A good cookout runs on the food, but it's remembered for the drinks. Here's a simple checklist to make sure your lineup covers everyone at the table.
Beer for the Grill Crowd
Light, easy-drinking beer is the backbone of most cookouts - it holds up in the heat and pairs with almost anything coming off the grill. Grab a mix of a few crowd-pleasers so there's variety in the cooler without overcomplicating things.
A Pitcher-Ready Cocktail
Margaritas are the classic warm-weather batch cocktail for a reason - they scale up easily, hold well in a pitcher over ice, and please a crowd without anyone having to mix drinks one at a time. Make a big batch ahead of time and let guests serve themselves.
Wine for the Non-Beer Drinkers
Not everyone wants a beer in the heat. A chilled, crisp white or a dry rosé is an easy, refreshing alternative that holds up just as well outdoors - keep a bottle or two on ice alongside the beer cooler.
Non-Alcoholic Options for Everyone Else
Between kids, designated drivers, and guests who just aren't drinking that day, a solid non-alcoholic lineup matters. Cold water, soda, and a non-alcoholic beer or seltzer option mean nobody's left out of the spread.
How Much to Buy
As a rough rule of thumb, plan for two to three drinks per guest for the first couple of hours, and more if the cookout runs late into the evening. It's always easier to have a little extra on hand than to run out halfway through.
Visit Us Before the Cookout
Stop by our Trenton store to build out your full drink lineup in one trip - beer, spirits for a batch cocktail, wine, and everything in between.
