How to Make Spaetzle
If you're a fan of German cuisine, then you've probably heard of spaetzle. This traditional German dish is often described as a cross between noodles and dumplings. In Germany, spaetzle is a popular comfort food enjoyed during the colder months. It is also a staple at Oktoberfest parties and other celebrations. Making spaetzle from scratch may seem intimidating, but it is actually quite simple and requires only a few ingredients. Our easy spaetzle recipe is a great side dish for a variety of traditional German meals and pairs well with sauces and gravies.
What Is Spaetzle?
Originating from the Swabian region of Germany, spaetzle is German egg noodles that are similar in shape to small dumplings. The word "spaetzle" actually means "little sparrows" in German, which is a nod to its small, irregular shape. It is also commonly called spatzli, spatzen, and knopfle. Traditionally made with just a few simple ingredients, including flour, eggs, salt, and water, spaetzle is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or main course.
How to Pronounce Spaetzle
The German pronunciation of spaetzle is schpetz-luh. However, it is not uncommon to hear the Americanized pronunciation of spat-sl.
How to Make Spaetzle
Making spaetzle from scratch is quick and easy, which is why it is such a popular dish in central Europe. Spaetzle is made from a simple batter of eggs, flour, and salt, which is then pushed through a spaetzle maker to create small, irregularly shaped noodles. These noodles are then boiled until they are tender.
Watch our video tutorial for spaetzle or read our recipe below:
What Special Equipment Do I Need?
This spaetzle recipe can be easily made using common cooking equipment and utensils that are likely already in your kitchen. However, here are some specialty items you need to get started with this recipe:
- Spaetzle Maker: A spaetzle maker allows you to create the characteristic irregular shape of spaetzle while also ensuring consistent size and texture. It features a sliding hopper that holds the batter and distributes it evenly among the holes when moved back and forth in an even sliding motion.
- Skimmer: Use a skimmer to scoop the cooked spaetzle out of the boiling water.
Spaetzle Recipe
Whether you're a fan of traditional German cuisine or simply looking to try something new, spaetzle is a dish that should be on your radar. Its simplicity, versatility, and comforting texture make it a central European staple. Spaetzle can be served as a side dish or as a main course with a variety of toppings. The noodles have a mild flavor since they are traditionally eaten with flavorful sauces, like gravy or cheese, and hearty German meat dishes, such as knockwurst or schnitzel.
We pan-fry the spaetzle in butter to crisp them up for an even more delicious texture, but you can skip this step if you plan to toss the noodles in a signature sauce or you want to cut back on your butter intake.
Spaetzle Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 3 Tablespoon butter
Editor's Tip: The milk can be substituted 1:1 with water.
Directions
- Bring 4 quarts water to boil.
- Combine and mix dry ingredients.
- In separate bowl, beat eggs. Pour milk into eggs.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients with whisk. Stir until it is liquidy, sticky batter. Add more milk if batter is too thick. Set aside.
- Melt butter in skillet. Brown butter if desired.
- Once water is boiling, set your spaetzle maker on top of pot. Slowly pour batter into hopper.
- Glide hopper back and forth to distribute batter evenly through holes and into boiling water.
- Boil noodles for three to four minutes.
- Use skimmer to remove and drain noodles.
- Add noodles directly to pan of hot butter. Toss few times until fully coated and slightly golden brown.
Spaetzle Recipe FAQ
We've answered some common questions that can come up when making spaetzle from scratch.
What If I Don't Have a Spaetzle Maker?
While a spaetzle maker is undeniably the quickest way to make the noodle, it is not a necessary tool to make spaetzle. You can also use a colander with round or square holes. Hold the colander over the boiling water and press the batter through with a large spoon.
How Thick Should Spaetzle Batter Be?
To achieve chewy, tender spaetzle, the batter consistency should be similar to a thick pancake batter with some elasticity so it can easily pass through the holes of the spaetzle maker.
