On Independence Day people are going to be taking to their beaches and backyards to enjoy a day with friends and family and celebrate our nation's birthday. Two of the best July fourth traditions are barbecues and fireworks. You're going to want a few cold ones to go with your burgers and sparklers.
Sure, you can go to the supermarket and pick up a case of whatever happens to be on sale, but why not impress your friends with a little holiday beer pairing?
We enlisted Lauren Bowen, creative director at Tap 42 to come up with the perfect brew to go with our favorite backyard barbecue favorites. All of these beers are available at larger liquor stores and specialty grocers and, in honor of our nation's birthday, they're all proudly made in the USA! Here are her picks:
Burgers
"The best compliment to a Burger is an Amber Ale. An Amber Ale is a slightly caramel, easy drinking ale with mild hop character. These crafts are extremely chugable and thirst quenching. Bell's Amber from Michigan is Tap42's pick to pair with a Burger."
Hot Dogs
"A dog straight off the grill would be great with Orlando's Orange Blossom Pilsner. This saison pilsner won't overwhelm your taste buds if you're loading your dog with relish, mustard, potato chips, and other toppings. The crisp clean Orange Blossom Honey from this locally brewed Pilsner will refresh your palate while eating your Dog.", advises Bowen.
Barbecue Chicken
"The Bruery Mischief Strong Ale from Placentia, California, boasts 8.5% abv, so it will help add some kick to your typical chicken, and the alcohol notes with compliment the barbeque flavors."
Ribs
"The best Craft Beer pairing for saucy wet ribs is Rogue Dead Guy Ale. Dead Guy's slightly sweet & caramely characteristics will add to the full flavor and texture of ribs. The hop presence in Dead Guy will also clear your palate so you can enjoy the full taste of those tangy saucy ribs." Both Dead Guy and the Hazelnut Brown Nectar are from Rogue Brewery in Newport, Oregon.
Fresh Fruit
"Enjoy a bowl of fresh raspberries with a tiny splash of maple syrup, paired with a Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar."
Fireworks
"When you're enjoying the firework show sip on a Left Hand Good Juju. It's a ginger-infused beer, which sounds a bit weird, but makes for a refreshing drink. Good Juju has a light body which makes it the perfect outside drinking beer. It's also very carbonated, which will add to the explosions of the fireworks above you."
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