Elevate Your Backyard BBQ: Al Fresco Dining Pairings with Premium Spirits from Cheers Liquor Mart

Summer in Colorado Springs brings perfect weather for al fresco dining pairings that transform ordinary backyard BBQs into memorable culinary experiences. You don't want your beverage selection to feel like an afterthought, with the same predictable options that leave your guests reaching for water by the end of the night. Instead, pair your dishes with premium spirits that capture the heart of Colorado.

Cheers Liquor Mart stands as Colorado Springs' premier destination for the perfect spirits to elevate your outdoor gatherings, with over 8,000 wines, 3,500 spirits, and 1,500 beers to choose from. Our impressive selection of locally crafted Colorado spirits ensures you'll find the ideal companions for your grilled creations, whether you're serving beef, pork, poultry, or seafood to your eager guests.

Why Your Al Fresco Dining Pairings Matter Just as Much as Your Food

When planning your backyard gathering, you meticulously select quality cuts of meat, fresh produce, and the perfect marinades. Yet, the beverages often become a last-minute consideration, making a quick stop for whatever beer is on sale or a random bottle of wine without considering how it will complement your carefully prepared feast.

Being disconnected from your al fresco dining pairings creates a noticeable imbalance in your dining experience. The right pairing can enhance flavors, cleanse the palate between bites, and create conversation starters that keep your guests engaged throughout the evening.

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Starting Strong: Aperitifs and Appetizers to Welcome Your Guests

As your guests arrive at your Colorado Springs home, welcome them with refreshing aperitifs designed to stimulate the appetite without overwhelming the palate.

Refreshing options for Colorado's warm summer days include:

Mountain Herb Gin & Tonic

Elevate this classic using Deviation Distilling Mountain Herb Gin. Their Dry Gin offers a perfect balance of native juniper, sage, rosemary and spruce, resulting in a premium gin that embodies the spirit of the backcountry. Pair with premium tonic water and garnish with juniper berries or sprigs of rosemary.

High Mountain Blackberry Rum Spritzer:

This Colorado-made rum from Montoya Distillers brings local character to a refreshing spritzer. Mix Montanya Rum Platino with soda water, a squeeze of lime, fresh blackberries, and a sprig of mint for a light, refreshing aperitif.

3 Hundred Days Rocky Mountain Arnold Palmer:

This Monument-produced Sweet Tea Moonshine makes for a surprising and delightful aperitif when mixed with fresh lemonade and served over ice. Garnish with lemon wheels for a truly delightful experience.

Appetizer Recommendations

Pair these opening drinks with appetizers that won't fill your guests before the main event. Lighter foods like shrimp ceviche, smoked trout dip with crackers, or grilled veggie kabobs create perfect al fresco dining pairings for these aperitifs.

The Main Event: Al Fresco Dining Pairings for Classic BBQ Favorites

Now comes the heart of your backyard BBQ, the main course. Different grilled proteins call for different spirits to complement their unique flavor profiles. Consider these pairings for your centerpiece dishes:

Bourbon & Beef: A Match Made in BBQ Heaven

There's something fundamentally right about sipping bourbon alongside a perfectly grilled steak. The whiskey's caramel, vanilla, and oak notes complement the rich, umami flavors of beef, while its slight sweetness balances the char from the grill.

Recommended Pairings:

• Ribeye Steak + Axe and the Oak First Stake Cask Strength Bourbon: a higher-proof local offering that stands up beautifully to a marbled ribeye with its robust character and pronounced sweet oak notes.
• Smoked Brisket + Distillery 291 Barrel Proof Colorado Bourbon: an award-winning Colorado Springs bourbon that brings notes of maple, vanilla, and oak that cut through the fatty richness of brisket while complementing its smoke.

When serving bourbon at your BBQ, consider offering it neat, with a single large ice cube, or in a simple whiskey smash with muddled mint from your garden and a touch of simple syrup.

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Pork & Whiskey: Southern Traditions Meet Colorado Spirit

Pork's versatility on the grill calls for equally diverse al fresco dining pairings. While bourbon works well here, too, consider exploring whiskies that complement the sweeter nature of pork.

