BBQ-Infused Cocktails for Summer
Smoky, flame broiled, savory – these are all words that perfectly describe barbecue, arguably America’s favorite summertime meal. But, now they also apply to a phenomenon that has taken bars and restaurants by storm – BBQ-infused cocktails. Read on to learn more about the new trend, as well as a few delicious recipes to try at home.
A Trend That’s Here to Stay
Wait, since when are BBQ-infused cocktails a thing? Well, in the last decade, these unique adult beverages have popped up in restaurants and bars across the country. Specifically, some recipes call for the addition of barbecue sauce, while others involve torched fruit, smoke guns, and BBQ-infused syrups. Overall, this unique blend of ingredients adds up to a cocktail that stimulates the senses and will keep you coming back for more.
Grilled Fruit Sangria
Summer and sangria go hand-in-hand, as do summer and barbecue. And, when you combine the grill and sangria, you’re in for the ultimate summer treat. That’s because when grilling the fruit, the fruit sugars become caramelized. Thus, adding unthinkably delicious levels of flavor to the drink. To make a pitcher for your next party, follow these steps:
Slice the fruit you’d like to include in your sangria. We recommend orange, pineapple and red grapes for starters.- Using your grill and a grill pan, blister the fruit until grill marks are visible. Be careful not to completely burn the pieces.
- After grilling, place all of the fruit into a large pitcher.
- Add 1.5 liters of cold red wine with a fruity flavor.
- Add a ½ cup of brandy and a ½ cup of Calvados (an apple or pear flavored brandy).
- Apply simple syrup to sweeten to your desired taste.
- Add ice, stir well and garnish with a skewer of grilled fruit before serving.
The Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Cocktail
It’s exactly what its name implies. Founded in 2010, this cocktail evolved from its original intended use at festivals into something that anyone (who loves beer, bourbon, and BBQ) wants to try. Follow these steps to make a batch for your friends:
Mix 2-1/3 cups of hot water with one 19-oz. bottle of BBQ sauce. Whisk well and place in the refrigerator to cool.- Juice a whole orange and set aside the juice.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add 1 ½ oz. of bourbon, 1 oz. of honey whiskey liqueur and 1 oz. of the BBQ water.
- Top off with about a quarter of the total amount of orange juice.
- Shake well and strain the mixture into a cocktail glass.
- Open a bottle of Hefeweizen beer and pour a quarter of it into the cocktail shaker.
- Shake to create foam, and then spoon the beer foam on top of the cocktail as a garnish.
Smoked Bloody Mary
Thanks to the BBQ-infused cocktails trend, the classic Bloody Mary has been given an entirely unique flavor. Of course, it’s easy to turn this famous beverage into the perfect complement to your backyard barbecue spread. Here’s how:
Smoke four tomatoes on the grill for one hour.- Remove the skins from the tomatoes and juice them in a blender.
- Add 3 cups of tomato juice, 1 tbsp. of Worcestershire sauce, 2 tsp. of horseradish and a splash of hot sauce to the blender.
- Juice a lemon and add the juice to the blender. Mix well.
- Add 1-2 oz. of smoke- or bacon-infused vodka to each glass. You can even use Mezcal, which has naturally smoky flavors.
- Top off each glass with the mixture from the blender and a piece of smoked bacon as a garnish.
Drink Up at Chad’s BBQ
It goes without saying that we’re huge fans of the BBQ-infused cocktails trend here at Chad’s BBQ. Visit us soon and start pairing your BBQ-infused cocktails with our Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich, Honey-Jalapeno Wings, Baby Back Ribs and other menu favorites. Also, be sure to pick up your own bottle of Chad’s homemade sauces in store to add to your new cocktail recipes. For more information about our menu, contact us today.
