Best backyard BBQ party drinks should be refreshing, easy to serve, and useful for every guest. For a backyard BBQ in Andover, MN, stock beer, wine, ready-to-drink cocktails, mixers, water, kid-friendly drinks, and non-alcoholic options before the grill gets hot.
FAQs About the Best Backyard BBQ Party Drinks
What are the best drinks for a backyard BBQ? The best BBQ drinks include beer, wine, ready-to-drink cocktails, lemonade, iced tea, water, and mocktails.
What beer works best for a BBQ? Light lagers, wheat beers, pale ales, IPAs, and Mexican-style lagers pair well with grilled food.
What wine should I serve at a backyard BBQ? Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, sparkling wine, and lighter red wines work well with BBQ foods.
Are ready-to-drink cocktails good for BBQ parties? Yes. Canned cocktails, hard seltzers, and canned spritzers make hosting easier and reduce cleanup.
What drinks should I have for kids at a BBQ? Offer lemonade, fruit punch, juice boxes, sparkling juice, water bottles, and fun fruit-garnished mocktails.
How much ice should I buy for a backyard BBQ? Buy extra ice for coolers, drink tubs, pitchers, mixed drinks, and warm Minnesota summer afternoons.
Where can I pick up BBQ drinks in Andover, MN? G-Will Liquors in Andover is located at 13973 Round Lake Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304.
Best Drinks for a Backyard BBQ in Andover, MN
A backyard BBQ should feel relaxed from the first guest arrival. The food matters, but the drink setup often keeps the party moving. Guests want cold choices, easy refills, and drinks that match grilled food. Hosts want fewer questions, less cleanup, and no crowded kitchen traffic. That starts with a smart shopping list before the grill turns on.
Before shopping, check the latest G-Will Liquors specials. Specials can help with larger BBQ drink lists.
Build Your Best Backyard BBQ Party Drinks List
A great BBQ drink list covers more than beer. Think about the full guest list before buying drinks. Some guests want beer. Others prefer wine, canned cocktails, soda, or mocktails. Kids also need drinks that feel fun and easy to grab.
Start With These Drink Categories
Beer for grilling and easy cooler service
Wine for lighter sipping and dinner pairings
Ready-to-drink cocktails for convenience
Non-alcoholic drinks for drivers and adults
Kid-friendly drinks for younger guests
Water for everyone from start to finish
Mixers, ice, citrus, and cups
This setup keeps choices clear without turning the host into a bartender.
Choose Beer That Works With BBQ Foods
Beer is a classic backyard BBQ choice. It chills quickly, travels well, and pairs with many grilled foods. Offer at least two styles if the guest list is mixed.
Best Beer Options for BBQ
- Light lager: Great with burgers, brats, chips, and casual snacks.
- Mexican-style lager: Works well with tacos, salsa, lime, and grilled corn.
- Wheat beer: Smooth, bright, and refreshing during warm weather.
- Pale ale: Good with grilled chicken, sausages, and smoky flavors.
- IPA: A strong pick for guests who enjoy bold flavor.
- Non-alcoholic beer: Smart for drivers, parents, and daytime guests.
Use one cooler for beer and another for water and kid-friendly drinks. This keeps everyone from digging through the same ice chest.
Add Wine for a More Flexible BBQ Table
Wine can fit a backyard BBQ better than many hosts expect. Choose easy-drinking wines that match grilled food and summer sides. Chill white wine, rosé, and sparkling wine before guests arrive.
Wine Picks for Backyard BBQs
- Rosé: Great with grilled chicken, pasta salad, and fruit trays.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp with vegetables, seafood, and lighter appetizers.
- Pinot Grigio: Simple, refreshing, and easy to share.
- Sparkling wine: Festive for birthdays, graduations, and neighborhood gatherings.
- Pinot Noir: A lighter red for burgers, pork, and grilled mushrooms.
- Red blend: Smooth enough for ribs, steak, and BBQ sauce.
Club Card members can also look for wine and weekday savings. Learn more on the G-Will Liquors Club Card page.
Use Ready-to-Drink Options to Simplify Hosting
Ready-to-drink options make backyard hosting much easier. They reduce mixing, measuring, dishes, and spills. They also help guests serve themselves without stopping the host.
