Beer, appetizers, and sports are a perfect combination. Executing this combination the right way is what turns watching the game into an elevated experience. Matching the right beer with the right appetizer can balance flavors and level up your delicious game-day experience.
We understand that everyone has their personal preferences when it comes to beer and food, but we are going to give our suggestions on great pairings of beer and appetizers that you can try the next time you’re in for the game!
Here are some great beer and appetizers to order together:
1. Wings and Ales (IPAs, American Pale Ales, Brown Ales): Wings are one of the most classic appetizers, and when it comes to a beer that pairs well with the heat of buffalo wings, you can’t go wrong with IPAs or American Pale Ales. These beers bring a crisp, hoppy bitterness that balances out the heat of the wings.
Alternatively, if you opt for BBQ wings that lean sweet and smoky, then brown ales bring maltiness that goes right along with the flavors of the BBQ sauce.
2. Nachos and Mexican Lager or Amber Ales: Nachos bring a big game when it comes to appetizers. You have the saltiness of the chips, the savoriness of the meat and cheese, and the tanginess and spice of the jalapenos and salsa. A Mexican lager, with its crispness and clean flavor profile, can be a refreshing complement to the bold flavors of the nachos. On the other hand, the maltiness and slight bitterness of amber ales go well with the lineup of flavors that nachos bring.
Bonus: these beers also pair well with loaded fries!
3. Flatbread Pizzas and Pilsners: We are onto the third appetizer and beer combo—are you hungry yet? We are. Pilsners have a light to medium body with a crisp and clean finish that resets your palate for every next bite of pizza. This balances out the flavors of the sauce, crust, and toppings.
So, now you have a game plan for your combination of appetizers and beer. Use it for the next time you’re in for the game!