
Bold Bites & Beautiful Bottles: How to Pair BBQ with Wine & Wine-Based Cocktails
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. 🍷🔥🍑