Recommended Pairings:

• Baby Back Ribs + Axe and the Oak Pikes Peak Hill Shine: This 104-proof local moonshine brings intriguing marshmallow and citrus aromas with finishing notes of corn, caramel, and apricot—perfect with sticky, sweet ribs.
• Pulled Pork + Axe and the Oak Incline Rye Whiskey: The peppery character of this locally produced rye complements tangy BBQ sauce nicely, adding complexity to each bite.

Poultry & Agave: Local Alternatives to Traditional Al Fresco Dining Pairings

Chicken and turkey benefit from spirits with bright, versatile profiles. While Colorado isn't known for agave spirits, we have excellent alternative al fresco dining pairings that enhance poultry dishes.

Recommended Pairings:

• Grilled Chicken Thighs + 3 Hundred Days Peach Cobbler Moonshine: The juicy peach notes with hints of cinnamon in this Monument-made moonshine complement dark meat chicken, especially when paired with fruit-based marinades.
• Turkey Burgers + Spring 44 Mountain Spring Gin: The botanical character of this Colorado gin cuts through leaner poultry burgers and complements fresh herb toppings.

For a more crowd-pleasing option, prepare a batch of Colorado Springs Sunrise using 3 Hundred Days Margarita Moon moonshine, fresh grapefruit juice, and a splash of soda. This refreshing spritzer will play beautifully with grilled poultry and offers a lighter alternative to whiskey-based drinks.

Local Liqueurs & Desserts: Sophisticated Sweet Endings

As your BBQ winds down and dessert is served, introduce your guests to the world of local liqueurs that provide the perfect finishing touch. Try pairing grilled peaches topped with vanilla ice cream with a small pour of Distillery 291 The Decc. The citrus and clove notes of this liqueur enhance the caramelized fruit while providing a sophisticated finale to your meal.

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Creating Signature Batch Cocktails for Effortless Hosting

One challenge of backyard entertaining is balancing your role as the grillmaster with that of host and bartender. The solution? Prepare large-batch al fresco dining pairings before your guests arrive. Try these at your next gathering:

The Garden of the Gods Spritzer

Named after our iconic local park with majestic red rock formations, this elegant, effervescent option offers a lighter alternative that still feels special and intentional.

Ingredients:

• 2 bottles of prosecco (chilled)
• 1 cup local gin (Dry or Lavender)
• 1 cup white cranberry juice
• Fresh berries and edible flowers for garnish

Combine gin and cranberry juice in a pitcher, then just before serving, slowly add the prosecco to maintain effervescence. Garnish with berries and edible flowers.

The Colorado Sunset Punch

A tribute to our famous Colorado sunsets, this punch mirrors the orange, pink, and purple hues of a Colorado Springs sunset while providing a refreshing, approachable drink that pleases bourbon aficionados and casual drinkers alike.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Colorado Bourbon Whiskey
• 1 cup Peach Cobbler moonshine
• 4 cups fresh lemonade
• 2 cups iced tea
• Sliced peaches, lemons, and sprigs of mint for garnish

Combine all liquid ingredients in a large dispenser or punch bowl. Add plenty of ice and then float fruit slices and add mint sprigs just before serving.

Read Also: From Grain to Glass: Exploring Colorado Craft Bourbons at Cheers Liquor Mart

Go From Inspiration to Implementation with Al Fresco Dining Pairings From Cheers Liquor Mart

Don't settle for a basic backyard barbeque; instead, create dishes with thoughtfully selected al fresco dining pairings that elevate every bite. Your perfectly paired outdoor feast awaits, and Cheers Liquor Mart has everything you need to make it happen.

With our unparalleled selection of over 8,000 wines, 3,500 spirits, and 1,500 beers, including an impressive array of Colorado-made products, you'll find everything needed to execute your perfect BBQ pairings. Our knowledgeable staff can help refine your selections based on your specific menu, and our competitive pricing ensures you can create a memorable experience without breaking the bank.

Visit Cheers Liquor Mart today to transform your next backyard BBQ into an unforgettable Colorado Springs dining experience with premium spirits that perfectly complement your grilled creations. Cheers!