Lauren Paylor's BBQ Eats & Drinks

As a mixologist, Lauren’s first role as host was ensuring every guest had a drink in their hand. Which undoubtedly, created a welcoming environment. And not only because some drinks contained alcohol but because sipping on a drink helps to break the ice and put everyone at ease, regardless of what’s happening.

A decision that she learned from her own experience, reflecting on her memories of BBQ, Lauren recalled, "As a kid, I remember that the parents always had a delicious drink in hand outside dancing and eating." With a drink in hand, enjoying the same shared experience, Lauren's guests, both old and new friends, were no longer strangers but a group of friends sharing a special experience.

When creating her BBQ cocktail menu, Lauren made sure to use all of the elements at her disposal, ensuring that she was incorporating the BBQ theme within each drink. While making her cocktails, Lauren shared some of her tips and tricks, remarking, “Use your grill as a smoke for fruit or veggies that you plan to place into drinks. A little time in the smoker goes a LONG way. Additionally, try grilling fruit or veggies like pineapples to place into a pina colada for a fun little twist.”

While her booze-less cocktails were great for casual sipping, Lauren’s boozy concoctions make you want to dance. A vibrant citrus-forward Orange Aperol Spritz incorporating OLIPOP’s Orange Squeeze went down a little too easily (but no real complaints here). My personal favorite was her show-stopping Beeswax Bottled Punch with Ketel One Peach and Orange Blossom, lacto fermented peaches, and Ginger Lemon OLIPOP, topped off with a honey bee aromatic cloud. The “cloud” fumed from a ceramic rooster’s beak and served to amplify aromatics. The haze adds complexity but doesn’t overpower, similar to how just the right amount of smoke is an integral part of any BBQ recipe.

Lauren Paylor's Beeswax Bottled Punch

Beeswax Bottled Punch: A peach forward punch with a silky mouthfeel and finish from the beeswax bottle aging.

• 1 oz Ketel One Peach and Orange Blossom
• 1 oz Seedlip Grove
• 0.75 oz Lacto Fermented Peaches
• 0.75 oz Lemon Top with OLIPOP Ginger Lemon

Lauren Paylor's Orange Aperol Spritz

Orange Aperol Spritz: A vibrant, bright citrus forward summer favorite.

• 1.5 oz Aperol
• 0.75 Seedlip Grove
• 0.75 oz Prosecco
• 0.75 oz OLIPOP Orange Squeeze
• Build in a rocks glass with ice.
• Glassware: Bulbed Spritz Garnish with a pitted green olive.