Refreshing Cookout Drink Menu Options Unveiled
The summer is heating up, and so is the excitement for Cookout’s drink menu! Perfect for any summer gathering, from relaxed backyard BBQs to big cookout parties. Cookout is a beloved brand with over 319 locations in ten states, ready to soothe your thirst with both new and beloved drinks.
Cookout is expanding rapidly and now boasts more than 13,000 employees. They’re all about bringing you the best summer drinks. They offer more than 40 milkshake flavors at their Atlanta stores. Plus, the menu is designed to perfectly match their famous Cook Out Tray, with a burger and various sides.
They introduce seasonal milkshake flavors to keep things exciting. Their aim? To do more than just satisfy your thirst. They want to make every backyard BBQ better with their drinks.
The Allure of Refreshing Summer Beverages
Summer means fun, sun, and yummy cocktails. When it gets hot, drinking plenty of summer beverages is key. Whether you’re by the pool or at a cookout, the right drink makes everything better.
Importance of Keeping Cool
Staying cool in summer is not just nice, it’s needed for your health. Favorites like lemonade, iced tea, and fruit punches keep you cool and hydrated. They’re tasty, refreshing, and perfect for any summer party. Drinking enough helps you enjoy the outdoors without overheating.
Popular Choices for Summer Drinks
There are many summer drinks to choose from, something for everyone. Below are some popular picks:
| Drink | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cookout Sweet Tea | Classic Southern-style sweet tea perfect for a summer day | $1.99 |
| Milkshake | Available in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and more | $2.99 |
| Domestic Beer | Chilled beer, great for a cookout relaxation | $3.99 |
| Margarita | Limeade and tequila cocktail for refreshment | $5.99 |
Don’t forget cocktails like the Cucumber-Honeydew Cooler or colorful sangrias. They’re cool, flavorful, and perfect for any event. Using seasonal fruits like peaches adds to their taste.
To make your guests happy and hydrated, prepare these easy drinks. Many recipes can be made in big batches. Choose drinks like Bloody Marys or Bourbon Ginger Ale Punch. This way, you mix less and enjoy more time with guests.
Classic Backyard BBQ Drinks
Drinks are as important as food at a BBQ. They suit everyone, from kids to grown-ups. These drinks match the taste of BBQ and keep us cool.
Essential Ingredients
Start by gathering the must-have ingredients. Include drinks like water, soda, iced tea, and lemonade for everyone. Add Agua Fresca, Firecracker Slushies, and Tangy Fruit Punch for variety. Choices like Watermelon Cherry Mojito are great for adults. Fresh fruits and a mix of liquor like rum make these drinks a hit.
Timeless Favorites
Lemonade and iced tea are always a hit. You can add mint or peach for extra flavor. Serve them with grilled foods for a perfect match. Make sure to have plenty for everyone.
| Drink Type | Examples | Popular Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Alcoholic | Agua Fresca, Pear Sunset, Tangy Fruit Punch | Fruits, Water, Sugar |
| Alcoholic | Watermelon Cherry Mojito, Red Eye Mojito | Rum, Vodka, Tequila, Fresh Fruits |
| Classic BBQ Drinks | Lemonade, Iced Tea | Lemons, Tea Leaves, Sugar |
Choose classic drinks or try new ones for your BBQ. Essential ingredients enhance the flavor and fun of your meal.
Innovative Outdoor Party Refreshments
Planning outdoor gatherings gets better with innovative drinks. These refreshments should look good and help guests stay cool. Explore some delightful cocktails and drinks that will impress your guests.
Starting with, seasonal fruits add freshness to cocktails. A Watermelon Mojito with muddled watermelon, mint, lime juice, and soda water is perfect. Or a Peach Bellini, with sparkling wine and peach puree, puts a nice twist on a classic.
Fusion drinks are also trending for outdoor parties. A Coconut-Lime Margarita combines traditional margarita ingredients with coconut and lime. This drink goes well with grilled foods like honey-soy marinated Grilled Pork Chops.
