An interesting food and beverage combination can elevate any college party to a completely new level, especially when it is homebrewing brews. After all, you are here to have fun with friends after a long week.
Maybe you are done with finals, asked a professional to write essay for money, and got good grades though it might seem like an unethical practice. That’s enough reason to celebrate in itself. But you can always add a little something to the mix for extra gastronomic excitement. Here are some food and beer pairing ideas to create interesting flavors and textures for your college party.
Beverage and Food Pairing Basics
Overall, there are three ways you can pair beer styles, whether they are homebrewed or commercially brewed with foods, namely:
- To cut through the taste (a good example is light Pilsner combined with brie cheese),
- To complement the taste (in this case, you might pair Pilsner with a seafood dish or a salad),
- To contrast the taste (combine something with different tastes and heaviness, like Stout and oysters).
While there are some classic options, no one can stop you from trying something new and unique.
When it comes to deciding how to pair beverages and foods, several factors are considered. For instance, the intensity of both. A beer with intense flavor and smell will work better with a dish with the same intensity. If you are hosting a summer party with a barbecue, consider choosing a rich-flavor beer style.
Another factor is the taste. Take your favorite beer and think about how its taste can complement or contrast a dish. A beverage with citrus notes can be a great choice for Asian food. On the other hand, you can pair desserts with chocolate and coffee notes in a dark beer.
One of the easiest ways to pair things is to look into the region of origin. It might not be the most revolutionary idea, but it is a safe choice for any occasion. For instance, Mexican Lager goes perfectly with Chili Verde Pork. Similarly, homebrewed Belgian Dubbel pairs wonderfully with Carbonnade Flamande, while a German Hefeweizen complements bratwurst and sauerkraut effortlessly.
This method works well if you have a particular dish or beverage in mind. You can take it as a basis and work around it regarding other things. For example, you want to start with a light Lager and think about whether you try to complement or contrast it. Based on that, you can think of fascinating side dishes or meals to add.
Interesting Combinations to Try
Pilsner/Lager and Cheese
These classic and light beverages work well with different types of cheese. Some of the combinations are complementary with a little salty cheese or contrasting with intense ones. Add a bit of honey and nuts to the board to make it extra enjoyable. You can dip the cheese in honey and enjoy it with Pilsner.
The traditional mix would be something as light as the beer – a salad, chicken, or seafood.
Stouts and Barbecue
Stouts go well with rich-in-flavor roasted meats like barbecue. Alternatively, they can complement a thick chocolate dessert. If you love roasts, try juicy pork with Stout. It also suits a stew meal, which is rather a dinner option.
IPA and Curry
IPAs can be difficult to pair as they are hoppy beers with a bit of bitterness or floral notes. However, if they are your drink of choice for the night, try pairing them with something spicy.
IPA and a spicy curry are a winning combination. However, it is not the only option. You can mix it with cheese, too, but select the ones with jalapeno or habanero, for instance. Alternatively, IPA can be pleasant with other intense-flavor foods like burgers or grilled meats.
Witbier and Seafood
This lighter beer with fruity undertones makes it a perfect pairing for a seafood meal like sushi or shellfish. These two will complement each other and not overpower the taste.
Alternatively, you can try other seafood dishes as well. It is going to be a fresh and fascinating combo.
Amber Ale and Pizza
If you are not into cooking but want a great taste experience, try a thin-crust pizza (especially with smoked Italian sausage) with Amber Ale. The beer and food in this mix will complement each other greatly. Both are in the middle of the intensity range, which makes them good partners. To add a cheese plate, consider choosing sharp Cheddar.
In Summary
These gastronomic ideas will make your next college party a hit. You can always start with safe choices and experiment further to find a unique taste for your liking. Homebrewed beer adds a personal touch, turning any gathering into a memorable experience. You should consider thoughtfully crafted brews with the right dishes to ensure your party will be both delicious and unforgettable.
