemon juice, and syrup. Serve over ice and garnish.

Aperol Spritz

Lightly bitter and bubbly with a splash of citrus, this trendy Italian aperitif is summer in a wine glass.

Light and bubbly, perfect for grilled veggies or flatbreads.
Ingredients:

• 3 oz. Aperol
  
• 3 oz. Prosecco
  
• 1 oz. soda water
  

Instructions: Pour ingredients into a wine glass over ice. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.

Crowd-Pleasing Punches and Fun Party Drink Ideas

Hosting a big group? Keep it simple with large-batch cocktails and DIY drink stations. Here are some fun party drinks that are easy to scale and sure to please.

So as you plan out your next gathering, add one or more of these fun BBQ cocktails. Each is listed out with some pairings to make your booze a breeze to add to your menu.

Classic Sangria

Fruit-filled and wine-soaked, this punchy crowd-pleaser is perfect for sipping slowly under the sun.

Great with grilled meats, seafood, or tapas.
Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine
  
• 1/4 cup brandy
  
• 1/4 cup orange juice
  
• Mixed sliced fruit (orange, apple, lemon)
  Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a pitcher and chill.
  

Frosé (Frozen Rosé)

Frozen, fruity, and irresistibly cool, frosé is the adult slushie you didn’t know you needed.

A slushy treat perfect for hot days.
Blend:

• 1 bottle rosé (frozen into cubes)
  
• 1/2 cup strawberries
  
• 2 tbsp sugar
  
• Juice of 1 lemon
  Instructions: Simply blend everything together.
  

Beer Margarita

Zesty and bold with a fizzy twist, this hybrid drink is the ultimate laid-back party sipper.

Ideal for casual BBQs with tacos or burgers.
Ingredients:

• 1 can light beer
  
• 1/2 cup tequila
  
• 1/2 cup frozen limeade concentrate
  Instructions: Mix everything in a pitcher with ice.
  

The Best Fun Party Drinks for Tequila Day (July 24th)

Celebrate Tequila Day in style with these fun party drinks that bring the fiesta wherever you are. On July 24th, mix up a Margarita, Paloma, or a Mamasita to celebrate the day! Whether you’re celebrating a team achievement or showing appreciation to global partners, sending tequila gifts is a memorable way to connect. Choose from a variety of branded corporate alcohol gifts designed to impress, and rely on our global network for timely gift delivery timing to different countries. Raise a glass and make your next corporate celebration truly unforgettable.

Paloma

Crisp and refreshing, the Paloma balances sweet grapefruit soda with earthy tequila and a splash of lime.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. tequila
  
• 4 oz. grapefruit soda
  
• Squeeze of lime
  Instructions: Serve over ice in a salt-rimmed glass.
  

Frozen Margarita with Tajín

Tangy, frosty, and rimmed with chili-lime spice, this frozen favorite delivers a spicy-cool punch.

Blend:

• 2 oz. tequila
  
• 1 oz. triple sec
  
• 1 oz. lime juice
  
• Ice
  Rim with Tajín and serve frozen.
  

Cinnamon Tequila Shots

Warm and fiery, this simple shot brings a cinnamon-kissed twist to classic tequila.

Simple and spicy!

• 1 oz. tequila
  
• Sprinkle of cinnamon on top
  

Tequila Sunrise

Bright and beautiful, this layered cocktail brings sweet citrus and a sunset glow to your glass.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. tequila
  
• 4 oz. orange juice
  
• Splash of grenadine
  Instructions: Pour tequila and OJ over ice. Drizzle grenadine for a layered effect.
  

Tequila Mule

Bold and spicy, this tequila-based riff on the Moscow Mule is fizzy, zesty, and seriously refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. tequila
  
• 4 oz. ginger beer
  
• Juice of 1/2 lime
  Instructions: Serve over ice in a copper mug with lime garnish.
  

Conclusion: Make Every July Gathering One to Remember

No matter the event—beach bash, BBQ feast, or backyard soirée—these fun party drinks, best beach cocktails, and BBQ cocktails will keep the summer vibes going strong. Experiment with new flavors, mix up a few pitchers, and toast to sunshine, good food, and even better drinks. Cheers!

Send a Toast, Make an Impression

• Explore effortless corporate gifting solutions
• Start now with our smart corporate gift wizard
• Celebrate success with tequila delivered worldwide