One of the hallmarks of British summertime is having a BBQ, and though the food is probably going to take centre stage at your al fresco dining experience, what better way to complement the dishes than with some perfect drinks combinations?
Here, independent spirits retailer House of Malt will show you how to choose the right beverages to serve with your summer BBQ for the best outdoor dining experience with your family and friends.
Depending on the dishes you’re planning to serve, you might want to choose the perfect beer or think about the best spirit or wine pairings for your meals. It’s a good idea to think about these combinations in advance to avoid running around when you’re starting to serve food, especially if you are cooking for more than a few people. Read on and we’ll help you get started on deciding what you want to serve and offer some pointers on classic barbecue flavours that go well together.
Pulled pork and bourbon
Pulled pork is a classic BBQ dish, and as it originates from the American south, what better way to set it off than to pair it with a drink from the south too? Bourbon’s signature sweet, woody flavour works excellently with the smoky flavour of the pulled pork, and the sweetness also complements the richness of the dish to create a really luxurious dining experience. The mildness of bourbon also brings out the spices used in the pulled pork, and if you want something more refreshing, you can always whip up a mint julep . The sugar and mint in this cocktail offers a cooling flavour to go with the spicy pork, and the bourbon will pay homage to the origins of this classic BBQ dish.
Burgers and beer
Perhaps the most classic combination in terms of BBQ food is a burger grilled to perfection and paired with a cold beer. You might want to just stock up on your favourite beer for the occasion, but you can also branch out and select beers specifically for the types of burgers you’ll be serving. A beer with caramel notes is ideal for cheeseburgers, as it brings out their richness. For spicy burgers, an IPA is ideal, whereas a classic beef burger will go excellently with a pale ale that matches the intensity of its flavour. A combination of burgers and carefully chosen beer is sure to be the crowd pleaser that you’re looking for.
Seafood and sparkling wine
Another classic flavour combination is pairing seafood with a sparkling wine. This combination is sure to make you and your BBQ guests feel that summer has arrived, and as a bonus, you could use this as an opportunity to try some English sparkling wine. Firm favourites for BBQ dishes, prawns and white fish work well with sparkling wine and these can be easily cooked on a BBQ with some butter, garlic, lemon, and parsley to really bring out the flavours of the fresh seafood. You could spruce things up even more by mixing up a white wine spritzer to serve with your grilled fish.
Roast mushrooms and Pino Noir
Vegetarian dishes are extremely versatile when it comes to pairing them with different drinks, because the flavours aren’t quite as strong as those of meat and fish. However, you still want to use combinations that really bring out the best in both the food and beverages. If you are cooking mushrooms on your BBQ as a veggie alternative to burgers, then a Pino Noir is a great choice for its richness and depth. Grilled vegetables pair best with a merlot, and if you are making a roast vegetable salad for something a little lighter, you might want to go with a refrigerated white wine that will be cooling and refreshing in the summer weather.
- Ben Turnbull, Director and Head Wine Buyer at House of Malt comments:
“Choosing the right drink pairings for your food can really change the game and elevate your BBQ spread, so it’s well worth taking the time to decide which combinations you will go for. If you want to push the boat out, you might take some of our pairing ideas and try including them in cocktails to personalise the experience even more.
“You might also want to make up a jug of Pimm’s or prepare a dessert wine to go with any fruit or sweet treats that you enjoy after the main course. Pimm’s is a classic choice for summer, and it can also be a great aperitif to serve as your guests arrive or the family gathers in the garden to get the BBQ going.”
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