If we’ve learnt a thing or two about Christmas in our lives, it’s that a beer with Christmas dinner is essential. There’s nothing better than the hoppy bitterness of a beer to cut through all that rich food. And the crisp bubbles help to refresh your palate between courses (15 extra pigs in blankets totally counts as its own course). So put down the champagne and Buck’s Fizz, and check out what beer pairs with Christmas dinner.
Why should I serve beer with Christmas dinner when wine exists?
Whether you’re looking forward to getting merry (responsibly ofc) or you’re tee-total, a nice craft beer or alcohol free beer is the perfect accompaniment at your Xmas dinner table. You’re gonna need something to say cheers with obvs. And sipping something cold helps to cut through the rich food. And it pairs with the meal really well (keep reading, we’ll tell you why).
Choosing Christmas Dinner Beers
Picking the right beer to go with your dinner will require a little kitchen-based espionage. Sneak into the kitchen during the prep stage (try not to get ambushed into peeling carrots) and take a peek at what’s being served. Turkey? Ham? Nut roast? And don’t forget to check out your dessert – each one works with a different beer. Yum!
Kicking off the starter with a lager
All good meals kick off with a starter. And, if you’re doing drinks properly, a lager beer to go with it. The light refreshing beer is a great way to start off your meal and is easy to drink. It’s great with meats like ham and especially good with seafood – roll out the prawn cocktail to keep it traditional. Might we recommend Bones? It’s the perfect light and refreshing lager flavour you’re looking for with a tasty Beavertown twist.
Pale ales for the main event
We don't know what your family prefers to eat for their Christmas roast but pale ale goes with basically everything.
Sip a Neck Oil to cleanse your palate between bites of turkey, pork or a nut roast. The light and refreshing hoppy flavour cuts through the richness. And it’s lighter on alcohol so you won’t end up singing Christmas carols to your pigs in blankets.
If your fam prefers darker meats like lamb, beef, or ham, pair an IPA beer with your Christmas dinner. The hop-heavy flavours punch your tastebuds awake, cutting through all the gravy and goodness. And it refreshes your mouth after you’ve eaten your body weight in Yorkshire puddings. Dessert anyone?
For dessert?
What’s for pud? A beer with a side of dessert? But the type of beer really depends on the pudding you’re having.
For a traditional Christmas Pudding (doused in brandy and lit on fire first, of course), choose a mulled beer to go with the rich, spiced flavours and traditional festive vibe.
Opting for a chocolate yule log, a chocolate trifle, or something else chocolatey? You’ll find a great option in our Chocolate and Beer Pairings guide.
Did you know that stouts and porters are considered ‘dessert beers’? Fun fact: dessert beers aren’t a particular type of beer, they’re actually just beers that are stronger or sweeter than your typical IPA. Something like a coffee stout makes a great finisher to a good meal. Or, if you’re more of a cheeseboard kinda person, pair that smoked cheddar with a smoked porter to polish off your meal.
And that’s your Christmas dinner beers sorted! Time to eat, drink, be merry, and succumb to that food coma in 8.5 minutes (cracker crown askew ofc).
Fancy a few out and about? Read our guide on Best Christmas Pubs in the UK.
