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If you are looking for a perfect summer distraction, these grilled fruit cocktails are the way to go! As the weather heats up, these drinks will help you cool down and make the perfect BBQ drink. With recipes for sangria, margaritas, mojitos and more, we have everything you need to make your next barbecue or pool party a hit.
What is grilled cocktail?
Grill cocktails provide a delicious drink for your meal on the barbecue. Infusing this flavor with smoke and enriching your ingredients will elevate this beverage to a higher quality. Not to mention, it looks impressive when you bring it out to your guests!
How to Make Grilled Cocktails
Grilled cocktails are a unique and delightful way to enjoy your favorite drinks. The key to making the perfect grilled cocktail is to use fresh ingredients and to cook them over high heat.
To start, mix together your favorite spirits, juices, and spices in a baking dish. Then, preheat your grill to high heat and oil the grates. Next, place the baking dish on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the liquid is heated through. Be sure to stir frequently and watch carefully so that the mixture does not boil over. Once heated, pour into glasses and enjoy. Grilled cocktails are a great way to impress your guests and add a touch of luxury to any occasion.
Looking to make grilled cocktails indoors, consider using a smokeless indoor grill to give your drinks that perfect smoky flavor.
Now that you know how to make grilled cocktails, try out these recipes.
Easy Summer Drink Recipes
Below are 5 of the best summer drink recipes for you to try out at your next barbecue or pool party. From classic cocktails to creative twists, these drinks are sure to please any crowd.
BBQ Sangria:
The Sangria is a classic Spanish cocktail that is perfect for summer. This refreshing drink is made with red wine, fruit, and a touch of brandy. Our unique spin on this BBQ Sangria adds grilled fruit that adds a new twist on this classic
Ingredients:
-1 bottle of red wine
-1 cup of brandy
-1/2 cup of triple sec
-1/2 cup of sugar
-1 orange, sliced
-1 lemon, sliced
-1 lime, sliced
-1/2 gallon of fruit punch
Instructions:
1. In a pitcher, combine red wine, brandy, triple sec, and sugar.
2. Add oranges, lemons, and lime slices.
3. Pour in fruit punch until the pitcher is full.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
5. To serve, pour into glasses and enjoy.
Grilled Vodka Lemonade
Lemonades are typical summer drinks that are cool and refreshing. Adding smoke can be amazing!
Ingredients:
-1 cup of vodka
-1/2 cup of simple syrup
-1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a baking dish, combine vodka, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
2. Preheat grill to high heat and oil the grates.
3. Place the baking dish on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the liquid is heated through. Be sure to stir frequently and watch carefully so that the mixture does not boil over.
4. Once heated, pour into glasses and enjoy.
Grilled Pineapple Margarita with Jalapeo
Margaritas represent classic Mexico cocktails. Suitable for a variety of food including quesadillos and tacos. Before heading out on the grill, lightly wet some glasses rims with limes and place them atop the surface coated with coarse salt and follow the recipe below.
Ingredients:
-6 oz of tequila
-3 oz of fresh lime juice
-2 oz of Triple sec
-1 Jalapeño, sliced
-Grilled Pineapple slices
Instructions:
1. In a baking dish, combine tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and jalapeño slices.
2. Preheat grill to high heat and oil the grates.
3. Place the baking dish on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the liquid is heated through. Be sure to stir frequently and watch carefully so that the mixture does not boil over.
4. Once heated, pour into glasses and garnish with grilled pineapples and enjoy.
Grilled Peach & Basil Spiked Arnold Palmer
No summer is as exciting and enjoyable as an Arnold Palmer — unless you add the bonus of grilled peach fruit to this classic cocktail. The drink was named after Arnold Palmer, a professional golfer, who enjoyed this mixture of lemonade and iced tea.
Ingredients:
-1/2 gallon of lemonade
-1/2 gallon of iced tea
-1 peach, sliced
-10 basil leaves
– Limoncello liquor to taste
Instructions:
1. In a pitcher, combine lemonade and iced tea.
2. Preheat grill to high heat and oil the grates.
3. Grill peach slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear.
4. Add grilled peaches and basil leaves to the pitcher of lemonade and tea.
5. Stir well and serve over ice.
Grilled Jalapeno Watermelon Margarita
Nothing sounds like summer like watermelon margaritas. The sweetness of the watermelon is perfectly balanced by the heat of the jalapeño in this refreshing cocktail.
Ingredients:
-1 cup of tequila
-1/2 cup of fresh lime juice
-1/4 cup of Triple sec
-3 cups of watermelon, cubed
-1 Jalapeño, sliced
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine tequila, lime juice, triple sec, watermelon cubes, and jalapeño slices.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Preheat grill to high heat and oil the grates with avocado oil.
4. Pour margarita mixture into a baking dish and place on the grill. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Pour into glasses and enjoy.
Additional Grilled Fruits BBQ Drink Ideas
Looking for more grilled fruit cocktail BBQ drink ideas? Try these ideas below:
Grilled Orange Margarita with Beechwood Smoked Sea Salt
Served on the rocks with roasted orange juice, beechwood smoked sea salt, and fresh lime wedges. This cocktail is perfect for tequila lovers.
Grilled Peach & Lemon Rum Cocktail
The Peaches, lemon and Rum Cocktail can be easily made. This delicious cocktail is perfect for summer barbecues or pool parties.
Keep your drink cold all day long, the best frosty mugs for beer
Grilled Pineapple Mojito
This recipe for grilled pineapple mojito is a refreshing twist on the classic mojito. Made with fresh pineapple, mint leaves, lime juice, and rum, this cocktail is sure to be a hit at your next party.
