Memorial Day Weekend is upon us, and with the practically endless amount of beverage choices on the market, it can be quite a task to decide what to buy for your barbecues and parties this weekend. Maybe you are a beer geek who has no idea what wines your guests may like, or maybe you prefer mixed drinks but nothing else, and are not sure what to bring to the barbecue.
Fret not, fellow imbiber: Holiday Wine Cellar has you covered on all fronts. Below you will find a quick list of beverages that will do a great job in appealing to a general audience, and will pair well with meats and skewers hot off the grill.
Let’s start with wine.
Dubbed as “The Barbecue Wine” by our Wine Director Steven Frasso, this blend of 75% cabernet sauvignon and 25% cabernet franc has some really great berry jam flavor attributes, with ripe cherries and a bit of pepper leading toward the finish. Balanced acidity and pronounced tannins make this wine a great pairing for darker grilled meats, linking right up with the char and rich flavor.
Dr. Konstantin Semi-Dry Riesling
This slightly sweet Riesling from the Finger Lakes of New York State displays delicate flavors of apple, peach, and orange blossom, along with a noticeable citrus character and acidity. This sharp, tangy acidity and slight sweetness will help this wine to stand up to lighter grilled offerings such as chicken, hot dogs, and veggie skewers.
Two wines to match with your barbecue this weekend.
Beer is a natural pairing for barbecues. Here are a couple that will do exceptionally well at your cookout.
Brown ale is generally an approachable beer style, with a bit of sweet and toasty flavor that many people warm right up to. They also tend to pair very well with grilled foods due to a certain chemical reaction that they have in common, the Maillard Reaction. This Reaction is what puts the char on your steak, and the roast in your beer. When this quality is present in the food and beer at the table, there is a higher likelihood that they will pair well together. Try Ellie’s Brown Dog, a brown ale from Avery Brewing Company, with steaks or burgers.
San Tan Mr. Pineapple Hefeweizen
Hefeweizens are just about the most approachable and pairable beer one can find when it comes to craft beer. Their soft nuances of banana and clove, and somewhat creamy mouthfeel, tend to be agreeable with a wide audience and link right up with various types of foods. Mr. Pineapple is a hefeweizen from San Tan Brewing Company that displays just a hint of pineapple flavor to complement an otherwise authentic-tasting German beer style. Try Mr. Pineapple, or another hefeweizen with lightly grilled fare, salads, or even desserts.
Now, let’s take a look at some classic barbecue cocktails with a couple suggested offerings from our spirits department.
Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits
What’s a lazy afternoon without a bloody mary? Local brewery and distillery, Ballast Point, makes their own bloody mary mix, as well as a range of vodkas to choose from. If you are feeling daring, try their habanero-infused Fugu vodka with your bloody mary. For the true adventurer, Ballast Point also brews a habanero-infused IPA; try floating this on top of your drink along with the Habanero Fugu Vodka, for an extra spicy and citrusy kick.
This affordable reposado from El Charro Tequila will make for a wonderful addition to any barbecue. Flavors of wood and spice, and a pronounced sweetness make the El Charro Reposado approachable yet complex enough to enjoy on the rocks. These same characteristics also make this tequila great for margaritas, as it will add additional layers of flavor to the mix.
Among the vast array of products to choose from, it can be overwhelming. Use these suggestions as a quick guide to get you through the weekend. Cheers, and happy Memorial Day!
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