The Super Bowl is starting in just a few weeks. This means that everyone who is going to host a watch party needs to prepare the food and beverage menu. This exciting event that so many Americans love needs to be done right. Especially if you are a sports bar or restaurant owner.
Good drink and food pairings are important for ensuring customer satisfaction. Knowing how many beers are in a keg, too. Most people keep the focus on the food when talking about preparing for the Super Bowl. However, we want to dive deep into the topic of the perfect Super Bowl drinks. Quality beverages that go well with the food can turn a good party into a truly great and memorable one.
To make that happen, you need to get a lot of good beer. Different beer brands compete for the attention of fans, especially during the Super Bowl season. Many focus too much on marketing, rather than the quality of their beer.
To save you money and disappointment, we have curated a list of Super Bowl beer types you can offer at your watch party. Read our article that answers the question "Can beer expire?" and then see which types of beer and which brands we recommend to get!
Choosing the Best Super Bowl Beer for a Watch Party
Selecting Super Bowl beer types largely depends on personal preference. Especially when you are hosting a watch party at home. However, if you run a sports bar or a restaurant, you need to serve what people want.
Because of that, it’s important to feature a variety of beer styles in your menu. This way you will satisfy different tastes. To help you build a perfect beverage inventory in preparation for the watch party, we have created a list of beers you need to get.
Key Takeaway: There are many Super Bowl beer options available. To create the ultimate watch party experience for your guests, you should stock up on a variety of beers that complement common Super Bowl foods and snacks. However, you should include some unique options, too, to make the experience truly memorable.
1. Light Lagers
Can’t have a well-rounded beverage menu without some good light lagers. The light lagers are crisp and refreshing. They are easy to drink and this is what makes them a popular choice for a casual and social setting.
The brands of light lagers that most people love are:
- Bud Light
- Coors Light
- Miller Lite
2. Craft Beers
Craft beers have been all the range in the last few years, so there are now many craft beer distributors. They offer a unique taste and although they were not considered a Super Bowl beer type before, now you can only benefit from serving craft. There are many unique craft beer pairings you can create to take the customer experience to the next level.
Craft beers come in a wide range of flavors. Many beer enthusiasts enjoy the hoppy notes of IPA beers or the maltiness of amber ales. The most common styles include IPA (India Pale Ale) and the American beer APA (American Pale Ale). Amber Ale is also among the popular kinds.
The brands of craft beer we can suggest include:
- Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
- Lagunitas IPA
- Sam Adams Boston Lager
3. Mexican Beers
Mexican beers are often chosen for their light and crisp profiles. These qualities make them a great pair to spicy foods or traditional game day snacks. Whether you are hosting a watch party at home or researching Super Bowl beer types to get for your bar or restaurant, Mexican beers need to make the cut. A lot of people prefer them over any other kind of beer.
The Mexican beer brands that deserve special attention are:
- Corona
- Pacifico
- Modelo
4. Wheat Beers
Wheat beers are known for their fruity and citrusy notes. They are refreshing and are a great option for everyone who loves a lighter and more aromatic beer. You will probably have a large crowd at your watch party and having wheat beer as an option will appeal to many.
The brands of wheat beer you can’t go wrong with include:
- Blue Moon
- Shock Top
- Hoegaarden
5. Session Beers
Session beers have lower alcohol content (ABV). They are great for everyone who wants to enjoy more drinks without experiencing the bad effects of alcohol. Stock up on session beers to extend the enjoyment of people at your watch party. You can do that by getting the Session IPA and Session Pale Ale styles.
As for the Super Bowl beer you can get in these styles, try the brands:
- All Day IPA by Founders Brewing Co.
- Easy Jack by Firestone Walker
6. Dark Beers
Dark beers have a rich, roasted flavor. These beers are typically enjoyed in the colder months because they are not crisp and refreshing like light lagers, for example. But since the Super Bowl is in the colder part of the year, dark beers should be included in the menu.
Dark beers are a great choice for people who love heartier beer. Focus on the stout and porter styles. When choosing a specific brand, focus on:
- Guinness
- Founders Breakfast Stout
- Anchor Porter
7. Hard Seltzers
Hard seltzers have gained popularity because they are low on sugar and calories. That’s what makes them a great choice for people who are counting calories. Or people who have some dietary restrictions.
To help everyone have a wonderful time at your watch party, don’t limit yourself to the popular Super Bowl beer types. Adding hard seltzer to the menu will show that you want different people to feel included and enjoy watching the Super Bowl!
The brands you can stock up on are:
- White Claw
- Truly
- Bon & Viv
8. Local or Craft Brewery Options
As we mentioned earlier, there are some popular brands of craft beer that you can choose to get. However, there are surely some local beers that you can look into. Many breweries are making their own unique craft beers that deserve attention. Do your research and try some local alternatives before you build your beverage menu.
You can have a whole section in the menu with special and local options. Have your waiters talk about the different beers with your customers to make sure that everyone gets a drink they will truly enjoy. Being aware of what makes a good food and beer pairing is also crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions about Super Bowl Beer Types
To find out more about the Super Bowl beer types that you can serve, read the answers to these common questions.
What Types of Beer Are Popular for Super Bowl Parties?
Popular beer choices for Super Bowl parties include:
- light lagers
- craft beers (IPAs, pale ales)
- Mexican beers
- wheat beers
- session beers
- dark beers (stouts, porters)
- hard seltzers
What Are Some Beer and Food Pairing Tips for the Super Bowl?
Pair light lagers with traditional game day snacks. IPAs can be paired with spicier foods, while dark beers go with heartier dishes. Try local craft beers and other unique styles and pair them with foods that have contrasting flavors.
Are There Any Trendy or Unique Beer Options for the Super Bowl?
Craft brewery releases, seasonal beers, and unique flavor profiles can add a trendy and unique touch to your Super Bowl beer selection. Local and regional brewery releases are worth exploring if you want to serve something unique at your watch party.