The beer to bring to a barbecue that goes well with everything
Summer is the perfect time for cookouts with flavorful meals cooked on the grill and fun, fresh sides like creamy potato salad, corn on the cob, and even regular old chips. The ideal accompaniment to these salty, savory foods is an ice-cold drink, and for adults, what better way to cool down than a cold beer? The only problem is that an already exhausted host (perhaps like you) might have a hard time choosing an infusion.
With over a hundred different types of beer in the world, it can be difficult to know which one is best to buy. Sure, you can buy a generic case of light beer, but what if you or your guests like something a little more complex? Felipe Diaz, bar manager and sommelier at Zingerman’s Roadhouse, spoke with Daily Meal and gave some exclusive insights into which beers are best suited for your summer meals. He explains that the choice isn’t based solely on tasting notes, as it is when it comes to choosing the best wine for a summer barbecue. Regarding beer, he says to “worry less about pairing it with food; I try to associate it with the atmosphere.”
Read more: 26 Popular Vodka Brands, Ranked By Their Versatility
Adapt your beer to your atmosphere
Felipe Diaz says a big part of choosing a beer is determining who will be at the barbecue. “If the crowd is a lot of foodies and gourmands, I’ll bring a beer that helps accentuate the main protein, usually a classic IPA like Bell’s Two Hearted.” IPAs or India Pale Ales tend to be very hoppy, with earthy, citrusy and herbaceous notes. Their characteristic dry bitterness makes them very refreshing during a summer meal. Don’t like IPAs? Learn about the ins and outs of dry beer and choose the one you like, whether it’s a classic Asahi or a small craft brand to please the most discerning gourmand.
On the other hand, sometimes you’re dealing with groups that are more laid back and perhaps less familiar with specialty beers. “If the crowd is more casual,” Diaz says, “I’ll bring a casual American lager, like Short’s Local Light Lager.” Although you can go more upscale with a craft lager, some of the most popular beers in America are in this style – take Miller High Life, a balanced beer with lots of bubbles. Other crowd-pleasing beers include Corona, a smooth Mexican lager, or Heineken, a European-style lager.
How to Keep Your Beer Cold at a Barbecue
Once you’ve selected the right beer for your barbecue, it’s time to think about temperature too. Most of us know that a beer that’s too warm can end up tasting flat and losing some of its hoppy flavor. At the same time, if you serve it too cold, you will also mute some of the taste and aroma of the beer. Generally, you’ll want to store your beer between 33 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the type of beer you’re serving.
With hot summer temperatures, this range can be difficult to maintain, but Felipe Diaz has a suggestion: “To keep beer cold for a long time, I use science. Add salt to your ice, this will lower the freezing point. freezing, which means your ice melts more slowly and keeps your drinks cold longer.” Beer left on ice can reach up to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, putting it on the cusp of the ideal drinking temperature. It should warm up at least one degree while your guests enjoy mingling with a bottle or can in hand.
Read the original article on The Daily Meal
