Colorado is home to some of the best craft breweries with endless varieties to try all summer long. But what beer is best paired with your favorite dishes? We’ve broken down the best summer beers to compliment your summer grilling recipes. 

Spatchcocked Garlic and Lemon Chicken Recipe Best beer pairing: Aspen Brewing Company’s Cloud 9 Saison

Saisons are perfect for white meats such as chicken, pork, or fish. This Belgian-style with a hint of orange and a slight hop make this the perfect summer brew. ABV: 6.8% 

Traditional Steak Recipe: Best beer pairing: Lone Tree Brewing Company’s Double IPA

As a general rule, double IPAs are heavy and quite high in ABV but soo good. However, this beer stands out as a good summer beer option. The bitterness and heavy hops are perfectly balanced by a clean finish with hints of citrus. ABV: 8.0%

Mouthwatering Hamburger Recipe: Best beer pairing: Odell Brewing Company’s Colorado Lager

This lager is drinkable year-round and could pretty much compliment any meat or meal. Brewed with clean Colorado water and the perfect blend of hops and malt. This lager’s low ABV makes it a very drinkable brew. 5.0% ABV 

Grilled Lemon Garlic Elk Steak Recipe: Best beer pairing: Oskar Blues G’KNIGHT Double Red IPA

The combination of heavy hops and robust malts makes this the perfect pairing for most game meats including rattlesnake sausage (which we carry at our store). ABV 8.7% 


Best Bratwurst and Onions Recipe: Best beer pairing: Pikes Peak Brewing Company’s Oceans of Clouds Hazy IPA. 

This brew is available year-round but it might be one of the best summer beers that will make anything from hot dogs to these brats burst with flavor. Drink in this New England IPA till the sun drops behind the mountains. ABV: 6% 

We hope you enjoy this list of grilled meat recipes with the perfect beer pairings. Let us know what we missed and what you’ve tried!