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19 Necessary Beverages For Any Socially Distant Barbecue This Summer

Summer never tasted so good.

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haus
Haus

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As we continue to combat the pandemic, get vaccinated, wear our masks, and keep our distance, we are slowly getting back to normalcy. As we reach the summer months, we hope to see businesses continue to reopen and to experience things in real life again (in small groups) instead of on the other side of the computer screen.

Whether you love a fruity alcoholic beverage, a nice cold beer, or you don’t drink alcohol at all, we’ve got you covered. The drinks at any barbecue always sets the mood—from a chilled rosé to the exploding market of hard seltzers. Here are some of our favorite beverages that will elevate any socially distant BBQ this summer.

CACTI CACTI Agave Spiked Seltzer

CACTI Agave Spiked Seltzer
Credit: CACTI

Travis Scott’s new brand Cacti is the coolest vibe on the market RN. At seven percent ABV, the drinks pack a real punch. Their backstory explains: “The legend goes like this: A meteor from Utopia crashed down onto the agave fields of Mexico creating a unique blend of celestial stardust and Mexican agriculture.” 

JuneShine JuneShine Midnight Painkiller

JuneShine Midnight Painkiller
Credit: JuneShine

This particular flavor, which includes pineapple, coconut, and orange, advises you on the label to flip it upside down to activate the charcoal.

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Blue Point Blue Point Summer Ale

Blue Point Summer Ale
Credit: Blue Point

There’s no better way to get into a summer mood than with Blue Point’s Summer Ale. While it’s a light ale, this New York-brewed drink has a tartness in its flavor that’s not typically characteristic of beers in this vein. 

Haus Haus Grapefruit Jalapeño

Haus Grapefruit Jalapeño
Credit: Haus

Started by a husband and wife in Sonoma County, CA, Haus brings elegance to any socially distant gathering. Their drinks, like the Grapefruit Jalapeño at 18 percent ABV, can be consumed on their own, or they can be turned into a cocktail such as Grapefruit Fizz or a Haus Paloma. Each flavor is super unique. See: Bitter Clove, Spiced Cherry, and Lemon Lavender. 

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Smithworks Smithworks Hard Seltzer Lemonade

Smithworks Hard Seltzer Lemonade
Credit: Smithworks

Just when you think Blake Shelton couldn't do more, he becomes a partner with Smithworks to launch a Hard Seltzer Lemonade. At five percent ABV, this product is all about the Southern charm—it's literally got a tractor on the packaging. 

Longevity Longevity Wines California Chardonnay

Longevity Wines California Chardonnay
Credit: Longevity Wines

Longevity Wines is one of approximately two dozen Black-owned wineries in the United States. The founder Phil Long incorporated a heart-shaped design into the brand’s logo after his wife lost her battle to pancreatic cancer in 2019. Clearly made with love, these bottles also are made with practicality. The resealable twist corks make this a solid sip for any get together. 

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Seedlip Seedlip Trio

Seedlip Trio

Seedlip’s drinks are plant-based liquor substitutes that honestly look better than any alcoholic drink making it a great option for remaining sober at your party. 

Aleworks Aleworks Drake Tail India Pale Ale

Aleworks Drake Tail India Pale Ale
Credit: Alewerks

Any summer barbecue isn’t complete without a good IPA like Alewerks' Drake Tail India Pale Ale. It’s smoother than your typical IPA with a citrus note reminiscent of summertime in Williamsburg, VA (where it’s brewed). 

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RUMOR RUMOR Rosé

RUMOR Rosé
Credit: RUMOR

RUMOR was started by friends who were longing for a wine they could call their own. Made in the France's Provence Region, the wine has a worldly and refreshing taste for any sunny day. 

Stella Artois Stella Artois Solstice Lager

Stella Artois Solstice Lager
Credit: Stella Artois

If you’re a Stella fan, their Solstice Lager is a must-try for the summer. With a citrus twang, it’s super smooth and a bit sweet. Inspired by the longest day of the year, the Summer Solstice beer is meant for getting outside and enjoying the sun.

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Malibu Malibu Watermelon Rum

Malibu Watermelon Rum
Now 71% Off
Credit: Malibu

It was only a matter of time before rum staple Malibu created a special concoction with watermelon. This is the perfect ingredient for a mojito, or you can simply add some seltzer and enjoy!

Ramona Ramona Ruby Grapefruit Wine Spritz

Ramona Ruby Grapefruit Wine Spritz
Credit: Ramona

If you’re looking for the next cool wine to drink this summer, Ramona is it. Not only is it just plain cool, it’s also gluten-free, organic, all natural and vegan. This ruby grapefruit wine spritz is meant to be consumed out of the can, so save your wine glasses for another occasion. 

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Usual Wines Usual Wines Brut

Usual Wines Brut
Credit: Usual Wines

Usual Wines are made exclusively in small batches without additives and sustainably farmed grapes. The bottle is as likable as the taste—you will want a second. Trust.

Cutwater Cutwater Tequila Margarita

Cutwater Tequila Margarita
Now 29% Off
Credit: Cutwater

Cutwater's Tequila Margarita (which has a 12.5 percent ABV) is made with lime, pure cane sugar, and notes of citrus making it dangerously delicious. 

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Michelob Ultra Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer

Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer
Credit: Michelob Ultra

It’s no secret that hard seltzers are bursting onto the scene. It’s all about the flavor selection for Michelob Ultra’s Organic Seltzer with their Mango Apricot, Mixed Berry and Citrus. There are only 90 calories and two grams of carbs per can.

La Croix La Croix Sparkling Water

La Croix Sparkling Water
Now 17% Off
Credit: La Croix

For those looking for a nice sparkling water, La Croix should be a barbecue staple this summer. You can’t go wrong with any of their flavors (we love the Guava São Paulo) as they’re subtle and not overwhelming or artificial. 

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Estrella Jalisco Estrella Jalisco Tropical Chamoy Michelada

Estrella Jalisco Tropical Chamoy Michelada
Credit: Estrella Jalisco

At only three-and-a-half percent ABV, this Mexican beer is the first ready-to-drink beverage to use chamoy in the United States. It screams tropical at first sip with a blend of clamato and pineapple. 

Chateau Ste. Michelle Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon

Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon
Credit: Chateau Ste. Michelle

Chateau Ste. Michelle's cabernet sauvignon is made at their winery outside of Seattle, WA, and it is a red wine that packs a punch. It's great to pair with anything from an Italian pasta dish to beef. 

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Dogfish Head Seaquench Ale

Dogfish Head Seaquench Ale
Credit: Dogfish Head

Brewed in Delaware, this summer drink is made with black limes, sea salt, and sour lime juice— basically, it's tart. If there was a love letter to perfect days on the beach in a can, this is it. 

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