Planning Your Fourth of July Party Bar in Texas
Before you light the grill, let’s talk about what to pour. A well-stocked party bar makes a backyard BBQ feel like an all-out celebration. The right mix of beer, spirits, and batch cocktails makes guests feel welcome and keeps the fun flowing.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Beer: Mix local lagers, light IPAs, and wheat beers.
- Spirits: Keep it classic—vodka, tequila, rum, whiskey.
- Wine/Seltzers: A few chilled rosés and hard seltzers cover light drinkers.
- Mixers & Garnishes: Lemonade, soda, tonic, lime, mint, and fruit.
- Non-alcoholic options: Water, flavored seltzer, and sweet tea.
Use the Zipps party drink calculator to figure out how much alcohol to buy based on your guest count.
Party bar checklist:
- Coolers and ice
- Cups and napkins
- Bottle openers
- Trash bins
- Shade or tent over drink station
Best Alcoholic Drinks for a Texas BBQ
Hot temps call for cold drinks. These crowd-pleasing options go great with smoky meats, salty snacks, and patio conversations.
Local Texas Beers
Support Lone Star brews. Stock up on:
- Shiner Light Blonde – Easy drinking for hot afternoons
- Lone Pint Yellow Rose IPA – Hoppy but smooth
- Saint Arnold Summer Pils – Crisp and refreshing
- Real Ale Firemans #4 – A Hill Country classic
Browse Texas summer beers at Zipps to pick your lineup.
Crowd-Pleasing Spirits
Keep it versatile:
- Vodka (e.g., Tito’s): great for punch, lemonade, or soda
- Tequila (e.g., Espolòn): essential for margaritas
- Rum (e.g., Bacardí): mix with cola or pineapple juice
- Whiskey (e.g., TX Whiskey): perfect for sipping or mixing with sweet tea
Festive Batch Cocktails
Save time by making drinks in pitchers or drink dispensers. Try:
- Texas Ranch Water: Tequila, lime juice, Topo Chico
- Bourbon Peach Tea: Bourbon, sweet tea, peach nectar
- Watermelon Mojitos: White rum, mint, lime, watermelon juice
- Sangria with Texas wine: Red or white, fruit, orange liqueur
Wine & Seltzers
- Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc served cold
- Hard seltzers in assorted flavors (great for variety and lower ABV)
Drink Pairings for Classic BBQ Foods
Texas BBQ isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither are the drinks. Match food and drink for big flavor:
Brisket:
- Pair with: Texas red wines, bourbon neat, or Shiner Bock
Sausage:
- Pair with: Lager, whiskey sour, or Topo Chico Paloma
Ribs:
- Pair with: Zinfandel, hard cider, or sweet rum punch
Grilled Veggies:
- Pair with: Rosé, cucumber gin spritz, or citrus wheat beer
Desserts (like peach cobbler):
- Pair with: Sparkling rosé, bourbon cream liqueur, or peach schnapps
How Much Alcohol Do You Need? (Use the Party Drink Calculator)
Skip the guesswork. The Zipps party drink calculator helps you plan by guest count, drink type, and duration.
Here’s a quick sample for a 25-person party (4-hour event):
| Drink Type | Bottles/Cans Needed |
| Beer (12 oz) | 100–125 |
| Wine (750 ml) | 8–10 |
| Spirits (750 ml) | 6–8 |
| Mixers (2L) | 8–10 |
Pro Tip: Always round up for hot days, and keep backup beverages on hand.
Tips for a Safe & Fun Outdoor Celebration
A great host plans for fun and safety:
- Keep drinks cold in shaded coolers
- Offer water at every station
- Watch alcohol intake: serve food, pace pours
- Designate drivers or arrange rides
- Remind guests to bring ID for age checks
FAQs About Fourth of July Party Drinks in Texas
What are the best alcoholic drinks for a Texas July 4th BBQ?
Texas beers, whiskey-based cocktails, ranch waters, and fresh fruit punches are great options for outdoor heat and grilled food.
How much alcohol should I buy for a summer party in Texas?
Use the Zipps drink calculator to estimate based on your guest list and drink types. Always buy extra water and mixers.
Can I order Fourth of July drinks for delivery in Texas?
Yes. Check your zip code for July 4th alcohol delivery in Texas via Zipps. Plan early, as holiday demand is high.
What are some easy, crowd-pleasing cocktails for outdoor celebrations?
Ranch Water, bourbon sweet tea, watermelon punch, and sangria are simple to batch and serve cold.
Are there local Texas beers or spirits that are popular for Independence Day parties?
Yes. Try brands like Shiner, Lone Pint, and Real Ale, and spirits like TX Whiskey or Deep Eddy Vodka.
Final Tips + Call to Action
Don’t leave drinks as an afterthought. Great beverages make July 4th parties shine—and your guests will thank you.
Use the Zipps drink calculator, browse our event alcohol packages, or shop in-store at your nearest Zipps Liquor location.
