• By mumugrill
  • 10 Mar, 2025

How to Pair Wine & Cocktails with Your Favourite Grilled Dishes

Grill season is all about bringing out the best in food and in company. Smoky, charred flavors of grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables can be further enhanced by the ideal beverage. Whether a glass of wine or a designed cocktail, a good pairing will result in a more balanced, flavorful meal. But what to pair with grilled foods? Read on for tips on pairing wines and cocktails with your grilled delights.

1. Red Meat & Full-Bodied Wines

Grilled red meats such as steak, lamb, and burgers require a wine strong enough to match their powerful flavours. A classic Cabernet Sauvignon, with black fruit and dense tannins, pairs the richness of the meat and cleanses the fat. For added spice, Malbec or Syrah can provide strong fruity and peppery flavours that pair well with smokey flavours and for cocktails, a Whisky Sour or Old Fashioned are just as tasty. Whiskey’s rich taste complements the smokey, meaty flavours of grilled meat and is a great accompaniment.

2. Poultry: Chicken & Turkey with Crisp Whites and Light Reds

Grilled chicken and turkey pair best with wines that enhance their mild flavours. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, with its acidity and herbal flavor, is ideal, particularly with lemon or herb marinades. For something richer, an Oaked Chardonnay provides a buttery texture and balanced acidity, pairing well with roasted or grilled poultry. If red wine is more your option, a light-bodied Pinot Noir, with tender tannins and berry flavors, accompanies well without dominating the dish. For drinks, a Gin and Tonic or a Mojito, which have citrus and herbal freshness, go well with the light flavors of poultry.

3. Grilled Seafood: Fish and Shellfish with White Wines or Light Cocktails

Grilled seafood, like fish, shrimp, and oysters, pairs best with light, refreshing drinks that enhance its delicate flavors. A fresh Pinot Grigio with citrous and acidity complements grilled seafood. Albariño works well with salty shellfish like clams and oysters. Sparkling wines, such as Champagne or Prosecco, pair well with oysters because of their bubbles and crisp acidity. A zesty and light cocktail such as a Tom Collins or an Aperol Spritz pairs well with seafood.

4. Vegetables: Smoky, Grilled Veggies with Refreshing Whites and Roses

Grilled vegetables’ smoky-sweet flavours go well with wines or beverages that highlight their earthy, charred undertones. A crisp Chenin Blanc or Vermentino balances the sweetness of peppers, zucchini, and eggplant with fresh acidity and citrous flavours. A dry Provence-style rosé pairs well with balsamic glaze and Mediterranean herbs. A Cucumber Cooler or a Gin Fizz is a refreshing take on cocktails, with the herbal notes of gin and the crispness of soda complementing the smokey tastes of grilled veggies.

5. Dessert: Grilled Fruits & Sweet Wines

Grilled fruits like peaches, pineapples, and melons have a sweet, smokey flavour that complements fruity, rich beverages. Moscato d’Asti, with its sweet floral flavours and gentle bubbles, complements fruits such as peaches and nectarines. A rich Port wine enhances the caramelised sugars in grilled pineapple. A Pineapple Mojito or Rum Punch provides a tropical twist to cocktails, with the sweetness and fruitiness of the rum complementing the fruit’s natural sugars. These beverages not only enhance the flavours but also provide a festive flair to the meal.

Wrapping Up

The technique of combining the correct wine or cocktail with grilled food is a type of art that enhances both the flavours of the meal and the beverage. Robust reds complement meaty steaks, while whites and spritzers complement fish or vegetables; the right drink pairing may elevate a simple meal into a gourmet feast. So, whether it’s steak, fish, chicken, or fruit, try these pairings to find your perfect fit. Cheers to delicious food, amazing drinks, and the joy of barbecuing!