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Celebrate National Beer Day with beer-inspired recipes that are sure to please. Beer is a secret weapon in the kitchen, adding depth to cooked foods and sweetness to desserts. Certain dishes, like chicken stew, can be enhanced by serving more beer alongside them, balancing flavors and adding a celebratory touch. National Beer Day is celebrated in the US every year on April 7, making it the perfect occasion to enjoy a refreshing Pomegranate Shandy for a classic drink or try one of our other delicious recipes. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s famous remark upon signing the Cullen-Harrison Act, “I think this would be a good time for a beer,” highlights the historical significance of the day. Gather your friends, enjoy some drinks, and have a memorable party. Remember to drink responsibly!
Introduction to National Beer Day
National Beer Day is a celebration of the rich history and cultural significance of beer in the United States. On April 7th, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Cullen-Harrison Act, which paved the way for the repeal of Prohibition and allowed the sale of beer with an alcohol content of up to 4.05% by volume. This historic event marked a significant turning point in the country’s relationship with beer, and today, National Beer Day is celebrated by beer lovers across the nation. Whether you’re a fan of dark beer, craft beers, or simply enjoy a cold brew on a Sunday, National Beer Day is the perfect excuse to raise a glass and toast to the joy of beer.
National Beer Day Recipes
Pomegranate Shandy
Spring Honey compliments this recipe perfectly
Begin your evening with our delightful Pomegranate Shandy. Crafted with light beer and pomegranate juice, it’s a fruity drink that complements any appetizer or meal. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice. Cooking with beer is a great idea as it provides a beautiful backdrop of flavor in all kinds of dishes. Beer can also be used as a substitute for white wine in various recipes, replicating its flavor profile. And the best part? You can easily swap pomegranate juice for your preferred juice like grapefruit or pear for an equally delicious experience.
Spice Up National Beer Day with This Zesty Alcohol-Free Ginger Beer
You don't need alcohol to join the celebration. Homemade ginger beer offers all the complexity and satisfaction of craft brewing without the buzz. This naturally fermented beverage brings a fiery kick of fresh ginger balanced with citrus notes and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for designated drivers, pregnant women, or anyone abstaining from alcohol, this DIY ginger beer lets you participate in beer festivities while enjoying something special that you've crafted yourself. The brewing process is surprisingly simple, requires minimal equipment, and results in a refreshing, effervescent drink that's sure to impress your friends at your gathering.
Sweet & Spicy Honey Chili
Try using your favorite dark beer in this Sweet and Spicy Honey Chili. Adding bacon can enhance the richness and smokiness of the dish. It’s packed with flavorful beans, tomatoes, spices, and vegetable crumbles. Amber beer is effective for adding bite and sweetness to chili recipes, making it a great choice for this dish. You won’t be able to resist going back for seconds! It’s the perfect appetizer or meal for your get-togethers, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare.
Honey Dark Beer Bread
Try this delicious Honey Beer Bread as a perfect accompaniment to your chili! It’s quick, yeast-free, and requires no rising time. Using a bottle of beer as a key ingredient in homemade breads results in unique flavors that elevate your meal. With this recipe, you can enjoy freshly baked bread whenever you want, without having to make a trip to the bakery.
Appetizers and Snacks
Beer-Battered Delights
Beer-battered delights are a staple of any beer-themed gathering. From beer-battered fish to beer-battered onion rings, the possibilities are endless. But what makes beer-battered foods so special? The answer lies in the beer itself. Beer adds a depth of flavor and a crispy texture that is hard to replicate with other ingredients. Whether you’re using a light, crisp lager or a rich, malty brown ale, beer makes all the difference in beer-battered delights. So why not try your hand at making some beer-battered appetizers and snacks? With a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.
Soups and Stews
Hearty Beer-Based Soups
Beer-based soups are a staple of comfort food, and for good reason. The rich flavors of beer pair perfectly with a variety of ingredients to create hearty, warming soups that are perfect for a chilly evening. From creamy stouts to hoppy IPAs, beer can add depth and complexity to soups, making them a must-try for beer lovers.
One popular beer-based soup is the classic Beer Cheese Soup. This creamy, comforting soup is made with a rich brown ale, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of spice. The beer adds a depth of flavor that complements the cheese perfectly, making it a must-try for anyone who loves beer and cheese.
Another popular option is the Beer and Sausage Soup. This hearty soup is made with a variety of sausages, including bratwurst and knockwurst, and a rich amber ale. The beer adds a malty flavor that pairs perfectly with the spicy sausages, making it a great option for a cold winter’s night.
For those who prefer a lighter option, the Beer and Vegetable Soup is a great choice. This refreshing soup is made with a crisp lager and a variety of vegetables, including carrots, celery, and onions. The beer adds a subtle flavor that complements the vegetables perfectly, making it a great option for a light and healthy meal.