RTD Options for a Backyard BBQ
- Hard seltzers: Light, bubbly, and easy for warm afternoons.
- Canned margaritas: Great with tacos, nachos, and grilled chicken.
- Canned vodka sodas: Simple and easy to chill.
- Canned spritzers: Good for guests who prefer lighter flavors.
- Canned mojitos: Fresh and bright for patio parties.
- Variety packs: Helpful when guests have different tastes.
Place canned drinks in a drink tub with ice. Guests can grab one quickly without crowding the kitchen.
Do Not Forget the Kids at the BBQ
Kid-friendly drinks should feel planned, not like an afterthought. Set up a separate drink station for children and teens. This keeps the adult drink area less crowded.
Kid-Friendly BBQ Drink Ideas
- Lemonade with fresh fruit slices
- Fruit punch with ice and orange wedges
- Juice boxes for easy cleanup
- Mini water bottles in a small cooler
- Sparkling juice for a special treat
- Colorful mocktails with berries and mint
- Freezer pops for hot afternoons
Use unbreakable cups for younger kids. Add a marker so kids can write names on cups. That small step cuts down on waste.
Make Non-Alcoholic Drinks Easy to Find
Adults also appreciate thoughtful non-alcoholic options. Some guests drive, avoid alcohol, or prefer lighter drinks. Place non-alcoholic drinks where everyone can see them.
Alcohol-Free Options for Adults
- Non-alcoholic beer
- Sparkling water
- Craft soda
- Iced tea
- Lemonade
- Alcohol-free mocktail cans
- Citrus water with mint
Use garnishes for mocktails too. Citrus, berries, cucumber, and mint make alcohol-free drinks feel special.
Pair Drinks With Classic BBQ Foods
Good drink pairings make the meal more enjoyable. Beer works well with salty snacks, burgers, brats, and grilled meats. Rosé pairs nicely with chicken, fruit, salads, and light appetizers. Red wine works with steak, ribs, pork, and smoky sauces. Canned margaritas match tacos, salsa, grilled corn, and spicy sides. Sparkling water refreshes guests between heavier foods.
Plan for Minnesota Weather and Backyard Traffic
Andover backyard BBQs need a flexible setup. Warm afternoons require extra ice, water, and shade. Cool evenings may call for red wine, whiskey mixers, or warm lighting. Place drinks away from the grill area. This keeps guests from crowding the cook. Also keep kid drinks away from glass bottles. That helps younger guests serve themselves safely.
Use This BBQ Drink Shopping List
A clear list makes shopping faster. Use this as a starting point for an Andover backyard BBQ.
Alcoholic Drinks
- Light lager
- Local craft beer
- Wheat beer
- Rosé
- White wine
- Light red wine
- Hard seltzers
- Canned cocktails
- Canned spritzers
Non-Alcoholic and Kid-Friendly Drinks
- Non-alcoholic beer
- Sparkling water
- Lemonade
- Iced tea
- Juice boxes
- Fruit punch
- Bottled water
- Mocktail cans
Supplies and Extras
- Ice
- Cups
- Napkins
- Bottle opener
- Corkscrew
- Drink tubs
- Lemons, limes, and oranges
- Markers for labeling cups
Find the Andover store and other nearby options on the G-Will Liquors locations page.
Shop Early and Keep the Party Simple
BBQ hosting gets easier when the drinks are ready first. Stock the cooler before guests arrive. Chill wine in advance and keep water within reach. Set up the kid drink area before food hits the grill. Then the host can enjoy the party too.
For more drink and hosting ideas, visit the G-Will Liquors blog.
Pick Up the Best Backyard BBQ Party Drinks at G-Will Liquors
A great backyard BBQ starts with simple planning. Choose beer, wine, ready-to-drink options, kid drinks, and alcohol-free choices. Then add ice, cups, mixers, and garnishes before the party begins.
Stop by G-Will Liquors in Andover before the next backyard BBQ. The Andover store is located at 13973 Round Lake Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304. Before shopping, check current specials and review Club Card savings. Ready to stock the cooler? Visit G-Will Liquors in Andover today. For questions, visit the G-Will Liquors contact page.
Published July 2026