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There are so many beer brands available on the market that it can be difficult to choose what to serve at your bar or restaurant. Things get especially hard when you want to follow seasonality or serve beer that is a good match for a certain special occasion. We have already covered the best beers for Saint Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day beer, and Super Bowl beer. And although some beers can work great for any occasion, there are some that are better than others.
Since Thanksgiving is just around the cornerand you are probably already working on building the perfect beverage menu for this season. We already shared our advice on Thanksgiving cocktails, Thanksgiving mocktails, and the best wine for Thanksgiving. That's why we have decided to help you with some Thanksgiving beer suggestions, too. Good Thanksgiving beer can change the experience of your customers for the better by enhancing the flavors of the food they order.
Building delicious drink and food pairings is an art in itself and successful restauranteurs know that. With some of the most loved holidays coming up, it’s important to adjust both the food and drinks menu to reflect the time of the year. When the menu reflects the season and people enjoy spending their time and hard-earned money at your business, they will come back and help your restaurant become more popular and profitable.
But now let’s go back to the best beer for Thanksgiving. We have narrowed down a list of the best kinds to have in your beverage inventory and what these beers pair with. Let’s dive right into it!
10 Thanksgiving Beer Types to Add to Your Beverage Menu
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and a festive feast, and the right type of beer can elevate the meal to new heights. That’s why it’s important to pick the right Thanksgiving beer types and recommend great pairings to customers. Here are some of the beers you should not skip this time of the year:
1. Pumpkin Ale
Pumpkin ales are a seasonal favorite! These beers are great for Halloween, but also Thanksgiving and the whole fall season. The pumpkin ale features spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Their warm, comforting aroma complements the traditional Thanksgiving dishes beautifully. It’s great to pair the pumpkin ale with roasted turkey and stuffing to enhance the savory notes of the meal.
2. Brown Ale
With its rich malt profile and hints of caramel and nuts, brown ale is a versatile choice for Thanksgiving. This beer pairs perfectly with hearty sides like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. The nutty flavors of the ale complement the creaminess of mashed potatoes, creating a harmonious balance.
Key Takeaway: Building a great Thanksgiving beer selection for your restaurant will put you ahead of the curve. People love hearty, cozy meals at this time of year, and drinks that pair well with them will only boost the customer experience, which means a successful business for you.
3. Sour Ale
Sour ales offer a refreshing tang that can cut through the richness of Thanksgiving dishes. They pair wonderfully with cranberry sauce and charcuterie boards, providing a bright contrast to the savory and sweet elements on the plate. The acidity of sour ales helps cleanse the palate, making every bite enjoyable. And adding Thanksgiving beer to your menu is all about making everything better!
4. Amber Ale
Amber ales are known for their balanced flavor and moderate bitterness, making them a great match for roasted vegetables and baked ham. The caramel malt flavors enhance the sweetness of roasted carrots and Brussels sprouts, while their light hop bitterness complements the savory notes of ham.
5. Stout
For those with a sweet tooth, stouts are perfect for pairing with desserts. Their rich, roasted flavors and notes of chocolate and coffee make them an excellent choice to pair with pumpkin pie or chocolate cake. Serving this Thanksgiving beer alongside dessert creates a delightful end to your feast.
6. Porter
Porters are rich, dark beers with deep flavors of chocolate, caramel, and coffee. Their robust flavor profiles make them the perfect beer to pair with hearty dishes, such as lamb and beef. In addition, porters shine alongside desserts like pecan pie, where the sweetness of the pie complements the roasted malt flavors of the beer.
7. Wheat Beer
Wheat beers are light and refreshing, characterized by their fruity and spicy notes. They pair well with lighter Thanksgiving dishes, such as salads or roasted turkey with herb dressing. The effervescence of wheat beers can cleanse the palate, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a refreshing contrast to richer foods. It’s a Thanksgiving beer that many people will enjoy greatly.
8. Belgian Dubbel
Belgian Dubbels are strong ales known for their complex flavor profiles, which often include fruity esters and caramel malt sweetness. This Thanksgiving beer pairs exceptionally well with roasted meats, rich gravies, and savory sides. The sweetness of a Dubbel can balance the savory elements of a traditional Thanksgiving feast.
9. Crisp Lager
Crisp lagers are clean, refreshing beers that offer a subtle hop bitterness. They are versatile and pair with a variety of dishes, including fried appetizers, lighter vegetable dishes, and even turkey. Their crispness makes them a great option for balancing richer flavors while providing a refreshing sip throughout the meal.
10. Bock
Bock is among the best beers for Thanksgiving and it’s a malty one with a slightly sweet profile. It pairs with rich stuffing and smoked meats. The caramel and toasty flavors in bocks complement the savory elements of a Thanksgiving spread and provide a satisfying depth that enhances the overall dining experience.
By expanding your restaurant’s beer selection for Thanksgiving, you can cater to diverse tastes and enhance your guests’ dining experience. Each beer style offers unique flavors that can harmonize with traditional dishes, creating memorable beer pairings that will delight everyone at the table.
Frequently Asked Questions about Thanksgiving Beer
If you want to know more about Thanksgiving beer and which ones are the best to choose for your menu at this time of year, read the following questions and answers. You will get even more insight into this interesting topic!
Can I Serve Lighter Beers During Thanksgiving?
Yes, serving lighter beers is perfectly acceptable during Thanksgiving. Crisp lagers and wheat beers provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the holiday feast. These beers can balance the flavors of lighter dishes, such as salads and roasted vegetables, while still complementing heavier fare. Offering a variety of beer styles, including lighter options, allows guests to choose what suits their palate best throughout the meal.
Is It Okay to Mix Beer Styles During the Meal?
Absolutely! Mixing beer styles can enhance the dining experience and keep the celebration lively. Serving a selection of different beers allows guests to explore various flavors that can complement different courses of the meal. For example, starting with a refreshing wheat beer during appetizers, transitioning to a robust brown ale with the main course, and finishing with a rich stout alongside dessert can create a delightful tasting journey for everyone at the table.
What Beers Should I Avoid for Thanksgiving?
While personal preference plays a significant role, it might be wise to avoid extremely hoppy IPAs or overly sour beers, as their strong flavors can overwhelm traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Additionally, lighter beers with very low alcohol content may not stand up well to the richness of the food.