The Absolute Best Beer to Pair with Popcorn
Winding down after work with a bowl of crunchy popcorn, your latest series obsession, and a cold pint of beer is one of life’s simple joys. Yet, even something this close to perfection can be improved upon! We spoke to Executive Chef Jessie Massie at the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Taproom in North Carolina for tips on pairing our favorite snack with refreshing beer, including a nonalcoholic option for teetotalers.
Finding the Perfect Beer Pairing
When looking to match servings of light, salty popcorn with a cold brew, Massie recommends reaching for an evenly weighted complement. “Popcorn has a light and airy kind of quality to it, so it’s important to think of pairing a light to medium-bodied beer with popcorn so it feels evenly paired,” Massie advised. Golden ales and lighter craft beers can offer a subtle taste of Sweet malt that can help wash down a mouthful of puffy popcorn. Notes of citrus and brighter floral palates play well with handfuls of the snack, so experimenting with matching IPAs and ales with the buttery popcorn you cooked on your stovetop can be a fun experience.
A Brew for Every Popcorn Flavor
For those avoiding alcohol but still in search of a tasty sipper, Massie points to Sierra Nevada’s Trail Pass Golden NA. “It’s light but has a slight malty sweetness that is excellent with popcorn,” Massie suggests. With a crisp finish and the taste of smooth malt, a pint of this nonalcoholic beer goes down easy. “If a craft drinker is looking for that non-alc option but still wants a complete beer experience, this is gonna do it for them,” the brewery‘s Innovation Brewmaster James Conery explains.
Exploring Alcoholic Sippers
If you prefer sticking with alcoholic options, crispy notes of light lagers like pilsners and Mexican lagers can bring brighter mouthfuls that wash down saltier, spicier, or cheese-topped flavored popcorn. Should you prefer popcorn on the sweeter side, coated in caramel or cinnamon, a smooth wheat beer or traditional German brews like hefeweizen and Kölsch can complement these lively bowls of snacks.
Beer and Popcorn Pairing Suggestions
| Popcorn Flavor | Recommended Beer |
|---|---|
| Light & Salty | Golden Ale, Craft Beer |
| Cheese-topped | Pilsners, Mexican Lagers |
| Caramel | Hefeweizen, Kölsch |
| Spicy | Light Lagers |
| Non-alcoholic option | Trail Pass Golden NA |
So next time you find yourself in front of a bowl of popcorn with a craving for a refreshing beer, you’ll know exactly what to pour. Whether you’re into craft beer or looking to try a nonalcoholic beer, this guide has you covered. Enjoy experimenting and finding your perfect match for the absolute best beer and popcorn pairing!
