The Ultimate Summer BBQ Guide

Summer has officially started, and there is no better way to celebrate than with a barbecue. Here are ten tricks that will make your barbecue go a lot smoother and give you more time to chill out with friends and a Bud Light Lime Straw-Ber-Rita.

1. Prep your meat ahead of time

nemuneko.jc / Via Flickr: geishabot

Save yourself the headache of having to monitor and calculate the cooking time of different cuts of meat. Microwave or slow cook your meat until it's two-thirds of the way done then toss it on the grill for a few minutes once the party starts.

2. Bring a drink that requires no prep and will make everyone happy

Bud Light Lime

Like a Bud Light Lime Lime-A-Rita for refreshing and fuss free margarita taste.

3. Have a spray bottle full of water nearby

Flickr: spcummings / Via shutterstock.com

The easiest way to quickly control flare ups and burning meat is with a spray bottle of water. You can also spray it on your face if you need to cool down like a champ.

4. Stock up on ice, big time

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You can never have enough ice to keep your food and drinks cold. Bring more than you think you need, it'll come in handy.

5. Keep track of your can by turning the tab to one side

JUrquhart Photos

Losing your beer or Lime-a-rita is the worst. Turn the tab of your can to the side and you'll instantly know it's yours (but don't tell your friends about this trick).

6. Trick out grocery store potato salad

Andrea Nguyen / Via Flickr: andrea_nguyen

Make gourmet potato salad in minutes by purchasing a tub of bulk grocery store potato salad and adding chopped red onions, red peppers, capers, green olives, and Worcester sauce.

7. Use a hose to revive your coals

snigl3t / Via Flickr: snigl3t

The secret to re-igniting dying coals before they've taken off is to steadily blow on the embers. Use a section of hose to make this a lot easier and protect your face.

8. Keep flies away with vinegar and citrus

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Flies will stay away from you table if you wipe it with undiluted white vinegar and place lemon peels on the tablecloth.

9. Buy leftover containers for your guests

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You wouldn't want all that food to go to the dogs, would you? Pack some empty containers to send your guests with some of that good stuff - that extra ice you brought will come in handy here to keep the food fresh during the ride home.

10. Leave the sugary sauces for the last 10 minutes

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This is a typical beginners mistake. Marinating meat in sugary sauces will result in a black crust on your meat by the time it's done cooking. Hold off on the sauce until the meat is almost done.