A summer cookout is full of laughter, entertainment, and a delicious spread of yummy foods. Adding heat to the things you eat and drink sounds redundant, but it’s an excellent way to make a cookout more vibrant and fun. Here are a few things to consider for your next shindig that’ll bring life and spice to the table!
Marinate Your Meat With Some Heat
No summer cookout is complete without grilled meat of some kind. Some home chefs prefer to grill multiple options for guests, such as chicken, hot dogs, and burgers. But if you’re tired of the same things, consider using delicious salsa macha as a marinade.
The unique flavors of salsa macha will impress your guests and bring variety to your skillset. It’s full of rich texture and intense flavor, so set your meat in a bag with a few scoops of this condiment and let the oils and spices do the work. Don’t forget to let your meat rest before you serve it!
Add Some Color With Cowboy Caviar
Some people prefer to serve less hot foods because not everyone likes extreme spiciness, and that’s okay. Consider making up a fresh batch of yummy cowboy caviar. This is a great way to offer something refreshing but with a kick.
Collect the following ingredients:
- Corn
- Black beans
- Chickpeas
- Chopped jalapenos
- Red onion (chopped)
- Two to three bell peppers
- Crumbled feta
- Mango
- Cilantro
One of the best things about this is mixing and matching the ingredients to your preference. You can use olive oil, white wine vinegar, and salt and pepper as a dressing and serve it as a side or a dip. It’s bright, low in spiciness, and full of variety.
Spice Up Your Refreshers
Of course, you can’t have a summer cookout without yummy refreshments. Some fun ways to add heat include getting non-traditional takes on some of your favorite drinks. Of course, you should ensure you have water and soda to serve as non-alcoholic options. But for those who enjoy a drink or two, consider adding a spicy margarita with a fruit spritz and fresh jalapenos.
Some popular options include mango habanero margarita, spicy watermelon margarita, and Jamaican rum punch.
No matter what you serve, remember to accommodate everyone to be a great host. And have fun with your food, drinks, and guests!
