Memorial Day has a special place in our hearts. It marks the unofficial start of summer and brings friends and family together for barbecues, outdoor fun, and of course, delicious drinks. As the weather warms up, you might find yourself craving refreshing beverages that are perfect for sipping in the sun. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or enjoying a backyard BBQ, the right drinks can elevate your gathering and create a festive atmosphere.
If you’re someone who loves hosting summer parties or simply wants to impress your guests, this post is for you. We know how challenging it can be to find unique and exciting drink recipes that are easy to make in large batches. That’s why I pulled together a list of 12 Memorial Day drinks that are not only simple to prepare but are also crowd-pleasers. These cool beverages will keep you and your guests refreshed and delighted all day long.
Get ready to discover drinks like the Patriotic Berry Spritzer and the Watermelon Mint Cooler. Each recipe is designed to be vibrant, flavorful, and perfect for outdoor celebrations. You’ll find that these drinks bring a burst of flavor and color to your table, making your Memorial Day BBQ truly memorable.
Key Takeaways
– Discover 12 refreshing Memorial Day drinks, perfect for backyard BBQs and summer gatherings.
– Recipes like the Lemon Basil Sparkler and Tropical Pineapple Fizz are easy to prepare in large batches, saving you time and effort.
– Each drink features simple ingredients that are accessible and affordable, ensuring you don’t break the bank.
– These cool beverages are vibrant and festive, adding a celebratory touch to your outdoor events.
– Perfect for all ages, many of these recipes can easily be adapted for fun mocktails, allowing everyone to enjoy the festivities.
Contents
- 1. Patriotic Berry Spritzer
- 2. Watermelon Mint Cooler
- 3. Lemon Basil Sparkler
- 4. Tropical Pineapple Fizz
- 5. Cucumber Lime Refresher
- 6. Strawberry Lemonade Slush
- 7. Ginger Ale Citrus Splash
- 8. Peach Iced Tea
- 9. Sparkling Elderflower Lemonade
- 10. Mint Mojito Mocktail
- 11. Hibiscus Iced Tea
- 12. Passion Fruit Cooler
1. Patriotic Berry Spritzer
Are you ready to elevate your Memorial Day festivities? The Patriotic Berry Spritzer is not just a drink; it’s a celebration in a glass! Bursting with fresh blueberries and strawberries, this sparkling delight is both refreshing and visually stunning, making it a perfect addition to your summer gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to whip up and packed with vitamins to keep you energized for the day ahead.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 1 cup sliced strawberries
– 2 cups sparkling water
– 1 cup lemonade
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, muddle the blueberries and strawberries until slightly crushed.
2. Pour in the lemonade and sparkling water, stirring gently to combine.
3. Serve in glasses filled with ice and garnish with fresh mint.
FAQs:
– Can I make this a day in advance? Answer: It’s best served fresh to maintain the fizz! Prepare the fruit and join in the drink right before serving.
2. Watermelon Mint Cooler
Craving something cool and refreshing? The Watermelon Mint Cooler is your go-to drink for hot summer days! With its hydrating watermelon base and a hint of mint, this mocktail is not only delicious but also incredibly refreshing. It’s the perfect sip to keep you cool while enjoying your BBQ festivities.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups of cubed watermelon
– 1 cup fresh mint leaves
– Juice of 2 limes
– 4 cups sparkling water
– Lime slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. Blend watermelon cubes until smooth and strain the juice through a fine mesh strainer.
2. In a pitcher, combine watermelon juice, lime juice, and mint leaves, stirring gently.
3. Add sparkling water and mix well. Serve in glasses garnished with lime slices.
FAQs:
– Can I use pre-cut watermelon? Answer: Yes, but fresh watermelon tends to have a better flavor!
3. Lemon Basil Sparkler
Looking to impress your guests with something unique? The Lemon Basil Sparkler is the drink for you! This refreshing blend of zesty lemon and aromatic basil creates a delightful flavor that’s both sophisticated and casual. Perfect for sipping on a sunny day, it brings a burst of brightness to your BBQ table.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh lemon juice
– 2 cups sparkling water
– 1/2 cup simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
– Fresh basil leaves
– Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a pitcher, combine lemon juice, simple syrup, and basil leaves, muddling gently.
2. Pour in the sparkling water and stir to mix.
3. Serve in ice-filled glasses and garnish with fresh lemon slices and basil.
FAQs:
– What is simple syrup? Answer: Simple syrup is made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water. It’s an easy way to sweeten drinks!
