Summer’s not over, and we’re not out of great summer cookout ideas. School might be starting again, but the weather is still hot, and there are good times ahead in your outdoor living space. But instead of just having some hamburgers on the deck and calling it a day, do something different to shake things up. Here are some of our best ideas for your summer cookout.
Food Is the Focus
What’s better than some great summer food shared with friends and family in the great outdoors? We love to gather on the deck or in the backyard and enjoy the bounties of the garden or some delicious delicacies from the smoker. If you’re looking for something different than the typical potato and pasta salad sides, consider changing things up with a delicious Caprese salad with tomatoes fresh from your garden or the local farmer’s market. It’s also the best time of year to commit to getting better at cooking on the smoker. One of our favorites is a good brisket. It takes time and commitment, but the rave reviews you’ll get will be worth it.
Don’t Forget the Drinks
Whether you’ve gathered your grown-up friends for some quality time on the patio or you’re having a gaggle of kids over for a family BBQ, drinks are a priority. It’s hot out, and everyone gets thirsty. Don’t settle for water or the old lemonade standby. Try something new! A big hit this summer is the watermelon margarita. It’s cold and refreshing with just the right amount of sweetness. Leave out the alcohol and add some bubbly soda and you can give the kids or the non-drinkers a taste too. It’s also a good time to try out some craft beers you want to sample. A good liquor store might sell a mix-up of bottles in customized six-packs to share with your friends and family. If you’re hosting a party for the kids, try a homemade strawberry lemonade. It’s a real crowd pleaser!
Games Galore!
Summertime is game time, especially if you can play them outside. Corn hole is always a fun way to have a little friendly competition, and everyone can play. Looking for a puzzling challenge? Try a jumbo Jenga set you can put on the deck or a table on the lawn. If you want a game that’s fun and also cools you down, you could set up a slip ‘n slide on the lawn or throw down with a game of water balloon dodge ball.
Summertime is the best time to get outdoors, spend time with your friends and family, and have a cookout with food, drinks, and games. If you feel like your outdoor living space isn’t what you’d hoped for your gatherings, we can help. Contact the residential outdoor living experts at Wahoo Decks. We’ll get you on track for a deck you’ll love and use, year-round.