Summer pool party entertaining made simple with over a dozen easy-to-make paleo friendly drinks with recipes and resources for cocktails, mocktails and more
Summer is the perfect time of year to host a party. And when the sun is blazing hot and there’s nothing else to do, everyone wants to head on out to the pool! Whether it’s for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, a birthday, a family reunion, or for absolutely no reason at all, you can make your party a sizzling success by having the best paleo friendly summer cocktails or mocktails. Here are a dozen of the best summer beverages sure to impress your guests this summer season, from non-alcoholic drinks and fruit-infused water, to adult mixed drinks that you can make in party sized quantities.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Non-Alcoholic beverages are always a must when you’re out in the sun. You need to make sure you and your friends and family stay hydrated. Not everyone wants to, or can, drink. Make these for your younger guests, your pregnant girlfriends, and for the teetotaller or designated driver. Lemonade or Limeade, Agua Fresca, and Iced Tea are always popular drinks to have on hand. Fruit-infused water looks festive, and is very easy to make. Invest in a large beverage dispenser or two to store and serve your drinks from.
Watermelon Mint Lemonade
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Fruity Lemonade
Watermelon Lime Mint Agua Fresca
Basil Ginger Tea
Strawberry Mint Limeade Spritzer
Strawberry Cucumber Kombucha
Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Drink
Fruit-Infused Water
Fruit-infused water combines the health benefits and taste of fruits, herbs and vegetables with water. Also known as vitamin water, fruit-infused water allows you to replace sodas, juice and other sugary beverages with healthy drinks that are just as delicious. If not more so!
Alcoholic or Adult Drinks
The perfect Paleo drink according to Robb Wolf is a NorCal Margarita. If that’s not quite your style, and you’re tired of drinking wine and looking for something different, here are a few adult beverages worth trying out at your next party. Don’t forget, if you’re going to drink alcohol this summer, avoid the inevitable blood sugar spike and make yourself a little bit more insulin sensitive by mixing in some lime or lemon.
For 20 Paleo-Friendly alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink recipes and over 100 delicious appetizers, small plates, pub grub, and dessert recipes for your next party, grab a copy of Kelly Milton’s book, Paleo Happy Hour: Appetizers, Small Plates & Drinks.
Apple Cider Sangria
Paleo Strawberry Daiquiri
Paleo Sangria
Paleo Rock Hard Berry Lemonade
Want more alcoholic beverages that are paleo friendly?
These beautiful, and very easy-to-make teasers are from the newly released ebook, Summer Eats by Mary, The Paleo Chef
Step 1: grab a copy of Summer Eats while it’s on sale this weekend. Get yours here
Step 2: put the kids to bed early
Step 3: grab a bottle of tequila, lots of watermelon, and a large pitcher–because you’ll not just be making this by the glass!
Two great ideas for serving your summer party beverages:
The Georgia Peach Mason Jar Beverage Dispenser is a beautiful idea for poolside summer drinks and parties! It is large enough to hold 2 gallons of your favorite beverage.
Learn how to make your own Watermelon Cocktail Keg for your next summer gathering! Just fill it with your favorite party beverage, cocktail or fruit punch.
Here’s a list of Gluten-Free Vodka Brands:
Chopin (potato based)
Ciroc (grape based)
Blue Ice (potato) (blue bottle)
Bombora vodka (grape-based) from Australia
Cold River vodka (potato) made in Maine and comes in two flavors: plain and blueberry
DiVine vodka (grapes) from southwest Michigan
Glacier vodka (Idaho potatoes)
Luksusowa vodka (potato) Polish
Vikingfjord vodka (potato) Norway
I’d avoid Smirnoff vodka & Tito’s handmade vodka, as both are made from corn (GMO???)
Resources on alcohol and its role in your Primal/paleo diet:
Check out this infographic for more paleo drink ideas:
A Nerd’s Guide to Healthy Drinking – Nerd Fitness
Top 10 Paleo Party Rules – Mark’s Daily Apple
Choose Your Booze: A Guide to Healthy Drinking – Mark’s Daily Apple
Alcohol: The Good and the Bad – Mark’s Daily Apple
Hangover Hacks You Can Hang Your Hat On – Mark’s Daily Apple
Paleo Drinking Cheat Sheet – Paleo Girl’s Kitchen
Drinking while on the paleo diet – Robb Wolf [Video]