This spaetzle recipe offers the perfect accompaniment to the rich, hearty meat dishes that German cuisine is famous for. Whether they're drenched in creamy sauces, crisped up with some butter, or used to make a traditional Kasespatzle, the German noodles are sure to please.
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What Is a Beer Garden?
A beer garden is defined as an outdoor area where alcohol and food are served and consumed. Unlike other outdoor spaces that serve alcohol, beer gardens are surrounded by trees and other forms of greenery. Whether you’re just starting a bar or are trying to convert your establishment's existing patio space into something new, opening a beer garden offers many new opportunities to your business. Beer gardens give your patrons a chance to enjoy drinking outdoors in a fun new environment, allowing your establishment to create a social and community atmosphere. What Is a Biergarten? In some places, you may see the word biergarten (pronounced bee-uh-gah-ten) being used to describe outdoor drinking areas. The words beer garden and biergarten are used interchangeably because biergarten is the German pronunciation of beer garden. Any mention of a biergarten is referring to a traditional German beer garden. Origin of Beer Gardens The concept of beer gardens originated in the Bavarian region of Germany during the 19th century. Local law forbade breweries from making beer during the summer months because it was seen as a major fire hazard. To deal with the new regulations, breweries expanded their cellars to hold more beer and have enough supply to last through the summer months. To keep the temperature cooler around these beer cellars, gardens and trees were planted above ground so the shade would keep colder temperatures. Owners realized the potential of the gardens and expanded their seating to include these locations. Patrons would get beer from the cellar and enjoy it in the brewery’s new garden, giving birth to the modern concept of beer gardens. Beer Gardens in the U.S. Later in the nineteenth century, a large wave of German immigrants brought the concept of beer gardens to the United States. Beer gardens became popular fast in the United States because they offered a stark contrast to the traditional locations of saloons, taverns, and bars one would find at the time. Rather than drinking in a dark and dreary location, beer gardens provided a much more bright and cheery spot to drink and enjoy entertainment. Why Open a Beer Garden? Opening a beer garden is an attractive prospect for those looking to offer something new. Establishing a beer garden at your bar or brewery opens up new seating options and results in an increased capacity. Beer gardens are also a fantastic way to establish a new identity for your venue, offering patrons an alternative to traditional bar seating. During the COVID-19 pandemic, beer gardens were one of the top new bar trends and were vital to keeping bars and breweries open. Strict social distancing regulations meant that for some bars, beer gardens and other forms of outdoor seating were the only way to serve customers alcohol. Without opening a beer garden, many bars and restaurants would have struggled even more during the COVID-19 pandemic. How to Open a Beer Garden You may think that opening a beer garden is as simple as setting up some tables outside of your bar, but that isn’t the case at all. To properly start a beer garden, you need to have a specific type of location and layout to promote social interaction and good times. Beer Garden Locations To establish a true beer garden, a particular type of location is required. A beer garden needs to be set up in a shaded area with a lot of greenery. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many bars and restaurants have opened street seating and dubbed them “beer gardens”, but these are not traditional beer garden locations. Beer Garden Tables The tables used in beer gardens are standard picnic tables with benches on either side. These tables are designed to be open to large groups of people, helping to promote the social environment that beer gardens look to foster. Some beer gardens may also utilize bar-height tables and chairs to seat smaller parties and fill in space. Beer garden tables are placed close together to promote social interaction among different parties. A beer garden is supposed to be a social environment with lots of mingling, and the compact setup is a great way to cultivate that atmosphere. Communal seating at beer gardens is common, which encourages different parties of people to interact and socialize while enjoying