Food-and-beer pairings have become a key arena for promoting craft beer in restaurants, and operators are embracing this trend to increase revenue, customer engagement and brand recognition.
A basic principle to keep in mind is that delicate dishes pair better with similarly flavored beers, while strong-flavored foods work best with assertive beers.
1. Complement
Adding the right craft beer pairings to your menu can elevate the flavors of both food and drink. Creating a successful pairing doesn’t have to be difficult, though – just remember that it’s always best to pair dishes with similar or complementary flavors. For example, light foods like a salad or salmon are great with a lighter lager or pale ale, while richer foods like a burger or hearty soup can be enjoyed with more intensely flavored brown ales. Check craft beer online.
Another key is to consider seasonality. For instance, a refreshing hefeweizen pairs well with summer salads and seafood while an Oktoberfest or Marzen beer is perfect with grilled meats and bratwurst in winter. Finally, be sure to take into account individual guest preferences. For example, if someone hates bitter beers, a dark stout could overwhelm their palate. Taking these simple steps can help you create successful craft beer pairings that will delight your guests and boost your bottom line.
2. Balance
The classic steak and full-bodied red wine pairing is becoming a bit dated, especially when you can get a similarly rich experience with the right craft beer. The key is balance. A contrasting craft beer can cut through the fat of a meal or counteract a heavy sauce by adding bitterness and acidity. A citrusy wheat beer can complement a zesty dish and a malty stout can add depth to a salty fish or seafood dish.
Lastly, a beer can act as a bridge by connecting the flavors of the food and beverage. This is particularly useful for dishes with complex preparations like stewing and braising, which use techniques that create the same flavors as those found in many beers.
For example, the toasting in a brown ale or dubbel brings out the same flavors as those in grilled meats and the Maillard reaction, while the herbal notes in a Hefeweizen can bring out the fruity aromas in many Asian foods. As beer pairing becomes more popular, chefs are collaborating directly with breweries to provide recipes that highlight the versatility of this beloved drink.
3. Contrast
Food-and-beer pairings are a beverage trend that operators can capitalize on to increase sales. From trendy sour brews like gose, Berliner weisse and citrus-flavoured radler to classics like pilsner, IPA, pale ale and stout, craft beer offers an array of flavours that make them compatible with virtually any menu item.
For instance, the bitterness of hops and astringency in beer pairs well with zesty dishes while maltiness and caramel-rich flavors harmonize with salty or grilled foods. Likewise, the effervescent qualities of some beers pair well with fatty or fried foods to cut through the richness and add a cleansing element.
Offering a flight of beers and pairing each beer with one menu item allows staff to offer a wider range of flavours and contrasts that can enhance a guest’s culinary experience. Adding this to your menu also gives customers a chance to experiment and discover new pairings for themselves, whether it’s a porter-chili combo or a stout brownie mix.
4. Share
The wide variety of food and beer pairings can be a great way to draw in new customers and bring in more profits. The key is to create a well-rounded menu that includes appetizers, entrees and desserts.
A crisp pilsner complements a fresh seafood ceviche, while the malty flavor of an amber ale harmonizes with a caramelized vegetable or grilled meat dish. And the rich, roasted flavors of a stout pair beautifully with chocolate desserts.
Experiment with your own menu and try different beer styles with a variety of foods to see what works best for you and your guests. The most important thing is to enjoy the experience of pairing craft beer with delicious food. And, don’t forget to share your culinary experience with friends and family! The more people who know about pairing craft beer with food, the better!
