Published on August 20th, 2024.

'Lettuce' Celebrate National Burger Day!

Beer and burger combos to complement your day

Get ready to sink your teeth into something special—National Burger Day is coming up on August 22, 2024! This day is all about celebrating everyone’s favourite comfort food, the burger, and it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in some delicious deals.

Started in 2013 by Mr Hyde, a former online newsletter from Shortlist, National Burger Day was inspired by the US’s love of burgers. London leads with the most participating venues, but you can find tasty offers in other parts of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland too.

If you’re a business owner, this is a prime opportunity to attract more customers by showcasing beer and burger pairings. Consider offering a curated selection of local craft beers that perfectly complement your burger menu. Whether it’s a hoppy IPA that enhances the savoury richness of a classic cheeseburger or a smooth stout that pairs beautifully with a gourmet mushroom burger, these combinations can elevate the dining experience and encourage customers to try something new. Make the most of National Burger Day by crafting irresistible beer and burger pairings that keep your patrons coming back for more!

Beer and Burger Pairings

Cheeseburger and American Pale Ale

When it comes to an all-American burger, an American pale ale like Beavertown Gamma Ray is a perfect match. This beer’s bold, hoppy flavours and vibrant citrus notes are an ideal complement to the rich, juicy goodness of a classic cheeseburger. The hop-forward profile, with tropical fruit and citrus hints, cuts through the beef and cheese’s richness, offering a refreshing contrast. Plus, the ale’s carbonation cleanses your palate with each sip, keeping every bite of your burger as enjoyable as the first. This interplay of crisp bitterness and hearty flavours makes Beavertown Gamma Ray an exceptional choice for this beloved classic.

Chicken Burger and Pilsner

Brooklyn Pilsner is an outstanding pairing for a chicken burger, thanks to its crisp, clean profile and balanced hops. The Pilsner’s refreshing quality enhances the burger’s delicate chicken flavours without overwhelming them. With its subtle bitterness and floral notes, Brooklyn Pilsner beautifully complements the savoury elements of the burger, especially when paired with fresh vegetables or tangy sauces. The beer’s carbonation also helps cleanse the palate between bites, ensuring each mouthful is as delightful as the last.

BBQ Pulled Pork Burger and Brown Ale

Newcastle Brown Ale is the perfect companion for a BBQ pulled pork burger, offering a rich and malty profile that beautifully complements the dish. The beer’s sweet caramel notes elevate the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce, creating a harmonious balance that enhances the overall flavour. Its medium body provides a satisfying mouthfeel that pairs wonderfully with the tender, juicy pulled pork, while subtle nutty undertones add an extra layer of depth. The moderate carbonation also cuts through the pork’s richness, ensuring each bite is thoroughly enjoyable. Newcastle Brown Ale’s smooth and well-rounded character makes it an ideal match for a BBQ pulled pork burger.

Bean Burger and American Blonde Ale

BrewDog’s Dead Pony Club is a fantastic choice for a bean burger, as it shares many qualities with an American Blonde Ale, despite being a session pale ale. Its light body and smooth, easy-drinking character make it a perfect match for the hearty, earthy flavours of a bean burger. The beer’s mild hop bitterness and fruity notes—hallmarks of both American Blonde Ales and session pale ales—enhance the fresh, savoury elements of the burger, like avocado or salsa. With its crisp, clean finish, Dead Pony Club ensures that each bite is balanced and enjoyable, making it a versatile and satisfying choice for this dish.

Portobello Mushroom Burger and Amber Ale

Wychwood Hobgoblin is an excellent pairing for a Portobello mushroom burger. This amber ale boasts a rich, malty character with notes of toffee, caramel, and a touch of dried fruit, which beautifully complement the earthy, umami-rich flavours of the mushroom. The ale’s moderate bitterness balances the savoury depth of the mushroom, while its smooth, slightly sweet finish enhances the overall flavour profile. The roasted malt notes in Hobgoblin add an extra layer of complexity, making it a satisfying and harmonious partner for a mushroom burger.

Doughnut Burger and Stout

Renegade Brewery Blackguard Stout is a brilliant match for a doughnut burger. Known for its rich and robust flavours, with notes of roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee, this stout perfectly complements the sweet and savoury contrast of a doughnut burger. The roasted malt profile balances the sugary glaze of the doughnut, while the chocolate and coffee notes enhance the burger’s richness. This creates a harmonious blend of sweet, savoury, and bitter flavours. Additionally, the stout’s creamy texture pairs well with the burger’s hearty components, ensuring each bite is indulgent and satisfying. Blackguard Stout’s bold flavours and rich mouthfeel make it an excellent choice for this unique and decadent dish.