Caramelized Citrus Smash
This caramelized citrus smash is a delicious and easy way to enjoy summer fruits. Made with fresh oranges, lemons, limes, and rum, this cocktail is perfect for any occasion.
Grilled Grapefruit Mimosa
Start your day with a grilled grapefruit mimosa! This recipe features fresh grapefruit juice, orange juice, champagne, and a touch of Grand Marnier. Hint: Use Ruby red grapefruits for as it will play differently on the grill than a regular grapefruit.
Grilled Peach Old Fashioned
Single malt Scotch is a perfect pairing with spicy, smoked peaches. This old fashioned is a great way to enjoy the summer fruit.
For a different taste, try a bourbon old fashioned. Fire up your gas grill and grill 2-3 fresh peaches until you have grill marks. Let them cool and then muddle them in the bottom of your glass. add 2 oz of your favorite bourbon, 1/4 oz simple syrup, 2 dashes of bitters and fill the rest of the glass with ice. Garnish with a grilled peach slice.
Grilled Bloody Marys
You have not had a Bloody Mary until you’ve had a grilled bloody mary! This recipe features fresh tomato juice, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, and a variety of spices. The perfect cocktail for any time of day.
Grilled Strawberry Daiquiri
This recipe for grilled strawberry daiquiris is a delicious and easy way to enjoy summer strawberries. Made with fresh strawberries, lime juice, rum, and ice, this cocktail is perfect for any occasion.
To make grilled strawberries, follow the traditional instructions grilling fruits. You will want to cut a small X in the top of each strawberry so they do not split open while cooking. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear. Remove from grill and let cool before adding to your cocktail.
Other great BBQ Tips, 11 Things You Need to Be Putting On Your Hot Dog
No matter what your preference, there is a grilled fruit cocktail recipe out there for you. So fire up the grill and enjoy the perfect summer drink.
Cooking Tips for Grilled Citrus Fruits
Citrus is one of my favorite types of fruit to grill and add to BBQ drinks. This is because they add a tart and juicy flavor that is perfect for summer.
Some of my favorite citrus fruits to grill are oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. I like to cut them into thick slices so that they don’t fall through the grill grates.
To get the best flavor out of your grilled citrus fruits, make sure to oil the grates before cooking. This will help to prevent sticking and also add flavor.
Another tip is to cook the fruit until it is slightly charred. This will add a smoky flavor that is perfect for summer cocktails.
Wrapping Up
Cheers to summer! These grilled fruit cocktails are the perfect way to enjoy the warm weather with friends and family. So pull up a nice chair, throw your favorite fruit on a hot grill and get ready for exciting new flavors. There is nothing like a grill and drinks to kick off summer.
Whether you’re looking for a classic sangria or something spiked with vodka, we have a recipe for you. So fire up the grill and mix up a pitcher of one of these refreshing drinks. Salud!
FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about grilling fruit cocktails:
How do I choose the right fruits for my cocktail?
The best fruits for grilling are those that are firm and not too ripe. Stone fruits like peaches, nectarines and apricots work well, as do pineapple, mango and watermelon. Avoid using delicate fruits like berries, as they will break down and become mushy when grilled.
What kind of alcohol can I use in my grilled fruit cocktails?
Sangria is traditionally made with red wine, but white wine or even sparkling wine can be used. For margaritas, tequila is the alcohol of choice, while rum is typically used in mojitos. You can also get creative and experiment with different spirits to find what you like best.
Do I have to use alcohol in my grilled fruit cocktails?
No, you don’t have to use alcohol if you don’t want to. Simply substitute the alcohol for an equal amount of juice or soda water.
Does grilled fruit taste good?
Fruits are really wonderful for grilling as they have a nice aroma while caramelizing. Using charcoal, the smoky scent of the fruit can also create an entire new taste impression. Grilled fruit also has a beautiful appearance, so it is perfect for serving at parties or other gatherings.
How do I grill fruit?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cut the fruit into wedges or slices and brush with oil to prevent sticking. Grill the fruit for 2-3 minutes per side, until grill marks appear
Can you grill fruit?
Almost all fruits and vegetables can come off the grill if it is very firm and not overripe. Peaches and melons remain a favorite fruit on a coal fire, despite the lack of water. Pineapple, mango and watermelon are also excellent choices for the grill.
What is the best way to cut fruit for grilling?
You want to cut the fruit into wedges or slices that are about ½-inch thick. This will help ensure that they cook evenly on the grill.
Do I need to use a special grill pan for grilling fruit?
No, you don’t need a special grill pan, but it can help to prevent the fruit from sticking to the grill. If you don’t have a grill pan, you can use a regular baking sheet lined with foil.
Is grilled fruit healthy?
Yes, grilled fruit is a healthy option because it doesn’t require any added sugar or fat. The natural sugars in the fruit will caramelize on the grill, making them even more delicious.
What are some other ways to enjoy grilled fruit?
In addition to cocktails, grilled fruit can also be enjoyed as part of a healthy breakfast or brunch. Try grilled fruit with yogurt or oatmeal, or use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles. You can also add grilled fruit to salads for a unique flavor.
How long do I need to grill the fruit?
You will want to grill the fruit for 2-3 minutes per side, until grill marks appear. Be careful not to overcook the fruit, as it can become mushy.
Can I grill frozen fruit?
Yes, you can grill frozen fruit, but be sure to thaw it first. Otherwise, it will stick to the grill and fall through the grates. Frozen fruit can also be difficult to cut into wedges or slices, so it is best to thaw it first.
