You're not drinking. You're hosting a barbecue. And somewhere, your mate is already asking “so what are WE drinking then?” with the face of a man who's been told the pub is shut.
Relax. You're in charge. Here's how to throw a great one without a drop of alcohol in your hand.
You're the host, not the drinks police
You don't have to make it an alcohol-free barbecue. If guests want to bring their own, let them. You're running a party, not a rehab retreat.
Your job is to make sure there's something great for everyone. Including you.
Make the alcohol-free stuff the star
Don't hide it in the corner like a sad salad. Put it front and centre, ice cold, in the good glasses.
A bucket of ice with Forgot To Take My Pils, Brulo Five Fruit and Noughty Sparkling Rosé looks like a party. Guests will try them. Several will be quietly furious at how good they are.
Make a jug
A big jug makes everyone feel looked after. Ice, sliced citrus, mint, and a couple of Savyll Moscow Mules. Instant summer punch. Call it “Kev's Punch” if you like. Everyone else does. (They don't. But they could.)
Keep yourself busy
The host's secret weapon is the barbecue tongs. Flipping burgers, chatting, topping up drinks. You won't have time to miss a beer. You'll barely have time to eat.
Keep your own drink close and cold. A can in a cooler sleeve. Nobody's checking the label.
The runner will arrive late
There's always one. The mate who stopped drinking and took up running. He'll turn up at 4pm because of his five-hour run, smelling of Deep Heat, and ask if there's any quinoa. Swapped hangovers for hamstrings. Still out the game. Give him a burger anyway.
Plan the timings
Order a few days before. Orders ship in 2 to 3 working days. Chill everything the night before. Nobody remembers the food if the drinks are warm.
Win the morning
Everyone else wakes up fuzzy. You're up early, eating leftover sausages in the garden with a coffee, feeling like an absolute legend. Like Rocky at the top of the steps. But with a sausage.
The deal bit
Mix any 6 drinks and save 5%, up to 15% for 24. More in our BBQ and garden guide.
The serious bit
Keep water flowing on hot days, make sure guests get home safely, and if you're worried about anyone's drinking, including your own, your GP is a great first call.