the space. Beer Garden Menu Just as important as a beer garden’s location and layout are the beverages and foods that are being served. Creating a solid menu for your beer garden is vital to ensure that patrons get the maximum enjoyment out of their experience. Good food and quality alcohol can ensure that patrons frequent your beer garden and become recurring customers. Beer Garden Beverages To no one's surprise, the main beverage served at a beer garden is beer. Beer gardens serve specific types of beer, including local craft beer and international lagers. Patrons expect a diverse selection of beers and it's common for beer gardens to include styles with higher ABVs. Like most bars, beer gardens may also serve other alcohol like hard seltzer, wine, liquor, or hard cider, but the star of the menu is almost always the garden’s selection of beer. Beer Garden Food When beer gardens were first started in 19th century Germany, food was not sold on the premises. Instead, patrons would bring their own food to the beer garden to enjoy with their alcohol. Although many modern beer gardens have done away with this practice, some traditional beer gardens may still allow you to bring your own food. Today, most beer gardens serve a smattering of standard bar foods that pair nicely with beer. Some of the most common beer garden foods you’ll find are snack items and fast finger foods like pretzels and nachos. However, some beer gardens may serve traditional German dishes such as knockwurst (sausage), hendl (chicken), and sauerkraut. Indoor Beer Garden Beer gardens are defined as outdoor spaces that serve alcohol, so by definition, an indoor beer garden cannot exist. Although an indoor establishment that serves alcohol and has a German or Bavarian theme may claim to be a beer garden, it is not truly a beer garden and is instead referred to as a beer hall. For a location to be a beer garden, it must be outside and surrounded by trees and other greenery. A beer garden is a fantastic addition to just about any bar or restaurant. Not only does a beer garden allow you to expand capacity and host patrons in a new environment, but it also creates a social and community environment for all to enjoy. The trend’s popularity was accelerated into prominence because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with so many overwhelming positives, it has staying power.
What Is a Das Boot Glass?
Before you throw an Oktoberfest party, you’ll want to make sure you have the bratwurst shipment in, your sauerkraut is properly fermenting, and your nice German beer boots are on display. Nothing quite sets the theme of an Oktoberfest party like a beer boot, but why are they so iconic, and why is it sometimes called a das boot? Shop All Beer Boot Glasses What Is a Das Boot? A beer boot glass, commonly known as “das boot” in America, is a beer glass shaped like a boot. Das boot (pronounced “dahs bohht”) translates to “the boat” in German, while “beer boot” translates to “bierstiefel”. Germans do not refer to a beer boot as “das boot”, but rather “bierstiefel” or simply just “stiefel”. The nickname “das boot” comes from the 2006 film Beerfest in which five friends travel to Germany and compete in an underground beer-drinking competition during Oktoberfest. While Beerfest may be fiction, you can always host your own beer festival. Das Boot Meaning The term “das boot” not only refers to the beer boot drinking glass, but it’s also the title of a novel written by Lothar-Gunther Buchheim, as well as the popular 1982 movie and 2018 television series adaptation of Buchheim’s novel. Das Boot Glass A beer boot (or das boot) glass is usually made from glass or plastic and can be as small as a shot glass or as big as 5 pints (or bigger!). Glasses can be found with or without handles, in which case the drinker should hold the beer glass at the smallest part of the glass, just above the ankle of the boot. Glasses can also be completely plain and simple, have intricate designs for a traditional German flair, or can be customized with your logo to sell merchandise in your business. How Much Beer Is in a Boot? The amount of beer in a boot differs based on the das boot glass size. The typical size of a German beer boot is 2 liters, which is approximately 5 pints. That means there are usually about 67 ounces in a das boot. How to Drink Das Boot Watch our video on how to drink beer from a boot to learn how to use this unique glass correctly. <iframe itemprop="embedURL" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FQ-FK1GTiIc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> How to Drink Beer from a Boot