Saint Nicholas BBQ
It's almost freezing outside, but the grill is hot. A Sinterklaas BBQ is surprisingly festive — the fire draws people together, the aromas are celebratory, and the combination of smoke and cold air makes everything more intense. With the right rubs and a smart menu, you can get the most out of it.
Below you'll find a complete Sinterklaas BBQ plan: which rubs best suit the December atmosphere, a menu for young and old, tips for staying warm outside, and ideas for original gifts for the BBQ enthusiast in your life.
Which rubs suit December?
December calls for warmth and depth — not the heat of capsaicin, but the spicy, aromatic warmth of spices you also recognize in Dutch gingerbread cookies (pepernoten).
Jamaican Jerk: allspice and cinnamon — the spices also found in warm winter drinks, here on chicken or spareribs. Shawarma: cumin, coriander, and turmeric — warm and aromatic, excellent on lamb or cauliflower. Memphis BBQ: smoky and sweet — the classic choice for fall-off-the-bone spareribs. Carolina Gold: mild and festive yellow — perfect for children or guests who don't like spicy food.
When BBQing in winter, use a little more rub than usual. Cold air mutes flavors — an extra layer ensures the spices still come through well, even on a cold plate.
A Sinterklaas BBQ menu
A menu that works for the whole family — from small children to adult guests who want something special.
Spareribs with Memphis BBQ: slow-cooked, sweet-smoky — the ultimate Sinterklaas classic on the grill. Chicken thighs with Jamaican Jerk: warm and spicy, with the allspice you also recognize in speculaas. Grilled lamb with Shawarma: festive and aromatic — ideal as a main course for adults. Grilled chestnuts: directly on the grate, 10 minutes, with a pinch of Carolina Gold sprinkled over. Winter vegetables: parsnip, beetroot, and Brussels sprouts grilled indirectly with Shawarma — festive in color. Hot chocolate with cinnamon: for the children, and for the adults a glass of red wine with the grill.
In December, indirect cooking takes 15-20% longer than in summer. Allow plenty of time and keep your meat thermometer handy — intuition is less reliable in the cold than in summer.
Staying warm outside
The grill keeps you warm, but your guests also need to be comfortable. A few practical tips for a winter BBQ in Amsterdam.
Fire pit or chimenea: set up an extra heat source so guests stay warm even away from the grill. Blanket station: a basket with wool blankets draws people outside and creates a cozy atmosphere. Heat the plates: warm plates keep food warm longer — put them in the oven at 80°C for 10 minutes before serving. Short sessions: serve in small portions so the food is always fresh off the fire. Good lighting: it gets dark early in December — lanterns or outdoor lighting make it cozier and safer.
Sinterklaas gifts for the BBQ enthusiast
A rub as a Sinterklaas gift is original, personal, and — unlike most surprises — truly useful. A few ideas per budget.
Small surprise (€8-12): a 50g bag of choice, wrapped in black paper with a gold ribbon — fits perfectly with The Rub Kitchen's style. Medium gift (€25-35): the Starter Pack with 3 bags of 100g of choice — enough for three evenings of grilling. Large gift: a gift card so the recipient can choose for themselves — ideal if you don't know which flavor fits best.
Order by December 3rd for Sinterklaas delivery via DHL. Freshly blended to order — allow 1-2 business days for production.
Looking for an original gift for the BBQ enthusiast?
The Gift Card lets the recipient choose for themselves — ideal if you don't know which flavor fits best. Or choose the Starter Pack: 3 bags of 100g of choice, beautifully packaged for gifting.
- → BBQ Rub as a Gift What to give a BBQ enthusiast — tips and ideas
- → Assemble a BBQ Package How to assemble the perfect package
- → Product Knowledge All ingredients and techniques explained
Ready for the winter BBQ?
Freshly blended rubs, free delivery via DHL. In time for Sinterklaas.
Starter Pack · 3 flavors Gift Card →