Pairing the right drinks with a BBQ isn’t just about the drink itself. It’s about enhancing the smoky, spicy, and savoury flavours of your favourite grilled dishes. After all, it’s no different in a restaurant.
When choosing drinks for a BBQ or for just sitting around those fire pits, it’s all about balance. Smoky meats, tangy sauces, and bold seasonings call for drinks that either complement or contrast their flavours. For instance, a smoky brisket pairs beautifully with a rich stout, while a tangy BBQ chicken benefits from the crisp acidity of a Sauvignon Blanc.
Light bites like grilled fish work well with subtle drinks, while robust flavours like ribs or pulled pork require stronger beverages to hold their own. But what’s most important are your personal preferences, so don’t hesitate to experiment.
Beer
Beer is a classic BBQ companion. If anything, meat and beer is the classic barbecue image. It’s the image on the invite.
For grilled chicken or seafood, light lagers provide a refreshing complement without overwhelming the delicate flavours. If you’re grilling spicy foods, hoppy IPAs offer a bitter contrast that cuts through the heat.
For heavier dishes like smoked brisket or ribs, darker beers like stouts shine. Their roasted malt flavours enhance the smokiness of the meat.
Make sure your beer is chilled to the right temperature and for extra brownie points, consider pairing the drink with the appropriate glassware, such as pilsner glasses for lagers or tulip glasses for IPAs. Believe it or not, it makes a difference.
Wine
Wine may not be the first thing that comes to mind for BBQ, but it’s a surprisingly versatile option. For bold, smoky meats, opt for a red wine like Zinfandel or Syrah, which match the intensity of the dish. If you’re serving grilled fish or veggies, a crisp Rosé or Sauvignon Blanc adds a refreshing touch.
For an afternoon in the sun, sweet Rieslings or sparkling wines are excellent choices for dishes with tangy or spicy sauces. Their slight sweetness and effervescence help balance out the heat. And don’t worry about fancy glassware.
Get Creative with Cocktails
Cocktails bring an element of fun and creativity to your BBQ. Citrus-based drinks like margaritas are perfect for grilled shrimp or tacos, their zesty flavours enhancing the freshness of the dish. For meaty options like burgers, brisket or ribs, smoky whiskey cocktails, such as Old Fashioneds, are a great match.
Pulled pork and BBQ chicken pair well with sweet and refreshing drinks like mojitos or sangrias. To make hosting easier, consider preparing batch cocktails in advance. Large pitchers of drinks like spiked lemonade or fruit-infused punches are crowd-pleasers that save you time during the party.
Non-Alcoholic Options
Not everyone drinks alcohol, and non-alcoholic pairings can be just as exciting. Mocktails, such as virgin mojitos or sparkling lemonade, offer all the flavour without the alcohol. Iced tea, flavoured sparkling water, or craft sodas also make great companions to BBQ dishes.
For a creative twist, try pairing the flavours of the drink with the dish. For example, serve a smoky iced tea with brisket or a fruity soda with grilled chicken. Lemonade’s tangy flavour cuts through the richness of smoked meats. The bold flavours of cold brew coffee work surprisingly well with charred dishes.
What About Drinks in the Grill?
It’s common for BBQ lovers to argue over gas, charcoal, hot rocks or wood as the ultimate way to flavour BBQ food. But drinks can elevate your BBQ as an ingredient too.
Use beer in marinades, baste meats, or try beer-can chicken. It also makes a great base for BBQ sauces.
Add whiskey for a smoky sweetness to glazes, marinades, or sauces. Perfect for ribs and brisket. Red wine also works well in marinades for beef, while white wine is ideal for seafood and chicken as does cola.
Finish pork with cider or apple juice.
Final Thoughts
Beer, wine, and cocktails each bring their own unique qualities to the table, while non-alcoholic options ensure inclusivity. The key is to balance the flavours, experiment with combinations, and enjoy the process.
Next time you fire up the grill, try one of these pairings and see how it boosts your BBQ.