Spilling is more common when drinking from a beer boot because of its unique shape, and no one wants their favorite fall beer all down their shirt. The spilling and splashing most notably come from the toe of the glass. The shape of the glass causes an air bubble to form at the toe of the glass while drinking. Once the beer recedes to a certain point in the boot, the bubble erupts and a tidal wave of beer pours out onto the drinker. However, there is a strategic way to avoid this tidal wave of beer to the face. This is how to drink beer from a boot: Start by drinking from the beer boot glass with the toe pointing upwards. Slowly start to rotate the boot 90 degrees as you drink. Make sure the beer is at a full 90 degrees by the time the beer is almost to the ankle of the boot. Beer Boot Glass History The history behind the German beer boot has a few different tales: English Riding Club Beer Boot Origin English horse riding and hunting clubs in the 1800s created glass drinking boots to mimic their riding boots, complete with spur straps, and would drink from these beer boot mugs at their hunting lodges. The English beer boot mugs are not a highly sought-after collector’s item. While they ran out of style in the mid-late 1800s, they became popular in Germany in the mid-1800s, lost the spurs and straps, and were manufactured to hold a higher volume of beer. Prussian General Beer Boot Origin A Prussian general promised his troops that, if they were successful in their next battle, he would take off his own boot, fill it with beer, and drink out of it. Once their battle was won and sanitary issues became a concern for the Prussian General, he had a glass boot made to drink the beer out of instead. Because of the beer boot and successful battle correlation, German soldiers in WWI thought of drinking beer from boots to be good luck and turned it into a tradition before every battle. Since the soldiers did not have access to beer boot glasses, they would fill up one leather boot and pass it around to each other, flicking the boot before drinking from it for good luck, and flicking the boot again before giving it to their comrade to wish them good luck in battle, too. The love of the beer boot spread throughout the entire German military, being used to celebrate victories or used as a rite of passage. During WWII, American soldiers brought back some of these famous beer boots, which grew the beer boot’s popularity throughout America. They were displayed in bars and used as ways to market German beers, but it wasn’t until the 2006 American movie Beerfest that made Das Boot as popular in America as it is today. If you’ve now decided that you want to serve your ales in beer boots this year, then we recommend serving a lighter type of beer since beer boots can hold so much and darker lagers can be too heavy for that amount. Even though there are so many different beer glasses, there’s only one that is so iconically German.
Top 10 Styles of Beer
Beer is one of the oldest and most widely consumed alcoholic beverages in the world, with over 9,000 craft breweries in the U.S. alone. Gaining an understanding of the different types of beer available can be the key to success if you’re planning to start your own brewery. From their unique flavor profiles and food pairings, we’ll break down the most popular beer types so you can make recommendations and create a beer list your customers will love. Shop All Brewery Equipment Click below to learn about the different types of beer: IPA Stout Porter Pilsner Wheat Beer Pale Ale German Bock Brown Ale Belgian-Style Ale Specialty Beer Cooking with Beer Ales vs Lagers There are two main categories of beer - ales and lagers. The difference between ales and lagers comes down to their temperature and fermenting yeast. Ales are brewed at warmer temperatures than lagers with top-fermenting yeast, typically between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. This results in a faster fermentation process, which imparts a more complex flavor profile that can range from fruity and spicy to bitter and hoppy. Most craft beers will have ales as their base because of the rapid fermenting and ease of temperature control. Lagers are known for their crisp, clean taste and are typically brewed at cooler temperatures, around 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit, using bottom-fermenting yeast. Lagers are known for their smooth and refreshing qualities, making them popular choices for easy-drinking beers in the summer. While ales and lagers differ in brewing techniques and flavor profiles, both types of beer offer a wide range of options