Summer time is almost always poolside time! We all love to have a great time hanging out with friends and family while keeping cool as temperature and humidity levels rise. But while pool parties can be fun, it can also be nerve-racking, especially when you’re the host who has to prepare all the food and drinks to be consumed during the party.
This article features the best pool party food and drinks, using readily available and easy-to-prepare ingredients and the best tasting organic sparkling water by Sovány.
1. Mini Sliders
Mini sliders have a universal appeal that can surely make them a hit to guests of all ages. Their small sizes make them less messy, easy to grab, and portion-controlled, allowing guests to enjoy them without feeling overly full.
Recipe: Classic Mini Cheeseburger Sliders
- Yields: 12 sliders
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 to 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean/fat ratio works well)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 slider buns
- 12 slices American or cheddar cheese, quartered
- Toppings: lettuce leaves, tomato slices, pickle chips, ketchup, mustard
Instructions:
- Prepare Patties: In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing. Form into 12 small, thin patties, slightly wider than the slider buns as they will shrink when cooked.
- Cook Patties: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
- Add Cheese: During the last minute of cooking, place a quartered cheese slice on each patty until melted.
- Assemble: Lightly toast the slider buns if desired. Place a cooked patty on the bottom half of each bun. Add desired toppings. Place the top bun and serve immediately.
2. Grilled Foods
Grilled foods are an efficient way to feed guests—they require minimal kitchen prep and are relatively cheaper. While grilling may take time, guests can easily enjoy its incredible smell and the family can also find it fun to take turns in cooking the meal. Its smoky taste and health benefits can definitely make guests feel satisfied.
Recipe: Grilled Chicken & Veggie Skewers
- Yields: 6 skewers
- Prep time: 20 minutes + 30 minutes marinating
- Cook time: 10 to 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large bell pepper (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6 wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes beforehand)
Instructions:
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
- Prepare Skewers: Alternate threading chicken pieces and vegetables onto the skewers.
- Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates.
- Cook: Place skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender-crisp with nice grill marks. Serve hot.
3. Skewers
Skewers are convenient foods that are mess-free and visually appealing. They require no cutlery or plates, which make them easy to prepare, to eat, and to clean up. They can also be made of anything that can match you and your guests’ preferences—may they be fruits, vegetables, or protein.
Recipe: Caprese Skewers
- Yields: 15 to 20 skewers
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 0 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), small size
- Large bunch of fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- Small wooden or bamboo skewers
Instructions:
- Assemble: Thread one cherry tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one fresh basil leaf onto each small skewer. Repeat the pattern if desired.
- Arrange: Arrange the finished skewers on a platter.
- Serve: Just before serving, drizzle generously with balsamic glaze.
4. Sandwiches
Sandwiches are versatile foods that are a go-to staple for pool parties because of their easy preparation and customizability. They can be easily portion-controlled (e.g., quarters or fingers) to make them easy to grab without the mess and feeling stuffed.
Recipe: Mediterranean Veggie & Hummus Pinwheel Sandwiches
- Yields: 12 to 16 pinwheels
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 0 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 large whole wheat tortillas or flatbreads
- 1 cup hummus
- 1/2 cup finely chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives (pitted)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Spread Hummus: Lay each tortilla flat. Spread about 1/4 cup of hummus evenly over each tortilla, leaving a small border at one edge.
- Add Fillings: In a small bowl, combine chopped cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, olives, feta, and parsley. Sprinkle an even amount of this mixture over the hummus on each tortilla.
- Roll Tightly: Starting from one edge, tightly roll up each tortilla.
- Chill: Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. This makes slicing easier.
- Slice: Once chilled, unwrap the tortillas and slice them into 1-inch thick "pinwheels." Arrange on a platter and serve.
5. Salad Cups
Salad cups make for a convenient yet healthy poolside food. Preparing salads in this way allows you to readily provide individualized portions that guests could easily pick up by the pool. This preparation could also help maintain freshness and lessen the chances of serving immediately soggy greens, especially when you do a layering of the ingredients while the dressing is separate.
Recipe: Berry & Spinach Salad Cups with Poppy Seed Dressing
- Yields: 6 to 8 cups
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 0 minutes
Ingredients:
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 1 pint mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/4 cup chopped candied pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
- 6 to 8 clear plastic cups (5 to 7 oz size)
- Poppy Seed Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Instructions:
- Make Dressing: Whisk all poppy seed dressing ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined.
- Layer Cups: In each plastic cup, add a layer of fresh spinach.
- Add Toppings: Top the spinach with a mix of berries, a sprinkle of candied pecans/walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese if using.
- Serve: Just before serving, drizzle about 1 to 2 tablespoons of dressing over each salad cup. Alternatively, serve the dressing on the side in a small container for guests to add themselves.
6. Popsicles
Popsicles are refreshing treats that can add to the coolness and fun of a pool party. They can come in a wide variety of flavors that can be both delicious and healthy, and could also come in different colors that can further make for its visual appeal. Plus, it’s also extremely easy to DIY and enjoy!
Recipe: Tropical Mango & Pineapple Popsicles
- Yields: 6 to 8 popsicles (depending on mold size)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Freeze time: 4 to 6 hours or overnight
Ingredients:
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup coconut water (or water)
- 1 tbsp lime juice (optional, for brightness)
- Popsicle molds and sticks
Instructions:
- Blend: Combine the mango, pineapple, coconut water, and lime juice (if using) in a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Add a little more coconut water if needed to reach a pourable consistency.
- Pour: Pour the mixture evenly into popsicle molds, leaving a little space at the top.
- Insert Sticks: Insert popsicle sticks into the center of each mold.
- Freeze: Place the molds in the freezer and freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours, or until completely solid.
- Enjoy: To remove, run the molds under warm water for a few seconds.
7. Refreshing Sovány Sparkling Water Mocktails
Mocktails are popular pool party drinks that mimic the texture of flavors of cocktails without the kick of booze. They’re a hydrating and delicious option for guests who don’t want to feel sluggish during the party. Make them even more refreshing with our best tasting sparkling water as base, and enjoy the fizz and taste of sparkling flavored water without the guilt of more calories with added sugar.
We highly recommend the Tangerine Spritz made with the Sovány Tangerine Organic Sparkling Water for starters. You can never go wrong with a zesty drink at the poolside! Click here for more delicious sparkling water mocktail recipes made with Sovány Sparkling Water.
Splash into the Summer Fun With Sovány
Stay sober and make the most of your pool party with friends and family! Our top recommendations for delicious foods and drinks will surely make it one for the books, all without the hassle of too much preparation.
At Sovány, we’re here to help you make the best pool party yet with fun and healthy drinks. Our sparkling flavored water adds a refreshing zest to your cocktails without the downsides of liquor. Serve and enjoy a variety of sparkling water flavors in your party—no artificial sugar and booze required! Browse through our selections now.