Find a theme

Choosing a theme takes the pressure off hosting and gives the whole event a focus. You could go full Mediterranean with lots of charred veg and flatbreads on the barbecue, with delicious Fever-Tree Sparkling Sicilian Lemonade or Mediterranean Tonic Water to drink. Or lean into American-style low-and-slow ribs with lots of slaw - this would be perfect with sparkling Fever-Tree Ginger Beer. You can serve any of these drinks in jugs for ease, or dress them up in a cocktail. Pick a colour palette that ties into the theme and makes the table feel considered without much effort. Don’t worry about things being matchy-matchy; find a colourful tablecloth, borrow chairs from the neighbours, and make napkins out of vintage material.

Give the people what they want

I always serve a drink with a little snack as soon as guests arrive, like a gilda (a one-bite Spanish pintxo of pickled Guindilla pepper, anchovy and a green olive) or a really good sourdough loaf with olive oil for dipping. 

For welcome cocktails, anything citrus-forward is a winner. A Paloma made with mezcal and Fever-Tree Pink Grapefruit Soda is a summer favourite of mine (and all year round, to be honest). Smoky mezcal fits right in with a barbecue, and the bitter-sweet sparkling grapefruit is so refreshing after cooking over hot coals. I finish the glass with a salt rim, which works just as well for the non-alcoholic version. Fever-Tree Sparkling Mexican Lime Soda is a refreshing thirst-quencher between mouthfuls, the zingy Tahitian lime and Japanese yuzu hold their own against bold barbecue flavours, especially dressed up with a slice of frozen lime. Guests who fancy a punchier concoction can add a shot of tequila to fashion a refreshing margarita spritz.

Help-yourself cocktails

I always have a separate drinks table so guests make their own, and leave me to do other things! I’ll have large bottles of versatile sodas, ginger beer and tonics as a base, with lots of ice, fresh fruit and quality spirits so people can easily mix a cocktail or have a dressed up mixer straight up – whatever they fancy.

For a barbecue, I always come back to a really good G&T or a spritz. Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic is brilliant with a floral gin and sprig of rosemary or slice of grapefruit, and it cuts through rich food in the best way. I often alternate soft and alcoholic drinks if I’m hosting; Med tonic with lots of ice tastes pretty close to a G&T anyway! For a bit of a kick, I love the new Fever-Tree Blood Orange Ginger Beer; its colour is gorgeous from the ruby red Italian citrus, and it’s a great match for anything charred on the grill.

Prep ahead

On the day, I want as little to do as possible; I prefer sipping Pink Grapefruit Soda and catching up with friends. Prepping the day before makes everything easier; marinades go on, sauces get made and slaw sit happily overnight in the fridge. I set the table early (I’ll get my kids to help!) and put bottles of tonic, soda and soft drinks on ice. I usually make a simple running order of what and when ingredients go on the barbecue, so I'm not figuring it all out while everyone's hungry.

Sharing is caring

On the grill, you can't go wrong with a butterflied leg of lamb marinated in garlic, rosemary and lemon. Halloumi and courgette skewers with chilli honey drizzle are a brilliant vegetarian dish, or corn in their leaves with miso butter. I make drinks to share too, like a generous pitcher of sparkling Fever-Tree Raspberry Lemonade to keep everyone hydrated.

You’re not alone

People genuinely want to help, so don’t be afraid to ask friends to get stuck in. They can top up drinks or load the dishwasher. It’s easy to designate small tasks from the start; ask someone to bring a dessert that matches your theme, and have friends on “plate-running” duty when food comes off the grill. It’s more relaxed and means you're not doing everything.

Don’t forget the sides

I prefer big sharing platters rather than a fussy three-course meal. But don't skimp on the sides; that's where the real magic is. Make heaped bowls of sharing sides like roasted summer tomatoes with chickpeas or potato salad with loads of anchovies. They can be really simple. And always condiments: every barbecue needs a good chimichurri, a smoky aioli, or chilli oil. Otherwise, I’ll chargrill lemon halves and squeeze them over everything as a quick dressing.

Have fun!

Your guests have come to see you, so the main thing is to have fun and make them feel welcome. Put your favourite playlist on, wear something comfortable that brings you joy, and take time to be present at your party too.

Enjoy a range of delicious drinks and sip into summer at fever-tree.com