For non-alcoholic options, try infused water stations. Guests can enjoy flavors like cucumber, mint, and berries. Also, set up an iced tea bar. Offer peach-infused or hibiscus tea for guests to customize their drink.
Themed drinks and stylish presentations add to the occasion. Imagine a Tropical Punch in a carved pineapple or Berry Lemonade with fresh berries and citrus slices. These drinks are as appealing visually as they are tasty.
To make your outdoor party stand out, offer a range of exciting refreshments. Mixing innovative drinks, appealing visuals, and tasty cocktails creates a memorable experience. Your outdoor events will be the talk of the town.
| Drink | Ingredients | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watermelon Mojito | Watermelon, Mint, Lime, Soda Water | 120 kcal | $4.00 |
| Peach Bellini | Peach Puree, Sparkling Wine | 150 kcal | $5.50 |
| Coconut-Lime Margarita | Coconut Cream, Lime Juice, Tequila | 210 kcal | $6.00 |
| Berry Lemonade | Berries, Lemon Juice, Sugar, Water | 140 kcal | $3.00 |
| Tropical Punch | Pineapple, Orange Juice, Mango | 180 kcal | $4.75 |
Beverage Pairings for a Complete Grill and Chill Experience
A great cookout is more than just tasty BBQ. It’s also about choosing the right drinks. The perfect drink and BBQ pairings turn your outdoor party into an amazing food journey. Let’s dive into the top pairings and side dish choices to boost drink flavors.
Pairing Drinks with BBQ Main Courses
To pair drinks and BBQ like a pro, know the flavors of the dish. For Memphis-style BBQ, which slow-roasts for 12 to 24 hours, try a bourbon. It brings out the smoky and rich tastes because of its sweet, woodsy flavor. Carolina-style BBQ goes well with wheat beers. They cut through the vinegar-based sauce’s acidity. Meanwhile, Texas BBQ, like brisket, is great with a strong Zinfandel. It complements the spice rub while matching the flavor intensity.
Seafood BBQ shines with a tequila-based cocktail. It adds a zesty touch to shrimp and fish tacos. If you love grilled red meats, an amber ale is a hit with burgers and sausages, as 48% of grillers say. Plus, pale ales and IPAs are a favorite for 52% of BBQ lovers with spicy foods. They offer a crisp counter to the spice.
Suggested Sides to Enhance Drink Flavors
The right side dishes make your drinks stand out even more. Grilled fruits, loved by 27% of BBQ folks, are perfect with rum. They highlight the fruit’s sweetness and the rum’s smoothness. Lighter BBQ choices like chicken or seafood pair well with wheat beers. 36% of people love their mild and refreshing taste.
Pairing these chosen drinks with smart sides lifts the whole meal. Whether it’s a Kansas City BBQ with its sweet sauce or a light rosé with grilled veggies, matching drink and dish flavors is crucial. It turns a simple meal into an unforgettable event.
Remember, 66% of BBQ fans believe in matching food and drink intensities. It shows how important it is to think about both for a perfect grill and chill party.
Homemade Picnic Drink Ideas
Creating refreshing picnic drinks at home is fun and rewarding. With the right ingredients, you can make perfect outdoor beverages. Here are some easy and delightful picnic drink ideas that will please everyone.
Strawberry Lemonade is a quick and popular choice. It takes just 5 minutes to prepare. Mix sugar, water, lemon juice, and strawberries for a refreshing, tangy drink. Add mint or basil for a twist.
Homemade Ginger Beer is another great drink. You need about 10 minutes to prepare it. Mix ginger root, lemon juice, sugar, and water for a zesty flavor. Ferment it for a few days for extra fizz.
