Beer Pairings That Won’t Break The Bank
Summer is here and people are finally allowed to go out and enjoy it again without fear of the cops busting your BBQ like you robbed a bank for your hamburgers. Whether you’re having a get-together at your home or going out on the town, it’s always nice to know what beer to pair with the evening’s provisions.
Let’s be honest, microbrews or “fancy” beers are pretty expensive and most of them taste like they were brewed in an old bathtub. However, you don’t have to empty your coin purse to find a good brew to go with your food. With that being said, here are some cheap beer pairings that won’t break the bank.
Cheap Beer Pairings
Finding a beer that doesn’t taste like hoppy dirt can be difficult in the age we live in today but do not fret we’re here to help. Here are our top choices for food and beer pairings.
- Cheese: Most people are aware that cheese pairs well with wine but not everyone knows that beer can be just as good, if not better. Wine has a robust flavor that can overpower what you’re eating or cause the flavors to fall flat, while beer is aided by carbonation that can lift flavors to a new level.
This includes most things that involve cheese like pizza, cheeseburgers, and nachos, not just a cold platter of moldy goat’s milk. Pretty much any beer you like will pair well with cheese but some of the best options are beers like Rolling Rock or if you want to sit at the cool kid’s table, Pabst Blue Ribbon.
- Fried Food: Nothing pairs better with a basket of fried animal parts and potatoes than an ice-cold beer. Once again, almost any beer you enjoy by itself will pair well with fried food. Our suggested beverages are brews like Samuel Adams Summer Ale or a Belgium Blonde to help cleanse your palate between bites. Fried foods tend to be heavily salted so a good ale can really refresh your taste buds while you watch the game.
- Spicy: If you’re like me and regularly enjoy liquifying your insides with the newest super nuclear hot sauce then it’s good to have a cold beverage at the ready. Hot wings, Mexican food, or dishes from India tend to bring the heat and a well-paired beer can bring you back to earth. The best cheap beers paired with spicy dishes all come from south of the Rio Grande. Corona, Model, and Dos Equis can all calm your taste buds after a rare million Scoville chili puts you against the ropes.
The moral of the story is you don’t have to drink fermented grape juice to elevate your dining experience. A well-paired beer can lift your spirits or bring you back from the brink of defeat. The price of all the beers mentioned here will vary depending on where you live and where you purchase them. At the end of the day, it is really just nice to know you don’t have to spend a fortune while you drink responsibly.
Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.
Thanks for the suggestions.