Cocktails for Your Memorial Day BBQ

Memorial Day marks the beginning of good weather, camping, graduations, and barbecues. It’s the season of refreshing, crisp cocktails, corn on the cob, grilling, and summer picnics. Kick off the summer cookout season with these five cocktail ideas for your Memorial Day BBQ:

Ginger Shandies: You can’t have a BBQ without beer. Try this refreshing twist on beer by combining Hoegaarden, ginger beer, and zesty lemon slices. See recipe *

White Wine Sangria: Red wine sangria can be a little heavy for a hot day. Serve this chilled version that uses white wine, seltzer, strawberries, and peaches. See recipe *

Watermelon Gin Fizz: This bright, refreshing cocktail is perfect for a hot day. With gin, pureed watermelon, and ginger ale, it’s sweet and tart. See recipe *

Raspberry Beer Cocktail: Combine beer and vodka for this adult raspberry lemonade. Bonus: It’s super easy to make a huge batch for your guests. See recipe *

Blueberry Mojito: Add a splash of color to a mojito by adding blueberries. Tip: Use frozen berries to help keep your drink chilled. See recipe

Want to get extra festive for Memorial Day? Check out this Patriotic Party Supplies Pack: Stars and Stripes ($16). You’ll get plates, napkins, cups, cutlery, and even a beach ball!

Photo credit: dinnersdishesanddesserts.com

Planning a summer barbecue and not sure what to serve? From fruity sangrias to refreshing beer cocktails, the best BBQ drinks are the ones that match your menu and your crowd. Use Cocktail Builder and it will work out easy crowd-pleasers from whatever you have stocked in the cooler.

Last modified on July 3, 2026