This is one classic cocktail that is so easy to make you don’t even need a cocktail shaker for a Tom Collins.
Related: 40+ Cocktails to Make at Home, Classic Gimlet Cocktail, Mint Mojito, Gin & Tonic, Cosmopolitan, Hugo Spritz and Simple Syrup Recipe.
What is a Tom Collins?
If you’ve never had a Tom Collins before, it is essentially a spiked lemonade drink. It’s made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda or Sprite. I prefer the club soda version, but I won’t turn my nose up to the Sprite version. If you’re in the mood for a refreshing cocktail, this is a great one to try.
Want to try a variation? Try this:
- Vodka Collins – replace the gin with vodka, sometimes called a Joe Collins
- John Collins -replace the gin with bourbon
- Ron Collins – replace the gin with rum
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Tom Collins Ingredients
- Gin – any brand works, Old Tom Gin was traditionally used.
- Lemon Juice – fresh squeezed
- Simple Syrup – storebought or make your own simple syrup recipe.
- Club Soda – any brand like Topo Chico or Fever Tree, also sparkling water like LaCriox work too.
- Ice
- Lemon Slices For garnish
- Maraschino Cherry For garnish (we love using Luxardo brand)
How to Make a Tom Collins
Add gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to a Collins glass.
Add Ice, then top it off with club soda and stir until well mixed.
Garnish with slices of lemons and a marachino cherry.
Serve a Tom Collins cocktail in a Collins glass, also called a highball glass.
Substitutions and Notes
- Some recipes will use sugar cubes or granulated white sugar in place of simple syrup. While you can do this, simple syrup will mix best in a drink so it’s what we recommend here.
- Replace club soda with Sprite or 7Up for a sweeter cocktail.
- Place your glass is the freezer before mixing for an even more refreshing experience.
History of a Tom Collins Cocktail
Dating back to 1874 the Tom Collins recipe got its name when a group of friends began telling people in New York City bars that a man called “Tom Collins” was spreading lies. So many partons began searching for this mysterious Tom Collins that bartenders were inspired to name a drink after him.
The Tom Collins was first recorded by mixologist Jerry Thomas in 1882 in his book New and Improved Bartender’s Manual. Thomas is considered the father of modern mixology. The drink has been well known ever since.
More Gin Cocktails:
Tom Collins
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 6-7 ounces club soda
- 1 lemon wedge for garish
- 1 maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Add gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to a Collins glass.
- Add Ice, then top it off with club soda and stir until well mixed.
- Garnish with slices of lemons and a marachino cherry.
Notes
- Replace to gin with vodka to make a “Vodka Collins” cocktail.
- Replace the gin with whiskey to create a “John Collins” cocktail.
- Replace club soda with Sprite or 7Up for a sweeter cocktail.
- Place your glass is the freezer before mixing for an even more refreshing experience.
Nutrition
The roots of the Mojito can be traced back to Havana, Cuba, during the late 16th century. Originally known as “El Draque,” the drink was crafted by Francis Drake and his ship crew. Ernest Hemingway was famously a fan, ordering them at the Havana bar La Bodeguita del Medio.
More refreshing cocktails: Paloma, Tom Collins, Caipirinha, Margarita, French 75, Ranch Water, Mint Julep.
A mojito is a classic cocktail that is easy to make at home. It’s simple, sweet, and only requires 5 ingredients. This is the best at-home mojito recipe, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do.
Here’s a video on how to make a mojito in under one minute:
Best Mojito Ingredients:
- White Rum – This is the classic and most traditional choice. Pick a light rum such as Bacardi Silver Rum.
- Lime Juice – freshly squeezed by hand or use a press.
- Simple Syrup – You can make your own or buy a simple syrup. This will mix into the liquid drink better than granulated white sugar muddled in with the leaves, another option. And you can up the flavor with Mint Simple Syrup
- Club Soda -to top the drink with. You can use any sparkling (non-sweetened) water including ones flavored with lime.
- Fresh Mint Leaves – used for both muddling and garnish.
How to make a Mojito:
Prepare a glass by muddling (smashing lightly) the mint leaves at the bottom of the glass. This step releases fragrant minty oils. A few taps with a wood muddler (or the end of a wooden spoon) should do the job.
In a cocktail shaker, add the rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves.
Add ice and shake the cocktail, then strain into a tall glass such as a Collins or Highball glass filled with ice.
Top off the drink with the club soda.
Garnish with a mint sprig.
Different Types of Rum:
- White Rum: White rum allows the flavors of the mint and lime to shine through. It provides a clean and smooth base for a refreshing Mojito. This is also what is most commonly and traditionally used. So, if you had a great mojito on vacation and are trying to recreate it, more than likely white rum was used.
- Aged Rum: For a richer and more complex profile, consider using an aged rum. The notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice complement the mint and lime, resulting in a sophisticated Mojito experience. A few of my favorites are Ron Zacapa and Appleton. If I make a mojito I use either white rum or aged rum.
- Dark Rum: If you prefer a more intense flavor, dark rum can add depth to your Mojito. It offers a distinct molasses-like sweetness. There are many dark rums but one I use sometimes is Goslings. Note the darker the color of the rum the more it will color your drink, making the mojito a caramel or brown color.
Mint Varieties:
Mint plays a crucial role in the Mojito, providing a refreshing and aromatic profile. While spearmint is the traditional choice for crafting this cocktail, there are other varieties worth exploring to add unique flavor dimensions.
