There’s a definite chill in the air and that means it is time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful fall days. This is the perfect time of year to gather around a grill or campfire with friends to share our love of food and beer, and perhaps watch a little football as well. Here are some tips to make your fall festivities stand out.
Everyone wants to know which beers are best to bring to an outdoor gathering. The best beer is always the beer you like! Bring your favorite beer; share it with your friends, and use this opportunity to introduce someone to a new beer. Picking a favorite beer can be difficult, so keep a few key points in mind as you look through your options. Definitely keep in mind the ABV (alcohol by volume) of the beer. If you’re planning an afternoon-long tailgate session, sticking to low or moderate ABV levels is the best choice. Also think about the foods you’re likely to have at the party. The Amber is a great all-day, versatile beer that complements the spicy, fatty, or salty foods like wings, chili, and nachos that you’re sure to find at a tailgate. Milk Stout is another great beer to accompany an outdoor gathering because it pairs well with a variety of foods and has a hearty quality that’s perfect for the season. A final note about beer selection – think local! Just like you support your local team, support your local brewery.
Now that you’ve mastered your beer selection, you need to figure out what foods to bring. You always look impressive when you incorporate beer into your foods, and a good dip is welcome at any event. Maybe you can try this super easy Porter Black Bean Dip or this Porter Caramelized Onion Dip. Some secrets about the Caramelized Onion dip: first, it is low calorie; second, if you don’t want to roast your own garlic, you can just buy the roasted garlic cloves at your grocery store’s olive bar; and third, once you know how to caramelize onions in beer, you should put them on everything! Of course, the Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout is excellent to use in lieu of porter in both of these recipes. If you want to bring a sweet snack for the crew to munch on, consider this Beer Caramel Corn that’s loaded with pretzels and nuts.
If you find yourself in charge of the main dish for the event, a hearty chili like this Slow Braised Chili Con Carne is always a crowd pleaser. For something with less spice, a Beer and Cheeseburger soup combines all the great things about tailgating in one delicious meal.
If you want to go all out and put beer into every aspect of your meal, consider this Ultimate Beer Burger from The Brooklyn Brew Shop. It has stout-infused burger patties, hop mayo, a beer-bacon-onion jam, and spent grain buns!
Using these tips, recipes, and resources, your next fall gathering is certain be an event to remember. Gather together your favorite people, your favorite food, and favorite beer, and have a great time!
-Robin
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