Beef and Corn on a Charcoal BBQ grill (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As the hot summer temperatures continue to climb, so should the heat of your grill! Summer is the season to gather outdoors with family and friends and cook up a mean meal on the barbeque. But don’t sweat it: serving up mouth-watering food and sweet summer beverages is easy if you follow these tips to having the perfect summer cookout!

The BBQ

What kind of barbecue are you working with: gas or charcoal? Gas barbecues are much more convenient if you are in a time crunch and just want to flick a switch for high heat. However, you will miss out on the smoky flavor of the charcoal. You can even go for a “Green” barbecue and buy ethically sourced charcoal, since 40% of charcoal we use is linked to deforestation in the tropics.

The Entertainment

Sure, your guests can keep themselves entertained with casual conversation and chasing around kids, but it wouldn't hurt to set up some backyard fun! Corn hole, horseshoes and badminton are all classic summer games that will keep everyone smiling and amused while the grill heats up. You can also create the perfect playlist with your favorite summer tunes that will provide a pretty background melody for your party.

The Flavor

Bring the flavor to your meats by marinating them overnight; this allows the taste to permeate the meat. (Don’t use the leftover marinade for dipping! It has touched raw meat; make a little extra on the side to use for this). Add fresh herbs to your meat for even more zest – you can also add herbs to the coals, too, for flavor and a beautiful aroma.

The Carnivores

Burgers and hot dogs are classic for grilling and always a favorite. But don’t stop there! There are plenty of meats that taste wonderful when grilled and your guests will be pleased (and impressed) by the variety you have to offer. Some great grilling meats include sausages, chicken breasts, wings and thighs, ribs, steaks, and of course, kebabs!

The Vegetarians

Don’t leave your veggie friends to linger by the side salads and chips; there are plenty of easy, veggie options to grill! Halloumi cheese is delicious and doesn't melt when heated, so throw some on kebabs with peppers and onions. Another delectable meat substitute is grilled sweet corn in its husk. It takes about 20-30 minutes to cook but is well work the wait! These meat alternatives are so scrumptious, you may find your meat-lover friends digging in, too!

The Drinks

Make it a memorable barbecue with more than just beer! Try making some fresh lemonade or serving some sangria – a summer favorite! Juice boxes are great to have chilled for the little ones and be sure to have plenty of water on hand so that everyone stays hydrated.

With these tips, you are on your way to having the perfect summer barbecue! But when the sun goes down, don’t let the party stop. Here are some tips on how to light up your backyard to keep your fun summer party going all night!