🔥 Grill Season Is Here: Top Foods to Sear + 2 Killer Recipes & Summer Cocktails

 Because the only thing that should be dry this summer is your martini.

When the temps rise, so does the call of the grill. Whether you're a backyard pit boss or a weekend warrior with a pair of tongs, there’s nothing better than fire-kissed flavor and a cold drink in hand. Let’s break down the most popular foods to grill—and serve up two of my go-to recipes to take your summer menu from basic to badass.

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🍖 Top 5 Most Popular Foods to Grill (According to Every BBQ Ever):

1. Burgers – Classic, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser

2. Steaks – Nothing screams weekend warrior louder

3. Chicken thighs or drumsticks – Juicy, forgiving, and full of flavor

4. Veggies (zucchini, peppers, corn, mushrooms) – Grilled veggies >>> steamed anything

5. Hot dogs & sausages – Because kids and nostalgia are part of the party

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🔥 RECIPE 1: Grilled Honey Bourbon Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 8 bone-in chicken thighs

• ½ cup bourbon

• ⅓ cup honey

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix marinade ingredients and pour over chicken. Marinate 4+ hours (overnight = better).

2. Grill over medium-high heat, skin-side down first, until nicely charred. Flip and cook through (~20 minutes total).

3. Brush with extra marinade during grilling. Let rest, serve with grilled corn or a fresh slaw.

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🥩 RECIPE 2: Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Sirloin

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs sirloin steak

• 2 tbsp ground coffee

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix rub and coat steak evenly. Let sit for 30 mins.

2. Grill over high heat, 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare.

3. Let rest 5–10 minutes, slice against the grain. Pairs beautifully with grilled asparagus and chimichurri.

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🍹 COCKTAIL 1: Summer Smash (Bourbon + Citrus)

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• ¾ oz lemon juice

• ½ oz simple syrup

• 3 mint leaves

• Lemon wheel & mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:
Muddle mint + syrup + lemon juice. Add bourbon and ice, shake like your summer depends on it. Strain into a rocks glass over ice, garnish, and enjoy.

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🍓 COCKTAIL 2: Grilled Strawberry Mezcal Margarita

Ingredients:

• 2 oz mezcal

• 1 oz Cointreau

• 1 oz lime juice

• 2 grilled strawberries (charred 1-2 mins per side)

• Salt or tajín rim

Instructions:
Grill strawberries, muddle with lime juice. Add other ingredients, shake with ice, strain into a tajín-rimmed glass. Smoky, sweet, and stupidly good.

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🧊 Final Tip:

Prep your sides and garnishes ahead of time so you can stay present with your people—and out of the kitchen. This is the season of grill, chill, and refill.