Summer Food and Beer Pairings: The Ultimate Guide

Is it the fresh air and fresh produce that make summer taste better? Or is it pairing your favorite summer dishes with the perfect beer? As the temperatures rise, there’s nothing quite like indulging in fresh, vibrant dishes paired with refreshing beers that complement and enhance their flavors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, enjoying a picnic in the park, or lounging by the pool, the right food and beer pairing can elevate your summer festivities. Here’s a guide to some perfect summer food and beer pairings to tantalize your taste buds.

6 Perfect Summer Food and Beer Pairings

1. Grilled Meats and IPA

Nothing screams summer like the sizzle of a hot grill. The bold, hoppy flavors of an India Pale Ale (IPA) cut through the richness of grilled meats, creating a balanced and satisfying experience. The bitterness of the hops contrasts beautifully with the caramelized, smoky flavors of the meat.

Pairing Suggestion:

Food: Grilled burgers with cheddar cheese, BBQ ribs, or spicy sausages

Beer: Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA, Lagunitas IPA, or Bell’s Two Hearted Ale

2. Fresh Seafood and Pilsner

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh seafood, from shrimp and crab to oysters and fish. A crisp, clean Pilsner with its light malt sweetness and mild hop bitterness is an excellent companion for seafood dishes, enhancing their delicate flavors without overpowering them.

Pairing Suggestion:

Food: Grilled shrimp skewers, crab cakes, or fish tacos with a citrus slaw

Beer: Pilsner Urquell, Victory Prima Pils, or North Coast Scrimshaw Pilsner

3. Salads and Wheat Beer

Light, refreshing salads brimming with summer vegetables and fruits are a seasonal staple. Wheat beers, like Hefeweizens and Witbiers, with their fruity and spicy notes, complement the crisp, fresh flavors of salads. The subtle citrus and coriander hints in these beers add an extra layer of complexity to your greens.

Pairing Suggestion:

Food: Arugula and strawberry salad with balsamic vinaigrette, Greek salad with feta, or a citrusy quinoa salad

Beer: Hoegaarden Witbier, Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier, or Allagash White

4. BBQ Chicken and Amber Ale

BBQ chicken, with its sweet and tangy sauce, pairs wonderfully with an Amber Ale. The caramel and toffee notes of the beer enhance the smoky sweetness of the BBQ sauce, while its moderate bitterness keeps the flavors balanced.

Pairing Suggestion:

Food: BBQ chicken wings, pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches, or grilled chicken with a honey glaze

Beer: New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale, Alaskan Amber, or Rogue American Amber Ale

5. Spicy Dishes and Pale Ale

For those who love a bit of heat in their food, a Pale Ale can be a great match. The malt backbone and moderate hop bitterness of a Pale Ale help to tame the spiciness while enhancing the dish’s flavors.

Pairing Suggestion:

Food: Spicy chicken tacos, jalapeño poppers, or buffalo wings

Beer: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Dale’s Pale Ale by Oskar Blues, or Stone Pale Ale

6. Fresh Fruit Desserts and Fruit Beer

Summer is the season for ripe, juicy fruits, and there’s no better way to end a meal than with a refreshing fruit dessert paired with a fruit beer. These beers are often brewed with real fruit, making them a perfect match for fruit-forward desserts.

Pairing Suggestion:

Food: Peach cobbler, mixed berry tart, or mango sorbet

Beer: Founders Rubaeus (Raspberry Ale), Lindemans Framboise (Raspberry Lambic), or Dogfish Head Festina Pêche (Peach Berliner Weisse)

Tips for the Perfect Summer Food and Beer Pairing

1. Balance the Intensity: Ensure the beer and the food match in intensity. A light dish pairs well with a light beer, while a robust dish needs a beer with more body and flavor.

2. Complement and Contrast: Look for flavors in the beer that either complement the food or create a pleasing contrast. For example, a citrusy beer can complement a citrusy dish, while a hoppy beer can contrast with a sweet dish.

3. Experiment and Enjoy: Don’t be afraid to try new combinations. Beer and food pairing is subjective, and personal preferences play a significant role. Have fun exploring different pairings to find your favorites.

The Perfect Beer for Every Dish

As you embark on your summer culinary adventures, remember that the right beer can elevate your dining experience, making each meal memorable. Whatever style of beer you choose, you’ll find it at The Growler Guys. Stop in to fill up on your favorites or find a new favorite when you ask our experts for their recommendations on the perfect summer food and beer pairing. Then gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and savor the season. Cheers!