What to Bring to a BBQ: Boone’s Ultimate Drink Pairing Guide (Summer Edition)
Summer BBQs are a tradition that never goes out of style—sunshine, grilled food, and the kind of laid-back energy that just hits different. Whether you’re hosting the neighborhood or heading to a friend’s backyard, bringing the right drink can instantly boost your status from “regular guest” to “MVP.” At Boone’s, we’ve tried, tested, and stocked the shelves with the kind of drinks that elevate any grill-out—whether you’re flipping burgers or just hanging by the cooler.
Start with the basics: burgers, brats, and hot dogs. These grill staples are salty, savory, and a little smoky, which means you want drinks that refresh without overpowering. A crisp, cold lager or light pilsner is always a win. These beers are low in bitterness, high in drinkability, and perfect for sipping all afternoon. Not sure what style your host prefers? Grab a mixed 12-pack of local craft beers and let everyone pick their favorite. If you want to level up, bring a few radler-style beers—those citrusy, low-ABV brews that go down easy when it’s 90 degrees out.
Now, if the BBQ menu includes ribs, pulled pork, or anything slathered in sticky barbecue sauce, you’ll want to match that intensity. For beer lovers, a brown ale or porter with hints of caramel or coffee works great with smoky meat. For wine drinkers, a fruit-forward red like Zinfandel or Syrah can stand up to bold flavors. And if you’re more into mixing things up, a big-batch bourbon lemonade or peach whiskey tea will absolutely steal the show. Just toss it in a mason jar or pitcher with ice and you’re good to go. Boone’s always carries seasonal bourbons and pre-made cocktail mixers to make things easy.
Grilled chicken, fish, or veggie skewers deserve something on the lighter side. A dry rosé or a chilled Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with herb-marinated poultry and grilled vegetables. Bonus points if you show up with a chilled boxed wine or canned wine—perfect for outdoor setups with no stress about corkscrews or broken glass. At Boone’s, we stock a variety of high-quality canned wines that taste like something you’d get at a wine bar—no kidding.
When it comes to the sides—think grilled corn, watermelon salad, and pasta loaded with fresh herbs—a bright, slightly bubbly drink goes a long way. A dry prosecco, sparkling rosé, or even a hard cider adds the right touch of sweetness without being too much. And for the hard seltzer crowd, pick flavors that match the vibe: lime, grapefruit, or watermelon always hit in summer. Want something more unique? Grab a bottle of sparkling mead or fruit-forward wine spritzers—they’re becoming a fast favorite for folks who want something different but easy-drinking.
And don’t sleep on dessert. Whether it’s peach cobbler, brownies, or s’mores by the fire pit, you can’t go wrong with a sweet after-dinner drink. Try a bottle of chilled port, a chocolate liqueur, or even a cold brew whiskey blend. One of our favorite summer picks? A boozy root beer or vanilla cream liqueur served over ice—trust us, it’s basically an adult float.
The key to being the guest (or host) everyone remembers is bringing something people didn’t even know they wanted. Whether that’s a perfectly chilled rosé, a bold bourbon, or a six-pack of hard-to-find seltzers, Boone’s has your back. Swing by before the next BBQ, and we’ll help you find the perfect match for whatever’s on the grill.
