Backyard BBQ Like a Boss: Food and Drink Pairings to Wow Your Guests!
Bring out the perfect pairings!
A backyard BBQ isn’t just about the drool-inducing smell of food sizzling on the grill – it’s also the perfect occasion to be your own bartender and match your delicious eats with some truly refreshing drinks. Whether you’re serving up mouth-watering burgers, melt-in-your-mouth ribs, sizzling grilled veggies, or other popular BBQ dishes, choosing the right drinks can enrich the flavours of your meal.
Whether you’re eating burgers, ribs, chicken, seafood, or vegetarian options, there’s a pairing out there for everyone. From craft beers, to bold red, to crisp whites, the perfect pairing awaits!
Craft Beers & Classic Burgers - A Match Made in BBQ Heaven
When it comes to burgers fresh off the smoky grill, treat your guests to a medley of handpicked craft beers.
American pale ales or IPAs, with their distinct hop-forward character, harmonize brilliantly with the robust flavours of beef patties and hearty toppings. The hoppy bitterness counterbalances the richness, accentuating the savoury depth of the burger.
Fun tip – carbonation always helps cut through fat, so that bacon and cheese deliciousness lingering on your palate can be cleansed with a beer!
Bold Reds & Ribs - An Explosion of Flavours
When it comes to succulent, meaty ribs, it’s time to step into the world of bold red wines.
Full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, or Syrah with their robust flavours and tannins, stand tall against the richness of BBQ sauce and the smokiness of the meat.
This coupling of the wine’s fruity undertones and the savoury profile of the ribs creates a harmonious balance, amplifying the BBQ experience.
Grilled Chicken & Crisp Whites - A Symphony of Delicate Tastes
The lighter, more delicate profile of grilled chicken pairs excellently with crisp, invigorating white wines.
Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, or Chardonnay with their sharp acidity and citrus notes complement the charred, slightly smoky appeal of the chicken. For a more mellow choice, consider a chilled dry Rosé – adding a dash of elegance and versatility to your BBQ menu.
Vegetarian Delights & Sparkling Hydration - A Refreshing Combination
For guests enjoying the bounty of grilled veggies or delectable veggie burgers, introduce the sparkle of effervescent drinks.
Sparkling water infused with fresh fruits, herbs, or a zest of citrus offers a revitalizing, hydrating choice.
Add a touch of festivity with sparkling fruit juices or cocktails. The lively bubbles and dynamic flavours cleanse the palate and uplift the profile of these vegetable-centric dishes.
Another fun option can be Gruner Veltliner, with a delightful “green crunch” that works so well with veggies!
Seafood Paired with Crisp Whites
or Light Ales
When seafood graces your BBQ menu, reach for the zesty acidity of crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay.
Nova Scotia Tidal Bay is PERFECT here, their citrusy charm pairs seamlessly with the delicate, often sweet flavours of fish or shrimp.
For a beer-lover’s delight, light and refreshing ales, such as wheat beers or pale ales, introduce a hint of bitterness, complementing the natural sweetness of the seafood.
Sweet Endings & Dessert Wines: A Perfect Conclusion
No BBQ feast is complete without the sweet endings! For grilled fruit desserts or indulgent treats, dessert wines offer the perfect balance.
Choose late-harvest Riesling, Moscato, or Sauternes. These wines, with their sumptuous sweetness and vivacious fruit flavours, harmonize beautifully with the richness of the desserts, leaving your guests savouring the final notes of your BBQ party.
Tips from our Sommelier
When BBQing out in the sun and enjoying the warmth, consider slightly chilling your red wines! 5 to 10 minutes in the fridge for your bottle of Pinot Noir will make it shine with your delicious BBQ plank salmon.
When in doubt, look to match up flavours. More often than not, flavours that are similar are well suited pairings – that citrus vinaigrette on your grilled chicken salad goes hand in hand with the acidic nature of Sauvignon Blanc!
These pairings are only recommendations, so who is to stop you from pairing outside the box? If you love Chardonnay, enjoy a glass with your ribs. If you are a Cabernet Sauvignon fiend, then sip on that with your burger. Remember to pair for enjoyment, not perfection!