Here are a few popular types of mint to consider:
- Spearmint: This is the most commonly used mint for Mojitos. It offers a cool, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Peppermint: With a more intense and minty taste, peppermint can add an invigorating twist to your Mojito. This is also fun if you are making a mojito during the holiday (Christmas) season.
- Thai Mint: This mint has a vibrant green color with purple stems and leaves that are slightly elongated and pointed. Its aroma is reminiscent of anise and licorice, and has a bold flavor can be fun in a Mojito.
Mojito Variations:
More Rum Cocktails:
- Dark and Stormy Cocktail
- Best Pina Colada
- Blue Hawaiian
- Queen’s Park Swizzle
- How to Make a Daiquiri
- Rum Runner
- Rum & Coke
- Rum Punch
- Mai Tai
- Painkiller
- Jungle Bird
- Bahama Mama
- Fishbowl Cocktail
In the recipe below, you’ll see that muddling the mint leaves is an important step. If you don’t have a muddler, you can use a spoon or the end of a wooden spoon. Sometimes you will also see bartenders clap the mint between their hands. This is another technique to smash or muddle mint leaves.
The goal is to smash the mint leaves so they release their oils, as this enhances the flavor and aroma.
And, major bonus points if you use chipped or pebble ice. This really elevates any at-home drink. Sometimes, I will buy a bag from Sonic and keep it in my freezer—especially if I’m hosting a party. Cheers! xo. Emma
Best Mint Mojito Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ ounces rum white
- 1 ounce lime juice fresh
- 1 ounce simple syrup see recipe notes
- 8 mint leaves fresh
- club soda or sparkling water
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add the rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves.
- Muddle (smash) the mint leaves well.
- Add ice and shake the cocktail, then strain into a tall glass such as a Collins or Highball glass.
- Add ice and top off with the club soda.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
Notes
Nutrition
Related: Electric Lemonade, Pink Lemonade, Lemon Drop Shots, Lemon Drop Martini, Pink Lemonade Jello Shots, Arnold Palmer, Sweet Tea. And if you love strawberries you must try Strawberry Pretzel salad.
Ingredients
- Strawberries: You can defrost frozen strawberries for this recipe, but try using fresh berries when possible.
- Lemons: You’ll definitely want fresh lemons for your lemonade whenever possible. Use a lemon squeezer to make juicing easier.
- Sugar: The secret to the most evenly sweet flavor in your lemonade (with no grains of sugar sinking to the bottom of the pitcher) is dissolving the sugar into hot water before mixing in your lemon juice and strawberries. You can also buy a bottle of simple syrup at the store or easily make your own simple syrup to use instead.
- Water: Tap water will work fine for this but a purified or filtered water will give you a cleaner taste if you have that on hand.
Directions
Dissolve Sugar in Water: Boil 2 cups of your water on the stove, remove from heat and add in your sugar, stirring until dissolved. Allow to cool a bit.
Juice Lemons: Half your lemons widthwise with a knife and use a lemon squeezer or a juicer to extract the lemon juice.
Puree Strawberries: Remove the green hull from your strawberries and add to a food processor. Puree until smooth. You can strain your puree through a fine mesh sieve if you want to separate the seeds and pulp.
Mix Together: Add your sugar water to a pitcher and add the remaining 4 cups of chilled water and then the lemon juice and strawberries. Stir to combine.
Serve: When serving, fill a glass with ice and pour your strawberry lemonade on top. Enjoy!
Tips for Making
- Roll your lemons: It may sound odd, but rolling your lemons firmly on the counter before cutting and juicing will help release the juices and make juicing easier.
- Hold the ice: Don’t add your ice directly to your pitcher as it will dilute the liquid as it melts. Add it to each glass and then pour the strawberry lemonade on top.
- Make a frozen strawberry lemonade: To create a slushy lemonade, make a batch that is a little stronger on the sugar and lemon, then add it to a blender with some ice for a frozen treat.
Tip: Make your strawberry lemonade a sparkling version by topping off your glass with sparkling water.
Strawberry Lemonade Variations
- Strawberry Arnold Palmer: Make an easy Arnold Palmer by adding some iced tea to your lemonade.
- Mint Lemonade: Muddle some fresh mint leaves at the bottom of the pitcher before adding your ingredients for a mint twist.
- Spiked Strawberry Lemonade: Add a shot of vodka or gin to your glass for a boozy strawberry lemonade.
How do you make simple syrup?
To make your own simple syrup, combine two cups sugar and two cups water in a small pan. On medium heat, simmer together and stir until sugar is fully dissolved and there are no grains.
Do not boil simple syrup for more than the time it takes to dissolve. If you overcook your syrup, it will eventually become caramel.
Let cool and pour into a bottle in the fridge.
Can you freeze fresh strawberry lemonade?
Yes! Put your lemon juice, strawberry puree, and simple syrup into a freezer bag (or into ice cube trays and then into a bag when frozen) and simply let your frozen strawberry lemonade concentrate thaw in the fridge before adding your water.
Serving Suggestions
Try serving this refreshing strawberry lemonade with our:
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to store strawberry lemonade?
Store your lemonade in the fridge in an airtight container. If you only have a pitcher without a lid, then put plastic wrap over the top to keep the container sealed.
Can I use honey instead of sugar for strawberry lemonade?
Yes, while you can use honey instead of sugar or simple syrup, it will change the taste of the lemonade from the classic version.
Can I use bottled lemons for strawberry lemonade?
While fresh is always best, bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.
