The Best Drinks to Serve at a Memorial Day Picnic or Barbeque

Memorial Day is the time to honor all the brave men and women who have fought and paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Many people visit memorials or cemeteries and fly flags at half mast. In addition to remember our brave soldiers, Memorial Day is also a time for family gatherings and picnics. If your Memorial Day activities include an indoor gathering or outdoor barbeque, impress your guests with these all American drinks.

Stars and Stripes

You'll wow your Memorial Day guests with the colorful layers of this patriotic drink.

1 shot of Grenadine
1 shot of Blue CuraÁao
1 shot of Light Cream

Build the layers in a short cocktail glass. (Hint: pour the liquid over the back of a spoon as you add them to the glass to help layer.) Serve and enjoy.

Apple Pie

Nothing says "America" like apple pie! The perfect compliment to any Memorial Day spread.

1 shot of Apple Liqueur
1 shot of Licor 43
½ cup of Milk

Add liquor, milk, and ice to a cocktail shaker. Cover, shake well, then strain into a cocktail glass. For a little extra kick, add a dash of cinnamon on top.

California Wine Cooler

A true summer classic. Guests at your Memorial Day picnic will enjoy this simple refreshment with any dish.

Red or White Wine
Seltzer, 7UP, or Sprite
Grenadine

In a tall cocktail glass filled with ice, pour half full with wine, then top with soda and a dash of grenadine. Stir lightly and enjoy!

BONUS TIP: If you are catering to a large crowd, mix up batch of California Wine Coolers in a punch bowl. This will free up your time to grill or mingle with your guests. Fill the punch bowl half full of wine, then fill the other half with Seltzer (or 7up or Sprite.) Add a ½ cup of Grenadine and stir. Garnish the top with orange slices for an eye-catching display.

57 Chevy Ride

Another drink inspired by an American classic. Your Memorial Day gathering will zoom along as you delight your guests taste buds.

1 shot of Southern Comfort
1 shot of Gin
1/3 cup of Orange Juice
1/3 cup of Pineapple Juice
Dash of Grenadine

Add liquor, juice, and ice to a cocktail shaker. Cover, shake well, then strain into a tall cocktail glass filled with ice.

Alaska Ice Tea

Named after our 49^th state is a wonderfully cool treat, just right for a Memorial Day barbeque.

½ Shot of Gin
½ Shot of Vodka
½ Shot of White Rum
½ Shot of Cointreau
½ Shot of Blue CuraÁao
7UP or Sprite

In a tall cocktail glass half filled with ice, layer each shot in order listed. Top off with soda and enjoy!

BONUS TIP: If you want to give any of the above drinks some extra American-pizzazz, decorate with a slice of carambole star fruit and a maraschino cherry speared by an American flag toothpick (available at party supply stores.)