A great BBQ isn’t just about the perfectly grilled meats—it’s also about the sides and drinks that complement the flavors and elevate the overall dining experience. From refreshing beverages to savory and sweet sides, the right pairings can turn a simple BBQ into an unforgettable feast. In this guide, we’ll explore the best drink and side pairings that go perfectly with grilled meats, ensuring that your next BBQ is a hit with everyone.
1. Classic Pairing: BBQ Ribs with Coleslaw and Craft Beer
Few things scream BBQ quite like a rack of tender, smoky BBQ ribs, and the right sides and drinks can bring out the best in this crowd-pleaser.
The Perfect Side: Coleslaw
- Why It Works: The crunchy, tangy freshness of coleslaw balances the richness and sweetness of BBQ ribs. The cool, creamy dressing complements the sticky, smoky flavors of the meat.
- Best Coleslaw Variations: Try traditional mayo-based coleslaw for a creamy option, or opt for vinegar-based coleslaw if you prefer a lighter, tangier side.
The Perfect Drink: Craft Beer
- Why It Works: The carbonation in beer cuts through the richness of BBQ ribs, while the malt and hop flavors complement the smoky, sweet BBQ sauce. For ribs, choose a craft beer like a hoppy IPA or a malty amber ale to match the intensity of the flavors.
Pro Tip: Offer a variety of local craft beers for guests to choose from, giving them the option to explore different flavor profiles.
2. Smoky Pairing: Grilled Brisket with Mac and Cheese and Red Wine
Brisket is the king of Texas BBQ, known for its smoky, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Pairing it with rich, creamy sides and bold drinks makes for an unforgettable meal.
The Perfect Side: Mac and Cheese
- Why It Works: The gooey, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese pairs beautifully with the smoky flavor of brisket. The creaminess of the cheese offsets the richness of the meat, while the pasta adds a satisfying texture.
- Best Mac and Cheese Variations: Try making mac and cheese with sharp cheddar or smoked gouda for an extra depth of flavor. You can even add bacon or jalapeños for a twist.
The Perfect Drink: Full-Bodied Red Wine
- Why It Works: A bold, full-bodied red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Malbec complements the smoky, rich flavors of brisket. The tannins in the wine help cut through the fat, making it a perfect pairing for fatty, slow-cooked meats.
Pro Tip: Decant your red wine about 30 minutes before serving to allow it to open up and release its full range of flavors.
3. Fresh Pairing: Grilled Chicken with Grilled Vegetables and Lemonade
Grilled chicken is a versatile BBQ staple that can be enhanced with fresh, bright sides and drinks. This pairing offers a lighter option for BBQ lovers who want to keep things refreshing.
The Perfect Side: Grilled Vegetables
- Why It Works: Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and asparagus add a smoky, charred flavor that pairs perfectly with the mild taste of chicken. The veggies add a healthy and vibrant element to the BBQ plate.
- Best Grilled Vegetable Variations: Toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon before grilling to enhance their natural flavors.
The Perfect Drink: Lemonade
- Why It Works: The tartness and sweetness of lemonade balance the savory flavors of grilled chicken and vegetables. Whether you go with classic lemonade or a twist like strawberry lemonade or basil lemonade, the refreshing acidity will cleanse your palate between bites.
Pro Tip: Make homemade lemonade with freshly squeezed lemons for the best flavor, or try adding sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
4. Bold Pairing: Grilled Sausages with Potato Salad and Lager
Grilled sausages are another BBQ favorite, with their juicy, flavorful bite. Pairing them with hearty sides and light, crisp drinks creates a satisfying meal without overwhelming the palate.
The Perfect Side: Potato Salad
- Why It Works: Potato salad adds a creamy, savory element that balances the rich, salty flavor of grilled sausages. The texture of tender potatoes and crunchy celery or onions creates a perfect contrast to the crispy sausage casing.
- Best Potato Salad Variations: Traditional mayo-based potato salad works wonderfully, but you can also try a German potato salad made with vinegar and mustard for a tangier side.