Strawberry Lemonade
Equipment
- 1 food processor or blender
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups chilled water
- ½ pound strawberries half of a 1 pound carton
- 1 ¼ cup lemon juice about 9 lemons
- 1 ¼ cup sugar or 1 ¾ cup simple syrup
Instructions
- Dissolve Sugar in Water: Boil 2 cups of your water on the stove, remove from heat and add in your sugar, stirring until dissolved. Allow to cool a bit.
- Juice Lemons: Half your lemons widthwise with a knife and use a lemon squeezer or a juicer to extract the lemon juice.
- Puree Strawberries: Remove the green hull from your strawberries and add to a food processor. Puree until smooth. You can strain your puree through a fine mesh sieve if you want to separate the seeds and pulp.
- Mix Together: Add your sugar water to a pitcher and add the remaining 4 cups of chilled water and then the lemon juice and strawberries. Stir to combine.
- Serve: When serving, fill a glass with ice and pour your strawberry lemonade on top. Enjoy!
Notes
Tips for Making
- Roll your lemons: It may sound odd, but rolling your lemons firmly on the counter before cutting and juicing will help release the juices and make juicing easier.
- Hold the ice: Don’t add your ice directly to your pitcher as it will dilute the liquid as it melts. Add it to each glass and then pour the strawberry lemonade on top.
- Make a frozen strawberry lemonade: To create a slushy lemonade, make a batch that is a little stronger on the sugar and lemon, then add it to a blender with some ice for a frozen treat.
- Tip: Make your strawberry lemonade a sparkling version by topping off your glass with sparkling water.
Strawberry Lemonade Variations
- Strawberry Arnold Palmer: Make an easy Arnold Palmer by adding some iced tea to your lemonade.
- Mint Lemonade: Muddle some fresh mint leaves at the bottom of the pitcher before adding your ingredients for a mint twist.
- Spiked Strawberry Lemonade: Add a shot of vodka or gin to your glass for a boozy strawberry lemonade.
Nutrition
Personally, I like Jello poke cake best during the summer, as the cake gets refrigerated while the Jello sets so the cake is typically served cold. This is also a great cake recipe to turn into an easy flag cake if you need something for a 4th of July or Juneteenth celebration.
Related: If you love this poke cake, then you may also love Jello Salad, Ambrosia Salad, or Red Velvet Cake.
Ingredients
- White cake mix
- Jello mix
- Cool Whip
While these are the three main ingredients you will need, keep in mind the cake mix and Jello mix will require other ingredients. This may vary based on your cake mix brand, but this may include water, oil, eggs, or milk.
If you plan to turn your Jello poke cake into an easy flag cake, you will also need fresh strawberries and blueberries.
Directions
Prepare the cake mix according to the box directions to create a 9×13 cake. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
While the cake is cooling, prepare the Jello mixture. In a heatproof bowl, dissolve the flavored gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water to the gelatin mixture and stir well.
Use a fork to poke holes all over the cooled cake. Then, use a spoon or pastry brush to spoon the Jello mixture on top of the cake so it seeps into the holes.
Refrigerate the cake for 3-4 hours, so the Jello has time to set. Then, top the cake with Cool Whip and serve!
Easy Flag Cake
If you want to turn your Jello Poke cake into a an easy flag cake, simply use both red and blue Jello mixes and distribute them over the cake, like an American flag. You won’t use all of the blue Jello mix, so feel free to simply mix up half instead of the entire box.
Once the cake has set and the Cool Whip has been added, top with lines of fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries like an American flag.
Tips & Variations
- You can use any cake mix flavor. Some flavors will go better with certain Jello flavors than others. But any cake mix can become a poke cake. You can also bake a cake from scratch or use a pre-made (not frosted) cake from a bakery.
- Use any flavor of Jello you like! I think lemon or lime would be really fun for summer, too.
- You can use other frosting beyond Cool Whip (whipped topping) like cream cheese frosting or buttercream.
- Fresh fruit is optional as a topping, but I think it makes this Jello poke cake recipe feel more festive and finished.
Making a Jello poke cake is a delightful way to elevate a simple cake into a visually stunning and delicious dessert. With its vibrant colors and fruity flavors, it’s bound to be a hit at any gathering.
The best part is you can customize it to your liking by choosing different flavors of cake and Jello. Happy baking!
Jello Poke Cake
Equipment
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 3 ounces box Jello mix
- 8 ounces whipped topping Cool Whip
Instructions
- Prepare the cake mix according to the box directions to create a 9×13 cake. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the Jello mixture. In a heatproof bowl, dissolve the flavored gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Add ½ cup of cold water to the gelatin mixture and stir well.
- Use a fork to poke holes all over the cooled cake.
- Then, use a spoon or pastry brush to spoon the Jello mixture on top of the cake so it seeps into the holes.
- Refrigerate the cake for 3-4 hours, so the Jello has time to set.
- Then top the cake with Cool Whip and fresh berries if using and serve!
Notes
- While these are the three main ingredients you will need, keep in mind the cake mix and Jello mix will require other ingredients. This may vary based on your cake mix brand, but this may include water, oil, eggs, or milk.
- If you plan to turn your Jello poke cake into an easy flag cake, you will also need fresh strawberries and blueberries.
- Jello poke cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days after making.
Nutrition
We’ve included over 50 easy BBQ side dishes in this roundup, plus ideas for summer desserts and refreshing cocktails (or drinks like Sweet Tea) to enjoy with your outdoor meal.
Related: 40+ Easy Picnic Food Ideas, 15+ Easy No-Bake Desserts, and 40 Fun Cocktails to Make At Home.
These recipes are perfect for a BBQ and any outdoor gathering like a picnic. We’ve included a mix of popular and unique recipes, like:
Simple Macaroni Salad
What’s not to love about macaroni salad? Everyone has their own way of making it, but this macaroni salad recipe is pretty classic with the addition of extra vegetables and chopped hard boiled eggs.