The Elderflower & Cucumber G&T is perfect for those who love herbal drinks. It’s made with elderflower cordial, cucumber slices, gin, and tonic water. It takes minutes to make. The floral notes and cucumber make it a perfect summer drink.
| Drink | Key Ingredients | Preparation Time |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberry Lemonade | Strawberries, Lemon Juice, Sugar, Water | 5 minutes |
| Homemade Ginger Beer | Ginger Root, Lemon Juice, Sugar, Water | 10 minutes |
| Elderflower & Cucumber G&T | Elderflower Cordial, Cucumber, Gin, Tonic Water | 5 minutes |
| Blueberry & Mint Iced Tea | Blueberries, Mint, Tea, Sugar | Advance Preparation |
| Peach Iced Tea | Peaches, Tea, Sugar, Lemon Juice | Advance Preparation |
Blueberry & Mint Iced Tea combines blueberries’ sweetness with mint’s coolness. Infuse these flavors overnight for a flavorful iced tea. It’s great for picnics.
Peach Iced Tea is a crowd-pleaser. Prepare it in advance with fresh peaches. Adding raspberries enhances the taste, making it a perfect picnic choice.
Unique Barbecue Party Cocktails
At your outdoor gathering, barbecue party cocktails can add a splash of fun and class. We offer special recipes and tips for outdoor drinks. This ensures your party is enjoyable and unforgettable.
Refreshing Cocktail Recipes
Find these outdoor cocktail recipes to wow your guests:
| Drink | Main Ingredients | Preparation Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Lemon Gin and Tonic | 2 oz. Suntory Roku Gin, 8 oz. tonic water | Grill lemon slices first to enhance flavor |
| Sunshine Smash | 2 oz. Michter’s Small Batch Sour Mash, 8 oz. tonic water | Garnish with fresh mint leaves |
| Bourbon Lemonade | 2 oz. Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup | Muddle mint leaves for extra freshness |
| Skinny Margarita | 2 oz. 1800 Silver Tequila, lime juice, agave nectar | Top with club soda for lightness |
| Peach Bellini | 1 ripe peach, 1 bottle Ruffino Prosecco | Blend peaches until smooth and mix with prosecco |
Tips for Serving Cocktails Outdoors
Drinks outdoors have unique challenges. But with careful planning, you can give everyone a great time:
- Temperature Control: Use a cooler with 10 lbs of ice to keep drinks cold. Plan for 2 lbs of ice per guest.
- Food Safety: In hot summer, keep food out for only two hours to avoid risk.
- Garnishes: Use fresh herbs like thyme and mint and fruits for better cocktail taste.
- Batch Preparation: Make cocktails in 2-3 batches and freeze them for a steady supply.
With these recipes and outdoor drink serving tips, your BBQ will be a hit. Enjoy favorites like Grilled Lemon Gin and Tonic and Peach Bellini. These cocktails will make your summer party stand out.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Every Occasion
Having a variety of non-alcoholic drinks at parties is key to making everyone feel welcome. These drinks are perfect for guests who don’t drink alcohol for personal reasons. Reasons might include pregnancy, health goals, or just wanting to avoid alcohol.
There are over 30 quick and easy non-alcoholic recipes to make. These drinks take about 10 minutes or less to prepare. This allows hosts to spend more time with their guests.
Fresh ingredients are crucial to these non-alcoholic drinks. They often use citrus juices (like lime, lemon, orange) and fruits (like peaches, strawberries, and blackberries). Sweet tea and lemonade are also popular choices in the non-alcoholic drink market.
For those hosting big parties, there are recipes that make large amounts. These pitcher-sized drinks are perfect for groups. They are great for events like barbecues or parties. “Mocktails,” which are non-alcoholic versions of cocktails, offer fancy and fun drink options.