for consumers and businesses alike. ABV vs IBU ABV, or alcohol by volume, measures the alcohol content in beer and is expressed as a percentage. It indicates the strength of the beer and can range from 3% in light beers to over 10% in stronger brews. IBU, or International Bitterness Units, measures the bitterness of beer from hops and is a scale that typically ranges from 0 to 100 or more. The ABV and IBU of a beer can help determine its flavor profile and balance, with higher ABV beers often having more intense flavors and higher IBU beers being more bitter. Types of Beer When it comes to choosing the right beer for your establishment, it's essential to understand the various types available to cater to different preferences and occasions. From bold and hoppy IPAs to rich and creamy stouts, the world of beer offers a diverse array of options to suit every palate. We’ll explore the top 10 styles of beer to help you choose the ones that are best for your business. <iframe scrolling="no" width="392" height="226" src="/v/?num=12750&width=600&height=500&embed=1" frameborder="0"></iframe> 1. IPA IPA, or India Pale Ale, is a popular beer style known for its bold hop flavors and aromas. This style originated in England in the 19th century and has since evolved into various subcategories, including American IPA, Double IPA, and New England IPA. One defining characteristic of IPAs is their high hop bitterness, which provides a distinct and often intense floral, citrus, or piney flavor profile. This bitterness is balanced by a strong malt backbone, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that appeals to many beer enthusiasts. American IPAs are typically more hop-forward than their English counterparts. These beers often have a higher alcohol content and a more pronounced bitterness, making them a favorite among craft beer aficionados looking for a bold and flavorful drinking experience. Double IPAs, also known as Imperial IPAs, have an even higher alcohol content and hop additions. This creates a more robust and complex flavor profile that can range from resinous and dank to tropical and fruity. New England IPAs are characterized by their hazy appearance and creamy mouthfeel. These beers are known for their low bitterness and intense hop aroma, perfect for those seeking a softer and more approachable IPA experience. IPA ABV: 5.0-14.0% IPA IBU: 30-100 Types of IPAs: American IPA, Imperial or Double IPA, English IPA IPA Brands: Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, Russian River Brewing Company's Pliny the Elder, Goose Island India Pale Ale IPA Pairings: American cuisine, Indian cuisines, fish, sharp cheeses IPA Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit 2. Stout Stout is a dark, rich beer known for its robust flavors and creamy mouthfeel. Originating in the United Kingdom, stout has gained popularity worldwide for its distinctive color and smooth finish. Stouts feature mid-to-high alcohol levels and pair well with a variety of foods, including hearty dishes like roasted meats, stews, and rich desserts. One of the most well-known types of stout is Irish dry stout made popular by Guinness. This style is characterized by the visual cascading effect in the glass and its dry, roasted malt flavors with hints of coffee and chocolate. Another popular variation is the oatmeal stout. These are brewed with oats, which contribute to a smooth, silky mouthfeel. Oatmeal stouts have a rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of roasted coffee, chocolate, and sometimes a hint of sweetness. They are popular for their complexity and drinkability. Imperial stout, on the other hand, is a bold and intense variation of the stout style. This beer is characterized by its high alcohol content, rich malt flavors, and complex aromas. Imperial stouts often feature notes of dark fruits, roasted coffee, and bittersweet chocolate. Stout ABV: 3.8-8.9% Stout IBU: 20-60 Types of Stouts: Irish Dry Stout, Oatmeal Stout, American Imperial Stout Stout Brands: Guinness Draught, Troegs JavaHead Stout, Stoudts Fat Dog Imperial Stout Stout Pairings: Heavy foods like beef and stew, oysters, chocolate, brie cheese Stout Serving Temperature: 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit 3. Porter Porter is a dark and robust style of beer with a rich history dating back to the 18th century in England. Originally popular among the working class, this beer has since evolved into a beloved style among beer enthusiasts worldwide. Similar to stout, porter is characterized by its deep brown-to-black color. The way porter differs from stout is that it uses malted unroasted