What To Know
- Beer can be served in a variety of glasses, but a pilsner glass or a pint glass is a good choice for grilling brats.
- A beef roast marinated in red wine and vinegar, sauerbraten is a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs well with a dark beer, such as a stout or porter.
- Pair it with a light beer, such as a pilsner or hefeweizen, or a dark beer, such as a stout or porter.
Grilling brats is a summertime staple, and no cookout is complete without a cold beer in hand. But what’s the best beer for grilling brat? With so many options to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start.
What to Look for in a Beer for Brats
When pairing beer with grilled brats, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Body: Brats are a hearty sausage, so you’ll want a beer with a medium to full body to stand up to them.
- Flavor: Brats have a slightly sweet and savory flavor, so you’ll want a beer that complements those flavors without overpowering them.
- ABV: You don’t want a beer that’s too strong, as it will overpower the brat. Aim for a beer with an ABV of 5-7%.
The Best Beers for Grilling Brat
Now that you know what to look for, here are our top picks for the best beers to pair with grilled brats:
- Pilsner: A classic German-style beer, pilsner is light and refreshing with a slightly hoppy flavor. It’s a great choice for a hot summer day.
- Hefeweizen: Another German-style beer, hefeweizen is a wheat beer that’s cloudy and slightly sweet. It’s a perfect match for the sweet and savory flavors of bratwurst.
- Amber ale: Amber ale is a medium-bodied beer with a malty flavor and a slightly hoppy finish. It’s a great all-around beer that pairs well with a variety of foods, including brats.
- IPA: IPA stands for India pale ale, and it’s a hoppy beer with a bitter finish. IPAs can be a bit strong for some people, but they can be a great match for grilled brats if you like a hoppy beer.
- Stout: Stout is a dark beer with a roasted flavor. It’s a great choice for a cold winter day, but it can also be enjoyed on a warm summer night.
How to Serve Beer with Brats
Once you’ve chosen your beer, there are a few things to keep in mind when serving it with brats:
- Temperature: Beer should be served cold, but not too cold. Aim for a temperature of around 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Glassware: Beer can be served in a variety of glasses, but a pilsner glass or a pint glass is a good choice for grilling brats.
- Garnish: A slice of lemon or lime can be a nice garnish for beer, especially if you’re serving it with grilled brats.
Bratwurst and Beer Pairings
In addition to the general guidelines above, here are a few specific bratwurst and beer pairings that we recommend:
- Bratwurst with sauerkraut: Pair a pilsner or hefeweizen with bratwurst with sauerkraut. The acidity of the sauerkraut will help to cut through the richness of the bratwurst and the beer.
- Bratwurst with grilled onions: Pair an amber ale or IPA with bratwurst with grilled onions. The sweetness of the onions will complement the hoppy flavors of the beer.
- Bratwurst with mustard: Pair a stout or porter with bratwurst with mustard. The bitterness of the mustard will balance out the sweetness of the beer.
Enjoying the Perfect Bratwurst and Beer Pairing
Grilling brats and enjoying them with a cold beer is a great way to relax and enjoy the summer weather. By following the tips in this guide, you can find the perfect beer to pair with your brats and create a delicious and satisfying meal.
Beyond the Bratwurst: Other German Delicacies to Pair with Beer
In addition to bratwurst, there are a number of other German delicacies that pair well with beer. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Sauerbraten: A beef roast marinated in red wine and vinegar, sauerbraten is a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs well with a dark beer, such as a stout or porter.
- Schnitzel: A breaded and fried cutlet, schnitzel is a classic German dish that pairs well with a light beer, such as a pilsner or hefeweizen.
- Spätzle: A type of egg noodle, spätzle is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sauces. Pair it with a light beer, such as a pilsner or hefeweizen, or a dark beer, such as a stout or porter.
Popular Questions
Q: What is the best beer to pair with bratwurst?
A: The best beer to pair with bratwurst depends on your personal preferences. However, some of our top picks include pilsner, hefeweizen, amber ale, IPA, and stout.
Q: How should I serve beer with brats?
A: Beer should be served cold, but not too cold. Aim for a temperature of around 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Beer can be served in a variety of glasses, but a pilsner glass or a pint glass is a good choice for grilling brats.
Q: What are some other German delicacies that pair well with beer?
A: In addition to bratwurst, there are a number of other German delicacies that pair well with beer. Some of our favorites include sauerbraten, schnitzel, and spätzle.
