The Best Drinks to Make for the 4th of July BBQ’s!
The Best Drinks for a Fourth of July BBQ
Nothing says summer in the Vail Valley quite like a backyard BBQ on the Fourth of July! Burgers on the grill, kids running around with sparklers, and good drinks in hand as the sun goes down. If you’re trying to figure out what to stock up on for your celebration this year, we’ve got you covered with some crowd-pleasing picks!
Light, Crisp Beers for Daytime Sipping
When you’re standing around the grill in the heat, you want something refreshing that won’t weigh you down. This is lager season! Grab a few cases of light, easy-drinking lagers that go down smooth all afternoon. If you want to support local, we’d point you toward a few of our favorite Colorado craft lagers, they’re crisp, they’re cold, and they pair perfectly with anything coming off the grill.
If your crowd skews more toward hop lovers, a Session IPA is a great middle ground, you get some of that hoppy flavor without the higher alcohol content that can sneak up on you during a long day in the sun.
Rosé All Day
We’re not kidding when we say rosé is basically made for the Fourth of July! It’s light, refreshing, slightly chilled, and pairs beautifully with grilled food, fresh fruit, and warm weather in general. A dry rosé from Provence is a classic choice, but don’t sleep on some of the great domestic options either. Grab a couple bottles, keep them on ice, and watch them disappear fast.
A Patriotic Sangria
Want to really lean into the holiday theme? A red, white, and blue sangria is always a hit and it’s genuinely easy to make! Start with a white wine base, add fresh strawberries, blueberries, and a splash of sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for some fizz. It looks great on the table and tastes even better. Batch it ahead of time so it’s ready when your guests arrive.
Classic Summer Cocktails
A few cocktails are practically required at a summer BBQ, and for good reason!
Margaritas are always a crowd favorite, especially if you batch them ahead of time (check out our guide on batch cocktails if you haven’t already!). Salt the rim, keep the pitcher cold, and you’re set.
Moscow Mules bring a nice ginger kick that pairs well with smoky grilled food, plus they look great served in copper mugs if you want to add some flair to your table.
Whiskey Lemonade is an underrated summer pick. Just combine bourbon, fresh lemonade, and a splash of soda water over ice. Simple, refreshing, and great for sipping while you wait for the burgers to finish.
Don’t Forget the Bubbles
If your celebration is going to run into the evening with fireworks, having some sparkling wine on hand to toast the night is a nice touch. It doesn’t need to be fancy, an affordable Prosecco or Cava does the trick and keeps things festive without breaking the bank.
Non-Alcoholic Options for Everyone
With kids around and people driving, having a solid lineup of non-alcoholic options matters too! Stock up on flavored sparkling waters, a couple of NA beers, and the ingredients for a virgin version of your sangria or mule so nobody’s left out of the fun.
Stock Up Before the Holiday Rush
The Fourth of July is one of our busiest weeks, so don’t wait until the last minute to grab what you need! Swing by Boone’s, browse our selection online, or give us a call and we’ll help you put together everything for a great celebration. We can even deliver right to your door if you’re too busy prepping the grill to make the trip.
Happy Fourth from all of us at Boone’s, let’s make it a great one!