About 30% of people choose non-alcoholic drinks at events. This shows the importance of including these drinks in your party planning. Drinks with flavors like mint, ginger, and berries are especially popular.
| Drink | Calories | Carbohydrates (g) | Sugars (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Margarita | 127 (2/3 cup) | 35 | 28 |
| Blackberry Shrub | 83 (2 tbsp) | 20 | 20 |
| Mock Champagne Punch | 58 (1/2 cup) | 14 | 14 |
| Cranberry Punch | 154 (1 cup) | 40 | 40 |
| Spiced Apple Tea | 48 (1 cup) | 12 | 10 |
| Pineapple Coconut Refresher | 78 (1 cup) | 19 | 16 |
| Sweet Tart Fizz | 91 (3/4 cup) | 23 | 21 |
| Alcohol-Free Mojito | 49 (per serving) | 13 | 13 |
| Shirley Temple | 173 (per serving) | 45 | 44 |
Non-alcoholic drinks make parties more inclusive and fun for everyone. By choosing the right ingredients and flavors, your next party will be unforgettable. Everyone will enjoy these tasty and refreshing drink options.
Exploring Hidden Gems on the Cookout Drink Menu
Cookout is known for its vast and inspiring drink menu. It stands out for its hidden gems, offering unique drinks. With over 40 milkshake flavors and many secret items, there’s a lot to discover.
Secret Menu Items
The secret menu at Cookout is full of unique finds. For example, the Apple Pie Shake and Pumpkin Spice Shake are perfect for fall.
The secret menu has five categories: main dishes, sides, shakes, drinks, and sauces. Here’s what you might find:
| Category | Secret Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Main Dishes | The Everything Burger | You can add toppings like pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, chili, onion rings, bacon, peanut butter, and various sauces. |
| Sides | Mexi Dog | Found at certain locations, it’s a hot dog with spicy toppings like jalapeño peppers. |
| Shakes | Peanut Butter & M&M Shake | This flavor combo isn’t found at every store. |
| Drinks | Cheesecake Extravaganza Milkshake | You can add this topping for an extra $1.99. |
| Sauces | Spicy Ranch | This special sauce adds a fiery kick to any dish. |
Exploring the secret menu at Cookout offers limitless customization. From the Peanut Butter Paradise Burger to the Firecracker Hot Dog, these special items turn Cookout into an adventure.
Customizing Your Drink for a Personal Touch
Modern dining lets you make your drink your own. You can choose what you like at places like CookOut or at home. You get to pick the drink size, type, and add flavors or mix-ins.
| Drink | Size | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Brewed Tea | Huge | $2.39 | 390 |
| Fresh Brewed Tea | Large | $2.19 | 260 |
| Coca Cola Beverages | Large | $2.39 | 0-240 |
| Coca Cola Beverages | Regular | $2.19 | 0-160 |
| Cheerwine | Large | $2.39 | 220 |
| Cheerwine | Regular | $2.19 | 150 |
| Dasani 20 oz. Bottled Water | $2.39 | 0 |
You can also personalize drinks with different flavors or toppings. For example, adding fruit to Dasani water makes it tastier and healthier.
CookOut’s big milkshake menu shows how fun drinks can be. You can pick from more than 40 flavors, even watermelon. Adding $1.60 lets you treat yourself to a special milkshake.
Knowing what’s in your drink helps you pick healthier options. A protein shake with 200 calories and 20g of protein is a good choice. It combines great taste and health benefits.
Customizing your drink can make eating out or parties more fun. Be creative and make the perfect drink for yourself!
Seasonal Beverage Options
Cookout offers an impressive selection of seasonal beverages. They cater to different taste preferences throughout the year. You’ll find special drinks for summer and options for spring and fall.
Summer Specials
In the summer, Cookout adds refreshing summer specials drinks to its menu. These popular choices include:
- Coca-Cola Float – A beloved classic at $2.39.
- Cheerwine Float – Another favorite, also priced at $2.39.
- Over 40 milkshake flavors, ranging in price from $2.79 to $2.99. Their calorie content varies between 510 and 900.
- The Fancy Milkshake, a true treat for milkshake lovers, selling for $3.99.
