The Complete Guide to Pairing Beer and Wings [Infographic]

Football season is in full swing, and Sunday gatherings are a cornerstone of the sport. For those who love the game (or anyone who’s really into well-produced TV commercials), there’s nothing quite like rushing to the living room to gather around the plasma screen and hanging with friends over the many food options that go hand-in-hand with game day. On the table, there’s often guacamole, seven-layer dips, sliders, ribs, and the ultimate half-time snack: chicken wings. And no matter what your typical drink of choice is, the undisputed champ of beverages to wash down those wings is beer.

The popular notion is that any light lager pairs with any wing, and it makes sense. After all, salty foods beg for a crisp, refreshing sidekick — think about how burger-and-beer combos are traditionally served with a Budweiser or a Miller. But in this day and age, there are just as many — if not more — wing sauces and marinades as there are beer styles. So why limit your options to macros? If you happen to be eyeing up a tray of jerk-style drumsticks, pick up a roasty stout to coax out the spice, brown sugar, and cinnamon in their seasoning. Got teriyaki wings on deck? Pick up a case of Allagash White for a floral pop of orange zest and coriander, a natural pairing for the ginger in the glaze. And if buffalo wings are your thing, grab some IPAs and let their bitterness tackle the heat head-on.

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