Summer evenings as a kid were magic. By the time the sun started dipping, we’d be wiped out, either from a day in the pool or mowing the yard. That’s when things slowed down.
Dad would fire up the grill, smoke curling through the backyard, and Mom would send us out to the garden to yank some tomatoes and snap a handful of green beans for dinner. And just when we thought we couldn’t get any luckier, we’d get handed a cold glass of something bright red and way too sweet.
Oh, Yeah! We might be older now, but there’s still nothing better than good barbeque and a killer drink in your hand.
At Rocklands, we believe that while barbeque is always the star of the party, the right drink is what transforms a good meal into a truly unforgettable event.
This summer, let’s move the spotlight from the pit to the bar and talk about how a thoughtfully curated drink menu can elevate your backyard get-together, wedding, or corporate bash from fun to legendary.
Why Drinks Matter as Much as the Barbeque
It’s easy to focus all our attention on the grill, after all, that’s where the brisket magic happens. But we’ve learned that the best summer parties are about balance: rich, wood-smoked meats paired with crisp, refreshing drinks that cut through the heaviness and wake up your palate. When we build a summer menu, we make sure every beverage is chosen to bring out the best in every bite of barbeque.
The central question we hear from hosts is simple: How can we build a drink menu that makes the whole party feel special? Let’s talk about our favorite pairings and how you can serve them with confidence.
Building the Perfect Pairings
The Brisket Partner: Local Craft Beer
There’s nothing like a thick slice of smoked brisket, except maybe a bold, cold beer to go with it. We always reach for local craft beers that have enough body and bitterness to balance out all that rich marbling. A robust IPA brings citrusy hops that slice through the fat, while a clean amber ale has just enough malt to complement the char. Either way, you’re giving your guests a pairing that’s as thoughtful as it is satisfying.
Did you know our Alexandria location is known for their 12-tap craft beer system with selections rotating weekly.
The Pulled Chicken Match: Crisp Wine
For our lighter barbeque options, like pulled chicken or grilled, bone-in chicken, we love to serve wines that have bright acidity. Think high-acid whites like Sauvignon Blanc, or even a chilled dry rosé. These wines refresh your palate between bites, letting the subtle smoke and spices from the chicken really shine. Plus, they look beautiful in the summer sunlight. No small thing when you’re aiming for a picture-perfect spread.
The Crowd-Pleaser Batch: Signature Cocktails
Big party? Make it easy on yourself! Nothing says summer like a pitcher of something special. Our go-to this season: the Spicy Watermelon Ranch Water. It’s got the sweet juiciness of fresh watermelon, the kick of jalapeño, and a fizzy finish that cools you down even when the grill is blazing.
Non-Alcoholic Sophisticated Sips
It’s important to us that every guest gets something special. Alongside signature cocktails, we love to set out pitchers of artisanal lemonades and infused waters. Think mint, grilled citrus, or even a sprig of rosemary. These drinks look beautiful and keep everyone hydrated in style.
The Full-Service Advantage is What Sets Us Apart
Of course, pairing drinks with barbeque is only part of the story. A smooth bar service can be the difference between a host who’s running ragged and one who’s actually enjoying the party.
We keep the ice cold, the batches flowing, and the ratios just right, so nobody is left waiting for a refill. Our certified bartenders handle setup, service, and cleanup, meaning you can focus on the fun.
Every event is different, and we love building custom drink menus that match your party’s theme, guest count, and menu. Whether you want to echo the smokiness of the barbeque in your cocktails or keep things light and citrusy, we work with you to make it happen.
Host Tips for Easy Prep
Want to serve drinks like a pro? We recommend prepping your cocktail bases the night before. Think watermelon puree, fresh citrus, and simple syrups, so you’re not stuck squeezing and muddling when you’d rather be mingling. A tray of fresh garnishes (herbs, grilled lemon wheels, jalapeño slices, cherries, etc.) adds a high-end touch with almost no extra effort.
Raising a Glass to Summer
At Rocklands, we believe a legendary summer party is all about great food, great drinks, and effortless execution. Whether you’re mixing batches by hand or letting us handle the heavy lifting with our full-service barbeque and bar catering, make sure your cups and your guests are filled with something crisp. Here’s to the season of smoke, sunshine, and unforgettable sips. Cheers!
Sip on Sunshine with Rocklands Summer Shandy Recipe