4. Tropical Pineapple Fizz
Ready to bring the taste of the tropics to your BBQ? The Tropical Pineapple Fizz is not just a drink; it’s an instant vacation in a glass! This fizzy delight combines sweet pineapple juice and creamy coconut milk, creating a refreshing treat that’s perfect for warm weather. Your guests will be clamoring for more!
Ingredients:
– 3 cups pineapple juice
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 2 cups club soda
– Pineapple wedges for garnish
– Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix pineapple juice, coconut milk, and club soda.
2. Stir gently to combine and avoid flattening the soda.
3. Serve in glasses filled with ice, garnished with pineapple wedges and cherries.
FAQs:
– Can I use fresh pineapple juice? Answer: Absolutely! Fresh juice makes this drink even more delicious.
5. Cucumber Lime Refresher
Feeling the heat? The Cucumber Lime Refresher is your ultimate thirst-quencher! This light and invigorating drink combines crisp cucumber with zesty lime for a revitalizing experience that’s perfect for any summer gathering. It’s refreshing, healthy, and oh-so-easy to make!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cucumber slices
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup mint leaves
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, puree the cucumber slices until smooth and strain through a fine mesh strainer to extract juice.
2. Combine cucumber juice, lime juice, and water in a pitcher.
3. Add mint leaves, stir, and chill before serving in ice-filled glasses with lime wedges.
FAQs:
– Can I use bottled lime juice? Answer: Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor!
6. Strawberry Lemonade Slush
Looking for a fun, icy treat? The Strawberry Lemonade Slush is a delightful twist on a classic favorite! This slushy drink offers the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, making it an ideal refreshment for those hot summer days. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare and perfect for sharing!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup lemonade
– 2 cups ice
– Fresh strawberry for garnish
Instructions:
1. Combine strawberries, lemonade, and ice in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour into cups and garnish with fresh strawberry slices.
FAQs:
– Can this be made in advance? Answer: Best served fresh, but you can prep the strawberries and lemonade ahead of time.
7. Ginger Ale Citrus Splash
Want to add some fizz to your gathering? The Ginger Ale Citrus Splash is the perfect choice! This bubbly drink combines the zesty kick of citrus with the effervescence of ginger ale, creating a refreshing beverage that’s sure to please. It’s a delightful way to beat the heat!
Ingredients:
– 3 cups ginger ale
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/2 cup lemon juice
– Slices of orange and lemon for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a pitcher, mix the ginger ale, orange juice, and lemon juice.
2. Stir gently and serve in glasses with ice, garnished with orange and lemon slices.
FAQs:
– Can I use diet ginger ale? Answer: Yes, it’s a great low-calorie option!
8. Peach Iced Tea
Do you love the taste of summer? Peach Iced Tea is the perfect drink to celebrate the season! This refreshing twist on traditional iced tea combines sweet peach nectar with a smooth tea base, creating a satisfying balance that everyone will enjoy. It’s a must-have for your BBQ!
Ingredients:
– 4 cups brewed tea (black or green)
– 2 cups peach nectar
– Fresh peach slices for garnish
– Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Brew your tea and allow it to cool.
2. In a pitcher, combine the cooled tea and peach nectar, stirring well.
3. Serve in ice-filled glasses and garnish with fresh peach slices and mint leaves.
FAQs:
– Can I use instant tea? Answer: Absolutely, but for the best flavor, brewed tea is recommended!
9. Sparkling Elderflower Lemonade
Want to impress your guests with something unique? Sparkling Elderflower Lemonade is a floral delight that adds a touch of elegance to your gathering. The sweet notes of elderflower paired with tangy lemon juice create a refreshing drink that’s perfect for any summer occasion. It’s a real showstopper!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup elderflower syrup
– 1 cup lemon juice
– 4 cups sparkling water
– Lemon wheels for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a pitcher, combine elderflower syrup and lemon juice.
2. Slowly add sparkling water and stir gently.
3. Serve in glasses filled with ice and garnish with lemon wheels.
FAQs:
– Where can I find elderflower syrup? Answer: Most grocery stores or specialty food shops carry it!
10. Mint Mojito Mocktail
Dreaming of a refreshing drink for a hot day? The Mint Mojito Mocktail is your answer! This vibrant beverage combines fresh mint and zesty lime, creating a light and invigorating option that’s perfect for summer. With its bubbly finish, it’s a fun twist on the classic mojito!
