Does the summertime heatwave have you in constant party mode? Or are you just ready to kick back outdoors with the crew after a crazy work week? We’ve all been there, we know how you feel, and we know exactly what you need…the perfect poolside BBQ.
So, let’s go! Round up your pack, get your playlist bumpin’, set up the volleyball net, pack the cooler, slap on the sunscreen, light the Tiki torches, and fire up the grill. We’re gonna show you how to do it the Cool Cat way.
The Drinks
Yeah, yeah, we know everyone will need to eat at some point, we can all agree that a poolside BBQ isn’t a BBQ without the right drinks. Make sure your cooler is packed with all of Cool Cat’s four flavors: Elderflower Mint Lime, Citrus, Grapefruit, and Berry. (Oh yeah, and don’t forget ice…plenty of it).
Your friends will most likely show up with the usual case of this or a bottle of that. But let’s face it, we don’t just want the usual. Take that bottle of wine or vodka and mix it with any of the four Cool Cat flavors for a perfect summer refresher that is clean, crisp, and anything but ordinary.
Here are some simple recipes that will definitely kick things up a notch:
Citrus Summer
1.5 oz Citrus Vodka or Gin
1 oz Orange Juice
1 oz Cranberry Juice or Pomegranate Juice
2 oz Cool Cat Citrus
Cool Cat Mojito
Muddle Mint & Lime
1 oz Lime Juice
.75 oz Simple Syrup or Agave Syrup
4 oz Cool Cat Elderflower
Cool Cat Mule
Muddle Fresh Ginger, Mint, Lime
2 oz Vodka, Gin or Mezcal
4 oz Cool Cat Elderflower
American Spritz
1.5 oz Aperol
3 oz Cool Cat Grapefruit
4 oz Cool Cat Elderflower
Orange Wedge Garnish
Rocks/Wine Glass
Simple. Clean. Refreshing. People will forget that beer was even invited to the party.
The Food
The last thing you want to do at your own BBQ is stress over it. Here are some quick tips on how to stay chill at the grill:
1. Make sure you have enough propane or charcoal. We’ve all been guilty of this at one point, right? Don’t be that person who has to run to the gas station mid BBQ.
2. Make sure the grill is clean - No one wants to taste yesterday's dinner on tonight's hot dogs.
3. Don’t put cold meats and poultry on the grill. Let them first sit on the counter for 30 minutes so they cook more evenly.
4. Keep the food in its place. If the food is stuck to the grill, let it cook longer. It will unstick itself when it’s ready to be flipped. While you wait, grab a Cool Cat.
5. Don’t flatten the meats. We get it. That noisy burst of sizzling smoke and flame is impressive, you big showoff. But guess what? All you’re doing is squeezing the juice and flavor out of the food. Nothing cool about that.
6. Let the food rest. When the burgers, dogs, and chicken are finished, let them sit for up to 15 minutes, unsliced, so the juice can redistribute. May we recommend cracking open another Cool Cat while you wait?
7. Keep it simple. Managing cook times for several different proteins is a major hassle. Three is enough. Try to spice up the menu with some interesting side dishes or condiments. Grilled asparagus and bell peppers with olive oil? Grilled pineapple with an agave glaze? Yes, please!
Spice Up the Set-Up
1. Lights - Some simple string lights on the deck and Tiki torches in the yard will ensure that darkness doesn’t put a damper on the day.
2. Floating balloons and disco balls - Who said balloons are just for birthdays? And we dare you to find one person who doesn’t love a disco ball. Your pool will never look sexier.
3. Seating - Make sure there are enough chairs for people to take a load off, eat, drink, or mingle.
4. Throw blankets and pillows - For a more intimate touch, strategically place throw blankets and pillows near trees or in quieter areas. Some of your guests might want to get to know each other better, away from all the noise.
5. Bug spray - No explanation needed.
The Music
Make sure to mix it up with some newer and older tunes and some remixes of crowd faves. Whether you’re sitting on the deck, splashing around in the pool, or laughing around the fire pit, one of these killer Cool Cat summer mixes is guaranteed to create the perfect vibe. Just hit play and let the music take control.
The Backyard Fun
At any Cool Cat event, fun is a given, but make sure you have some activities for the crew so the chat doesn’t turn to pandemics or gas prices.
1. Volleyball net - There will always be one person who gets the game going. Admit it - even if you suck, you’ll try hitting that ball over the net (or the fence).
2. Pool floaties - They’re Instagrammable. They’re Tik-Tokable. Instant hit.
3. Fire pit and S’mores - Nothing is more chill than a perfect fire as the sun begins to set. And whether you’re 14 or 35, who doesn’t love S’mores?
We think you’re well-equipped to have a perfect poolside BBQ. Most importantly, relax, have fun, and cool off. You set the tone, and everyone will follow. It’s time to BBQ like a Cool Cat. Actually, it’s time to party like a Coot Cat. We’ve got you covered.
