When it comes to styles of barbecue in the U.S., there are heavy-hitter categories based upon region, hailing from places like Texas, the Carolinas, Kansas City, and Memphis. Pitmaster Rodney Scott, known for his appearance in the 2020 Netflix docuseries "Chef's Table: BBQ," has ideas on what drinks pair best with all styles of barbecue.

Scott shared that he usually has a light beer or bourbon with his barbecue meals — the latter because he is known for adding lemon to his barbecue sauce and the citrus pairs well with dark liquors. In terms of non-alcoholic beverages, Scott said one of the most popular items at his South Carolina-based barbecue restaurant is sweet tea.

Dark liquors complement the smokiness of BBQ dishes, but you can also mix whiskey or bourbon with pineapple or lemonade to cut down on the smokiness of the alcohol and meat combination. Alternatively, if you like the smokiness, you can enhance it with a smoked cocktail.