Pairing drinks to serve with beef can be hit or miss. Depending on which cuts of beef, how it is cooked and what herbs, spices, and marinated sauce are used will ultimately affect the overall drink choices.
From wine to juice and soda, there are a wide range of beverages that go well with beef. Whether you are having steak and whiskey or keeping it casual with something non-alcoholic, there are drinks for everyone to enjoy with beef.
What to drink with beef? The general rule of thumb is to pair lean beef with lighter to medium-bodied wines and cuts that are rich in flavor with bolder wines.
As a result, beef pairs wonderfully with Barolo, red Bordeaux, Brunello, Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Zinfandel.
When it comes to beer, dry porter or pale ale are tasty accompaniments, and cocktails made with Maderia is great options.
Other than alcohol, black and oolong tea pairs well with beef.
Beef is a favorite meal regarding taste and texture. Most importantly, it is versatile.
When drinks are served with beef, the intention is to offer a complex and savory taste that does not become overwhelming.
But what drinks are perfect with beef? Whether you like beer, wine, or mixed drinks, this post has something on the menu to suit the palate. Read on to learn more.
What drink goes with roast beef?
A dry martini is light and crisp, which has a tendency to elevate the decadent flavors of roast beef. Its crispness can also help prevent beef from feeling too heavy.
In fact, a dirty martini does a better job. Dirty martinis have a lot of olive brine and salt, which can alter the taste of the beef.
When it comes to bold drinks, bloody Mary is also in the mix. Although it is savory, it won’t hurt the flavors of the beef. I
nstead, it will deliver an amazing brightness and taste that can be enjoyed in every bite. We also recommend adding a splash of horseradish or Tabasco for that extra kick.
Red wine is a classic go-to drink when serving beef. Something about the taste and flavors will have the tastebuds flared up with excitement.
White wine and beef will leave tastebuds feeling cozy and satisfied. We suggest an oaky Chardonnay that is rich with a little crispness so that it can pair beautifully with the flavors of the meat.
Here are some other beverages to pair with roast beef:
- British pale ale
- Barbaresco
- Barbera
- Barolo
- Red Bordeaux
- Burgundy
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Malbec
- Pinot Noir
- Shiraz/Syrah
What drink is good with steak?
Nothing is more satisfying than an ice cold beer next to a steak on a plate. Dark beer, especially with ribeye, no one can resist the combo.
Even sweeter, marinate the meat in some beer before grilling it for a heartwarming experience.
Scotch is guaranteed to spice things up. The drink delivers smoky notes that complement well with grilled meat. Enjoy it neat or with a single ice cube for a complete flavor dining experience.
Beef also calls for one of the best-known cocktails in the world, Old Fashioned. Thanks to its richness, the cocktail offers a nice balance to the flavors of steak.
If you are looking for more drink option to enjoy steak dinner, here are flavorful drink selections to try with your dish:
- Hoppy dark ale
- Barbaresco
- Barolo
- Red Bordeaux
- Brunello di Montalcino
- Red Burgundy
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chianti
- Côtes du Rhône
- Rhone red wine
- Shiraz
- Zinfandel
What non-alcoholic drink goes with beef?
Non-alcoholic drinks also pair well with beef. Cranberry and pomegranate are popular juices that will never disappoint. Don’t love its tart flavors? Dilute with water.
Club soda is another drink to enjoy with beef. Lime or lemon, anything can work pretty well.
Some of the non-alcoholic drinks that goes well with beef include:
- fresh berry juice
- citrus infused club soda
- lemonade
- apple juice
- ginger ale
- ginger beer
- sparkling water
- tea
Serving Drinks with Beef: Conclusion
When it comes to drinks that pair well with beef, it is pretty impossible to go wrong. Whether serving roast beef or steak, use the beverage choices to brighten and deepen the beef dish.
Serve lean cuts of beef with lighter to medium-bodied wines, and rich, fatty parts with bolder wines.
Typically, beef goes well with red Bodeaux, Barolo, Brunello, Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Zinfandel.
Black and oolong tea is great alternative option to pair with Asian inspired beef dishes.
Where as dry porter or pale ale make a great beer selection.
Any fun cocktails blended with Madeira are the perfect way to enjoy the dinner.
The list of potential alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink pairings is endless. Try the suggestions in this guide for the best beef dinner experience.