Beer and Wine Pairings for the Big Game

Wine and Beer Suggestions for Your Football Party

All eyes will be focused on the TV screen come February 4, as the biggest football game of the year kicks off and that means a party.  What’s game day without beer and snacks? B-O-R-I-N-G. That’s right. So, let’s get right to it with some terrific ideas for matching up some big game favorite foods with the right wine and beer.

Whether you are rooting for the New England Patriots or the Seattle Seahawks, everyone will be cheering these great food, beer and wine pairings for the big game.

Buffalo Style Chicken Wings
(recipe below) 

What to drink: Spicy wings need something match the heat.

Beer: An India Pale Ale or a Lager go great with the heat and help cool the palate.  A Belgian dubbel abbey ale, which is a little nutty and sweet, would also be a nice selection.

Wine: Try an Off-Dry Riesling from Kloster Eberbach or Kendall-Jackson. 

BBQ Meatballs

What to drink: These tangy meatballs need something bold to stand up to them!

Beer: A rich Porter or Stout pair nicely with the rich, tangy barbeque flavor.

Wine: Try a Shiraz or a food-friendly Sangiovese!

For a party, don’t be afraid of the “box.” You’ll be happy with Black Box Shiraz and so will your guests. The full-bodied red goes great with any meats and sharp cheeses!

Football Cheese Ball 

What to drink: Cheese and crackers shaped like a football. You can’t go wrong and everybody wins.

Beer: Brown ales with their malty flavor are a good pick for cheddar cheese and salty cracker combinations.

Wine:  Go with unoaked whites. Sauvignon Blanc or Spanish Albarinos will pair beautifully with the cheddar cheese and buttery crackers. Serve them lightly chilled.

Buffalo Style Chicken Wings Recipe

Baked Buffalo Style Chicken Wings - these will go fast so make plenty!

Ingredients

• 5 pounds chicken wings
• 1 stick butter
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4-5 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Directions

1. First, make sure your wings are pieced. Likely, you’ll need a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut through the wing joints to separate into three pieces. Discard the tip of the wing so you have just two meaty pieces of the wing.
2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Brush oil on foil to make sure area is well greased.
3. In large bowl, drizzle vegetable oil on chicken wings along with salt and mix until well covered.
4. Line wings on the baking sheet (you’ll likely need to make it batches) and place in oven for about 30 minutes (or until golden brown). Turn at about 15 minutes.
5. While cooking, add hot sauce, butter, and Worcestershire sauce to small sauce pan and warm until butter is melted.
6. In large bowl, add cooked wings and pour sauce over wings. Mix until well coated.
7. Serve with celery sticks and chunky blue cheese dressing for dipping.

If you aleady have a recipe in mind, stop by one of our Minnesota liquor stores. We'd be happy to help you find the perfect beer or wine pairing for your game day eats. 

Founded in 1934, Haskell’s has championed fine wines for over 80 years. We have 13 wine stores in Minnesota, two delis and one restaurant.  As one of the top wine shops in North America, Haskell’s is known for legendary service and one of the finest collections of wine, beer and spirits. Led by Chairman and CEO Jack Farrell, and the Farrell family, Haskell’s continues to be at the forefront of the wine scene throughout the world. Haskell’s also can ship wine, beer & spirits all throughout the world, the U.S. and we deliver locally.