Now that we’re on the other side of Memorial Day and fully into June, grilling season has officially begun. The fire, the meat, the outdoors — the act of barbecuing has long been masculine-coded in the United States. The warm-weather pastime is also heavily associated with dads.
Whether you’re a grill-daddy or you plan on celebrating with one for Father’s Day next weekend, you’ll need some beverages to pair with those charred dishes. Though beer, canned sodas, and ready-to-drink beverages are easy to reach for in a backyard barbecue scenario, cocktails that will complement the smoky, savory flavors from the grill will surely make you dad’s favorite.
Here are 10 refreshing, easy-to-make drinks that will pair perfectly with your favorite dish off the grill and will definitely please any beloved father figure.
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Charred Citrus Margarita
This large-format Margarita variation serves four and combines blanco tequila with Cointreau orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice alongside a mix of grilled citrus juices. Navel oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, or satsumas can be grilled and juiced to lend a char flavor as well as sweet and acidic qualities for increased depth of flavor. A garnish of chili-lime salt seasoning helps boost the savory, smoky flavors.
Godfather
Food & Wine / Tim Nusog
This simple, two-ingredient cocktail is made up of a blended Scotch whisky and amaretto, a sweet almond liqueur, and is aptly named for a Father’s Day celebration. The smoky, aromatic cocktail will also pair beautifully with something from the barbecue. Fire up the grill and this 1970s cocktail for some big flavors you can’t refuse.
Ranch Water
Food & Wine / Photo by Morgan Hunt Glaze / Prop Styling by Phoebe Hausser / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf
This unofficial drink of West Texas is simply tequila, fresh lime juice, and chilled sparkling water. Refreshing and simple to make, the three-ingredient formulation highlights a quality blanco tequila. Herbaceous, peppery notes and sweet, earthy flavors from the agave spirit will complement a hot-off-the-grill smashburger patty.
Stinger
Tim Nusog / Food & Wine
This two-ingredient cocktail is made with cognac and white crème de menthe. Booze-forward but refreshingly light and minty, the Stinger was a favorite among early 20th-century New York high society. This recipe dreduces the white crème de menthe to keep the sweetness in check and enhancs the overall balance of the cocktail.
Wild Gin & Tonic
Jennifer Causey / FOOD STYLING by EMILY NABORS HALL / PROP STYLING by STEPHANIE L. YEH
Gin & Tonics are a popular cookout favorite. Refreshing, light and botanical enough to hold up to BBQ. The secret to this bold and spicy G&T variation is Szechuan peppercorns. The gin is quickly infused with toasted Szechuan peppercorns and is combined with yuzu juice, orange bitters, and tonic water flavored with elderflower. Spicy, citrus-forward and effervescent, what more could you want on a warm afternoon around the grill?
50/50 Martini
Food & Wine / Photo by Greg Dupree / Food Styling by Margaret Dickey / Prop Styling by Christina Daley
Grilled steak and Martinis are an age-old pairing that an old-school dad would love. But the high booze content is a tough one in the afternoon sun. Try this low-ABV variation without losing the feel or the flavor. Made up of equal parts dry vermouth and gin, this Martini is transformed into an aromatic aperitivo. Batch out a number of these the night before and stick in the freezer for an extra cold 50/50 Martini.
Jungle Bird
Food & Wine / Tim Nusog
For the dads who love all things tropical and bittersweet, the Jungle Bird is the perfect beverage pairing for a lūʻau-inspired BBQ. Dark rum, Campari, lime juice, pineapple juice, and simple syrup combine for a bittersweet, balanced, and refreshing cocktail.
Coffee Old Fashioned
Food & Wine / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Chelsea Zimmer / Prop Styling by Lydia Pursell
The classic Old Fashioned, arguably the most famous whiskey cocktail, is a favorite of dads and moms alike. This riff on the iconic drink combines rye whiskey with coffee liqueur and orange bitters for a delicious flavor bomb that will pair beautifully with savory ribs or brisket.
Bloody Maria
Food & Wine / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Chelsea Zimmer / Prop Styling by Lydia Pursell
This tequila-based riff on a Bloody Mary amps up the savory qualities in this brunch favorite. The earthy agave characteristics and fresh citrus notes that traditionally emerge from the agave spirit are a harmonious match with the slightly spicy and acidic tang of the Bloody Mary components.
Whiskey Smash
Food & Wine / Tim Nusog
The Whiskey Smash dates back to the 1840s and has survived for a reason. Easy to make, incredibly refreshing, and bourbon-filled — what more could you want from a cookout cocktail? Combining bourbon, sugar, lemon, and mint, this vibrant classic is made for experimentation. Try adding muddled berries or a sweet peach off the grill.
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