The Spring Racing Carnival is a highlight of Melbourne’s social calendar, and Cup Day offers the perfect opportunity to host a BBQ at home. With the warmer spring weather and a public holiday on the horizon, many of us turn Cup Day into a long weekend of fun.
If you’ll be enjoying the races with family or friends, nothing beats a delicious BBQ spread. To help make your race day celebration easier to plan, we’ve put together a guide on the best meats for your Spring BBQ, along with a fun sweepstakes idea to keep the excitement going throughout the day.
Perfect meat selections for your Spring Racing BBQ
Honey soy chicken skewers
Chicken skewers are easy to prepare and always a crowd favourite. Marinate them in a honey soy glaze for a hint of sweetness and caramelisation on the BBQ. Perfect for both adults and kids!
Rosemary & garlic lamb chops
Lamb chops are a springtime staple and pack incredible flavour. Season them with fresh rosemary, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil before grilling. The result is tender meat that’s perfect for a springtime BBQ.
Beef sausages
A classic choice for any BBQ, beef sausages are quick, easy, and always popular. Serve with fresh bread rolls and various sauces and condiments to please both kids and adults alike.
Marinated beef ribs
Beef ribs are a hearty, flavour-packed option for your BBQ. Slow-cook them ahead of time and finish them off on the grill with a smoky BBQ sauce for a tender, sticky dish.
Lemon & herb chicken drumsticks
Simple yet full of flavour, chicken drumsticks are always a hit. Season with a lemon and herb rub before grilling for a zesty addition to your BBQ menu.
Lamb kebabs
Lamb kebabs are a versatile and easy BBQ option. Use a mix of Mediterranean spices like cumin and coriander for a flavourful twist. Serve with pita bread and tzatziki on the side for a complete meal.
For the kids
Mini beef sliders
Mini beef sliders are perfect for little hands and easy to eat. Grill mini patties and serve them on soft slider buns. Don’t forget to offer cheese, lettuce, and a squirt of ketchup for a kid-friendly option they’ll love.
Chicken nuggets
Find us a child who doesn’t love nuggets! Grill up some chicken nuggets on the BBQ alongside some tomato sauce.
Mini beef meatballs
Mini beef meatballs are a fun and easy option for kids. Serve them on skewers or let kids grab them on their own. These bite-sized treats are perfect for little hands and big appetites.
Hosting tips to make your race day BBQ even easier to organise
Marinate what you can the night before
Get ahead by marinating your meats the night before. Not only does this enhance the flavours, but it also means one less thing to worry about on the day.
Ask guests to bring a plate
Lighten your load by asking guests to contribute a dish. Whether it’s a salad, dessert, or side, this will take some of the pressure off while adding variety to your spread.
Prepare side dishes early
No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen when the big race is on! Make your side dishes in the morning before guests arrive. Opt for easy salads or cold dishes that you can keep in the fridge until it’s time to serve.
Set up a self-serve drink station
Create a self-serve drink station with coolers filled with ice, drinks, and cups. This keeps guests refreshed and allows you to focus on the BBQ without having to manage drinks.
Organise seating in advance
Make sure everyone’s got a comfy spot to sit. Arrange outdoor chairs, picnic blankets, and cushions. A comfortable setup makes it easy for guests to relax and enjoy the day.
Keep the BBQ station stocked
Have all your grilling tools, sauces, and seasonings within arm’s reach by the BBQ. This way, you can focus on cooking without running back and forth to the kitchen for supplies or utensils.
Create shade
Spring sunshine can be glorious, but don’t let your guests fry! Set up umbrellas or a gazebo so everyone can stay cool while they enjoy the BBQ.
Plan an easy race day sweepstakes!
Ask your guests ahead of time to bring a small amount of cash – $5 or $10 works perfectly. Then, make sure someone grabs the day’s newspaper. Cut out the horse names from the race list and pop them all into a hat.
Everyone draws a name and hopes their horse crosses the finish line first! The winner takes home the whole pot.
This is a super quick and easy way to keep the race day energy buzzing while you fire up the BBQ.
Make the most of Melbourne Cup Carnival with a BBQ, friends, and plenty of fun
What better way to make the most of a long weekend and spring weather than a gathering with friends and family outdoors.
With the best meats on the grill, a few simple hosting tips, and fun sweepstakes, your Spring Racing BBQ is sure to be a winner!
The combination of great food, good company, and the excitement of the races will make for a fantastic celebration.
Be sure to shop online or visit us in-store for all your BBQ essentials, and get ready to enjoy a day of springtime fun and flavour.
