4 Drink Pairings For Your Next BBQ

Hey y’all! I’m Carey Bringle—also known as the Peg Leg Porker—and I’m thrilled to have you here with me on Rated Red Eats. Today we’re talking about perfect pairings, and I don’t mean socks and sandals. I mean BBQ and the beverages that take it to the next level. Whether you're hosting your next cookout or just grilling out back, the right drink can bring out all the best flavors in your smoked meats.

I’ve spent a whole lotta time around the pit, and even more time tasting and pairing. So let’s dive into four of my favorite drink pairings for classic BBQ dishes—tried, tested, and delicious.

1. Pulled Pork + Bourbon

Let’s start with a BBQ classic—pulled pork. When that pork’s got a good bark and you’ve smoked it just right, it needs a drink that can stand up to its richness. That’s where bourbon comes in.

A good bourbon cuts through the fat beautifully. It’s got that bold flavor, a little bit of heat, and a smooth finish that just works with pork. Bourbon highlights all those smoky, savory notes and keeps your palate refreshed. Pour a glass neat or on the rocks, take a bite of that pulled pork, and boom—perfection.

Pro Tip: Pick a bourbon with a strong character. Doesn’t have to be fancy—just make sure it’s one you enjoy sipping.

2. Smoked Brisket + Rye Whiskey

Next up, we’ve got smoked brisket—especially the fatty end with that peppery crust. Now, if you’ve never tried this with a rye whiskey, you’re in for a treat.

Rye has a little more bite and spice than bourbon, and that’s exactly what makes it shine with brisket. You get pepper-on-pepper action, a little heat, and that bold rye flavor cuts straight through the richness of the meat. It’s a match made in BBQ heaven.

Want to impress the crowd? Serve your brisket with a splash of rye and let the flavors do all the talking.

3. Smoked Wings + Pale Ale

Now, let’s talk wings. These are smoked, chilled, then fried to crispy perfection—especially tasty with a drizzle of Alabama white sauce. And the drink pairing that just gets them? A pale ale.

A good pale ale has just enough hops to balance out the creamy tang of that white sauce and the smokiness of the wings. It's refreshing, light, and full of flavor without being too heavy. Perfect for game day, backyard hangs, or any BBQ gathering.

Pro tip: Serve your beer ice cold, and don’t be afraid to go local with your craft brew choices.

4. Smoked Salmon + Riesling

Alright, now for something a little more refined—smoked salmon. Lightly peppered, delicately smoked, and absolutely delicious. For this one, I like to pair it with a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling.

Riesling is perfect here because it’s got that just right balance. Not too dry, not too sweet. It highlights the richness of the salmon without overpowering it, and it adds a bright, clean finish to every bite. It’s a pairing that’ll make you feel like you’re dining at a fancy bistro, even if you’re in your backyard in flip flops.

This one’s for the foodies. Serve it up and impress your guests with your next-level pairing game.

What’s Your Favorite BBQ Pairing?

So there you have it—four easy drink pairings to elevate your next BBQ. Whether you're a bourbon lover or a beer fan, there’s something here to complement your favorite smoked dishes.

Got a favorite pairing of your own? Drop a comment and let us know what you're drinking with your BBQ—we’d love to hear it!

And hey—if you enjoyed these pairings and want more behind-the-grill goodness, check out my channel over on YouTube at Rated Red Eats.