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Grill and Chill: Best Drink Pairings for a Summer BBQ

Jul 3, 2024 | 4th of July, cocktail party, Drink Recipes, recipes, summer bbq drinks

Summer is the season for outdoor gatherings, and nothing beats a classic BBQ with friends and family. To elevate your BBQ experience, it’s essential to pair your delicious grilled dishes with the right beverages. Here’s a guide to the best beers, wines, and spirits to complement your favorite BBQ fare.

Spirits

1. Bourbon 

– Pairs with: Pulled pork and grilled steak

– Why it works: The caramel and vanilla notes in bourbon highlight the smokiness of pulled pork and the charred flavors of a perfectly grilled steak.

2. Tequila

– Pairs with: Grilled shrimp and fish tacos

– Why it works: Tequila’s crisp, herbal profile complements the fresh, zesty flavors of seafood, making it an excellent choice for grilled shrimp and fish tacos.

3. Rum

– Pairs with: Grilled pineapple and tropical fruit skewers

– Why it works: Rum’s sweet, molasses flavor enhances the natural sweetness of grilled fruits, creating a deliciously indulgent dessert option. 

Check out how to make this Ocean Breeze Cocktail! 

 

Beers

1. Pale Ales and IPAs

– Pairs with: Spicy BBQ ribs and hot wings

– Why it works: The hoppy bitterness of pale ales and IPAs cuts through the richness and spice of these dishes, providing a refreshing contrast.

2. Amber Ales

– Pairs with: Grilled sausages and burgers

– Why it works: The maltiness of amber ales complements the savory, slightly charred flavors of grilled meats, enhancing the overall taste experience.

3. Wheat Beers

– Pairs with: Grilled chicken and seafood

– Why it works: Light and citrusy wheat beers bring out the subtle flavors of chicken and seafood, making them taste even more delightful on a hot summer day.

Wines

1. Zinfandel

– Pairs with: BBQ pork ribs and brisket

– Why it works: Zinfandel’s bold, fruity flavors and peppery undertones are perfect for matching the sweet and smoky notes of BBQ pork dishes.

2. Rosé

– Pairs with: Grilled vegetables and lighter meats like turkey

– Why it works: Rosé’s bright acidity and subtle fruitiness balance the earthy flavors of grilled vegetables and the lean taste of turkey.

3. Chardonnay

– Pairs with: Grilled salmon and shrimp

– Why it works: A buttery, oaked Chardonnay enhances the rich flavors of grilled salmon and shrimp, adding a layer of sophistication to your BBQ.

Tips for Perfect Pairings

1. Match Intensity: Pair light dishes with light beverages and rich dishes with bolder drinks to ensure the flavors complement rather than overpower each other.

2. Consider the Sauce: The type of BBQ sauce you use can significantly impact the pairing. For example, a tangy vinegar-based sauce pairs well with a crisp, dry white wine, while a sweet, smoky sauce is perfect with a rich, full-bodied red.

3. Stay Cool: Opt for chilled wines, beers, and cocktails to keep your guests refreshed in the summer heat.

Conclusion

Choosing the right beverage to go with your BBQ dishes can take your summer cookout from good to unforgettable. Whether you prefer beer, wine, or spirits, there’s a perfect pairing for every type of BBQ dish. So fire up the grill, gather your friends, and enjoy a fantastic summer BBQ with the perfect drinks to match. Cheers to a delicious and refreshing BBQ season!

For more pairing tips and beverage recommendations, visit us at Tri-State Liquors. We have everything you need to make your summer BBQ a hit!

Tri-State Liquors | 302.792.BEER | TriStateLiquors.com

 

Get Ready for Football Season with These Themed Cocktails

Aug 3, 2022 | blog, cocktail party, Drink Recipes, Fall Happenings, liquor store Delaware, tailgates, tailgating tips

Are you ready for the upcoming NFL season? The season starts Thursday, September 8th when the Buffalo Bills face off against the Los Angeles Rams at 8:20 p.m. However, if you are really missing those football watch parties, preseason starts on August 11th! You can find more important NFL season dates and team schedules here.

Regardless of when or where you watch the games, we have some great team-specific cocktail recipes ready for you. These are sure to be a crowd pleaser whether it is a Fantasy Football Draft Party, a regular season game or the Super Bowl.

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Stock Your Home Bar to Mix Up Cocktails All Year Long

Jan 10, 2022 | blog, cocktail party, Entertainment Tips, liquor store Delaware

Start the Year Off Right by getting your bar up for the challenge. Right now, it’s the NFL Playoffs & Big Game ahead. Not to mention, Valentine’s Day. Soon it will be March Madness & St. Patty’s Day. Heading into spring, there is Easter & Memorial Day. Fast forward to Summer, with July 4th & Labor Day. Fall eschews in Halloween & Thanksgiving. Winding up the year with the winter holiday season & Christmas.

Don’t forget the personal celebrations, such birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, baby showers & graduations. Getting all set from the beginning will make entertaining easier all year long.

Make entertaining easy by having all the right ingredients to mix up cocktails all year long.

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How to Stock a Summer Bar

Jul 7, 2021 | blog, cocktail party, Drink Recipes, Entertainment Tips, recipes

With summer in full swing, many home entertainers are realizing that their bars are sorely lacking in the ingredients needed to create refreshing cocktails. While making cocktails can be a complicated endeavor, simplifying is really the best way to keep the stress out of entertaining.

Having the basics on hand to make the light cocktails for those hot summer days and nights will keep you prepared for impromptu get togethers. Simple and light is the best way to go when stocking up a summer bar. Having tonics, sodas and fruit mixers, such as lemonade, cranberry, grapefruit, orange and pineapple juice will hit a wide variety of tastes.

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