There’s nothing quite like a summer BBQ in Dublin. Whether the sun stays out all afternoon or the rain arrives halfway through cooking the burgers, a good BBQ always comes down to two things: great food and the right drinks.
At VP Merchants, we know choosing drinks for a BBQ can feel overwhelming. Beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks, something for the designated drivers - where do you even start?
To make things easier, here’s our guide to the best summer BBQ drinks for every kind of gathering.
Crisp Beers for Sunny Evenings
Cold beer and BBQ food are a classic combination for a reason.
Lighter beers work especially well during warm weather because they’re refreshing without being too heavy. Lager, pilsner and session IPAs are ideal choices for long afternoons in the garden.
Great BBQ beer pairings:
- Burgers & sausages → crisp lagers
- Spicy chicken wings → fruity pale ales
- Grilled seafood → light pilsners
- Veggie skewers → citrusy session IPAs
If you’re hosting a larger crowd, mixed beer packs are always a smart option and let guests try something new.
Rosé: The Summer BBQ Favourite
No summer drinks list is complete without rosé.
Easy to drink, refreshing and incredibly versatile with food, rosé has become one of the most popular BBQ wines in Ireland - and for good reason.
Dry rosé pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled chicken
- Salads
- Halloumi
- Prawns
- Mediterranean-style dishes
For casual BBQs, look for light and fruity rosés that can be served ice cold.
Don’t Forget the Cider
Cider is one of the most underrated summer BBQ drinks.
It’s refreshing, easy-drinking and perfect for guests who want something lighter than beer. Apple cider works brilliantly with smoky BBQ flavours, while berry ciders are ideal for warm evenings.
Cider pairs especially well with:
- Pulled pork
- BBQ ribs
- Sausages
- Chargrilled vegetables
Serve straight from the fridge or over plenty of ice.
Ready-to-Drink Cocktails Are Having a Moment
If you don’t want the hassle of mixing drinks all evening, ready-to-drink cocktails are perfect for summer entertaining.
Popular options this year include:
- Margaritas
- Mojitos
- Vodka sodas
- Spritz-style drinks
They’re convenient, easy to chill and ideal for BBQs, garden parties and last-minute gatherings.
Wines That Work Best at a BBQ
BBQ food can be smoky, sweet, spicy and rich all at once, so choosing the right wine matters.
Best red wines for BBQs
Go for lighter reds during summer:
- Pinot Noir
- Grenache
- Shiraz blends
These work well with burgers, steaks and grilled meats without feeling too heavy in warm weather.
Best white wines for BBQs
Fresh, crisp whites are always crowd-pleasers:
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Grigio
- Albariño
Perfect for seafood, salads and lighter BBQ dishes.
Non-Alcoholic Summer Drinks
A great BBQ should have options for everyone.
Non-alcoholic beers, alcohol-free ciders and premium soft drinks have improved massively in recent years, and many guests now expect quality low or no-alcohol choices.
Some excellent summer options include:
- Alcohol-free beer
- Sparkling flavoured water
- Non-alcoholic spritzes
- Ginger beer over ice
- Fresh lemonade mixers
Having a few alcohol-free options on hand makes hosting much easier.
BBQ Hosting Essentials People Always Forget
Before your guests arrive, don’t forget:
- Ice
- Mixers
- Garnishes like lemon and lime
- Soft drinks
- Disposable cups
- Extra beer and wine (you’ll need more than you think)
Irish summer weather can also change quickly, so having drinks that work both indoors and outdoors is never a bad idea.
Visit VP Merchants This Summer
Whether you’re planning a garden BBQ, beach gathering, family party or sunny weekend get-together, VP Merchants has everything you need for summer entertaining.
From craft beers and wines to cocktails, ciders and alcohol-free options, we’ll help you find the perfect drinks for your next BBQ.
Pop in-store (KIlbarrack Off-licence in Kilbarrack Shopping Centre) or browse online to stock up for summer.
