The Best Beers to Grill With This Summer: Marinades, Pairings & BBQ Tips

Summer is here, and that means firing up the grill, gathering friends, and enjoying long evenings outdoors. But while you’ve got your burgers, steaks, and veggies ready, have you thought about the beer? The right brew can do so much more than just accompany your meal—it can transform it. From beer-based marinades that tenderise meat to bold IPAs that cut through smoky char, choosing the perfect beer for grilling is a game-changer.

At BrewDog, we believe great beer belongs on the table and in the recipe. Whether you’re brushing a hoppy glaze onto chicken wings or sipping a crisp lager alongside a juicy burger, this guide will walk you through the best beers to grill with this summer. Plus, we’ll share a few tips on how to use beer as a secret ingredient in your marinades and sauces.

Why Beer Is the Ultimate Grilling Companion

Beer isn’t just a drink—it’s a versatile cooking ingredient that adds depth, acidity, and complexity to grilled dishes. The carbonation helps tenderise meat, while the hops, malt, and yeast contribute unique flavours that complement smoky, charred notes. A light lager can brighten fish, while a stout brings richness to beef. When you choose a beer for grilling, think about the style: hoppy beers work well with spicy rubs, malty beers enhance sweet glazes, and sour beers cut through fatty meats.

Using beer in marinades is one of the easiest ways to elevate your BBQ. The enzymes and acids in beer help break down proteins, making meat more tender and flavourful. Simply combine your favourite brew with garlic, herbs, oil, and a touch of citrus, then let your protein soak for a few hours. For a quick glaze, reduce beer on the stove with brown sugar or honey until syrupy, then brush it onto ribs or chicken during the last few minutes of grilling.

• Tip: For a smoky, slightly sweet marinade, try a brown ale or porter. The roasted malt notes pair beautifully with charred meat.

Top Beer Styles for Grilling and BBQ Pairings

Not all beers are created equal when it comes to the grill. Here’s a quick breakdown of which styles work best for different types of dishes. IPAs, with their bold hop bitterness, are fantastic for cutting through the richness of fatty meats like pork belly or lamb chops. They also add a citrusy punch when used in a marinade for chicken. Pale ales and session IPAs are more balanced and versatile, making them great sippers alongside burgers or grilled sausages.

For red meat lovers, stouts and porters bring chocolate, coffee, and roasted notes that complement the char of steak or brisket. Try using a stout in a BBQ sauce for an extra layer of complexity. Wheat beers and hefeweizens are lighter and slightly fruity, ideal for grilled seafood or vegetables. And don’t forget sour beers—their tartness can cleanse the palate and brighten up rich, oily fish like salmon. When in doubt, a crisp lager or pilsner is a crowd-pleaser that pairs with almost anything.

• Pairing idea: Serve a bold IPA like Hop Frenzy alongside spicy grilled wings. The hop bitterness balances the heat and enhances the char.



• Grilling tip: Use a light lager as the liquid in your burger patty mix for extra juiciness.

How to Make a Beer Marinade in 3 Easy Steps

Creating a beer marinade at home is simple and requires just a few ingredients. Start by choosing a beer that matches the protein you’re grilling. For chicken or pork, a pale ale or wheat beer works well. For beef or lamb, go with a stout or porter. Combine one cup of beer with two tablespoons of oil (olive or vegetable), two cloves of minced garlic, a tablespoon of your favourite seasoning (like smoked paprika or cumin), and a splash of citrus juice or vinegar for acidity.

Whisk everything together in a bowl, then pour it into a resealable bag with your meat. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, let it sit for 2–4 hours. When you’re ready to grill, remove the meat and pat it dry before placing it on the hot grates. Reserve a little of the marinade to brush on during cooking, but don’t reuse the liquid that touched raw meat. For a finishing touch, reduce the leftover marinade in a saucepan and drizzle over the cooked dish.

• Pro tip: For a sweet and spicy glaze, try reducing Lonewolf Bramble & Raspberry Gin with honey and chilli flakes. The berry notes add a fruity twist to grilled pork chops.

Beer and Food Pairing Ideas for Your Summer BBQ

Once you’ve mastered the marinade, it’s time to think about what to drink alongside your grilled creations. A classic pairing is a juicy IPA with a bacon cheeseburger—the hops cut through the fat and complement the smoky flavour. For grilled vegetables like corn on the cob or bell peppers, a light, citrusy wheat beer or a fruity sour is refreshing and won’t overpower the veg. If you’re serving grilled fish, a crisp pilsner or a dry-hopped lager keeps things bright and clean.

For dessert on the grill—think grilled pineapple or peaches—a malty brown ale or a stout with chocolate notes is a surprising but delicious match. And don’t forget the snacks: a plate of grilled sausages with mustard pairs wonderfully with a hoppy pale ale. The key is to balance intensity: match the weight of the beer to the weight of the food, and let the flavours complement rather than compete.

• Try this: Grill marinated chicken thighs and serve with a cold glass of Wonderland Mixed Pack. The variety lets everyone find their perfect match.

This summer, make beer the star of your grill—not just in your glass but in your recipes too. Whether you’re marinating, glazing, or simply sipping, the right brew can take your BBQ from good to unforgettable. Explore our full range of craft beers and find your new favourite for grilling. Cheers to a delicious summer!