On game day, nothing beats the combination of craft beer and delicious snacks. While the excitement of the match keeps you on the edge of your seat, the right pairing of beer with nachos, wings, and burgers can elevate the experience to a whole new level. Here’s our guide to help you choose the perfect craft beer to complement your favorite game-day treats.
- Nachos. Nachos, with their crunchy texture and layers of melted cheese, jalapeños, and savory toppings, are a game-day staple. To balance the rich and robust flavors, a Pale Ale works wonders. The hoppy bitterness of a Pale Ale cuts through the cheese’s creaminess and enhances the spiciness of the jalapeños. For a bolder choice, try an IPA (India Pale Ale), which has a stronger hop profile to stand up to even the most loaded nachos.
- Wings. Whether you prefer them spicy, tangy, or sweet, chicken wings are a must-have on game day. For spicy buffalo wings, a Wheat Beer or Hefeweizen is an excellent choice. The light, refreshing, and slightly fruity taste of these beers provides a cooling effect to counteract the heat. If you’re opting for barbecue wings, a Brown Ale or Porter pairs beautifully. The caramel and toffee notes in these beers enhance the smoky sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
- Burgers. Juicy, flavorful burgers are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of craft beers. For classic beef burgers with all the fixings, an Amber Ale or Lager complements the savory flavors without overpowering them. If you’re indulging in a bacon cheeseburger, consider a Stout. The roasted malt and coffee notes in a Stout pair remarkably well with the smoky bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. For veggie or black bean burgers, a Belgian Ale with its subtle spices and fruity esters is an ideal match.
Pairing craft beer with game-day snacks is an art that transforms your viewing experience into a culinary delight. So, the next time you gather with friends to watch the big game, make sure to have these beer and snack pairings ready to impress your guests and enhance the excitement. Cheers to a great game and even better flavors!