Delicious Summer Cookout Menu

It’s time to fire up the grill! This menu has something for everyone, a beach burger with a twist, four creative spins on the classic hotdog, baked beans with a secret ingredient, colorful slaw, and a bevvy of icy, boozy blended cocktails that pair perfectly with the spread.

First up, the Beach BBQ Burger features two kinds of meat (sirloin and ground chuck) for a moist and mouthwatering patty. The BBQ sauce combines jalapeno, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and barbecue sauce for a tangy topper. A slice of grilled pineapple gives the burger a hint of sweetness and tropical flair.

• Recipe: Beach BBQ Burger

Celebrate the taste of the states with hot dogs that celebrate local food traditions. Grill up hot dogs, and let guests choose their own adventure by displaying toppings grouped by region.

The Texas Dog
A quick, homemade salsa fresca, queso fresco, and crumbled corn chips top the Texas dog for a fresh, crunchy treat.

The Chicago Dog
Mustard, pepperoncini peppers, tomato slices, pickle spears, and a sprinkle of celery salt top these Windy City dogs.

The California Dog
This recipe calls for whipping up an herby mayonnaise, with fresh basil, lemon zest, and garlic. Spread the mayo on a hot dog bun, add a dog, and top with a mixture of chopped avocado, quartered cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper.

The Southern Dog
Pimento cheese on a hot dog is nothing short of genius. Allowing pickled jalapeños to sit in sugar overnight tames the peppers' heat, while intensifying their sweetness. This spiciness is the perfect contrast to the rich pimento cheese. 

Root beer's spicy flavor goes perfectly with baked beans, while also adding a caramel-like sweetness. Slices of thick-cut smoked bacon and jalapeno chiles add a hearty kick to this crowd-pleasing dish. The recipe calls for three different types of beans for a protein-packed side that's sure to be a favorite at your next cookout or barbecue. 

• Recipe: Root Beer Baked Beans

Add a colorful crunch to your cookout spread with this crisp cole slaw, made with a mix of thinly sliced green cabbage, matchstick carrots, and red and yellow bell pepper. The slaw base is dressed with a lime juice, cumin, coriander, and red pepper vinaigrette. Chill for one hour, and just before serving, stir in cilantro and top with roasted salted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for extra crunch. It’s the perfect sidekick to grilled burgers and hot dogs.

• Recipe: Confetti Slaw

Looking for a way to celebrate summer’s berry crop? This  luscious pie will do the trick (and make chocolate lovers happy, too). With a crust made of chocolate wafer cookies and a filling of vanilla cream, the pie really comes to life with its topping of red currant jelly-brushed berries. The red currant jelly adds a pretty sheen and a touch of tartness to the ripe berries.

• Recipe: Mixed Berry Cream Pie with Double Chocolate Crust

When the temperature spikes, it’s time to bring out the blender and whip up one of our favorite frozen cocktails. In this rainbow of boozy libations, there’s something for everyone.

• Frozen Blueberry Lemonade
• Fiery Mango Margarita
• Piña Colada Milkshake
• Tropical Sherbet Frosty
• Grilled Watermelon Daiquiri