Good barbecue is one of those meals that hits the spot any time. It’s hearty, full of flavor and comforting in every bite. Barbecue tends to be rich and filling; pairing it with the right drink is an essential part of the experience. The best BBQ drinks complement the smokiness, cut through richness and refresh the palate between bites.
At The Nest BBQ & Sports Bar in Islamorada, Florida, guests can enjoy authentic Carolina-style barbecue that has won over locals and become a favorite among tourists. If you happen to be in the Florida Keys, The Nest is an ideal spot to sip on a drink and enjoy some tasty barbecue dishes.
Carolina-Style BBQ in the Heart of Islamorada
The Nest is located just off Overseas Highway at Mile Marker 81 in the Village of Islamorada. The chef smokes and grills a variety of meats, including pork back ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken and beef brisket, along with popular bar classics like smashburgers and chicken wings.
Guests can build pitmaster plates with their choice of meats and homemade sides or take BBQ favorites to go by the pound. With so many bold, smoky flavors on the menu, pairing your food with the right drink plays a big role in rounding out the meal.
The Best Drinks that Go with BBQ
From beloved staples to bar favorites, there are plenty of drinks that pair well with barbecue. Some lean crisp and citrus-forward, while others bring subtle sweetness or spice. There are also great non-alcoholic drinks for BBQ that hold their own alongside smoked meats.
Lemonade
Bright and lightly sweet, lemonade is a classic BBQ companion. Its citrus backbone cuts through the richness of pork back ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket while keeping each bite from feeling too heavy. Lemonade also pairs especially well with tangy Carolina-style sauces, balancing smoky and savory flavors and helping the meal feel balanced from start to finish.
Iced Tea
Whether sweet or unsweetened, iced tea is another longtime favorite. It is smooth, easy-drinking and versatile enough to pair with nearly everything on the menu. Iced tea works particularly well with smoked chicken and chicken wings, acting as a palate cleanser that keeps flavors clear and distinct throughout the meal.
Ginger Beer
Ginger beer brings gentle heat and carbonation that pairs nicely with richer BBQ dishes. The spice adds contrast while the fizz helps lighten up heavier plates. This drink works well alongside beef brisket, burnt pork ends or a smashburger, offering balance without overwhelming the food.
Agua Frescas
Light and fruit-forward, agua frescas are a great option for guests looking for non-alcoholic drinks for BBQ. They offer subtle sweetness while keeping the focus on the food itself. Agua frescas shine on warm days in Islamorada, adding a cooling element that complements smoked meats without weighing the meal down.
Pale Ale
Pale ales feature mild hop bitterness and a balanced body that pairs well with smoked meats. The hoppiness enhances seasoning while the malt backbone supports savory flavors without overshadowing them. These beers work especially well with pulled pork, pork back ribs and chicken wings.
Lager
Clean, crisp and easy to drink, lagers are a reliable choice with hearty BBQ plates. Their lighter body allows the flavor of the meat to stand out while providing enough carbonation to offset richness. Lagers pair well with combination plates, smoked chicken and ribs, especially when enjoying a full spread of BBQ favorites.
Pilsner
Pilsners are similar to lagers but offer a sharper finish and slightly elevated hop presence. That extra bite makes them a strong match for smoked chicken, burgers and chicken wings. The dry finish helps reset the palate between bites, keeping flavors bright and well-defined throughout the meal.
Bourbon Lemonade
Bourbon lemonade blends the warmth and depth of bourbon with bright citrus. The sweetness of the lemonade softens the spirit while adding contrast to smoky meats. Caramel and vanilla notes in the bourbon echo the sweetness found in BBQ rubs and sauces while lemon balances tang and richness in dishes like pulled pork and ribs.
Whiskey Sour
A whiskey sour delivers a mix of citrus, sweetness and spirit-forward flavor that stands up well to BBQ without overpowering it. The acidity lifts fatty cuts like brisket while the whiskey brings out smoky, slow-cooked notes, making this cocktail a natural fit for savory barbecue plates.
Moscow Mule
Made with vodka, ginger beer and lime, the Moscow mule offers crisp flavor with a touch of spice. Mules are light yet flavorful, making them a great choice for wings, burgers and smoked chicken. The ginger and citrus help cut through savory elements while keeping the drink easy to enjoy alongside food.
Mojito
Mojitos combine rum, lime, mint and club soda for a bright, herb-forward cocktail. Mint cools the palate between bites while lime pairs nicely with tangy sauces and smoky meats. This cocktail works particularly well with pulled pork and smoked chicken by adding contrast without overpowering the dish.
Enjoy BBQ and the Perfect Drink at The Nest
Whether you are in the mood for a cold beer, a handcrafted cocktail or a non-alcoholic option, there is something to complement every plate at The Nest. If you find yourself in the Florida Keys, stop by to enjoy great BBQ, refreshing drinks and a laid-back atmosphere.