What to Pour This Summer: Drink Ideas for Every Outdoor Celebration

Last Updated on May 16, 2025 by Tracy

Hosting a summer party? Discover what to pour—from easy cocktails to non-alcoholic sips—and how to elevate your next sunny celebration in style.

What to Pour When You’re Celebrating in the Sun

Throwing a summer party? Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, beach bash, or rooftop hangout, what you pour sets the tone. From breezy cocktails to non-alcoholic spritzers and sustainable swaps, here’s how to elevate every sunny celebration.

Pick a Spot That Doesn’t Suck

Why Your Location Actually Matters

Not to be dramatic, but where you throw your party can literally make or break the whole thing. I learned this the hard way when I hosted my sister’s birthday at a cramped indoor restaurant instead of the garden patio. Night and day difference! Outdoor spots just hit different—people relax more, conversations flow easier, and everything just feels more… summery.

A thoughtfully chosen location sets the tone the moment guests arrive. Whether it’s a sunlit garden perfect for picnic blankets and lawn games, a rooftop deck with skyline views, or a breezy courtyard ideal for self-serve drink stations, the right backdrop elevates even the simplest gathering.

Beyond looks, flex-space venues help create a seamless flow. With options for shade, tents, or heaters, you’re covered no matter what the weather throws your way.

Perfect Pairings for Summer Sips

Summer’s bounty extends beyond what’s in our glasses to what’s on our plates. I’ve always found seafood to be magic when paired with summer drinks. The fresh flavors from the ocean work beautifully with crisp wines and bright cocktails. I love the idea of hosting an impromptu gathering with freshly delivered lobster and herb-infused spritzers—or a nice white wine. We all know I love a nice glass of wine, especially with fresh seafood 😉

Thanks to specialty seafood delivery, it’s easier than ever to create coastal-inspired pairings that make everyday gatherings feel like vacation, no matter where you live.

Drinks That’ll Make People Forget They’re Sweating

Classic Summer Cocktails with a Modern Twist

I’m all for a good mojito or margarita—they’re classics for a reason. But after making about 10,000 of them, it can get old. My sister-in-law’s spicy pineapple margarita is now a requested favorite.

Big-Batch Cocktails That Keep You Out of the Kitchen

Here’s my party confession: big-batch cocktails are a lifesaver. Sangria is my go-to—toss in whatever fruit you have, chill it in the fridge, and it always works. Serve it in sturdy pitchers (not your mom’s fragile glass one that weighs nothing) and let guests serve themselves.

Non-Alcoholic Options That Feel Like a Treat

I have friends who don’t drink, and nothing bums me out more than seeing them stuck with a sad Diet Coke while everyone else has something festive. Come on, we can do better!

How about a cucumber-mint spritzer? They are so refreshing! Pro tip: serve them in the same glasses as the boozy drinks so no one feels left out.

Don’t Trash the Planet While You Party

I used to be the queen of plastic cups until my daughter gave me the sea turtle talk. Now I’m all about cute, compostable options and reusables that won’t clutter a landfill for 500 years.

Bonus? Local ingredients make everything better. Berries from the farmers market are brighter, juicier, and way better in drinks than the ones shipped in from who knows where. Watermelon in season? Try this Fresh Watermelon Vodka cocktail.

Get Inspired by Global Summer Traditions

Sometimes we get stuck in a margarita-and-burgers loop and forget there’s a whole world of summer flavors to explore.

How about a Negroni Sbagliato!

Grilled seafood, Pineapple Island punch, and globally inspired twists take even the most basic backyard bash up a notch.

It’s Not Just About Taste

Sure, a great drink helps, but ambiance matters. Music is non-negotiable.

String lights are magic. I bought mine on clearance after Christmas and they make even my tiny patio look straight out of a magazine.

Let People Play With Their Food (and Drinks)

DIY Drink Stations

The best parties I’ve been to had interactive elements. DIY drink bars? Genius. Set out fruits, herbs, mixers, and basic recipe cards, and suddenly everyone’s a mixologist.

What to Pour at Every Summer Event

Summer Weddings

• Beach wedding? Light champagne spritzes with fresh berries.
• Garden wedding? Floral-infused cocktails that match the blooms. (Especially at venues like Breezit’s Secret Garden Loft—think “Bloom & Bubbly” prosecco cocktails.)
• Barn wedding? Mason jar cocktails with herbs and rustic flair.

Always offer a signature non-alcoholic drink to match the vibe—think “Something Blue” lemonade for the beach or a “Garden Bliss” cucumber spritzer.

Beach Parties

• Rum punch, coconut cocktails, and anything citrusy.
• Use metal cups to keep drinks cold and sand-proof.
• Freeze juice into cubes for a slow-release flavor boost.

Rooftop Gatherings

• Go for elevated drinks to match the view.
• Spanish-style gin tonics in balloon glasses.
• Japanese highballs for something light but sophisticated.

Poolside Parties

• Stick with lower-alcohol options.
• Frozen drinks and boozy popsicles = fun + practical.
• Use unbreakable cups for safety and float-friendly sipping.

Outdoor Concerts or Festivals

• Pre-batch cocktails in sealed jars.
• Make themed drinks inspired by the performers or playlist.
• Edible flowers and colorful garnishes = Insta-ready.

Make This Summer One for the Books

The summer parties people remember forever aren’t the ones with the fanciest drinks or the most expensive food. They’re the ones where everything just clicks—the setting, the flavors, the vibe.

The best summer gatherings I’ve hosted have combined thoughtful drinks, incredible food, sustainable touches, and global inspiration with that magic spark of people just connecting and having fun.

So take these ideas, run with what fits your style, and add your own spin. Your perfect summer celebration is out there waiting—and I can’t wait for you to pour that first perfect drink under the sun.

Want More Summer Hosting Tips?

Check out some of my favorite summer recipes and entertaining ideas!

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