Burgers, Brats, and Bottles: Elevate Your Next Cookout with G-Will Liquors

Nothing beats the sizzle of a hot grill on a beautiful Minnesota afternoon. As we gear up for the Fourth of July, your menu is likely locked in: juicy burgers, smoky ribs, and perfectly charred brats. But have you thought about what is going in your glass? The right drink doesn’t just wash down your favorite grilled foods—it elevates the entire meal by balancing rich fats and cutting through heavy wood smoke.

At G-Will Liquors, we want to help you master the art of the backyard cookout. To make hosting simple, we have rounded up our top food and drink pairings featuring our June and July holiday specials. From rich red wines to crisp, ready-to-drink cans, here is how to pair your barbecue menu like a pro.

1. The Perfect Match for Burgers and Ribs: Rich Reds

If you are throwing marinating steaks, thick beef burgers, or sticky barbecue ribs onto the grates, you need a wine with enough structure and bold flavor to stand up to the meat.

• The Match: Bonanza Cabernet ($14.99, June 25–July 15) or Apothic Red ($7.49 with Club Card, July 1–31).
• Why it works: The dark fruit profiles and smooth tannins in these red wines cut beautifully through the rich fat of beef and pork. Apothic Red, with its hint of sweet spice, acts like a liquid extension of your favorite brown sugar BBQ rub.

2. The Backyard Classic: Grilled Brats & Ice-Cold Patio Beer

For many Minnesotans, a summer cookout isn’t complete without classic midwestern brats simmering in onions and beer before hitting the grill.

• The Match: Coors Light & Miller Lite 15-pack 16oz Aluminum Bottles ($17.99, plus a “Buy 2, save $10” rebate, June 25–July 15).
• Why it works: Crisp, clean light lagers are highly carbonated, which cleanses your palate after every bite of a rich, savory sausage. Plus, the shatterproof aluminum bottles keep your beer colder for longer next to a hot grill.

3. Smoked Chicken & Light Fare: A Crisp White

If you are smoking whole chickens, grilling pork chops, or serving up grilled summer veggies, heavy reds will overwhelm the food. You want something bright, chilled, and refreshing.

• The Match: Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay ($10.99 with Club Card, July 1–31).
• Why it works: Kendall-Jackson’s iconic Chardonnay features bright tropical fruit notes and a hint of toasted oak that beautifully complements the natural wood smoke of grilled poultry.

4. Beat the Heat: Grab-and-Go Canned Refreshments

If you are the one flipping the burgers, you don’t have time to play bartender. Ready-to-drink (RTD) cans give your guests premium flavors instantly.

• The Match: Carbliss Vodka RTD 8-Packs ($18.99, June 25–July 15) or Twisted Tea 12-Packs ($13.99 / $5 off instantly when you buy 1, June 25–July 15).
• Why it works: Carbliss offers zero-sugar, zero-carb refreshment that keeps you hydrated in the sun, while the sweet, classic kick of Twisted Tea is practically made for hot July afternoons on the deck.

Featured Grilling Specials at G-Will Liquors

To help you plan your shopping trip, here are the exact sale timelines and prices for our ultimate grilling pairings:

FAQ

Do I need a Club Card to get the wine specials?

Yes, for the July wine specials (Apothic Red and Kendall-Jackson), you will need a G-Will Club Card. You can sign up quickly for free at any of our store checkouts to lock in the savings.

How do the beer rebates work?

For the Coors Light and Miller Lite aluminum bottle special, grab the official rebate form at checkout when you purchase two 15-packs to receive your $10 mail-in savings.

What is the best drink for spicy barbecue sauces?

If your BBQ sauce has a heavy kick, reach for an ice-cold Twisted Tea or a chilled glass of Apothic Red. Sweeter profiles help tame heat, whereas heavy alcohol can intensify it.