Bold Bites & Beautiful Bottles: How to Pair BBQ with Wine & Wine-Based Cocktails

At Bacon-n-Bourbon, we’re all about bold flavor, smoky meats, and bringing a little Southern soul to every plate. And while we love our bourbon (obviously), we also know how underrated wine can be when it comes to barbecue.

That’s right—wine.

Whether you’re grabbing takeout or hosting a backyard feast, pairing your BBQ with the right wine or wine-based cocktail can take your whole experience to another level. From deep Spanish reds to juicy California rosés, to crisp white spritzers and handcrafted Sangrias, we’ve got the sips to match the smoke.

🍷 Why Wine and BBQ Work So Well

BBQ brings heat, smoke, spice, sweetness, and depth. Wine brings acidity, fruit, structure, and sometimes just enough chill to balance it all out.

Think of wine as your BBQ's backup singer—harmonizing with the flavor, lifting the richness, and making each bite better than the last.

🍇 Our Favorite Wines to Pair with Bacon-n-Bourbon

🔥 Bold & Smoky Reds

Perfect with ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and anything glazed in our house BBQ sauce.

• Tempranillo – A bold Spanish red with earthy undertones. Perfect for Dry-Rubbed Bacon-n-BBQ Ribs or Pulled Pork Sandwiches.

• Zinfandel – Jammy and spicy, this California favorite is made for ribs.

• Syrah/Shiraz – Big, brooding, and perfect with our BBQ Chicken Sandwich or Brisket Cheesesteak Melt.

🍷 Chillable & Light Reds

Great for tacos, enchiladas, and sunny weather.

• Grenache – Fruity, fun, and even better slightly chilled. Excellent with Chicken Enchiladas or Street Tacos.

• Beaujolais-Villages – Light-bodied and food-friendly.

🍾 Whites & Rosés that Keep It Fresh

Refreshing and crisp—great with seafood, spice, or sides.

• Albariño – A citrusy Spanish white that loves heat and seafood. Try it with Seafood-Stuffed Poblano Peppers.

• Sauvignon Blanc (California) – Zingy and herbal, great with anything featuring green chiles or crema.

• Dry Rosé – Balanced and versatile. Fantastic with pulled pork, BBQ chicken, or anything with a smoky char.

🍹 Wine-Based Cocktails & Sangrias to Sip All Spring

If you're more of a cocktail lover—or you just want something light, fruity, and fun—these wine-based drinks were made for you (and your takeout BBQ box).

🍊 Classic Red Sangria

Great with: Pulled Pork, Ribs, Brisket

Recipe:

• 1 bottle Spanish red wine (Tempranillo or Garnacha)

• 1 orange & 1 lemon, sliced

• 2 oz brandy (optional)

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 cup orange juice

• Club soda or lemon-lime soda to top
  Let chill before serving over ice.

🍓 Rosé Sangria with Berries

Great with: BBQ Chicken, Tacos, Quesadillas

Recipe:

• 1 bottle dry rosé

• 1 cup strawberries

• ½ cup raspberries

• 1 lemon, sliced

• ¼ cup simple syrup or honey

• Sparkling water or grapefruit soda to top

🍑 Peach White Wine Spritzer

Great with: Seafood, Poblano Peppers, Spicy Enchiladas

Recipe:

• 1 bottle dry white wine (Sauv Blanc or Pinot Grigio)

• ½ cup peach nectar

• Sparkling water
  Garnish with mint and peach slices.

🌴 Tropical Wine Punch

Great with: Tacos, Brisket, Anything grilled

Recipe:

• 1 bottle semi-sweet white wine (Moscato or Riesling)

• ½ cup pineapple juice

• ¼ cup lime juice

• Fresh pineapple & orange slices
  Serve over ice with a Tajín rim.

🍑 Bacon-n-Bourbon Peach Bellini

Perfect with: Spicy Street Tacos, Seafood-Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Recipe:

• ½ cup fresh peach purée

• Splash of fresh lime juice (about ½ oz)

• 4 oz chilled sweet white wine (Moscato, Viognier, or Gewürztraminer)

Optional Additions:

• ½ oz peach schnapps

• ½ oz simple syrup (if your peaches need a boost)

• Or replace the wine with 2 oz peach-flavored whiskey for a boozy Southern twist

To Serve:
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass, or blend for a frozen version. Garnish with a peach slice or lime wheel.

🧡 Quick Pairing Guide

• Dry-Rubbed Bacon-n-BBQ Ribs

  • Wine/Cocktail Pairing: Tempranillo or Classic Red Sangria

• BBQ Chicken Sandwich

  • Wine/Cocktail Pairing: Syrah or Rosé Sangria

• Pulled Pork Sandwich

  • Wine/Cocktail Pairing: Zinfandel or Classic Red Sangria

• Seafood-Stuffed Poblano Peppers

  • Wine/Cocktail Pairing: Albariño or Bacon-n-Bourbon Peach Bellini

• Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce

  • Wine/Cocktail Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc or Tropical Wine Punch

• Street Tacos

  • Wine/Cocktail Pairing: Chilled Grenache or Bacon-n-Bourbon Peach Bellini

Sip, Savor, Repeat

Wine and BBQ might sound like an unexpected duo—but when paired right, they’re nothing short of unforgettable. Whether you’re unwinding on your porch, throwing a backyard bash, or picking up Bacon-n-Bourbon to-go, there’s a bottle (or cocktail) that will hit the spot.

Check out our weekly menu to start planning your next wine + BBQ pairing:
👉 Bacon-n-Bourbon Menu

Cheers to smoky bites, sweet sips, and unforgettable nights. 🍷🔥🍑