Nothing brings people together like a backyard BBQ, where the sizzle of the grill sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. But what’s on your plate is only half the experience. The right beverage can enhance smoky, savory, and spicy flavors, turning a great meal into the perfect patio feast. Whether you enjoy bold wines, crisp beers, or refreshing nonalcoholic drinks, there is a perfect pairing for every grilled dish. From appetizers to desserts, let’s explore the perfect drinks to pair with your favorite grilled foods. Ready to take your outdoor dining to the next level?
Appetizers to Kick Off Your Feast
Best Summer Shrimp
Get ready for these quick and tasty shrimp skewers! Simply seasoned with garlic salt, black pepper, and a bit of cayenne, then coated in mayo for a crispy, golden finish, they’re a perfect, easy appetizer for summer grilling. A squeeze of fresh lemon adds the finishing touch. Now, let’s dive into the best drinks to pair with these shrimp:
Wine: Sauvignon Blanc
The fresh, citrusy flavors of Sauvignon Blanc brighten up the shrimp and cut through any richness from the glaze.
Beer: Pilsner
The light, clean taste of Pilsner balances the smoky shrimp without overpowering it.
Nonalcoholic: Sparkling Lime Water
The zesty lime and bubbles refresh your palate, complementing the shrimp's smoky, tangy flavors.
Beef and Blue Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms
These Beef and Blue Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms are the ideal savory bite for your next evening on the patio. Ground beef is mixed with crumbled blue cheese, breadcrumbs, and fresh chives, then stuffed into mushroom caps and grilled to perfection. Let’s look at the best drinks to pair with this tasty apperizer:
Wine: Merlot
Merlot’s smooth, fruity taste pairs well with the rich blue cheese and beef stuffing, making each bite feel balanced.
Beer: Malty Brown Ale
The sweet, malty flavor of Brown Ale matches the savory mushrooms and beef, creating a nice contrast.
Nonalcoholic: Black Cherry Soda
The fruity, slightly tart cherry flavor works well with the earthy mushrooms and rich beef.
Mouthwatering Main Dishes
A.1. Grilled Marinated Steak
This A.1. Grilled Marinated Steak is packed with bold flavors. The marinade of A.1. Original Sauce, Dijon mustard, hot pepper sauce, curry powder, and thyme adds a tangy kick to the beef. Grill it to medium doneness, and you’ve got a juicy, flavorful steak ready to serve. For the best experience, here are some drinks to complement this dish:
Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon
The bold, fruity notes of Cabernet Sauvignon match the strong flavors of marinated steak, making them a perfect pairing.
Beer: India Pale Ale (IPA)
The bitter hops in IPA cut through the steak’s richness, giving a crisp contrast to the savory flavors.
Nonalcoholic: Unsweetened Black Iced Tea
The tannins in black iced tea balance the flavors of the marinated steak, refreshing your palate between bites.
BBQ Cherry Cola Chicken Legs
These BBQ Cherry Cola Chicken Legs are sweet, smoky, and packed with flavor. Marinated in a bold blend of cherry cola and Texas-style BBQ sauce, the chicken turns tender and caramelized on the grill. These chicken legs are a must-try for any backyard cookout. To make the meal even better, here are some great drink pairings:
Wine: Zinfandel
Zinfandel’s fruity, spicy flavors match the cherry cola glaze, adding depth to the sweet and smoky chicken.
Beer: Amber Ale
Amber Ale’s malty sweetness pairs well with the BBQ glaze, balancing the flavors of the chicken.
Nonalcoholic: Cherry Lemonade
The sweet cherry and tangy lemonade complement the BBQ glaze while adding a refreshing touch.
Decadent Desserts
BBQ Peach & Blueberry Pie
This BBQ Peach & Blueberry Pie is a delicious way to enjoy fresh summer fruit. Juicy peaches and blueberries are mixed with sugar and lemon zest, then baked in a golden, flaky crust right on the grill. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert for any cookout. Here are some drinks that pair well with it:
Wine: Moscato
Moscato’s sweetness and light fizz bring out the flavors of the peaches and blueberries in the pie, creating a refreshing pairing.
Beer: Fruity Wheat Beer
The fruity flavor of Wheat Beer works well with the grilled fruit in the pie, making a flavorful combination.
Nonalcoholic: Peach Iced Tea
Peach iced tea highlights the sweet fruitiness of the pie, while the tea’s subtle bitterness balances the sweetness.
BBQ Apple Pies
This BBQ Apple Pie is a cozy, rustic take on a classic dessert, made right on the grill. Tart apple slices are tossed with cinnamon and sugar, then wrapped in a buttery crust and baked until golden. The grill adds just the right touch of caramelization, making each bite rich and flavorful. Here are some drinks to pair with it:
Wine: Riesling
Riesling’s sweet and crisp taste pairs well with the tartness of the grilled apples and the spices in the pie.
Beer: Hard Cider
The crisp, slightly tart flavor of hard cider complements the sweetness of the apples in the pie, while adding a refreshing balance to the richness of the grilled fruit.
Nonalcoholic: Spiced Apple Cider
The warm spices in apple cider complement the cinnamon and nutmeg in the pie, making a cozy and flavorful match.
The right drink pairing can take your grilling experience from good to unforgettable. Whether you’re sipping on a bold red wine, a crisp beer, or another refreshing beverage, the right drink can help enhance every bite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your own pairings to find what you love most. Find more delicious recipes and grilling inspiration here.
Published: 2025.04.07