Spring Sippin’ & Smokin’: The Best Drinks to Pair with BBQ at Bacon-n-Bourbon

As the days grow longer and the sun starts showing off, there’s no better time to fire up the smoker and gather your crew for some serious BBQ. At Bacon-n-Bourbon, our weekly menu is already bringing the heat—from Dry-Rubbed Bacon-n-BBQ Ribs to Seafood-Stuffed Poblano Peppers and those legendary Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce.

But let’s be real: no great barbecue experience is complete without the perfect drink to wash it all down.

Whether you're sipping on something strong or keeping it cool and non-alcoholic, here are our favorite drink pairings to elevate your next Bacon-n-Bourbon meal—or your own backyard BBQ—this spring.

🥃 Bourbon, Naturally

It’s in our name for a reason. A smooth pour of bourbon pairs beautifully with smoky meats and bold sauces. Try:

• Smoked Old Fashioned – Our signature, made with bacon fat-washed bourbon and a hint of citrus.

• Bourbon & Ginger – A simple, refreshing highball that balances the sweet heat of our BBQ.

• Bourbon Peach Tea Cocktail – A seasonal favorite coming soon, it’s sunshine in a glass.

Perfect with: Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Bacon-n-BBQ Pork Ribs

🍻 Craft Beer Lovers, Rejoice

The char, spice, and umami in our food call for something bubbly and crisp. Try:

• West Coast IPA – Bright hops cut through rich meats like our BBQ Chicken Sandwich.

• Mexican Lager or Pilsner – Light enough to sip all day, ideal with Chicken Enchiladas or Loaded Quesadillas.

• Porter or Stout – Deep, roasted flavors to match the smoke in our ribs.

🍹 Cocktails with Character

Looking for something with flair? Spring into:

• Texas Porch Punch – A Southern favorite made with bourbon, sweet tea, fresh lemon juice, and peach schnapps. It’s sweet, smooth, and dangerously sippable on a hot day.
  Recipe:

  • 1 oz bourbon

  • 1 oz peach schnapps

  • 2 oz sweet tea

  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
    Shake and serve over crushed ice with a peach slice and mint garnish.

• Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita – A refreshing twist with just enough kick to complement our hotter sauces.

• Pineapple Whiskey Smash – Tropical, sweet, and smoky—just like a warm spring evening should feel.

🧊 Non-Alcoholic MVPs: Specialty Lemonades & Iced Teas

Designated drivers and soda lovers deserve bold flavor too. We’ve been experimenting with fresh, house-made drinks that are packed with personality:

🍋 Lavender Lemonade

Floral and tangy, this one cools you down and makes your taste buds smile.
Recipe:

• 1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 4 cups cold water

• 2 tsp dried culinary lavender (steeped in 1/2 cup hot water, strained)
  Mix and chill. Garnish with lemon slices and a sprig of lavender.

🥭 Mango-Chili Lemonade

Sweet mango with a whisper of heat—perfect with BBQ.
Recipe:

• 1 cup mango puree

• 1/2 cup lemon juice

• 1/3 cup agave

• 1/2 tsp Tajín or chili-lime seasoning

• 3 cups cold water
  Shake well and serve over ice with a chili-rimmed glass.

🍓 Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Bright, sweet, and garden-fresh.
Recipe:

• 1 cup muddled strawberries

• 1/2 cup lemon juice

• 1/3 cup honey

• 3 basil leaves

• 3 cups cold water
  Let it steep, then strain and pour over crushed ice.

🥒 Cucumber Lime Refresher

Crisp, cooling, and a match made in BBQ heaven—especially with seafood or anything spicy.
Recipe:

• 1/2 large cucumber, peeled and sliced

• Juice of 2 limes

• 2 tbsp agave syrup or honey

• 3–4 fresh mint leaves

• 3 cups sparkling water or club soda

• Ice
  Muddle the cucumber and mint together, then stir in lime juice and sweetener. Strain into a pitcher, top with sparkling water, and serve over ice.

🧊 Smoked Tea Lemonade (Arnold BBQ-n)

Our twist on the classic Arnold Palmer, made with smoked black tea and fresh lemonade.

🍵 Unique Iced Teas for BBQ Days

Perfect for sipping while you wait for that second (or third) rib…

🍑 Peach Mint Sweet Tea

Recipe:

• 4 black tea bags

• 1 ripe peach, sliced

• 1/4 cup sugar

• Handful of mint
  Steep tea with peaches and mint, chill and strain. Serve with fresh peach slices.

🌶️ Blackberry Hibiscus Jalapeño Tea

Tart berries meet floral hibiscus and just a kiss of heat.
Recipe:

• 2 hibiscus tea bags

• 1 cup blackberries

• 1 tsp agave

• 1 small slice of fresh jalapeño
  Steep, chill, and serve with ice and lime.

🍋 Lemon-Thyme Green Tea

Light and herbal, perfect with any poultry or vegetarian option.
Recipe:

• 2 green tea bags

• 2 lemon slices

• 2 sprigs thyme

• Honey to taste
  Steep, cool, and pour over ice.

🔥 Our Favorite Spring Pairings

• Dry-Rubbed Bacon-n-BBQ Pork Ribs

  • Best Boozy Drink: Smoked Old Fashioned

  • Best Non-Alcoholic Pairing: Smoked Tea Lemonade

• Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce

  • Best Boozy Drink: Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita

  • Best Non-Alcoholic Pairing: Mango-Chili Lemonade

• BBQ Chicken Sandwich

  • Best Boozy Drink: West Coast IPA

  • Best Non-Alcoholic Pairing: Peach Mint Sweet Tea

• Seafood-Stuffed Poblano Peppers

  • Best Boozy Drink: Pineapple Whiskey Smash

  • Best Non-Alcoholic Pairing: Cucumber Lime Refresher

• Pulled Pork Sandwich

  • Best Boozy Drink: Bourbon & Ginger

  • Best Non-Alcoholic Pairing: Blackberry Hibiscus Jalapeño Tea

• Street Tacos

  • Best Boozy Drink: Fajita Margarita - recipe found here: Fajita Margaritas

  • Best Non-Alcoholic Pairing: Lemon-Thyme Iced Green Tea

Come Sip, Savor, and Stay Awhile

Whether you're pulling up to one of our pop-ups or grabbing food to-go, Bacon-n-Bourbon is here to help you welcome spring with full flavor. Bring your friends, bring your appetite, and don’t forget to ask us what to pair with your take-out—we love sharing our favorite pairings to go with our culinary delights!

👉 See the full menu and weekly specials here:
Bacon-n-Bourbon Menu »

Let the sunshine in. Let the BBQ smoke rise. And let’s raise a glass to the season.