Grill and chill with these whisky and steak pairings

Whisky and steak – now that’s an epic combo. Smoky, rich and damn right delicious. Our favourite golden spirit pairs beautifully with a cut of juicy meat. Both can be aged to perfection, creating a unique flavour experience when you take a sip between bites. 

Whether you’re a seasoned whisky enthusiast or a newcomer to sipping scotch, this guide is a great introduction into the art of pairing whisky with steak. 

So get the grill on and the whisky pouring.

T-bone and Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel

The T-bone steak, with its combination of tenderloin and strip meat, pairs beautifully with Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel. This whisky’s a little sweeter, with a caramel-like flavour that balances the robust taste of the T-bone. 

Serve with a baked potato and garlic butter for a hearty, indulgent meal. And if it gets you feeling thirsty, you can always pour a refreshing Whisky and Ginger Ale to lighten things up. We also love American Barrel in a classic Old Fashioned cocktail to add a bit of sweet bitterness and a touch of sophistication to this pairing.

Rump steak and Ballantine’s Barrel Smooth

Rump steak is known for its bold, beefy flavour, which pairs wonderfully with the super smooth Ballantine’s Barrel Smooth. The whisky’s creamy texture and subtle notes of vanilla and spice enhance the rump steak’s meaty richness. Best served neat or in a simple whisky mixer that offers a light, fizzy contrast like a Scotch and Soda or Whisky and Coke.

Add a side of roasted root vegetables and horseradish sauce. Or balance out the sweetness with something extra spicy. We love our rump with a dash of RZA Presents: Ballantine’s X Flying Goose Sriracha Sauce, the first ever Ballantine’s inspired sriracha. This fiery sauce brings the heat to any cut of meat. Pair it with a spicy whisky cocktail, for added chilli kick and enhance the steak’s flavours.

Flat iron steak and Ballantine’s Sunshine

Try flat iron steak with Ballantine’s Sunshine, our new pineapple flavoured spirit drink. The steak’s rich, juicy flavour is complemented by the tropical notes of the whisky, creating a refreshing combination that’s made for summer sessions.

Get your steak sizzling whilst you mix up a summer salad and citrus dressing. A Pineapple Highball is the ultimate whisky cocktail for carefree sipping round the BBQ.

Stay true to your taste

Remember, there’s no wrong way to enjoy your whisky and steak. Whether you’re grilling up a feast for friends or having a quiet night in, the most important thing is that you have fun and enjoy it. 

So, turn up the heat, pour yourself a glass of Ballantine’s, and savour the perfect pairing of whisky and steak.

Check out more ways to pair whisky and food with our whisky inspired food recipes. There’s our best snacks to eat with hot sauce, sriracha inspired recipes and even a guide to pairing whisky with Chinese food.