barley instead of unmalted roasted barley. This gives porter its complex flavor profile that often includes notes of caramel, toffee, and dark fruit, making it less intense than stout. American imperial porter is a bold and robust variation of the traditional porter style. Known for its higher alcohol content and intense flavors, this beer often features rich notes of roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee. English brown porter offers a more moderate take on the porter style, with a balanced flavor profile that showcases the beer's malt character, creating a smooth and easy-drinking experience. Robust porter strikes a harmonious balance between the two, with a medium-to-full body and a robust malt presence. This style is known for its smooth mouthfeel and well-rounded flavor profile. Porter ABV: 4.5-12.0% Porter IBU: 20-50 Types of Porters: American Imperial Porter, English Brown Porter, Robust Porter Porter Brands: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company Porter, Shipyard Longfellow Winter Ale, Smuttynose Robust Porter Porter Pairings: American cuisine, English cuisine, barbecue, tiramisu, asiago cheese Porter Serving Temperature: 40-55 degrees Fahrenheit 4. Pilsner Pilsners are light, crisp lagers with a clean, refreshing taste. They are known for their golden color and balanced bitterness. This style of beer became popular in what is now the Czech Republic and Germany. They are perfect for hot summer days or as a palate cleanser between courses. The classic American lager is a type of pilsner that is widely consumed in the United States. This beer is light-bodied, with a clean and crisp taste that makes it a go-to choice for many beer drinkers for celebrations like Mardi Gras. German Pilsner, also known as pils or pilsener, is characterized by its pale golden color, floral hop aroma, and balanced bitterness. German pilsners are traditionally brewed using noble hops, which give the beer a subtle yet complex flavor profile. Czech or Bohemian pilsner is another popular variation of pilsner known for its rich malt character, spicy hop aroma, and crisp finish. Czech pilsners are brewed using Saaz hops, which impart a distinctive herbal and earthy flavor to the beer. Pilsner ABV: 3.2-5.6% Pilsner IBU: 15-45 Types of Pilsners: American Lager, German Pilsner, Czech or Bohemian Pilsner Pilsner Brands: Budweiser, Troegs Sunshine Pils, Dogfish Head Piercing Pils Pilsner Pairings: German cuisine, spicy food, poultry, fish, spicy cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit 5. Wheat Beer Wheat beer is a popular style of beer made by using wheat as the malt, giving the beer its signature refreshing and crisp taste. With its tangy flavors, brewers often add seasonal fruits to wheat beer to create an enticing presentation. American pale wheat beer is a light and easy-drinking beer that is brewed with a significant proportion of wheat in addition to barley. This style is known for its pale color, mild hop bitterness, and subtle wheat flavor, making it a popular choice for those looking for a refreshing and approachable beer. Berliner Weisse is a traditional German wheat beer that is known for its light body and high carbonation. This style is typically low in alcohol content and is often served with a flavored syrup, such as raspberry or woodruff, to balance out the sourness of the beer. Hefeweizen is a classic German wheat beer that is brewed with a large proportion of wheat and a distinctive yeast strain that produces flavors of banana and clove. Hefeweizens are known for their cloudy appearance, full body, and effervescent carbonation. This style of wheat beer is often unfiltered, allowing the yeast to remain in the beer and contribute to its unique flavor profile. Wheat Beer ABV: 2.8-5.6% Wheat Beer IBU: 3-35 Types of Wheat Beers: American Pale Wheat, Berliner Weisse, Hefeweizen Wheat Beer Brands: Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat, Freetail Brewing Company Yo Soy Un Berliner, Magic Hat Circus Boy Wheat Beer Pairings: German cuisine, Mexican cuisine, spicy food, seafood, brick cheeses Wheat Beer Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top 6. Pale Ale Pale ale is a popular beer style known for its balanced flavors, offering a mix of hoppy bitterness and malt sweetness. They are lower in alcohol content than IPAs and pair well with a wide range of dishes. American pale ale is a hop-forward beer with a moderate malt backbone. It typically features American hop varieties that impart citrus, pine, and floral notes to the brew. These ales are known for their refreshing bitterness and bright