The Brew

Level Up Your Summer Beer Snacks

Read Time 3 Minutes

Posted 02 Jan 2023

By Vintage Cellars

Tis the season for enjoying an ice-cold beer in the sunshine, surrounded by friends and family. And this summer, your options are endless with zesty, zingy sours and hoppy, heady hazys ready to elevate your esky (and your next gathering). But while our beer game has never been stronger, many of us are still serving the same stodgy snacks to go alongside them.

The time has come to put down the pretzels and peanuts and bring a touch of sophistication and creativity to your next summer soiree with some delicious light bites that’ll complement your beer of choice, while still leaving room for whatever else the eve has in store.

1. Waitoa Island Hopper Pacific IPA and Spicy Tuna Wonton Cups

Be transported straight to the white sands and palm trees of the Pacific with this pairing of spicy, fresh sashimi and Waitoa’s refreshing IPA, boasting a tropical flavours trio of pineapple coconut and lime.

2. Heyday Lustre Hazy XPA and Peach and Prosciutto Pizza

Caramelised peaches and salty melt-in-your-mouth prosciutto on a chewy pizza base provide the perfect playmate for the soft orange sherbet and bready aroma of Heyday Lustre’s Hazy XPA.

3. 8 Wired Brewing Ventura IPA and Jamaican Jerk chicken

The sweet and spicy smokiness of Jamaican jerk chicken beautifully counterbalances the bright stone fruit notes of 8 Wired Brewing’s Ventura IPA. For a memorable mouthful, serve the chicken piping hot, straight off the grill at your next barbeque and wash it down with a refreshing swig.

4. Garage Project Phantasm Hazy Can and Pepper, Olive, & Anchovy Gildas

This beloved Basque pintxo pairs salty anchovies with picante peppers and buttery olives, making it perfect for pairing with this icy cold, luscious IPA with hints of pine.

5. Behemoth Brewing Learn To Fly Hazy Pale Ale and beer battered zucchini flowers

Light and crisp and incredibly moreish, these golden, salty creations are the perfect snack to accompany this citrusy, super session-able ale.

6. Waitoa Firstlight Aotearoa Hazy IPA with Baked Brie

Brie and Camembert pair exceptionally well with the sweet, tart flavours of this Hazy IPA, cutting through the creamy, buttery consistency and creating a delicious contrast of texture and flavour.