Speakeasy BBQ trends
Speakeasy‑themed BBQ parties are trending — Steven Raichlen’s BBQ 500 Club has a curated speakeasy menu that mixes smoked meats with creative sides and cocktails for spring entertaining (barbecuebible.com). On social, a smoked pork‑loin recipe with a sweet‑spicy rub was circulated alongside a smoky Paloma recipe using Smokehead whisky — both are being shared as go‑to pairings for backyard gatherings ( ).
The BarbecueBible post, authored by Sam and Charlene Swanlund, lists specific speakeasy-party recipes used by the BBQ 500 Club: Goat Cheese, Thyme, and Honey Tartines; Gouda‑Stuffed Dates wrapped in bacon; Smoked Planked Brie with pepper jelly and pine nuts; and a Smoked Shrimp Cocktail with chipotle‑orange sauce. (barbecuebible.com) (barbecuebible.com) The article says the BBQ 500 Club was started by Robbie and Alynne Douglas after they worked through “500+ recipes” during the first year of COVID and later used that collection to inspire themed supper‑club menus. (barbecuebible.com) (barbecuebible.com) Smokehead rolled a barbecue‑season push that names the “Smokehead Paloma” as a hero serve — a two‑ingredient pour combining Smokehead whisky and grapefruit soda intended to pair with grilled food — in marketing and trade coverage dated March 18, 2026. (scottishgrocer.co.uk) (scottishgrocer.co.uk) Smokehead’s brand page also publishes a whisky‑meets‑tequila recipe called the Palomindo and describes cask finishes and tasting notes that emphasize fiery peat, citrus, and smoke as rationale for pairing with smoky barbecue flavors. (smokehead.com) (smokehead.com) The smoked pork‑loin recipe circulating on social platforms traces to A Spicy Perspective’s smoked pork loin/tenderloin post (last updated Dec. 19, 2024) that specifies a sweet‑spicy rub using chipotle chili powder, 1/3 cup light brown sugar, paprika, garlic and onion powder, salt and black pepper for a 3–6 lb pork loin. (aspicyperspective.com) (aspicyperspective.com) Trade and whisky outlets amplified the pairing angle in mid‑March 2026, with WhiskyUpdates and other industry sites running stories around March 19–20 that highlighted smoky whisky serves as timely pairings for backyard entertaining during barbecue season. (whiskyupdates.com) (whiskyupdates.com)