aromatics. Blonde ale is a lighter and more delicate version of pale ale, with a focus on crisp, clean flavors. They are characterized by their pale golden color and subtle malt sweetness. These beers are easy-drinking and versatile, making them a popular choice for those new to craft beer or looking for a lighter option. English pale ale is a classic beer style with a rich malt profile and earthy hop character. They often showcase traditional English hop varieties, which creates a balance between bitterness and biscuity malt flavors. Pale Ale ABV: 4.0-5.5% Pale Ale IBU: 15-45 Types of Pale Ales: American Pale Ale, Blonde Ale, English Pale Ale Pale Ale Brands: Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale, Victory Brewing Company Summer Love, Flying Fish Extra Pale Ale Pale Ale Pairings: Italian cuisine, English cuisine, fish, fried foods, pepper jack cheese Pale Ale Serving Temperature: 35-45 degrees Fahrenheit 7. German Bock Bock beer is a traditional German style that has gained popularity worldwide for its rich malt character and robust flavors. They are higher in alcohol content and can range from pale to dark in color with notes of caramel and toast. This style is often enjoyed as a winter beer for its warming qualities and pairs well with rich and savory foods. Traditional bock is a strong lager known for its malty sweetness and deep amber-to-dark brown color. Weizenbock is a wheat bock beer that combines the characteristics of a traditional bock with the fruity and spicy notes of a wheat beer. It is known for its hazy appearance and complex flavor profile, which includes banana, clove, and bubblegum notes from the yeast strain used during fermentation. Maibock, also known as Helles bock, is a pale bock beer that is lighter in color and body compared to traditional bock. Maibock is brewed with a higher proportion of pale malts, giving it a clean and crisp profile with a noticeable malt sweetness. This style of bock beer is often brewed in the springtime and enjoyed during the month of May, making it the perfect addition to any beer garden. Bock ABV: 6.0-9.5% Bock IBU: 15-35 Types of Bock Beer: Traditional Bock, Weizenbock, Maibock Bock Beer Brands: Samuel Adams Winter Lager, Southern Tier Brewing Company Goat Boy, Capital Brewery Maibock Bock Beer Pairings: Italian cuisine, German cuisine, fish, shellfish, asiago, Swiss cheese Bock Beer Serving Temperature: 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit 8. Brown Ale Brown ale is a malt-forward beer with a deep amber-to-dark brown color and flavors of caramel, nuts, and toffee. This style is smooth and easy to drink, making it a great option for customers looking for a more approachable beer. English brown ale, also known as Northern English brown ale, is known for its malt-forward profile, showcasing toasty, biscuity, and caramel flavors with minimal hop bitterness. English brown ales are typically lower in alcohol content and have a lighter body compared to the American style, offering a smooth and easy drinking experience. American brown ale is a modern take on the traditional English brown ale, characterized by a balanced flavor profile that combines malty sweetness with moderate hop bitterness. This style typically features a medium body and a slightly higher alcohol content compared to its English counterpart. American brown ales often showcases notes of caramel, chocolate, and nutty flavors, making them a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts. Brown Ale ABV: 4.0-6.3% Brown Ale IBU: 15-45 Types of Brown Ale: English Brown Ale, American Brown Ale Brown Ale Brands: Newcastle Brown Ale, City Star Brewing Bandit Brown, Brooklyn Brewery Brown Ale Brown Ale Pairings: American cuisine, beef stew, red meat, poultry, gouda cheese Brown Ale Serving Temperature: 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit 9. Belgian Ale Belgian beers are known for their spiced fruity flavors and high alcohol content. Despite their high ABV, Belgians are usually low in bitterness. Belgian-style ale encompasses a wide range of styles, from fruity and spicy to complex and yeasty ales. These beers are often brewed with unique yeast strains, resulting in distinctive flavors, aromas, and high carbonation. Belgian pale ale is a style known for its balanced maltiness and hop bitterness. It typically features fruity esters and spicy notes, with a moderate alcohol content. Belgian tripel is a strong ale with a higher alcohol content compared to other Belgian styles. It is characterized by its pale color, complex malt profile with a dry finish, and effervescent carbonation. Belgian saison, also known