The sun's out. The coals are going. Someone's already asked if you've got any ice, and your neighbour is pretending he can't smell the sausages.
Time to sort the cool box. Here's what to put in it so there's something for everyone, and nobody's stuck with a warm can of something nobody likes.
The crowd-pleasing lager
Start with a crisp lager. It's what most people reach for first, usually while saying “just the one”.
Below Brew Forgot To Take My Pils is a hoppy keller pilsner, citrusy and biscuity. Fierce Beer 1983 is a golden lager, cold-conditioned for a crisp finish. Get a few of each.
The light one
Athletic Upside Dawn is a clean golden ale at 45 calories, gluten free and vegan. Perfect for the guest who quit booze and took up running. He'll arrive late because of his five-hour run, eat one halloumi skewer, then leave early for another one. Still out the game.
The fruity one
Brulo Five Fruit has mango, passionfruit, guava, apricot, orange and a pinch of sea salt. Tart, juicy and dangerously refreshing. Like a fruit cocktail that grew up and got a mortgage.
The hoppy one
For the IPA crowd, Williams Bros Joker AF: mango, pineapple, citrus and pine. Gluten free (tested under 20ppm) and vegan.
The pink one
A barbecue without rosé is just a cookout with ideas above its station. Noughty Sparkling Rosé is organic, 0.0% and lovely served really cold.
The ready-made cocktail
For people who don't do beer, chuck in a few Savyll Moscow Mules. Ginger, mint and real lime. Pour over ice and look like you planned this.
Cool box science
A cool box keeps cold drinks cold. It does not make warm drinks cold. It's a box, not a miracle. Chill everything the night before.
Ice in first, drinks on top, more ice on top of that. Keep it in the shade. Not next to the barbecue. You'd think that's obvious. You'd be surprised.
Plan for two or three drinks per person for an afternoon. Then add a few. There's always a cousin you forgot to count.
The deal bit
Mix any 6 drinks and get 5% off, 12 for 10%, 24 for 15%. Build a beer box and fill the cool box properly. More in our BBQ and garden guide.
The serious bit
Every drink shows its exact ABV. Hot days and drinks of any kind can be dehydrating, so keep the water flowing too. And order a few days ahead, as orders ship in 2 to 3 working days.