Easy Baked Beans
If you’re looking for an easy, made-from-scratch recipe for baked beans, look no further. This baked beans recipe is saucy, delicious, and super simple. Serve with hot dogs, hamburgers, or BBQ sandwiches.
Favorite Broccoli Slaw
This broccoli slaw recipe is simple, creamy, and crunchy. It’s super easy to put together because you can make it with pre-bagged slaw. It’s delicious on top of hot dogs and BBQ sandwiches.
Best Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a barbecue staple, and this recipe is truly the best. It’s made with a honey citrus dressing that makes it sweet, slightly tart, and extra delicious. We love adding a variety of fruit to this dish.
Roasted Asparagus
Roast some fresh asparagus in the oven for a bright and flavorful side dish. This recipe makes asparagus that’s crunchy (never mushy) and delicious. Squeeze a generous amount of lemon juice on top before serving.
Homemade Chex Mix
Homemade Chex mix is 100% more delicious than any store-bought snack mix. This Chex mix recipe can be customized to your liking, and you can even add candy to it for a sweet and salty combination.
Corn Dip
This corn dip is a cold, creamy dip made with just five ingredients. This dip recipe is sometimes called “crack corn dip” and it reminds us of Rotel cheese dip because it’s so addictive and delicious!
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are a must-have at any BBQ, and you don’t even have to turn on your oven to make these. Air fryer baked potatoes have a crispy skin and bake evenly—just like the do in the oven.
Creamy Kale, Brussels and Cranberry Salad
Looking for a great salad to serve? This recipe has crunchy kale, Brussels sprouts, sliced almonds, and a bright burst of flavor from fresh cranberries. Make your own salad dressing to go with it for the perfect salad.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
What’s not to love about baked mac and cheese? This is a super easy recipe that’s made without eggs or evaporated milk. An easy, classic recipe! This baked macaroni is a crowd-favorite and a perfect side dish.
Chicken Salad with Grapes
This easy chicken salad recipe made with grapes is creamy, crunchy, and tasty. It’s perfect on its own with a side of crackers or cucumber slices, but it also makes great chicken salad sandwiches for a BBQ.
Strawberry Caprese Salad
There’s nothing better than a fresh caprese salad in the summertime. This recipe includes strawberries, tomatoes, and a homemade pesto sauce. It’s so good. Be sure to add the balsamic—it really ties everything together.
Homemade French Onion Dip
Homemade French onion dip is creamy, decadent, and the perfect blend of savory with a little sweet. Serve this French onion dip alongside fresh cut vegetables, crackers, or chips and dig in!
Bread and Butter Pickles
Bread and butter pickles can be added to burgers and sandwiches or served as an appetizer on a cheese platter. There’s so many ways to enjoy these pickles! To make them, simply put the ingredients in a mason jar and pop it in the refrigerator.
Deviled Eggs (3 Ways)
Deviled eggs are one of the first side dishes we think of for a summer BBQ. This recipe for deviled eggs includes a classic version and two additional ideas using ingredients like feta, dill, turmeric, and ginger.
Crispy Air Fried Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are anything but boring; especially this air fried version. This delicious vegetable side dish is crispy, flavorful, and only has 4 ingredients. Love Brussels sprouts? Try our recipe for roasted Brussels sprouts, too.
Black Bean Hummus
If you like black beans, you will love this hummus recipe. The addition of black beans makes this dip extra hearty, and you can kick up the heat by adding cayenne or red pepper flakes. Serve with sliced veggies or chips.
Green Bean Casserole
This classic green bean casserole recipe is made with pepper jack cheese for added creaminess and spice. This is a wonderful side dish that can be enjoyed alongside beef, pork chops, or chicken.
Cornbread With Bacon Glaze
Mmm.. cornbread. Top it with melted butter or a bacon glaze like we did in this recipe. It’s also perfect for soaking up extra barbecue sauce. Either way, cornbread should be part of your spread!
10-Minute BBQ Sauce
Speaking of BBQ sauce, this recipe is for a thick and finger-licking-delicious sauce that you can whip up in about 10 minutes (or less). It’s so much better than store bought barbecue sauce.
Classic Potato Salad
Potato salad is one of the most popular BBQ sides, and this recipe is comforting and creamy. This classic potato salad is the perfect blend of soft potatoes and hard boiled eggs with crunchy bell peppers and onion.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
If you’re in need of a crowd-pleasing baked dip recipe for your BBQ, look no further than our buffalo chicken dip. It’s made with only 5 ingredients and similar to chicken wings (in the form of dip!).
Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a blanket are a great bite-sized side dish for a BBQ. And, they are super easy to prepare with only two ingredients. You can even make some homemade dipping sauces for them if you’re feeling fancy.
Duchess Sweet Potato Casserole
This duchess sweet potato casserole is equally pretty and mouthwatering. It’s rich, creamy, and a little savory with the addition of bacon. This would be an amazing side dish to serve with steak or chicken.
Quinoa, Kale, and Grapefruit Salad
This summery kale salad combines red quinoa, kale, and fresh grapefruit, and topped with a bright and simple dijon dressing. It’s a filling and healthy salad option made with fresh ingredients.
Egg Salad (4 Ways)
This is our classic egg salad recipe along with 3 variation ideas using ingredients like turmeric, ginger, feta, rosemary, and thyme. Serve any of these egg salad recipes with your favorite bread or enjoy it on its own.
