7 Perfect Beer Pairings for Chicken Wings

Classic Buffalo Wings pair perfectly with hoppy, citrusy American Pale Ales, which cleanse the palate and balance the vinegar-based heat. Tangy Barbecue Wings harmonize with the caramel notes and malt backbone of Brown Ales. For Spicy Chipotle BBQ Wings, bitterness from an IPA provides contrast to the sweet and smoky sauce. D.C. Mambo Sauce Wings complement the gentle effervescence and subtle fruitiness of Wheat Beers. Sriracha Hot and Honey Sweet Wings shine alongside Belgian Tripels, whose subtle spice and sweetness echo the wing flavors. Crisp Macro Lagers allow the pure essence of Deep-Fried Wings to shine, while Robust Stouts and Porters provide a smooth, creamy counterpart to Jerk Wings. To discover more delicious beer and wing pairings, read on.

Key Takeaways

• American pale ales pair well with bold and assertive buffalo wing flavors, providing a contrast to the vinegar-based heat.
• Brown ales balance the sweetness of barbecue sauce with their caramel notes and malt character.
• IPAs' bitterness and hop aromas complement the sweet and smoky flavors of chipotle BBQ wings.
• Wheat beers' light and slightly sweet characteristics complement the tangy and sweet flavors of D.C. mambo sauce wings.
• Belgian tripels' subtle spice notes, higher alcohol content, and sweet notes pair well with Sriracha hot and honey sweet wings.

Classic Buffalo Wings With Pale Ale

For classic buffalo wings, reach for an American pale ale. The bold and assertive buffalo wing flavors pair exceptionally well with the hoppy bitterness, citrusy notes, and malt backbone of these beers.

The crisp carbonation and moderate alcohol content of pale ales help cleanse the palate between bites of the spicy wings. Hop-forward American pale ales like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale provide a complementary contrast to the vinegar-based heat of the buffalo sauce.

The malt sweetness in pale ales balances the intensity of the buffalo sauce, creating a harmonious flavor profile. The aromatic qualities of pale ales, such as floral and pine-like hop aromas, enhance the overall eating experience of chicken wings.

Tangy Barbecue Wings With Brown Ale

When pairing tangy barbecue wings, a brown ale is your ideal companion. The malt backbone of brown ales provides the perfect balance to the sweetness of barbecue sauce. The caramel notes in the beer harmonize with the brown sugar and smoky flavors, resulting in a cohesive taste experience.

The malt character of the brown ale also complements the richness of the wings without overpowering the overall flavor. For a delightful pairing, look for brown ales with subtle complexity and a medium body that won't compete with the tangy barbecue. This dynamic duo elevates the flavors of both the wings and the beer, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.

Spicy Chipotle BBQ Wings With IPA

Spicy chipotle BBQ wings pair exceptionally well with an IPA. The pungent, hoppy notes of an India Pale Ale complement the fiery flavors of the wings.

The bitterness of the IPA balances the sweet and smoky chipotle sauce.

The hop aromas in the beer help to cut through the richness of the wings.

The carbonation in the IPA refreshes the palate, making it easy to enjoy multiple servings.

Experiment with different styles of IPAs, such as West Coast or New England, to find your perfect match. The key is to choose a pale ale with enough bitterness and hop character to stand up to the spicy wing sauces.

D.C. Mambo Sauce Wings With Wheat Beer

The tangy and sweet flavors of D.C. mambo sauce wings find a perfect match in the light and slightly sweet characteristics of wheat beers. The gentle effervescence and subtle fruitiness of wheat beers enhance the tangy profiles of the D.C. mambo sauce.

These wheat beers provide a revitalizing contrast, keeping the palate invigorated between bites. The wheat beer's aroma and flavor elevate the overall experience, capturing the essence of the unique D.C. cuisine. This balance of flavors creates a harmonious pairing that satisfies the taste buds, making wheat beers an ideal companion for D.C. mambo sauce wings.

Sriracha Hot and Honey Sweet Wings With Belgian Tripel

Elevate your wing game by pairing Sriracha hot and honey sweet wings with the bold and complex flavors of a Belgian Tripel. The key benefits of this pairing include:

1. The Belgian Tripel's subtle spice notes echo the flavors in the wings, creating a harmonious blend.
2. Its higher alcohol content provides a perfect counterbalance to the wing's spiciness, while the creamy mouthfeel complements the rich glaze.
3. The slightly sweet notes in the Belgian Tripel complement the honey sweetness, resulting in a balanced and satisfying flavor experience.

The Belgian Tripel's complex profile offers a dynamic contrast to the bold and dynamic flavors of the Sriracha hot and honey sweet wings, making it an ideal beer pairing.

Crisp Macro Lager With Deep-Fried Wings

When you're craving the salty, crunchy goodness of deep-fried chicken wings, a crisp and light macro lager like Bud Light or Coors Light is a classic pairing. The relatively neutral flavor profile of these pale lagers allows the unadulterated taste of the fried wings to shine.

The mild bitterness and high carbonation help cleanse the palate between bites of the richly fried Buffalo Wings or lemon pepper wings. Macro lagers are a no-frills, crushable companion that complements the straightforward, deep-fried nature of the wings.

Whether you're enjoying a casual night with friends or watching the big game, this simple beer and chicken pairing is a winning combination.

Robust Stout and Porter With Jerk Wings

For jerk-seasoned wings, search no further than the robust, malt-forward profile of stouts and porters. These beers' smooth, creamy texture and hints of coffee, chocolate, and dried fruit perfectly complement the heat and sweetness of jerk seasoning.

Three reasons why stouts and porters are the best beers to pair with jerk wings:

1. The malt-forward profile provides a sturdy base to balance the bold flavors.
2. The low bitterness and floral aromas of stouts and porters won't clash with the complex spices.
3. The Nevada Pale or similar malt-forward ales offer a smooth, creamy experience that pairs well with the jerk seasoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Beer Pairs Well With Chicken Wings?

You can't go wrong pairing chicken wings with hoppy IPAs, malty ambers, crisp lagers, fruity wheats, or bold Belgians. Each style offers an invigorating counterpoint to the rich, spicy, or sweet flavors of your wings.

What Kind of Beer Goes With Chicken?

Apparently, you think chicken wings deserve only the finest libations. But why settle for anything less than a rejuvenating lager or a bold IPA to complement your poultry perfection? Elevate your wing game with the right beer pairing.

What Drink Goes Best With Chicken Wings?

You can't go wrong with a cold, invigorating beer when enjoying chicken wings. From hoppy IPAs to malty lagers, the right brew will elevate your wing-eating experience, complementing the flavors and cleansing your palate between bites.

What Goes Best With Chicken Wings?

For an innovative take, try pairing chicken wings with a crisp lager or an IPA – the carbonation and hops will elevate the flavors, complementing the spicy, saucy wings to perfection.