While the traditional Corona and lemon wedge might feel like a non-negotiable at a summertime cookout, plenty of delicious and exciting drink options are available to highlight and complement your go-to summer dishes.
With the changing weather leading to more al-fresco dining outside, with your favorite disposable vape pen, you can elevate these traditional meals with interesting beverage choices that hit all the right notes.
German Weiss Beer & Potato Salad
A summer barbeque is not complete without a creamy potato salad.
And if you are a lover of this pretend salad, you will be happy to know there is a delightful adult-only drink to pair with it.
A German Weiss Beer, with yeasty notes of a wheat beer, complements the herbaceous and creamy qualities you find in potatoes and the dressing it comes in.
There is a reason why the Germans love this combination, and you will be happy to include it in your summer menu rotation.
Sauvignon Blanc & Hotdogs
As kids, there was no better drink to have with our backyard barbeque hotdogs than a glass of refreshing, ice-cold lemonade.
And as adults, sugar-free beverages, whether they are carbonated or not, don’t seem to hit the mark the same way.
It might feel like the humble hotdog doesn’t need an extravagant pairing, but if you are after an elevated version of that childhood lemonade, a light, citrus-heavy white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, will do the trick.
Spanish Dry Sidra & Oysters
Traditionally, oysters are always paired in one of two ways. You will either be presented with a flute of champagne or a Muscadet.
But if you are after something different for your next dinner party, consider a dry cider or Spanish Dry Sidra.
Dry Sidras have no residual sugar, creating a very tart and acidic bubbly drink, mimicking the lemon squeezed over the top of the oyster. A floral white wine will also do the trick if that is your preference.
Rosé & Charcuterie Board
By now, you have probably climbed onboard the latest trend of charcuterie boards. However, these fancy cheese and meat platters deserve a summer flare with something new. So pack away the traditional white wine and opt for a refreshing rosé instead.
Acid and salt complement each other perfectly, and the bright, acidic flavors of the proper rosé will complement savory prosciutto and rich camembert.
IPA & Bagels with Lox
When it comes to fish, the typical drink accompaniment most people gravitate towards is the classic white wine.
And while this combination is a tried and tested winner, it can become somewhat repetitive if you are a fish lover.
But often, there is already an acidic element in the dish, allowing your drink option to offer a taste of bitterness to balance it out.
For example, IPA or Indian Pale Ale has a delicious bitter quality, making it the perfect partner for a bright and zingy fish dish. Alternatively, you can use IPA as a marinade for grilled salmon with a creamy dill sauce.
Cabernet Franc & Cheeseburger
Only one pairing is better than the classic cheeseburger and ice-cold Coke, and that is the adult version.
So forget the beer and burger combo you can get in most pubs and bars, and instead choose a chilled Cabernet Franc or cherry-lead red wine.
With the right flavor notes, Pinot Noir can evoke memories of cherry coke, proving to be an excellent partner for summertime grilling.
However, a sparkling Lambrusco red wine will satisfy your soda nostalgia if you are after something with bubbles.
Cider & Crispy Chicken
For an easy evening meal, pair a crispy chicken burger, topped with your favorite cheese of choice and served with a delicious lime mayo slaw and garlic potato wedges, with a medium-dry carbonated cider.
The cider apples will provide the necessary tannins and acidity to your meal that can cut through the different textures and balance the food’s richness.
Additionally, the carbonation offers a refresh to the palette. Ensure the cider is made from fresh apple juice and not juice concentrate. This pairing works equally well with non-alcoholic cider too.
Mead & A Summer Salad
Summertime is the perfect season to try all the wonderful salad recipes you have collected throughout the year. It is the ultimate side dish, with many combinations and variations from which to pick.
But for those occasions when you want it to be the star of the show, pair it with a glass of gentle sparkling mead. Mead is made from fermented honey but has a dry flavor instead of sweet.
For most salads, no distinct flavors stand out, as they are usually created to have a well-rounded taste, so you want a drink that will not overpower this dish but complement it instead.
Sparkling Nigori & Ice Cream
Forget the belief that drinks need to replace dessert, and instead try the delightful pairing of a light, refreshing glass of Nigori with creamy ice cream.
Nigori is slightly unfiltered sake, and the residual rice that it contains gives it a bit of sweetness and creaminess, with a distinct but light rice flavor.
If you struggle to find Nigori, turn to Prosecco instead.
This sparkling wine is the perfect addition to a dessert course and can be elevated by adding a drop of cranberry juice, which provides a delicious bitter hint to cut the sweetness of the meal.