Simple Cucumber Salad
Our cucumber salad is similar to a quick pickled salad since vinegar is one of the main ingredients in the dressing. This recipe is bright, crunchy, and a great salad or side dish idea for a BBQ.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato
Baked sweet potatoes in an air fryer is one of the easiest vegetable side dishes you can make for a BBQ.. You could even make a combination of baked potatoes and sweet potatoes for your spread. Don’t forget all the fixings!
Creamy Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is the warm weather version of mac and cheese—the best comfort food! This recipe is full of vegetables and perfect for summer. And, it’s even better if you make it the night before and refrigerate it.
Rotel Cheese Dip
Rotel cheese dip is a classic and easy hot dip that can be made quickly in a crockpot (with only 2 ingredients!). This is an addictive dip recipe that everyone will love. Serve with veggies and chips.
Thai-Inspired Barley Salad
This Thai barley salad is both filling and delicious, and it has some unexpected flavors (like fresh mango) that you will love. This salad recipe makes a big batch, so it’s perfect for a barbecue.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
These are the best baked sweet potato fries. The have the right amount of seasoning and crispiness, and they can be thrown in the oven while you’re preparing other things. Love sweet potatoes? Try our recipe for roasted sweet potatoes, too.
Creamy Black Bean Dip
An irresistible creamy black bean dip made with black beans, cream cheese, and salsa. This is one of those dips that you won’t be able to stop eating because it’s so good! Serve chilled with lots of chips.
Tahini Chopped Salad
An amazing chopped salad recipe made with crunchy edamame, peppers, and cashews. The best part is the Tahini dressing—it’s very similar to the peanut sauce that we dip fresh spring rolls in. So good!
Deli-Style Tuna Salad
A simple, but truly delicious deli-style tuna salad recipe that is flavorful with the right amount of crunch. We love this eating this tuna salad as a dip with cucumbers and crackers or by itself on a sandwich.
Taco Dip
A classic recipe for taco dip made with cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Top this cold dip with your favorite taco toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and olives and serve with chips.
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Similar to air fryer Brussels sprouts, this cauliflower can be easily made in air fryer and it turns out delicious every time. We like to put some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving this dish. Love cauliflower? Try our recipe for roasted cauliflower, too.
Easy Corn Casserole
This savory and cheesy corn casserole is a comforting side dish that’s perfect for any summer gathering. Plus, this casserole couldn’t be easier to make—just put everything in the dish and bake!
3 Easy Pasta Salad Dressings
If pasta salad is going to be part of your BBQ spread, we have 3 homemade salad dressing recipes to choose: balsamic, Italian, and a creamy option. These dressings will elevate any pasta dish.
Spicy Avocado Hummus
We love a good hummus recipe, and this one is perfect for a BBQ. This avocado hummus is made with creamy avocado, red pepper, and jalapeños. Serve it with veggies or pita chips for a tasty side dish.
Easy Jalapeño Popper Dip
This jalapeño popper dip is one of our favorite hot dips for any occasion. Everybody loves it and it’s incredibly easy to make! Serve this savory dip with chips, pretzel bites, or bread and watch it disappear.
Air Fried French Fries
You only need a small amount of oil to get crispy, made-to-perfection french fries in an air fryer. We like to coat and season the fries before they are air fried (so good!), and they only take 15-20 minutes to make.
Classic Pea Salad with Bacon
This delicious, classic pea salad with bacon is a wonderful side dish. It’s a creamy mix of peas, mayo, and cheese, and it goes great with hot dogs and watermelon. A very nostalgic recipe to enjoy at a BBQ.
Creamy Garlic Mac & Cheese
This creamy garlic macaroni and cheese can be made a in a crockpot. That’s right!
Delicious, homemade mac and cheese without all the work. Plus, macaroni and cheese goes with basically everything!
Baked Chili Cheese Chips
These chili cheese chips are a lighter version of Fritos with all ingredients you can pronounce (but still dangerously good). Fill a bowl with this homemade bite-sized snack at your next barbecue.
Easy Broccoli Salad
This broccoli salad only has three ingredients plus a creamy dressing. Don’t let that fool you, though—it’s full of flavor and can be customized with all kinds of ingredients. It’s a great side dish for an outdoor gathering.
Beet-Dyed Deviled Eggs
Everything you love about deviled eggs with a fun and colorful twist. These hardboiled eggs are dyed with beet juice, but it doesn’t affect the taste at all! Surprise your guests with these at your next BBQ.
Easy Desserts For a BBQ:
- Potato Chip Cookies
- Jello Salad or Ambrosia Salad
- 30+ No-Bake Desserts
- Homemade Brownies
- Fruit Pizza
- Cookie Dough Dip
Easy Cocktails for a BBQ:
- Mojitos by the Pitcher
- Homemade Margarita Mix
- Pink Lemonade Jello Shots
- Frozen Sweet and Salty Dog
- Watermelon Margarita
- Pineapple Citrus Punch
Looking for More BBQ Recipes?
]]>The secret to a great pinwheel sandwich is the cream cheese filling! This is the “glue” that keeps this rolled up sandwich looking great and it tastes amazing. I like to make the cream cheese filling with ranch and bacon bits, but there are many different options and variation to try.
Related: Looking for more easy appetizers? Try 30 Easy Finger Foods for a Party, 50 Easy BBQ Side Dishes or 75 Summer Dinner Ideas.
Basic Ingredients
- Flour tortillas
- Cream cheese
- Ranch dressing – store bought or homemade
- Bacon
- Sliced cheddar cheese – colby is great too
- Deli meat – I like smoked turkey, salami or ham
- Veggies like romaine lettuce, cucumber, avocado or spinach
How to Make Pinwheel Sandwiches
Combine the softened cream cheese with the ranch dressing and bacon (chopped).