Ingredients:
– 2 limes, cut into wedges
– 1 cup fresh mint leaves
– 4 cups club soda
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
Instructions:
1. In a large glass, muddle lime wedges and mint leaves until fragrant.
2. Add simple syrup and club soda, stirring gently.
3. Serve over ice, garnished with more mint leaves.
FAQs:
– Can I use mint extract instead of fresh mint? Answer: Yes, but adjust the quantity to avoid overpowering the drink!
11. Hibiscus Iced Tea
Looking for a colorful addition to your BBQ? Hibiscus Iced Tea is a vibrant choice that not only looks gorgeous but also offers a uniquely tart flavor. This refreshing drink is perfect for showcasing beautiful floral notes while keeping your guests cool and satisfied.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups brewed hibiscus tea
– 1/2 cup honey or agave syrup
– 2 cups cold water
– Dried hibiscus flowers for garnish
Instructions:
1. Brew hibiscus tea and let it cool. Sweeten with honey or agave while warm.
2. Combine with cold water in a pitcher.
3. Serve in glasses filled with ice, garnished with dried hibiscus flowers.
FAQs:
– Does hibiscus tea have any health benefits? Answer: Yes! It’s known for being rich in antioxidants!
12. Passion Fruit Cooler
Want to add a tropical touch to your summer gathering? The Passion Fruit Cooler is a delightful way to impress your guests! With its exotic flavor and fizzy sparkle, this drink is visually stunning and tastes even better. It’s sure to be the highlight of your drink table!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup passion fruit pulp
– 4 cups sparkling water
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– Fresh lime slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a pitcher, mix passion fruit pulp, lime juice, and sparkling water.
2. Stir gently and serve immediately in ice-filled glasses, garnished with lime slices.
FAQs:
– Can I use bottled passion fruit juice? Answer: Yes! It’s a great substitute for fresh pulp.
Conclusion
With these 12 easy and delicious Memorial Day drinks, your backyard BBQ is sure to be a hit! Each drink is not only refreshing but also perfect for celebrating the spirit of summer while keeping things light and fun. Don’t hesitate to try these recipes and share them with friends and family. Cheers to making beautiful memories this season!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some easy Memorial Day drinks I can batch for a backyard BBQ?
This article spotlights Memorial Day Drinks you can batch for a backyard BBQ, designed for easy batches. Think big pitchers or beverage dispensers you can prep ahead, with room to tweak sweetness and add festive red, white, and blue garnishes.
How to start: pick 2–3 flavors, batch them in advance, and have a simple syrup or fruit juice concentrate ready for quick adjustments. Plan for roughly 2–3 servings per guest over a 4-hour party, and keep a dedicated cooler for truly cool beverages.
How can I make these Memorial Day drinks into tasty mocktails for a summer party?
All of these Memorial Day Drinks can easily become delicious mocktails. Swap any alcohol mixers for sparkling water, club soda, or ginger ale, and build a balanced base with fruit juice, citrus, and herbs. Batch in a pitcher, taste, adjust with a touch of simple syrup if needed, and finish with fresh fruit or mint for a refreshing summer party vibe. Pro tip: label flavors and provide both non-alcoholic and optional boozy add-ins so guests can customize their drink.
How do I scale these drinks for a larger crowd at a backyard BBQ?
Start with a guest-based estimate—roughly 1.5–2 cups per person for a few hours. Multiply your batch sizes accordingly and use 2–3 large beverage dispensers or coolers to keep things flowing. Prep ingredients in advance, then assemble at service to avoid over-dilution. Keep extra ice and cold water nearby, and consider making a couple of extra batches of the most popular flavors so everyone stays refreshed during cool beverages peak moments.
What ingredients help give these Memorial Day drinks a patriotic vibe?
Create a festive look with patriotic colors: red from strawberries, raspberries, or cranberry juice; white from coconut water or white grape juice; and blue from blueberries or blueberry juice. Use clear or white-toned mixers for a bright white layer, then float or layer colors for visual pops. This approach keeps the drinks appealing for a summer party crowd and aligns perfectly with the Memorial Day theme.
What tips keep cool beverages refreshing in a hot outdoor party?
Chill everything ahead of time and serve from well-insulated dispensers to maintain cold temps. Use large ice cubes or ice bowls that won’t quickly dilute drinks, and keep mint, citrus wheels, or berries ready for quick garnishes that also add aroma. Shade the drink station and rotate flavors to prevent flavor fatigue. If you’re making sparkling mocktails, add carbonation close to service to preserve fizz and ensure your cool beverages stay lively all afternoon.
