The Best Sodas For Your July 4th Tailgate Party

We know the big fun of a tailgate or BBQ is drinking―whether you like beer or cocktails or seltzers, there’s plenty of options out there for you. But those don’t cover everyone. If you’re celebrating with younger ones, they can’t have those drinks. You want them to have just as much variety and fun in their beverage as the adults. Or maybe seltzers and cocktails just aren’t your thing. That means making sure you pick the best sodas to provide.

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Now this list is going to be both general and specific. We’ll recommend general flavors that are perfect for the cookout while also highlighting some great specific flavors that are on the shelves right now. And if you really want to dial up the fun for the kids (or those who don’t drink―drinking isn’t for everyone and that’s okay), you can create a dirty soda station with other flavored syrups and cream-based add-ins to let the kids’ imaginations run wild with possibility. 

The Basics

First we’re going to cover your basic inclusions for drink offerings. These are things like Coke or Pepsi or other regular cola options, Diet or Zero Sugar options, orange soda, grape soda, root beer, cream soda, and lemon lime sodas. There are plenty of brands that make these basic flavors, so you can easily get a name brand you love or a generic brand to save a little―because depending on the size of your BBQ, the drinks can get a little expensive. 

Our Faves For Peak Summer Flavor

Canada Dry Fruit Splash Strawberry Ginger Ale ― Get a refreshing kick of ginger with a sweet hint of strawberry with this twist on your traditional ginger ale. This option is sure to excite and also makes for a good mixer for the adults. 

7UP Tropical ― Spice up your typical 7UP with this tropical twist. This option is your regular lemon lime 7UP mixed with mango and peach for a fruity twist that will make you think you’re on a tropical island. You’ll just need a coconut to sip out of. This drink makes a good option for syrups like strawberry, cherry, and more to get an even more unique drink. 

Sprite Chill ― A twist on your classic Sprite. This is a cherry lime soda that runs ice cold. It’s perfect and refreshing for those hot summer days. 

Jarritos ― Not a specific flavor ’cause they’re all good, but a summer isn’t complete without an ice cold Jarritos bottle. Transform your BBQ to the next best thing after that street taco cart with a cooler full of Jarritos. 

Mountain Dew Baja Cabo Citrus ― A twist on the regular Baja Blast to make you feel like you’re in Cabo. This is the traditional tropical lime flavor with hints of mandarin orange. It’s citrusy and bright, making it the perfect pairing for heavy BBQ foods. 

Whether you’re an adult or a kid, there’s nothing wrong with a nice, crisp soda on the Fourth of July. These are some of the best options out there for soda lovers. With summery flavors and a limited offering, your BBQ will thank you for picking them. And we see nothing wrong with going generic. Groceries are expensive and we’ve done the taste tests―they’re still good. So don’t feel like you have to break the bank. Got a favorite soda for your BBQ that we didn’t mention? Tell us down below!