Lay out a tortilla shell. Spoon the cream cheese mixture on top and spread into a thin layer, coating the entire tortilla.
Layer on the sliced cheese, deli meat, and spinach. Place it toward the bottom 1/3 of the tortilla (not the center).
Roll up the tortilla and slice into pinwheels. The cream cheese holds these together pretty well, BUT if you have issue with them wanting to unroll, add a toothpick to the pinwheel. Use a sharp knife to cut the rolled tortilla into pinwheels.
Additional Filling Ideas
- For the cream cheese filling, you could omit the ranch dressing and add a packet of ranch seasoning instead. The bacon is also optional.
- If you don’t want to use a cream cheese filling, you could swap it for hummus for a similar effect.
- Any cheese that comes in slices (or that you can slice) will work. You could also try a crumbly cheese like feta.
- Any deli meat you prefer can work for pinwheel sandwiches: turkey, chicken, salami, pepperoni, or even bacon strips.
- You can add more or less vegetables: lettuce, spinach, sliced bell peppers, thinly sliced tomato, or fresh herbs like cilantro or basil.
- Pickled items will work as well: bread and butter pickles, olives, pickled carrots, etc.
More Appetizer Recipes
Other recipes to make for a party:
- The Best Fruit Salad
- Creamy Pasta Salad
- Deviled Eggs
- Ambrosia Salad
- Egg White Bites
- Homemade Chex Mix
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make pinwheel sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, pinwheel sandwiches can be made the day before and refrigerated until ready to serve. The one factor you’ll want to consider are any ingredients (like sliced tomatoes) that could create additional moisture during storage.
How do I store pinwheel sandwiches and how long do they last?
You can store pinwheel sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This could be a ziplock bag or Tupperware-type container.
You could also store them on a serving tray or cutting board wrapped in plastic wrap. They can be stored this way for 2-3 days.
Pinwheel Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 4 tortillas soft
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 3 strips bacon
- 8 slices cheese
- 8 slices deli turkey
- 16 slices salami
- 1 cup spinach leaves
Instructions
- Combine the softened cream cheese with the ranch dressing and bacon (chopped).
- Lay out a tortilla shell. Spoon the cream cheese mixture on top and spread into a thin layer, coating the entire tortilla.
- Layer on the sliced cheese, deli meat, and spinach. Place it toward the bottom 1/3 of the tortilla (not the center).
- Roll up the tortilla and slice into pinwheels.
- The cream cheese holds these together pretty well, BUT if you have issue with them wanting to unroll, add a toothpick to the pinwheel.
Notes
- For the cream cheese filling, you could omit the ranch dressing and add a packet of ranch seasoning instead. The bacon is also optional.
- If you don’t want to use a cream cheese filling, you could swap it for hummus for a similar effect.
- Any cheese that comes in slices (or that you can slice) will work. You could also try a crumbly cheese like feta.
- Any deli meat you prefer can work for pinwheel sandwiches: turkey, chicken, salami, pepperoni or even bacon strips.
- You can add more or less vegetables: lettuce, spinach, sliced bell peppers, thinly sliced tomato, or fresh herbs like cilantro or basil.
- Pickled items will work as well: bread and butter pickles, olives, pickled carrots, etc.
Nutrition
With only two ingredients and a total time of about two minutes, it’s easy to keep on hand and be ready to party. This is an excellent novelty shot to serve at your next special occasion. Let’s learn to make a delicious chocolate cake shot.
Easy shot recipes: birthday cake shot, oatmeal cookie shot, green tea shot, lemon drop shot, mexican candy shot, white tea shot, cement mixer, kamikaze shot, jello shots.
Ingredients in a Chocolate Cake Shot
- Hazelnut Liqueur – I used Frangelico.
- Vodka – I recommend regular, unflavored vodka. I like to use Titos or Grey Goose.
- Lemon Wedge or Slice – For garnish and balancing the sweetness.
- Sugar – For rimming your shot glass.
How to Make a Chocolate Cake Shot
Begin adding sugar to the rim of the shot glass. You can do this by rubbing the lemon on the outside of the shot glass rim, then dipping it in sugar.
In your prepared shot glass, combine the Frangelico and vodka.
Top with a lemon slice.
How to Take a Chocolate Cake Shot
To properly take a chocolate cake shot, suck the lemon slice and then with the juice still in your mouth, take the shot.
Chocolate Cake Cocktail
If you prefer a drink you can sip you can modify this recipe by doubling the ingredients, shaking them in a cocktail shaker with ice and serving it in a martini glass. This is a fun cocktail instead of a shooter, perfect to sip.
Tips for Making
- You can add a sugar-coated lemon wedge. Personally, I found it sweet enough without doing that.
- I recommend starting with unflavored vodka, but you can substitute it for chocolate vodka, vanilla vodka or cake vodka if you want to lean deeper into the theme.
- This shot is very sweet and makes a great replacement for dessert at a party.
- I used these shot glasses. They are beautiful and can be used as shot glasses or sherry glasses. Truly, the classiest shot glass I have seen.
- Make this for a crowd by lining up your shot glasses and batching it all at once. It’s the perfect recipe to quickly make for a party!
Pairs Well With:
If you are serving these shots, they would pair well with a chocolate dessert. Here are a few of our best recipes!
- Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Flourless Chocolate Cake
- Chocolate Chip Slice and Bake Cookies
- Peanut Butter & Jelly Shots
- Want more cocktails? 45+ Cocktails to Make At Home
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Chocolate Cake Shot made of?