The Perfect Drink: Light Lager
- Why It Works: A light, crisp lager pairs perfectly with the richness of sausages, keeping the meal balanced and refreshing. The subtle flavors of a lager won’t overpower the boldness of the sausage but will help cleanse the palate after every bite.
Pro Tip: If you prefer something bolder, opt for a German wheat beer (hefeweizen) to complement the spices in the sausages.
5. Sweet and Spicy Pairing: BBQ Pulled Pork with Cornbread and Sweet Tea
For a Southern-style BBQ, pulled pork is a must-have, known for its tender texture and sweet, smoky flavor. Pairing it with classic Southern sides and drinks is the perfect way to round out the meal.
The Perfect Side: Cornbread
- Why It Works: Cornbread adds a subtly sweet and crumbly texture that pairs perfectly with pulled pork. The sweetness of the cornbread complements the smoky flavors of the pork, while the dense texture helps soak up any extra BBQ sauce.
- Best Cornbread Variations: You can make cornbread sweet by adding honey or brown sugar or give it a savory twist with jalapeños and cheddar cheese.
The Perfect Drink: Sweet Tea
- Why It Works: Sweet tea is a Southern staple, offering a refreshing balance to the bold flavors of pulled pork. The sweetness of the tea enhances the flavors of the BBQ sauce without overpowering it.
Pro Tip: Serve the sweet tea with lemon slices or fresh mint for added freshness.
6. Lighter Pairing: Grilled Fish with Quinoa Salad and White Wine
Grilled fish is an excellent choice for a BBQ when you’re looking for something lighter. Pairing it with wholesome sides and crisp drinks creates a fresh and satisfying BBQ experience.
The Perfect Side: Quinoa Salad
- Why It Works: Quinoa salad adds a light, nutty flavor that complements the delicate taste of grilled fish. Toss the quinoa with ingredients like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and herbs for a fresh, healthy side.
- Best Quinoa Salad Variations: Add grilled vegetables or a citrus vinaigrette to enhance the flavors of the fish and provide extra texture.
The Perfect Drink: Crisp White Wine
- Why It Works: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with grilled fish. The acidity of the wine brightens the flavors of the fish, while the light body keeps the pairing refreshing and easy to enjoy.
Pro Tip: Chill the white wine for at least an hour before serving to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature.
7. Hearty Pairing: Grilled Steak with Caesar Salad and Whiskey Cocktails
Grilled steak is bold, juicy, and packed with flavor, making it a BBQ favorite for meat lovers. Pairing it with robust sides and strong drinks creates a perfect balance for an indulgent BBQ feast.
The Perfect Side: Caesar Salad
- Why It Works: The creamy, tangy dressing of a Caesar salad pairs wonderfully with the richness of grilled steak. The crisp romaine lettuce adds a refreshing crunch, while the Parmesan cheese and croutons provide extra flavor and texture.
- Best Caesar Salad Variations: Add grilled shrimp or bacon to the salad for an extra layer of flavor that pairs well with the steak.
The Perfect Drink: Whiskey Cocktail
- Why It Works: A smoky, bourbon-based cocktail like an Old Fashioned or a Whiskey Sour pairs perfectly with the hearty flavors of grilled steak. The caramel and spice notes in the whiskey complement the charred flavors of the steak, creating a rich and satisfying pairing.
Pro Tip: Serve whiskey cocktails with large ice cubes to keep the drink cold without diluting the flavor.
Conclusion: Perfect BBQ Pairings for a Flavorful Feast
No BBQ is complete without the right sides and drinks to complement the star of the show—grilled meats. Whether you’re serving up smoky ribs, juicy sausages, or tender pulled pork, pairing them with the right sides and refreshing beverages will enhance the flavors and elevate your BBQ to the next level. From classic potato salad and mac and cheese to crisp wines and refreshing beers, these pairings will ensure that your guests leave satisfied and impressed.
