Nothing says summer in Illinois like a great pool party. Inviting friends and family to gather for swimming and fun is a great use of your inground pool. Of course, no party would be complete without some great snacks and beverages to stay cool and tempt the tastebuds.
Pool Snacks
While a big poolside feast can be messy, snacks are a great way to keep the energy high and take a break from the water. Salty pool snacks are also essential for replacing the electrolytes we lose through sweat on a hot day. While typical outdoor pool party food ideas include chips and cookies, you can get a little more sophisticated with these finger food ideas.
1. BBQ Ribs
BBQ ribs go beautifully with any pool party, and you can easily cut them up so they're easy to eat. Start by seasoning about four pounds of pork baby back ribs with salt and pepper. Brown them in a 400-degree oven for 15 minutes on each side.
While your ribs are in the oven, make a sauce by combining 32 ounces of your favorite BBQ sauce with half a cup of ketchup, one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, one teaspoon of hot sauce, one-third cup of packed brown sugar and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
Put the browned ribs into a slow cooker and pour in the sauce, making sure you coat all of the ribs. Cook on low for seven hours, turning once. You can run your ribs under the broiler for one or two minutes before serving to create a crispy exterior.
2. Fruit Skewers
This simple snack is great for a busy summer party. Create skewers by threading fruit onto bamboo skewers. You can use a combination of watermelon and melon chunks, banana coins, peach slices, fresh strawberries and more. Use whatever is in season, fresh and delicious! If you create skewers out of firmer fruit, such as peaches and strawberries, you can grill the skewers for a few minutes. Serve with a scoop of ice cream and a bit of balsamic glaze.
3. Corn Salad
Summer corn is perfect for a poolside gathering. Boil five ears of shucked corn in salty water for three minutes. Allow the corn to cool, then carefully cut close to the cob to remove the kernels.
Combine the kernels with three tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, one-quarter cup of crumbled feta cheese, one bunch of shredded basil leaves, three tablespoons of lime juice and one-quarter cup of red onions, diced fine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Poolside Drink Recipes
Serving beverages keeps everyone cool and hydrated on hot days. If you're serving drinks and pool snacks for adults, remember to include non-alcoholic beverages on the menu, too.
1. Strawberry-Lemon Iced Tea
Iced tea is a perfect way to cool down on a hot day. Pour four cups of boiling water over six lemon-flavored tea bags. Let steep for five minutes and then remove the tea bags, gently squeezing each one. Pour about one-eighth of a cup of sugar into the tea, or to taste.
Pour some of the tea into ice cube trays and place the trays in the freezer to make ice cubes that won't dilute your drink. Cool the rest of the tea down and place it in the fridge. Blend one cup of frozen or fresh strawberries until they're smooth and strain them through a wire mesh strainer to remove the seeds. Pour the strawberry juice into the tea and add your frozen ice cubes. You can add sparkling water to the tea for some extra effervescence.
2. Mint Green Iced Tea
Mint tea is a grown-up favorite that is especially refreshing after splashing around in the pool. Pour five cups of boiling water over one tablespoon of green tea in a teapot. Allow the tea to steep for three minutes. Add two large bunches of fresh mint and one-third cup of sugar. Stir and adjust the sweetness to your preference. Allow the tea to steep for two more minutes then strain. Pour over your green tea ice cubes to cool it down and then serve at once.
3. Creamy Ginger Smoothie
Smoothies pack a nutritional punch and keep everyone energized for hours of fun. This smoothie has a tropical twist and is a snap to whip up in your blender. Just combine three cups of frozen mango, three cups of chopped pineapple, one peeled and chopped orange, one frozen banana, a teaspoon of peeled and fresh ginger and one cup of coconut milk in your blender and blend until smooth. Add honey until the smoothie is as sweet as you like it then serve.
Before Your Pool Party
Before you start whipping up incredible treats, make sure your inground pool is party-worthy. If it's been a while since your last scheduled maintenance or you notice any issues, contact Quantus Pools. We provide exceptional inground pool installation, repair and other services to Rolling Meadows and the surrounding area.
If you need your pool serviced or maintained for pool party season, contact Quantus Pools at (847) 907-4995 or contact us online for a free consultation. Quantus Pools helps you enjoy summers by your pool with a certified team and transparent pricing.