Main Courses
Beer-Infused Meats
Beer-infused meats are a great way to add flavor to your main course. From beer-braised short ribs to beer-marinated steaks, the possibilities are endless. Beer can add a rich, depth of flavor to meats that is hard to replicate with other ingredients.
One popular option is the Beer-Braised Short Ribs. This hearty dish is made with a rich, dark beer and a variety of spices, including thyme and rosemary. The beer adds a depth of flavor that complements the tender short ribs perfectly, making it a must-try for anyone who loves slow-cooked meats.
Another popular option is the Beer-Marinated Steak. This flavorful dish is made with a crisp lager and a variety of spices, including garlic and paprika. The beer adds a subtle flavor that complements the steak perfectly, making it a great option for a quick and easy meal.
For those who prefer a lighter option, the Beer-Glazed Chicken is a great choice. This sweet and savory dish is made with a rich, amber ale and a variety of spices, including honey and mustard. The beer adds a subtle flavor that complements the chicken perfectly, making it a great option for a light and healthy meal.
Adding a beer glaze to our Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe would be delicious
Other Beer Uses for National Beer Day
Protect your Crops
Attention all avid gardeners! Are slugs wreaking havoc on your precious leafy greens? We understand the frustration. As kids, we used to sprinkle iodized salt on slugs, but now we have a better solution. Create mason jar lids filled with beer! Cooking with beer can create distinctly flavored dips and spreads, such as beer cheese dip, but it also serves as an effective slug trap. Slugs can't resist the taste, and you'll bid adieu to those slimy intruders. Cheers to a slug-free garden!
Discover the secret to transforming your lackluster lawn into a lush, vibrant paradise! Unleash the power of beer, with its bug-banishing acids and growth-enhancing ingredients, to bid farewell to those pesky brown spots once and for all. Get ready to witness a stunning green revival in your garden!
Ease a Tummy Ache
In DC years ago, at a Michael Jackson concert, I had an awful stomach ache. My friend Kathy gave me a beer and said, "Drink this; it'll ease your stomach." I was skeptical as I wasn't a beer drinker, but Kathy was onto something. Give it a shot; you might be surprised!
Tenderize Meat
Instead of relying on a meat tenderizer loaded with MSG, why not give beer a shot? Not only will it effortlessly tame and tenderize your beef, but it will work its magic in a jiffy! Give it a whirl and be amazed by the mouthwatering results.
Desserts
Beer is not just for savory dishes; it can also be used to create delicious desserts. From beer-infused ice cream to beer-battered doughnuts, the possibilities are endless. One popular dessert recipe that calls for beer is beer-battered apple fritters. This sweet treat is made with a mixture of flour, sugar, and beer, which is then deep-fried to create a crispy, golden-brown exterior. The result is a delicious dessert that is sure to please even the most discerning palate. So why not give beer-battered apple fritters a try? With a little practice, you’ll be making them like a pro in no time.
Did you know National Dessert Day is October 14th? Celebrate with our honey recipes!
Beer Pairing Tips
Beer pairing is an art that requires a little practice, but with a few simple tips, you can become a beer pairing pro. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Start with the basics: When pairing beer with food, it’s best to start with the basics. Look for beers that complement the flavors of the dish, rather than overpowering them.
- Consider the flavor profile: Different beers have different flavor profiles, so it’s important to consider the flavor profile of the beer when pairing it with food. For example, a hoppy IPA pairs well with spicy foods, while a malty brown ale pairs well with rich, savory dishes.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Beer pairing is all about experimentation, so don’t be afraid to try new things. You might be surprised at how well a particular beer pairs with a particular dish.
- Keep it simple: Beer pairing doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the simplest pairings are the best. For example, a cold lager pairs perfectly with a hot summer day.
By following these tips, you can become a beer pairing pro and enjoy the perfect beer with your favorite dishes.
Like making crafty cocktails? Experiment with loose-leaf tea using our Mixologist's Tea Set
Adapting National Beer Day Recipes for Beer Lovers
Connect with your inner beer mixologist by changing these recipes and making them your own. It’s always good to get some ideas, so here are some ideas for changing things up:
- Swap out the suggested beers for your personal favorite. If a recipe calls for a specific type of beer, you can substitute it with your favorite beer.
- Use any honey you like.
- Serve these recipes at your next party for a festive touch.
- When a recipe calls for white wine, you can use certain types of beer as a substitute to replicate the flavor profile.
Try any of these recipes, or find your own was to celebrate National Beer Day? Take a photo and share your newfound traditions with us on Instagram! We love seeing your pictures!
Updated 3/24/2025
