Raise the bar(becue) with this cocktail & food pairing
Summer entertaining is all about grilling and easy batched cocktails. This cocktail recipe and food pairing menu will inspire your outdoor hosting all season.
It’s officially grilling season
Which means taking all your get-togethers outdoors for the next few months. Of course, with more grilling also comes a need for more large-format cocktails that pair perfectly with what you’re firing up.
The drink
Peach Tea Bulleit Bourbon Punch
In this Peach Tea Bulleit Bourbon Punch, Bulleit Bourbon is married with peach tea, honey and lemon. This classic flavor combo is sure to leave guests asking for another round. Plus, it works great with steaks, burgers and hot dogs, as well as shareable sides and appetizers.
In this recipe
The apps and sides
Caprese skewers
Perfectly ripe cherry tomatoes are in season right now and they are ideal for skewering in a handheld caprese appetizer. Just add some fresh basil from your herb garden, halloumi cheese (it’s firmer for firing up on the grill), chunks of French bread and a bit of salt, pepper and olive oil, then char it quickly for a bit of extra flavor.
Esquites (Mexican corn salad)
There are few things tastier than grilled corn at a cookout… except maybe putting it in salad form. To do this, mix charred corn kernels with spicy chile powder, cotija, mayo, jalapeno, lime juice and cilantro for the classic elote flavor, but in a much less messy format.
Create the vibe
Summer Snack Board
Instead of setting out heavy, fatty cheeses and charcuterie, lighten up snack boards for summer gatherings. Shrimp alongside a variety of seasonal vegetables, like cucumbers, snap peas, tomatoes and peppers, with dips will keep guests feeling cool and satisfied.
Watermelon salad
You could, of course, just snack on watermelon at a summer cookout — or you can elevate this hot-weather staple with a tasty salad. Feta, cucumber, balsamic vinegar and red onion is all you need to turn the simple watermelon slice into a cookout crowd-pleaser.