The Best Beers to Pair with BBQ Like a Pro

BBQ and beer go together like freedom and fireworks—but not all beers are built for every smoky, grilled, or flame-kissed dish. 🍖🍺 If you’re just grabbing whatever’s cold, you’re doing yourself (and your grill) a disservice.

We’re here to match the right beer with the right BBQ so your next cookout is peak perfection. And because we like options, we’re giving you three choices for each dish:

1️⃣ Readily available (found in most supermarkets)
2️⃣ Big-name craft (widely known, but a little fancier)
3️⃣ Lighter alternative (for those who want flavor, but keep it easy)

Now, let’s break it down by what’s hitting the grill. 🔥

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🌭 Brats & Hot Dogs – Classic, Juicy, and Underrated

A staple at every BBQ, tailgate, and backyard gathering, hot dogs and brats deserve more than just whatever’s in the fridge.

• Supermarket Pick: Budweiser – A classic American lager that washes down a brat like a champ. No fuss, just crisp refreshment.
• Big Craft Pick: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale – Hoppy, but not overpowering, it adds some zing to your brat or dog.
• Light Alternative: Coors Banquet – A slightly maltier, smoother lager that won’t overpower the grill marks.

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🍔 Hamburgers – The King of the Cookout

You can’t mess up beer and burgers… or can you? If you’re still drinking anything with “light” in the name, it’s time to upgrade.

• Supermarket Pick: Samuel Adams Boston Lager – Balanced, malty, and slightly hoppy, this is THE beer for a backyard burger.
• Big Craft Pick: Lagunitas IPA – The bold, piney hops cut through the fattiness of a juicy cheeseburger.
• Light Alternative: Modelo Especial – Crisp, slightly sweet, and pairs perfectly with a griddle-smashed burger.

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🥩 Steaks (Different Cuts, Different Beers!)

A great steak deserves great beer, and not all steaks are the same. Here’s the breakdown:

🔥 Ribeye (Rich & Marbled)

• Supermarket Pick: Dos Equis Amber – Malty enough to stand up to the fat, but not overpowering.
• Big Craft Pick: Founders Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale – Rich, smoky, caramel notes that enhance the steak’s natural char.
• Light Alternative: Miller High Life – The Champagne of Beers meets the King of Steaks. Enough said.

🔥 Filet Mignon (Tender & Lean)

• Supermarket Pick: Newcastle Brown Ale – Slight caramel sweetness complements the delicate cut.
• Big Craft Pick: Rogue Dead Guy Ale – Malty, toasty, and a little nutty—it’s fancy enough for filet.
• Light Alternative: Michelob Ultra Amber – More body than Ultra, but still easy-drinking.

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🍗 BBQ Chicken – Smoky, Sticky, and Juicy

Grilled chicken (whether smoked, slathered in BBQ sauce, or dry-rubbed) needs a beer that brings some refreshment.

• Supermarket Pick: Blue Moon Belgian White – That hint of citrus brightens up smoky chicken.
• Big Craft Pick: Allagash White – A Belgian-style wheat beer with spice notes that match a good BBQ rub.
• Light Alternative: Corona Light – Lime + grilled chicken = perfection.

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🐟 Fish & Seafood (Because Some People Bring Fish to a BBQ)

Light, grilled fish can be buttery and delicate, so don’t ruin it with a heavy, bitter beer.

• Supermarket Pick: Heineken Silver – A crisp, subtle lager that won’t overpower white fish.
• Big Craft Pick: Bell’s Oberon – A smooth wheat ale with fruity undertones that complement seafood.
• Light Alternative: Amstel Light – Mild, slightly malty, and lets the fish shine.

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🍖 Ribs & Pulled Pork – The BBQ Masters

Big, sticky, saucy, finger-licking BBQ needs beer that matches the intensity.

• Supermarket Pick: Shiner Bock – The sweet, smooth malt enhances BBQ sauce’s smoky richness.
• Big Craft Pick: Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA – Big, bold, malty and hoppy—it stands up to BBQ.
• Light Alternative: Yuengling Light Lager – More flavor than your average light beer, but still crushable.

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🍽️ Appetizers for the True BBQ Fanatics

🔥 Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

• Supermarket Pick: Dos Equis Lager – The crisp finish cools down the spice.
• Big Craft Pick: Stone Delicious IPA – A citrusy IPA that enhances both bacon and jalapeño.
• Light Alternative: Michelob Ultra – Keeps things light and easy before the main feast.

🔥 Stuffed Mushrooms (Garlic, Cheese, & Goodness)

• Supermarket Pick: Guinness Draught – The roasty, creamy smoothness pairs beautifully.
• Big Craft Pick: Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale – Earthy malt notes match mushroom umami.
• Light Alternative: Amstel Light – Light enough to let the mushrooms do their thing.

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🍻 Final Thoughts: The Ultimate BBQ & Beer Guide

The right beer elevates any BBQ, from burgers and brats to fall-off-the-bone ribs. Whether you’re into classic lagers, bold IPAs, or smooth wheat ales, there’s a perfect beer for every grilled bite.

What’s your favorite beer for BBQ? Drop it in the comments and let’s talk grill-side greatness!

And don’t forget—if you love beer and BBQ, Beer Strong’s got the gear for it! Shop our red, white, and blue-collar beer tees now!