A chocolate cake shot is made with just two ingredients: Frangelico and vodka. Frangelico is a hazelnut liqueur.
Why is the Chocolate Cake Shot served with a lemon?
The lemon adds so much balance and dimension to the sensory experience of taking this shot. If you are going to make this recipe, don’t skip the lemon.
How strong is a Chocolate Cake Shot?
This shot is very sweet and I would not consider it strong or to have much of a bite. The vodka flavor is completely hidden by the hazelnut.
Chocolate Cake Shot
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Frangelico hazelnut liqueur
- ½ ounce vodka
- 1 lemon slice
Instructions
- Begin by rimming the shot glass with sugar. You can do this by rubbing the lemon on the outside of the shot glass rim, then dipping it in sugar.
- In your shot glass, combine the Frangelico and vodka.
- Top with a lemon slice.
Notes
- If you want to, you can also coat your lemon wedge in sugar. Personally, I found it sweet enough without doing that.
- I recommend starting with unflavored vodka, but you can substitute it for chocolate vodka, vanilla vodka or cake-flavored vodka if you want to lean deeper into the theme.
- This shot is very sweet and makes a great replacement for dessert at a party.
- I used these shot glasses. They are beautiful and can be used as shot glasses or sherry glasses. Truly, the classiest shot glass I have seen.
- Make this for a crowd by lining up your shot glasses and batching it all at once. It’s the perfect recipe to quickly make for a party!
Nutrition
A lot of weeknight dinners we make at our house are pretty basic. We make some kind of protein (meat or plant-based) with rice or pasta. So, I like to have easy ways to change this up flavor-wise. And that’s where this orange chicken sauce recipe comes in.
Related: Check out Cashew Chicken Sauce, Sweet & Sour Sauce, Air Fryer Chicken or give our Easy Chicken Pot Pie a try!
Orange Chicken Sauce Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Orange Juice + Zest
- Granulated White Sugar
- Rice Vinegar
- Soy Sauce
- Cornstarch
- Red Pepper Flakes
Directions:
Cook the minced ginger and garlic in the olive oil over medium/high heat for a minute or two. Then, add the orange juice, zest, sugar, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Whisk until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the red pepper flakes.
In a small bowl or glass, stir together the cornstarch with one tablespoon water. This creates a thick slurry mixture. Slowly pour this into the sauce, stirring as you do.
Continue to cook until the sauce thickens. Taste and add more soy sauce or red pepper flakes if needed.
Tips & Substitutions:
- You can substitute honey for the granulated white sugar if you like.
- If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use white vinegar instead.
- Sauce is like gravy in that if it’s not thickening as much as you want after you’ve added the cornstarch, turn the heat up a little and continue to cook. Keep an eye on it though, as it can thicken quickly.
- You can store orange chicken sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week—just rewarm before using.
Serving Suggestions:
- You can use this Springfield-Style Cashew Cauliflower recipe and substitute this orange chicken sauce for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- When we make rice, I always use a rice cooker since it’s so easy, and then I can focus on making the chicken and sauce while the rice cooker does its thing.
- I like to add a few chopped green onions over this sauce just before serving.
Orange Chicken Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup orange juice and zest from orange
- 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- In a sauce pan, cook the minced ginger and garlic in the olive oil over medium/high heat for a minute or two.
- Then, add the orange juice, zest, sugar, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.
- Whisk until the sugar dissolves.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes.
- In a small bowl or glass, stir together the cornstarch with one tablespoon water. This creates a thick slurry mixture.
- Slowly pour this into the sauce, stirring as you do.
- Continue to cook until the sauce thickens. Taste and add more soy sauce or red pepper flakes if needed.
Notes
- You can substitute honey for the granulated white sugar if you like.
- If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use white vinegar instead.
- Sauce is like gravy in that if it’s not thickening as much as you want after you’ve added the cornstarch, turn the heat up a little and continue to cook. Keep an eye on it though, as it can thicken quickly.
- You can store orange chicken sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, just rewarm before using.
Nutrition
Similar to the Shirley Temple it’s simply a lot more fun to order a drink named after a famous actor than a basic cola with grenadine. Roy Rogers, known as King of the Cowboys, called this one of his favorite drinks. The Roy Rogers mocktail is a non-alcoholic mixed drink that tastes like a cherry coke.
Related: Shirley Temple Drink, Butterbeer, Virgin Mojito, Arnold Palmer, Wendy’s Frosty, Cherry Limeade, Homemade Fruit Punch, Agua Fresca and Easy Homemade Grenadine.
Table of Contents
Roy Rogers Drink – A Brief History
The Roy Rogers drink has always been an alcohol-free drink, and it’s a drink you could have ordered at an old-fashioned soda shop.
The famous mocktail was named after Roy Rogers, who acted in western films and musical cowboy movies in the 1940s and 1950s. Roy Rogers didn’t drink alcohol, so it makes sense that he had a soda drink named after him.
The drink originally became famous in 1950s soda shops and in time has become an iconic mocktail to order when you want a fun drink that doesn’t contain alcohol.
Like the Shirley Temple, it’s a fun sounding drink to order to feel fancy (something my 5- and 8-year-old daughters love to do in restaurants!). Let yourself feel fancy, we say!
What is in a Roy Rogers Drink?
- Cola – I used Coca-Cola since it’s classic and so delicious. You can also choose a sugar free or organic cola if you like.
- Grenadine Syrup – You can buy grenadine syrup at many stores, and we also have an easy recipe to make your own grenadine (it’s a syrup made with pomegranate juice that is a bright red color).
