Perfect Drink Pairings for Southern Dishes

Few things say “welcome to the South” like a well-prepared meal loaded with comfort, flavor, and a generous helping of tradition. From crispy fried chicken to slow-cooked collard greens, the hearty goodness of Southern cuisine invites everyone to gather around the table, share stories, and savor every bite. But food, as soul-satisfying as it is, often gets extra help from a good beverage pairing. Whether you lean toward a sweet tea reminiscent of front-porch afternoons or a bold wine that reveals hidden layers in your barbecue sauce, the right drink can enhance each dish in surprisingly delightful ways. Today, we’re going deep into the world of Southern food and drink matchmaking, highlighting specific meals and the handcrafted cocktails, wines, and other beverages that can bring out the best in every bite.

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut if you think Southern cooking only goes with sweet tea or an ice-cold beer. While those pairings are iconic for a reason, exploring the world of cocktails and wines can lead to fresh flavor experiences. Meanwhile, a good beer selection can go far beyond the usual pale lager, especially with local craft brewers embracing everything from hoppy IPAs to malty porters. Even that sweet tea can be jazzed up with a hint of fruit or a dash of liquor if you’re seeking something new. At Four Oaks Farm Country Store, we love talking about how to marry robust Southern flavors with the perfect sips. The goal is always the same: balance sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy notes in a way that turns mealtime into a memorable occasion.

Classic Southern Pairings

Let’s start with an undisputed star of the Southern table: fried chicken. Crunchy, juicy, and comforting, fried chicken begs for a drink that can cut through the richness without overwhelming the palate. Some folks reach for a crisp lager or pilsner—something light and effervescent that rinses away the oil, ensuring each new bite feels fresh. If you prefer wine, a bright, unoaked Chardonnay or a lightly effervescent sparkling wine can complement the salty, fried exterior. The subtle fruitiness and acidity in these wines offset the savory notes, so the meal never feels heavy. For those who like cocktails, think about a well-made whiskey sour. The citrus from fresh lemon juice and the slightly sweet profile can stand up to fried chicken, especially if you garnish with a twist of orange or a dash of aromatic bitters. Each sip feels like a refreshing reset, so you keep going back for more pieces of crunchy goodness.

Next up, we can’t ignore the allure of shrimp and grits, a Coastal Southern favorite that brings together creamy cornmeal with tender shrimp and a rich sauce—often laced with bacon, butter, or cheese. Because this dish can lean a bit decadent, try pairing it with something that balances out the lusciousness. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, with its herbal and citrus notes, does wonders in brightening each spoonful. If you want to lean local and beer-friendly, a citrus-forward wheat beer (think a light craft ale that doesn’t overpower the shrimp) can do the trick. The slight tang from the wheat beer contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the grits. And if cocktails are more your style, consider a gin-based drink with a twist of lemon and perhaps a touch of herb-infused simple syrup. The botanical qualities of gin can accentuate the brininess of the shrimp, while the lemon cuts through the richness.

Of course, no Southern meal is complete without the mention of collard greens, black-eyed peas, or other slow-cooked vegetables. These sides often carry a smoky or hammy depth, thanks to bits of salt-cured meat or a hearty bone used for flavoring. Something effervescent can lift these dishes out of the realm of heavy comfort, like a dry cider or a light, fruity beer. If wine is your preferred route, a Pinot Noir can offer subtle red-fruit notes that meld nicely with the earthy greens. The moderate tannins and acidity allow the wine to hold its own without bullying the gentle flavors of the vegetables. Alternatively, a well-structured rosé can provide bright fruit nuances that perk up each bite of greens, making the entire experience feel summery and fresh—even if you’re digging in during the cooler months.

Barbecue Pairings

When barbecue appears on the menu, it’s time to talk sauces—tomato-based, vinegar-based, mustard-based, or even the classic sweet and tangy style. Different sauces call for different pairings, but a safe bet for most barbecue meats is a medium-bodied red wine, such as Zinfandel or a nicely balanced Merlot. The robust fruit notes and moderate tannins play well with the smoky, sweet nature of a slow-cooked pulled pork or brisket. Beer lovers might prefer a brown ale or porter, which can echo the smokiness and provide a malty sweetness. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, a bourbon-based old-fashioned with a hint of orange can underscore the caramelized edges of your barbecue while adding just enough sweetness to harmonize with a tangy sauce. It’s a meal so rich in flavor that your beverage has to keep up—this is no time for a timid sipper.

Sweet Tea and Summertime Staples

Shifting gears, let’s talk about lighter Southern fare, like a summertime tomato pie or a crisp garden salad loaded with fresh cucumbers, peppers, and maybe a tangy dressing whipped up with jam or jelly. For these breezy dishes, a glass of sweet tea remains a champion. The chilled, sugary tang of a well-brewed sweet tea can highlight the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes or the grassy crunch of cucumbers. And if you feel like spiking that tea, a shot of bourbon or peach schnapps can transform it into a front-porch cocktail in no time. Another refreshing option might be a light spritzer that mixes white wine with sparkling water and a splash of fruit juice. The mild effervescence keeps the meal feeling airy—perfect for those warm summer evenings when you want something crisp to cool you down.        

Dessert Pairings

Of course, we can’t ignore dessert. Southern cuisine is nothing if not loaded with sweet treats—pecan pie, peach cobbler, red velvet cake, or a luscious banana pudding. Each of these desserts can shine more brightly with the right accompaniment. A velvety port or a tawny dessert wine might be the classic pick for something like a chocolate-based treat or pecan pie, as their richness marries well with roasted nutty or chocolatey flavors. However, a cold glass of milk remains a charmingly simple tradition for many, especially if you’re sinking your teeth into a freshly baked cookie or slice of sugar-dusted pound cake. Meanwhile, if you want to be a bit more adventurous, a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with a shot of espresso—also known as an affogato—can complement pastries beautifully, bridging sweet and bitter notes. That might not scream Southern tradition, but it’s a testament to how flexible and ever-evolving the cuisine can be when you keep your mind open to new inspirations.

At Four Oaks Farm Country Store, we believe that good Southern cooking deserves equally good beverages. It’s not about overcomplicating your table but rather noticing how each flavor plays off another. A drizzle of sauce might call for a crisp cider, or a breaded catfish might beg for a glass of sweet tea with a fresh lemon wedge. By trying out new things—like pairing sweet with tangy, or rich with light, or smoky with fruity—you might rediscover old favorites in a brand-new way.