Spring and Fall Favorites
Cookout’s options go beyond summer, offering drinks for spring and fall too. These spring and fall drinks mix warm, comforting flavors with refreshing notes. They’re perfect for the changing seasons:
- Fresh Brewed Tea – Choose from sweetened or unsweetened. The large is $2.19 with 290 calories, and the huge is $2.39 with 390 calories.
- Homemade Lemonade – It’s zesty and perfect for spring’s warmer days.
- Pumpkin spice milkshakes bring cozy, fall vibes.
- Dasani bottled water, priced at $2.39, keeps you hydrated during fall’s unpredictable weather.
Choosing these seasonal beverages for your Cookout menu will make any meal memorable. They delight everyone who tries them.
Why the Cookout Drink Menu Stands Out
The Cookout drink menu grabs attention with its unique drinks that lift the dining experience. Founded in 1989 in Greensboro, North Carolina, Cookout has grown across the East Coast. Its standout drink selections have played a significant role in its popularity.
Cookout serves its customers until 4 AM, making it a favorite for the late-night crowd. Their drink menu offers both classic and new drinks. These drinks are perfect with popular items like the Cookout Tray.
Even with recent price shifts in the fast-food industry, Cookout’s prices remain affordable. The Cookout Tray’s price slightly increased from $4.99 to $6.99. This pricing strategy appeals to college students and families looking for quality dining without breaking the bank.
Cookout’s milkshakes have gained fame, available in many flavors and priced at about $3.99. Customers love these milkshakes, leading to high repeat business. You can make any drink a milkshake for an extra $1.99. Seasonal flavors, costing $4.49, keep the menu interesting.
The average meal at Cookout costs $7.10, offering both quality and quantity. Their menu includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options like milkshakes, drink floats, and lemonades. This variety meets customer needs at different times and seasons.
Cookout’s success is due to its mix of affordable prices and a wide beverage range. Whether you want a classic milkshake or something new, Cookout’s drink menu has something special for everyone.
Conclusion
Exploring Cookout’s drink menu is like going on a tasty journey. Every drink is perfect for outdoor parties or BBQs. From timeless favorites to new sips, Cookout makes every event special with its wide range of choices.
Cookout’s menu is both tasty and wallet-friendly. You can get a classic burger for $1.39 or a fancy milkshake for $3.99. Their Regular Cookout Tray, priced between $6.39 and $7.39, offers more for less compared to other places that charge $8.49.
With more than 40 milkshake flavors to choose from every day, Cookout is the go-to place for a fun meal. Their food and drinks are designed to perfectly match, enhancing the dining experience. This summary shows how Cookout is dedicated to making each meal a joy, with options that everyone can enjoy without spending too much.
FAQ
What are some popular drinks on a cookout drink menu?
Lemonades, iced teas, and fruit punches are popular at cookouts. Classic summer cocktails like margaritas and mojitos are also favorites. They are perfect for keeping guests refreshed during BBQs.
How can I keep my summer beverages cool during an outdoor party?
Use large tubs filled with ice or insulated pitchers to keep drinks cool. Coolers are great too. Pre-chill drinks and use ice packs to keep them cold longer.
What are some essential ingredients for classic backyard BBQ drinks?
Fresh fruits and herbs like mint and basil are essential. So are syrups, citrus juices, and spirits such as rum, vodka, or bourbon. They help make delicious BBQ drinks.
Can you suggest some innovative outdoor party refreshments?
Try infused water stations with fruits and herbs. Frozen cocktails and unique mocktails are also great. These ideas add a new twist to outdoor refreshments.
What are some homemade picnic drink ideas?
For picnics, try making fresh lemonade or fruit-infused water. Iced herbal teas and DIY soda are good too. These drinks are easy to make and very refreshing.
What are some tips for serving barbecue party cocktails outdoors?
Use shatterproof glasses for safety. Keep ingredients and garnishes cool. Set up a drink station for guests to easily access drinks. Have plenty of ice on hand and consider making cocktails in batches.
