What are the Best Beers for a Backyard BBQ?

Hey there, BBQ lovers! As the weather warms up, there’s nothing better than firing up the grill and enjoying some great food with friends and family.

But let’s not forget one of the most important parts of any backyard BBQ—the beer! The right beer can take your BBQ from good to unforgettable.

Whether you’re flipping burgers, grilling veggies, or smoking some ribs, I’ve got the perfect beers to pair with all your favorite dishes. Let’s dive in and find the best brews for your next backyard bash.

Light and Refreshing Beers

When the sun’s blazing and the grill’s sizzling, you’ll want something light and refreshing to keep you cool.

Light lagers and pilsners are the way to go here. They’re crisp, clean, and won’t overwhelm your taste buds.

Recommended Beers:

• Modelo Especial: A smooth, well-balanced lager with a touch of sweetness, perfect for sipping on a hot day.
• Pilsner Urquell: The original Pilsner, with a slight bitterness and a refreshing finish that pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or seafood.

Crisp and Citrusy IPAs

If you’re all about bold flavors, a crisp and citrusy IPA might be your go-to BBQ beer.

The hoppy bitterness and bright citrus notes cut through rich, fatty meats, making them an excellent match for those tangy BBQ sauces.

Recommended IPAs:

• Lagunitas IPA: A classic IPA with a balanced bitterness and notes of citrus and pine, perfect for pairing with spicy ribs or hot wings.
• Bell’s Two Hearted Ale: This American IPA is bursting with hop aroma and a touch of malt sweetness, making it a versatile choice for any BBQ spread.

Wheat Beers and Witbiers

Wheat beers are your best bet if you’re looking for something smooth and slightly fruity.

They’re light enough for summer but flavorful enough to hold their own against grilled dishes. Plus, they often have a refreshing citrus or spice note that pairs well with lighter fare.

Recommended Wheat Beers:

• Blue Moon Belgian White: A crowd-pleaser with hints of orange peel and coriander, great with grilled fish or veggie skewers.
• Allagash White: A traditional Belgian-style wheat beer with a hint of spice and citrus, perfect for pairing with fresh salads or grilled chicken.

Fruity and Sour Beers

For those who like to keep things interesting, fruity and sour beers offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky flavors of BBQ.

These beers can range from tart and tangy to sweet and fruity, providing a palate-cleansing burst of flavor.

Recommended Fruity and Sour Beers:

• Founders Rubaeus: A raspberry ale that’s tart and slightly sweet, making it a fun pairing with sweet and spicy pulled pork.
• Dogfish Head SeaQuench Ale: A sour ale with lime, black lime, and sea salt, offering a refreshing, tangy twist that’s great with BBQ-glazed ribs.

Amber Ales and Brown Ales

Amber and brown ales are versatile, malty beers that pair well with hearty BBQ dishes.

Their caramel and toasty notes complement the charred flavors of grilled meats, making them a solid choice for burgers, sausages, and steaks.

Recommended Amber and Brown Ales:

• New Belgium Fat Tire: An amber ale with a balanced malt profile and a touch of sweetness, ideal for pairing with burgers or grilled sausages.
• Sierra Nevada Tumbler: A rich brown ale with roasted malt flavors that pairs beautifully with grilled steak or smoked brisket.

Session Beers for All-Day Sipping

When your BBQ is an all-day affair, you’ll want a beer that you can sip on without feeling the effects too quickly.

Enter session beers—low-alcohol, but still full of flavor, these beers are perfect for long, leisurely afternoons.

Recommended Session Beers:

• Founders All Day IPA: A light, hoppy session IPA with a crisp finish that pairs well with just about anything you’re grilling.
• Lagunitas DayTime IPA: A low-alcohol IPA with a bright, citrusy flavor that’s perfect for sipping throughout the day.

Seasonal and Limited Edition Beers

Don’t forget to check out the seasonal and limited edition beers that pop up during the summer months.

These brews are often designed with warm weather and outdoor gatherings in mind, offering flavors that perfectly complement BBQ season.

Recommended Seasonal Beers:

• Sierra Nevada Summerfest: A crisp summer lager with a light malt body and a refreshing finish, perfect for any BBQ.
• Samuel Adams Summer Ale: A citrusy wheat ale with a hint of spice, designed for summer sipping and great with grilled seafood.

Pairing Beer with BBQ Sauces

Pairing the right beer with your BBQ sauce can make a big difference. Sweet sauces go well with malty beers, while spicy and tangy sauces pair better with hoppy or citrusy brews.

It’s all about finding that perfect balance between the flavors.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Sweet BBQ Sauce: Try an amber ale like Fat Tire to complement the sweetness.
• Spicy BBQ Sauce: A hoppy IPA like Lagunitas IPA will help balance the heat.
• Tangy BBQ Sauce: A citrusy wheat beer like Allagash White pairs nicely with the tang.

Conclusion

So, there you have it—an array of beers that are sure to make your backyard BBQ a hit. Whether you’re a fan of light lagers, bold IPAs, or something in between, there’s a perfect brew for every BBQ dish.

So go ahead, mix and match, and make your next BBQ one to remember with the perfect beers. Cheers to great food, great beer, and great company!