There’s nothing better than a BBQ when the weather is fine and the guests are in good spirits. In order for this classic event to be a success, it’s not just the food you need to think about, but also those all-important beverages.
Beer is a brilliant tipple for a traditional BBQ, but while in the past you might have settled for whatever the nearest store has in stock, today there is more choice in the alcohol aisle than ever. So which of the many beer varieties and brands should you add to your basket for your next summer sizzle session?
Ask at your local bar for their recommendations…and take home a crowler or growler
The first thing to note is that you don’t just have to settle for store-bought booze, but can instead get expert advice from your nearest watering hole, and even buy the beer directly from your bar of choice.
One of the benefits of taking this route, aside from receiving guidance from people who know what they’re talking about, is that you’ll be supporting local businesses and keeping bars afloat, which is important given how precarious this industry can be.
You’ll need to get to grips with the differences between growlers and crowlers when ordering beer in this context, as there are several unique receptacles in which alcohol is sold from bars and other non-standard outlets.
Choose pale ales for smooth sipping
Let’s be honest, while darker beers like porters and stouts are great for the colder months of the year, they’re a bit too rich and robust for the summertime. As such, it’s definitely sensible to stick with paler varieties when planning a BBQ, especially if the dishes on the menu are interesting or unusual.
Luckily you’re spoilt for choice, both in terms of the myriad artisanal options from smaller breweries, as well as mainstream staples like the always-reliable Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and the delectable and accessible Mirror Pond Pale Ale from Deschutes Brewery.
Because BBQs can last for several hours, it’s a good idea to choose pale ales that are at the weaker end of the spectrum. Session beers of 4.5% alcohol content or lower are more conducive to responsible fun in the sun, whereas if you choose stronger IPAs it’s possible for things to get out of hand faster than you’d think.
Opt for European lagers for bubbly brilliance
Craft ales are all well and good, but sometimes you need a beer that’s a bit more quaffable, as well as being potentially more affordable, especially if you’re the one footing the bill.
This is where lager enters the arena, and no one does this beer style better than the Europeans. There are lots of eminently drinkable lagers that fall into this category, and the most widely available and popular of the bunch is Heineken.
While some more serious beer aficionados might turn their noses up at this particular brand, it’s still a good base level option, especially if you are more interested in the refreshment aspect of drinking.
Stella Artois is another favorite, and in recent years its strength has been softened a little, which helps to make it more recommendable for consuming on a summer’s afternoon.
At this point it’s also probably worth mentioning South American-style lagers like Sol and Corona, both of which are pitched perfectly at the BBQ crowd. Just remember to add a few limes to your order so that you can set them off just right.
Pick domestic brews that are cost-effective and tasty
Again, there may be some hesitance around buying mainstream domestic beers for a BBQ, especially if you’ve got a taste for craft alternatives. However, you have to remember that this is an event that has to cater to a broad audience, and isn’t just about you and your personal preferences.
Bud Light and Coors Light are perfectly acceptable in this context, bringing with them a combination of modest alcohol content and raw drinkability that will help to quench the thirst of your guests.
Ultimately having a mix of beers available is a good idea for a BBQ or any event you’re hosting, so don’t go all-in on a single variety but spread your wings and experiment!
