Summer Iced Tea & Food Pairings for Cookouts & BBQs

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Summer Iced Tea & Food Pairings for Cookouts & BBQs

When the sun’s out and the grill’s sizzling, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as an ice-cold glass of tea in hand. But what if your favorite summer iced tea could do more than just cool you down? Pairing the right iced tea with the right BBQ or cookout dish can elevate your backyard gathering, enhancing flavors, balancing spices, and refreshing everyone between bites of smoky, savory goodness.

What Food Goes Well with Iced Tea?

Pairing iced tea with food isn’t complicated; it’s all about balancing flavors. Just like wine, tea brings notes that can complement, contrast, or cleanse the palate. For instance, a smoky brisket might pair well with a bright, citrusy iced tea to cut through the richness, while sweet grilled corn pairs beautifully with a floral or fruity tea that echoes summer’s sweetness.

A simple rule:

  • Spicy or smoky BBQ? Go for crisp, lightly sweet teas with citrus or floral notes.

  • Sweet or tangy dishes? Try herbal blends or fruit-forward teas to highlight those flavors.

  • Rich or fatty foods? Use an astringent black tea or a punchy hibiscus blend to refresh your palate.

Before you pick your pairings, brush up on brewing your best batch: How to Prepare the Perfect Iced Tea.

Iced Tea Food Pairings for Summer Cookouts

Here’s how to match some of our favorite Art of Tea recipes with classic BBQ fare:

Hibiscus Cooler Sangria and Grilled Shrimp Skewers 

Hibiscus Cooler Sangria is tart, fruity, and slightly floral. The ultimate refresher for a hot day. Its bright acidity pairs perfectly with lightly charred shrimp skewers or citrus-marinated fish tacos. The tangy hibiscus balances out any spice while lifting delicate seafood flavors.

Jasmine Mojito Iced Tea and BBQ

Jasmine Mojito brings a hint of mint and fragrant jasmine, crisp enough to cut through sticky BBQ sauces. Serve this alongside sweet-and-savory grilled chicken or smoky pulled pork sliders. The herbal mint note refreshes each bite.

Sun Tea and Burgers & Sausages

Nothing says summer like a big pitcher of Sun Tea brewed on your porch. Keep it classic with a robust black tea or go herbal with chamomile or mint. Sun Tea is the perfect sidekick to classic burgers, sausages, and veggie skewers. It’s versatile and won’t compete with bold condiments.

Tea & Spirits and Steak or Ribs

Looking to impress your guests? Try a tea cocktail from our Summer Tea & Spirits Mixing Guide. A spiked black iced tea with bourbon pairs wonderfully with charred steak or smoky ribs. The spirit’s caramel notes complement grilled meat beautifully.

Iced Tea Mocktails and Veggie Platters & Salads

For a lighter option, make a refreshing mocktail from our Iced Tea Mocktail Roundup. A fruity berry mocktail iced tea pairs nicely with fresh summer salads, watermelon, or grilled veggie platters. It’s a crisp, alcohol-free sip that brightens fresh produce.

Iced Tea Ideas to Mix Things Up

If you want to go beyond classic brews, try mixing things up! What to Mix Your Iced Teas With has fun twists, think sparkling water for fizz, lemonade for tang, or fresh herbs and fruit for a fancy garnish.

Infuse your iced tea with muddled berries, cucumber slices, or a splash of ginger ale for an easy upgrade that’ll impress your guests without any fuss.

Iced Tea Desserts for Summer BBQs

Don’t stop at drinks! Iced tea can make for show-stopping cold desserts, too. One of our favorite summer treats is White Coconut Crème Tea Pops. These creamy popsicles blend delicate tea with coconut for a tropical bite that’ll help everyone cool down after the last burger’s gone.

You can also freeze leftover fruity iced tea into simple ice pops, blend it into granitas, or pour it over shaved ice for a grown-up snow cone.

Ready to Pair Up?

Summer cookouts and BBQs are all about bringing people together — good food, good company, and a cold drink that ties it all together. With a few thoughtful pairings, your iced tea can do more than refresh: it can transform every bite and make your backyard party unforgettable.

Looking for more ways to enjoy your tea this summer? Explore our tea recipes, shop our iced tea collection, and make this cookout season your most delicious yet.