Late Summer Mead Food Pairings: From BBQs to Campfires

August is that golden hour of summer—the days are still long, the grills are still sizzling, and the nights begin to hint at crisp autumn air. It’s also the perfect time to explore mead food pairings that take you from sunny afternoon BBQs to cozy evening campfires.

At Dragonfire Meadery in Coventry CT, our meads are crafted to be as versatile as they are flavorful. Whether you’re hosting a backyard feast or gathering around the firepit, here’s how to pair our meads with your late-summer favorites:

BBQ & Smoky Grilled Meats — Pair with Weewilmekq (Blueberry Mead)

Smoky ribs, grilled sausages, or even veggie skewers packed with zucchini and mushrooms call for a mead that can hold its own. Weewilmekq, our semi-sweet blueberry mead, brings a balanced, fruity acidity that cuts through the richness of grilled foods while complementing smoky flavors.

Fire and Brimstone, our smoky jalapeno mead, pairs nicely with BBQ too! A little kick and smoke pairs perfectly with grilling and smoking. Have a little to drink, use in a marinade, or add a little kick to your margarita!

Mead Food Pairing

Garden-Fresh Salads & Light Snacks

For those light summer dishes—think crisp greens, herbed goat cheese, and charcuterie boards—Puck is a hidden gem. Its woody, white wine-like profile with a subtle maple finish pairs beautifully with earthy cheeses and fresh garden herbs.

Muirdris, Dragonfire Meadery's Elderberry Mead, also shines on a summer table. With its deep, fruity richness and red wine character, Muirdris pairs wonderfully with aged cheddar, creamy brie, or tangy blue cheeses. It’s equally at home alongside charcuterie favorites like prosciutto, smoked meats, and dried fruits, making it a perfect choice for elegant grazing boards or even a simple picnic spread.

Recommended Pairings:

• Mixed greens with vinaigrette

• Caprese salad with mozzarella and basil

• Fruit and nut salads

• Vegetable crudités with hummus

  
  

Cheese & Charcuterie Boards

Complemented beautifully by semi- dry meads like Muirdris or a dry white like Puck

Recommended Pairings:

• Hard cheeses like aged cheddar or gouda

• Soft cheeses like brie or camembert

• Cured meats like prosciutto or salami

• Olives and pickles

S’mores & Campfire Desserts — Pair with Ekhidna (Raspberry & Chocolate Mead)

As the sun sets and the marshmallows come out, Ekhidna is your dessert companion. The rich chocolate undertones and tart raspberry burst make it the ultimate pairing for s’mores, brownies, or even a simple dark chocolate square by the fire.

 Late Summer Fruit Dishes — Pair with Pu Lao (Pear, Ginger & Cinnamon Mead)

Fruit tarts, grilled peaches, or poached pears? Pu Lao brings warming spice and bright pear notes that enhance any fruit-based dish, making it perfect for August’s seasonal bounty.

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Pu Lao Poached Pears with Mead Reduction Sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou work well)

• 2 cups Pu Lao mead

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

• Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or mascarpone for serving

  
  

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pears:

   • Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact.

   • Core the bottom of the pears slightly to remove the seeds, keeping the shape.

2. Make the Poaching Liquid:

   • In a large saucepan, combine Pu Lao mead, water, honey, cinnamon stick, sliced ginger, and lemon zest.

   • Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

3. Poach the Pears:

   • Place the pears in the simmering liquid.

   • Cover and simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, turning the pears occasionally to ensure even poaching, until they’re tender but not mushy.

4. Reduce the Sauce:

   • Carefully remove the pears and set them aside to cool.

   • Increase the heat to medium-high and reduce the poaching liquid until it thickens into a syrup (about 10–15 minutes).

5. Serve:

   • Place each pear on a serving dish.

   • Drizzle with the warm Pu Lao mead reduction.

   • Top with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a spoonful of mascarpone.

     
     

Optional Garnish:

Sprinkle with crushed candied ginger or a light dusting of cinnamon for extra flair.

Serving Note:

Pair this dessert with a small glass of Pu Lao for a perfect flavor echo.

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 Cool Mead Cocktails to Beat the Heat

Don’t forget—mead isn’t just for sipping straight. Try a Weewilmekq Spritzer (blueberry mead + sparkling water + mint) or a Pu Lao Ginger Mule for a refreshing take on late summer cocktails.

Celebrate summer’s last hurrah with the perfect mead in hand. Whether you’re grilling, chilling, or toasting marshmallows, we have a mead to match. Set up an appointment to stop by or order online while supplies last.