Barbecue is all about bold, smoky, sweet-and-spicy flavours. It’s why we love it. And there are few things finer than firing up the barbecue and having a drink while you cook then eat your smoky grub. From ribs and brisket to corn cobs and veggie kebabs, the taste of barbecue is unique. So you want a drink that will stand up to that intensity without overwhelming the dish – even if you aren’t having booze. So, let’s take a look at some of the best non-alcoholic drinks and barbecue pairings.
These NA drink styles and brands will see you right on a summer’s day when nothing else but a barbecue will do.
Non-alcoholic drinks and barbecue: wine
For classic barbecue meats – ribs, brisket, pulled pork – you need a wine with bold fruit, soft tannins, and a bit of smokiness to match the richness of the dish. A non-alcoholic Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon works well here. Try the Plus & Minus Shiraz or Carl Jung Cabernet Sauvignon. The relatively full body and dark fruit notes of these NA wines will complement charred meats and rich sauces without being too heavy. These wines will also pair well with the hearty vegetarian fare from the barbecue, like portobello mushrooms. For grilled poultry and seafood, try a weighty white. Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with grilled chicken, buttery seafood or corn on the cob slathered in smoky chipotle butter
Non-alcoholic beers for the grill
Beer and barbecue are a natural pairing. Malty lagers, smoky porters and hoppy IPAs bring out different aspects of grilled and smoked dishes. On the other hand, crisp lagers help cut through fatty meats and umami vegetables. If you like a hoppy beer, Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA delivers a punch of citrus and pine. So it’s a great match for spicy barbecue wings, smoky ribs or blackened fish tacos. The bitterness cuts through rich, sticky sauces and balances out the sweetness in barbecue glazes. For fans of darker beers, Road Runner Coffee Stout could be an intriguing choice. Its deep roasted malt, cocoa, coffee beans and subtle smoke offer a richness and body that will stand up alongside anything you want to serve from the grill. On the craftier end of things, Nirvana Helles Lager is a Bavarian style non-alcoholic beer that provides lots of hoppy, biscuity notes. Plus, it has a crisp finish to cut through the rich barbecue dishes.
Non-alcoholic drinks and barbecue: cider
Cider is often overlooked as a barbecue pairing. But its appley sweetness and acidity make it a good match for smoky, tangy sauces and rubs. A dry cider cuts through fatty meats, while a slightly sweeter one enhances caramelised flavours. Sheppy’s Classic Cider is a straightforward non-alcoholic cider. So it can provide an ideal accompaniment to any dish you’re serving from the grill. It’s got a decent heft to it and well-balanced flavours that make it very adaptable. For a very much apple-forward cider, try The Apple Thief Pink Lady. It delivers a beautifully fresh and balanced flavour, with just the right amount of effervescence to keep things lively. It’s a more refined option that highlights the natural qualities of the apple. As a result, it’s ideal for pairing with BBQ pork or grilled vegetables.
The spirit(s): of barbecue
It certainly more unconventional, but if you like to sip a spirit while BBQ-ing there are non-alcoholic spirits can pair very well with whatever you’re serving up. For a whiskey-style pairing, Spiritless Kentucky 74 delivers oak, vanilla and caramel notes on the palate. Its taste is bold and satisfying for a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative. It pairs perfectly with smoky brisket, barbecue ribs and grilled steak. Alternatively, Gospel Responsible Rye delivers a hit of rye spice, all bold and peppery, along with layers of toasted oak and dried fruit. Good with ribs.
Choosing the right NA drink for your barbecue
Non-alcoholic drinks and barbecue is a great combination to enjoy on a summer’s day. The punchy, rich flavours of BBQ-ed meat and/or vegetables mean you want a drink that will either stand up to or cut across those flavours. So whether you prefer to sip a spirit, chug a beer, have a glass of wine or crack a bottle of cider, you can bring booze-free flavours to your barbecue – and enjoy a hangover-free tomorrow.
Image credit: Aral Tasher