One of the real downsides of running iLoveMyBBQ.com is having to try all of the drinks that are associated with summer and BBQ’ing and this week is another toughie.

Southern Comfort (the people behind last years yummy Southern Comfort, Lemonade and Lime) have done it again and unveiled a range of sunshine inspired BBQ cocktails. We rate these as 5 out 5, brilliant BBQ Summer Drinks and cannot recommend them enough!

The back story; Southern Comfort teamed up with top cocktail mixologist Giles Looker to create a range of summer drinks with a twist of New Orleans inspiration.

We found these to be perfect for a spot of afternoon BBQ drinking and what is more, cocktails are always a great way to impress friends!

The first one we tried is the Louisiana Jam and here is the recipe and ingredients:

INGREDIENTS

• 35ml Southern Comfort
• 20ml lemon juice
• 20ml apple juice
• 2 teaspoons of apricot jam
• 8 mint leaves

METHOD / MIXING THEM UP

1. Place mint leaves into a clean, empty jam jar and gently muddle
2. Place remaining ingredients into the jam jar
3. Half fill with crushed ice, put the jam jar lid on and shake vigorously
4. Remove the lid and top up with crushed ice
5. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a sprig of mint

The second one is Mississippi Mule:

INGREDIENTS

• 35ml Southern Comfort
• Juice of 4 Lime Wedges
• Ginger Beer
• 3 dashes of Angostura Bitters

METHOD / MIXING THEM UP

1. Fill glass with ice
2. Pour in Southern Comfort
3. Squeeze the lime wedges into the glass and discard
4. Add the Angosura Bitter
5. Top with ginger beer
Garnish with Lime Wedges

And finally, the Bayou Fruit Cup:

INGREDIENTS

• 30ml Southern Comfort
• 15ml Martini Rosso
• Ginger Beer
• 2 Lemon Wedges
• Seasonal Berries/fruit

METHOD / MIXING THEM UP

1. Fill glass with ice
2. Pour in Southern Comfort
3. Squeeze and drop the lemon wedges into the glass
4. Add the Martini Rosso
5. Add the berries/fruit
6. Top with Ginger Ale
7. Finish with some garnish

For more information visit www.southerncomfort.co.uk

It takes a lot to nudge Pimms and Lemonade from our favourite BBQ Drink spot but we think we may have found an even better tasting rival. Step forward Southern Comfort, Lemonade and Lime!

Available for just £5 for 4 cans I will admit that after initial scepticism (I am a SoCo and Coke Man after all) I could have (sensibly) drank this for ever!

We had ours at nearly ice cold temperature and my one regret was that we only bought 4 for testing purposes!

The reason it nudges Pimms off the top spot for my favourite summer drink of 2009 is because it is not only refreshing, but is also not so sickly sweet that you find yourself pulling those funny faces.

Here is the write up from the lovely people Southern Comfort…

“With 35ml Southern Comfort, the sparkle of lemonade and a zing of lime, Southern Comfort, Lemonade & Lime gives you a taste of New Orleans, anytime and anywhere, and is perfect accompaniment to alfresco fun. Whether a summer BBQ with friends, lunch in the park, a festival or a house party, Southern Comfort, Lemonade & Lime adds a touch of New Orleans, crammed into a streamlined can”

Southern Comfort, Lemonade and lime is available from the likes of Threshers, Sainsbury’s and Tesco at the introductory price of £5 for 4 until 18th August. Oh yeah, and if you just want one can, it will only set you back £1.59.

Have you tried the new Southern Comfort, Lemonade and Lime? If so, why not tell us what you thought in the comments section below?