5 Tips for Throwing the Ultimate Arizona Summer BBQ

From picture-perfect pool games to fantastic fresh cocktails, there’s an art to throwing a solid summer BBQ. No matter what kind of fête is on the calendar, here are some pointers to help make your next summer party an affair to remember. 

Let The Games Begin – Get some friendly competition going with a game of pool volleyball or basketball—set up nets over the shallow end and grab a light beach ball, or get serious with a slightly soft volleyball. Entice guests to hop in the pool by adding a variety of fun inflatables, from a sprinkled donut to a melting ice cream cone, these photogenic floats are Instagram worthy and sure to get folks in the mood for a summertime splash.  

Take it To The Lawn – Staying on dry land can be fun too, especially if there’s a lush lawn like the one at  2205 E. Colter Street in Phoenix. Set up a Giant Jenga game and stack and balance those wooden blocks until something shakes loose—and don’t be surprised if things get heated! (Sore losers are punishable by a push into the pool.) For more options, add a corn hole board, some bocce balls for lawn bowling, or a game of horseshoes. 

Primo Poolside Cocktails (and Mocktails) – A chilled cocktail is the perfect complement to a day by the pool. The expansive, indoor-outdoor living room at 6665 N. 39th Way in Paradise Valley is ideal for an at-home happy hour. Try a glass of white wine sangria made with Riesling, pinot grigio or Moscato—which are all just sweet enough to balance against fruits like pomegranate, raspberries and grapefruit. In the mood for a mocktail with some bubbles? Mix ginger ale with lemon and sparkling pear juice to make the Sparkling Pear Punch—ideal for any time, afternoon to sunset and beyond.  

Keep It Simple – It’s hot out. No need to sweat the menu—these three mouth-watering apps and salads are sure to be crowd-pleasers. Dish up a refreshing watermelon-cucumber salad with feta crumbles, pass around plates of paprika-topped deviled eggs and hand out satisfying chicken and pineapple skewers. 

Bring in The Professionals – While hosting a BBQ with all homemade offerings is fun, babysitting the grill can be a drag. When interacting with your guests or dominating that game of pool basketball is top priority, call Phoenix’s Bobby Q’s for a hickory smoked salmon platter, homemade queso brisket dip, rack of baby back ribs, prime rib, pecan coleslaw and squares of Georgia peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream for dessert.