Christmas is the ultimate convivial moment, when families gather to share joyful times and special dishes. In Italy, traditions vary from region to region – indeed, from city to city – but one thing is certain: whether celebrating with Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas lunch, or even a culinary marathon lasting until Boxing Day, every course deserves to be paired with the right glass… and it doesn’t necessarily have to be wine, in fact!
Why not opt for a craft beer, capable of enhancing the flavors of every dish? Let’s discover together how to create the perfect Christmas menu, with beer pairings designed for every need, including those looking for healthier options and even… for our four-legged friends!
The traditional dishes and their perfect beer pairings
In Italy, practically every small town has its own unique traditions, but some dishes are so iconic they triumph on every table… albeit with their own regional variations.
Here is a selection of the most beloved courses and the craft beers, recommended by the beer sommeliers of Maltese, that perfectly complement them:
- Appetizers of cured meats and cheeses, a staple on almost every table, are delicious when paired with a Helles or a Pils beer. Classic and light beers, perfect to start the meal and accompany the flavors of the cured meats and cheeses without overpowering them;
- Traditional first courses, from tortellini in broth to cappelletti, up to lasagna and cannelloni. A medium-strength amber beer (Bock, Dubbel, Amber Ale, Bière de Garde) will pair perfectly with the richness of these dishes, thanks to its caramel notes;
- Meat main courses, such as roast, stuffed capon, or lamb, are absolute stars of the season. For these succulent and bold dishes, the range of sipping options widens: a Porter and an IPA reveal different pleasures, with chocolatey and fruity nuances that enhance the aromas of the meat;
- Christmas desserts, panettone, pandoro, and torrone, but also mostaccioli, cartellate, and panpepato, find their ideal pairings with Kerstbier and Belgian Strong Ale; but also an Imperial Stout or a Barley Wine, thanks to hints of cocoa, coffee, toffee, and fortified wine, harmoniously blend with the sweet and buttery flavors of the desserts.
“Healthy” Christmas menu: non-alcoholic, gluten-free, and vegan options
Even during the Christmas holidays, more and more people choose to maintain a mindful lifestyle and not overindulge just because it’s a celebration. For those who prefer to avoid alcohol, the craft beer market offers a wide range of non-alcoholic beers – and we at Maltese have been pioneers in this area, modestly! – the true meeting point between taste and wellness.
For those who are gluten intolerant, excellent gluten-free beers are available, which do not sacrifice character. For the vegan Christmas menu, an interesting pairing could be with a Saison or a Blanche beer, perfect with vegetable- and grain-based dishes.
A beer also for our four-legged friends
Today, even the “furry” members of the family can join in the Christmas celebrations! Thanks to dog beer, a non-alcoholic meat-flavored drink designed to hydrate and pamper our four-legged friends. Made with natural ingredients, such as chicken or beef, and enriched with beneficial and hydrating nutrients, these beers are a fun and loving idea to include our pets in the Christmas toasts!