as farmhouse ale, is a rustic beer style that originated in the French-speaking region of Belgium. Traditionally brewed in the winter months for consumption in the summer, saisons are known for their fruity and peppery yeast character and dry finish. Belgian Ale ABV: 4.4-10% Belgian Ale IBU: 20-50 Types of Belgian Ale: Belgian Pale Ale, Belgian Tripel, Belgian Saison Belgian Ale Brands: Samuel Adams Belgian Session, Weyerbacher Merry Monks, Victory Brewing Company Helios Belgian Ale Pairings: American cuisine, Asian cuisine, pasta dishes, barbecue, meat, Limburger cheese Belgian Ale Serving Temperature: 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit 10. Specialty Beer Specialty beers offer unique and diverse options for beer enthusiasts, catering to a range of tastes and preferences. From experimental brews to niche flavors, there is a specialty beer for every palate. These beers can range from barrel-aged beers to sour ales, from fruit-infused beers to spiced variations, offering customers a chance to try something new and exciting. Sour ales are a distinctive type of beer known for their tart and acidic flavors. These beers are fermented with specific strains of yeast and bacteria, resulting in a sour and tangy taste profile that sets them apart from traditional ales. Another specialty beer is gluten-free beer. They are brewed using alternative grains such as sorghum, millet, or rice to create a beer that is safe for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Spruce up your beer menu with crowd-pleasing flavors of beer that you can rotate throughout the seasons. Pumpkin beer is a seasonal favorite that typically makes its appearance during the fall months. Brewed with pumpkin puree and a blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, pumpkin beer offers a festive and flavorful twist on traditional beer styles. Chocolate beer is a decadent and indulgent option for those with a sweet tooth. Brewed with chocolate malt or actual cocoa nibs, these beers offer a rich and velvety flavor profile that is reminiscent of a chocolate dessert, perfect for Valentine’s Day. Whether you're looking to explore new flavor profiles or indulge in a seasonal favorite, specialty beers offer a diverse and exciting range of options for beer enthusiasts to enjoy. Specialty Beer ABV: 3-10% or over Specialty Beer IBU: Varies Types of Specialty Beer: Sour Ales, Gluten Free Beer, Farmhouse Ales, Experimental Brews Specialty Beer Brands: Dogfish Head Beer SeaQuench Ale Session Sour, Wicked Weed Brewing Gluten FREEk, Elysian Brewing Company Night Owl Pumpkin Ale, Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter Specialty Beer Pairings: Varies Specialty Beer Serving Temperature: Varies Cooking with Beer Beer is a versatile ingredient that can add depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes, from soups and stews to desserts and dressings. When used in cooking, beer can impart unique flavors, enhancing the overall taste profile and texture. Here are just some beers you can use in the kitchen: IPA: IPAs are characterized by their hoppy bitterness and floral aromas, making them a bold choice for marinating meats or adding to cheese sauces. The intense flavors of IPAs can infuse dishes with a complex and aromatic profile, making them a popular choice for battered beer fish or shrimp. Wheat Beer: Wheat beers have a light and citrusy profile that is perfect for cooking seafood or incorporating into salad dressings. The bright and refreshing notes of wheat beers can add a subtle tanginess to dishes, enhancing the overall taste experience. Stout: Stout beers are known for their bold roasted malt flavors which are excellent for braising meats or adding depth to chocolate desserts. The rich and complex flavors of stouts can elevate dishes like beef stew or chocolate cake, creating a decadent and satisfying meal. When cooking with beer, it is important to consider the alcohol content and flavor profile of the beer to ensure it complements the other ingredients in the dish. Experimenting with different types of beer can help you discover new and exciting ways to enhance your culinary creations with the diverse flavors of this beloved beverage. Back to Top From popular lagers and ales to unique stouts and porters, there is a wide range of beer types to help you cater to your customer preferences. By knowing the characteristics and flavors of each type of beer, you’ll be able to enhance your beverage menu and provide a memorable experience for your patrons. Once you have narrowed down your options, pair your menu with the right beer glasses for each beer type.