- Maraschino Cherry – A must! Use one or a few.
- Ice Cubes Pebble or crushed ice is perfect if you have it.
The best glassware option to serve a Roy Rogers in is a collins glass or a highball glass. I also love to use glass straws for my homemade drinks.
How to Mix a Roy Rogers
Fill a cup with ice and add half an ounce of grenadine to one ounce if you want it very sweet.
Pour cola to top it off. Give it a gentle stir with a straw to mix.
Garnish with a nice bright red maraschino cherry and your work here is done. Enjoy!
Tips for Making
- Add lime To make a more balanced version add just half an ounce of grenadine and the juice of half a lime. This will balance some of the sweetness with acidity and you will taste a bit more tartness.
- Fresh mint Add fresh mint as a garnish to enhance the sensory experience of this soda drink.
- Roy Rogers cocktail If you are dead set on turning this into a cocktail, keep the lime and add two ounces of dark rum, whiskey or vodka. You can use a shot of liquor of your choosing. If you add a shot of vodka Roy Rogers himself may not approve, but we won’t judge.
- Organic Cola If you want to make a healthier version with less sugar, try substituting cola for a prebiotic drink such as Olipop or Poppi.
More Recipes to Try:
- Pizza– Deep Dish Pizza Recipe, Chocolate Chip Pizza, Pizza Dough, Pizza Sauce
- Appetizers– Pinwheel Sandwiches, 30+ Finger Foods for a Party
- Non-Alcoholic Drinks– We love an easy mocktail! Orange Julius, Pumpkin Juice, Italian Soda, Bubble Tea, Root Beer Float, More Mocktail Recipes.
- Desserts– Kool-Aid Pie, Chocolate Cake Pops, Chocolate Covered Strawberries
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Roy Rogers drink contain alcohol?
Nope! Roy Rogers didn’t drink alcohol and his namesake drink is a classic soda shop drink that over time has become a classic mocktail as well.
What’s in a Roy Rogers drink?
Cola, grenadine syrup, maraschino cherry, and ice.
What is grenadine made of?
Grenadine is made of pomegranate juice, sugar and orange flower water. See our homemade grenadine recipe for more.
Roy Rogers Drink
Instructions
- Fill a cup with ice and add half an ounce of grenadine to one ounce if you want it very sweet.
- Top it off with cola. Stir well.
- Garnish with a nice bright red maraschino cherry and serve immediately.
Notes
- To make a more balanced “adult version,” add just half an ounce of grenadine and the juice of half a lime. This will balance some of the sweetness with acidity and is delicious.
- Add fresh mint as a garnish to enhance the sensory experience of this soda drink.
- If you are dead set on turning this into a cocktail, keep the lime and add two ounces of dark rum or whiskey. I don’t think Roy Rogers would approve, but if you must, you must. We won’t judge!
Nutrition
Carbonara also manages to be one of those pasta dishes that feels both light but rich and filling at the same time. The main components are pancetta (or bacon), egg yolks and cheese.
Related: Pomodoro Sauce, Vodka Sauce, Alfredo Sauce, Pesto and Bruschetta.
Ingredients
- Pancetta, or thick cut bacon
- Parmesan
- Egg yolks
- Garlic
- Spaghetti noodles
- Salt and pepper
Pasta water is also a critical component of this recipe, but you will make it as you cook the noodles.
Directions
Cook the pasta according to the package directions for al dente. Before straining, reserve some of the pasta water.
In a large saucepan, cook the pancetta (or bacon) until fully cooked, but not too crispy. Then toss in the garlic and cook for another minute.
In a small bowl, add a few tablespoons of the (hot) pasta water to the egg yolk and stir to incorporate. Add a few more tablespoons at a time, stirring in between. The goal here is heat up the yolks gradually so they don’t curdle/cook once added to the pan.
Now add the pasta and yolk mixture to the pancetta pan. Reduce the heat to low and toss everything with tongs. Sprinkle in the cheese and continue to toss until the cheese begins to melt. Taste and add any salt or pepper as needed. Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
- Pancetta is the traditional option for carbonara sauce, but sometimes this ingredient is difficult to find at the grocery stores I frequent. If that’s the case for you as well, thick cut bacon will also work for this recipe.
- If you do notice the eggs curdling or cooking too fast, it’s OK! This will only change the texture, it doesn’t mean the dish is completely ruined. It will be more like fried rice than traditional carbonara but still tasty.
- I will often add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley, before serving just for a little added flavor and green, but this is optional and not necessarily traditional.
Serving Suggestions
I love this carbonara recipe alongside a big salad or vegetable side dish. Here are some ideas.
- Homemade Caesar Salad
- Roasted Asparagus
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Roasted Green Beans
- Roasted Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Zucchini
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Asparagus
Carbonara Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 ounces pancetta
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 clove garlic
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
- ¼ cup pasta water
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions for al dente. Before straining, reserve some of the pasta water.
- In a large saucepan, cook the pancetta (or bacon) until fully cooked, but not too crispy.
- Then toss in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- In a small bowl, add a few tablespoons of the (hot) pasta water to the egg yolk and stir to incorporate. Add a few more tablespoons at a time, stirring in between. The goal here is heat up the yolks gradually so they don’t curdle/cook once added to the pan.
- Now add the pasta and yolk mixture to the pancetta pan. Reduce the heat to low and toss everything with tongs.
- Sprinkle in the cheese and continue to toss until the cheese begins to melt.
- Taste and add any salt or pepper as needed. Serve warm.