But I'm Not That Keen on Wine! How to Pair Beer and Cider with Christmas Foods and Cheeses

As the festive season rolls around, many of us find ourselves knee-deep in rich Christmas dinners, endless cheese platters, and indulgent puddings. 

For some, the natural beverage accompaniment is wine—perhaps a spicy red or a crisp white. But what if you're just not that keen on wine? If you’re more of a beer or cider enthusiast, don’t worry. 

There are plenty of exciting pairings that will not only complement your Christmas spread but elevate it. Here’s how you can enjoy your favourite brews with traditional festive fare.

Starters: Light, Crisp, and Fresh

Food: Prawn Cocktail, Smoked Salmon Blini

Pair with: Lager or Pilsner

When starting with something light and fresh, like a prawn cocktail or smoked salmon, you want a beer that won’t overpower the delicate flavours. A crisp, clean lager or pilsner is a great match. These beers have a gentle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the seafood and cuts through the richness of the cream or butter often used in starters. Alternatively, a dry cider can also work wonders here, with its bright acidity complementing the briny seafood notes.

Main Course: Roasts and Trimmings

Food: Roast Turkey, Ham, Stuffing, and all the Trimmings

Pair with: Pale Ale or English Bitter

Christmas dinner is a hearty affair, full of bold flavours and plenty of richness. A pale ale, with its moderate bitterness and fruity notes, works brilliantly alongside roast turkey and stuffing. The malt character of the ale will enhance the caramelised elements of roast vegetables, while the bitterness cleanses the palate after bites of rich gravy and cranberry sauce. If you prefer something more traditional, an English bitter is an excellent choice, offering a mild hop flavour that complements the savoury herbs in your stuffing and roast.

Food: Roast Beef or Lamb

Pair with: Stout or Porter

If beef or lamb is more your Christmas choice, go bold with a stout or porter. These dark beers, with their roasted malt, coffee, and chocolate undertones, stand up well to the intense flavours of red meat. A stout with a slightly sweet, creamy finish can balance out the savoury notes of the gravy, while a porter’s rich, roasted character adds depth to the dish. Think of it as the beer version of a full-bodied red wine.

Cheese Course: A World of Possibilities

Food: Strong Cheddar or Stilton

Pair with: IPA or Barleywine

Cheddar, especially an aged one, needs something equally robust to stand up to its sharpness. An India Pale Ale (IPA), with its pronounced hop bitterness and citrus notes, is a wonderful contrast to the creamy, salty tang of mature cheddar. If you’re tackling a blue cheese like Stilton, a barleywine is a match made in heaven. This strong ale, with its malty sweetness and complex flavours, balances the funkiness of the blue cheese, creating a harmonious pairing. We laid down several bottles of our homemade barleywine for our Christmas feasting. We made it during the summertime.

Food: Brie or Camembert

Pair with: Belgian Dubbel or Wheat Beer

For softer cheeses like Brie or Camembert, opt for something a little lighter but still full of flavour. A Belgian Dubbel, with its rich malt character and subtle spice, is an intriguing partner for these creamy cheeses. Alternatively, a wheat beer, with its fruity and slightly tangy profile, can cut through the richness of the cheese while complementing its earthy, mushroom-like undertones.

Puddings and Dessert: Sweet but Not Too Sweet

Food: Christmas Pudding or Mince Pies

Pair with: Spiced Ale or Cider

Christmas pudding and mince pies are packed with rich fruits, warming spices, and plenty of sweetness. A spiced ale, brewed with ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, mirrors the flavours in the pudding without overwhelming it. If you’re more of a cider fan, a traditional mulled cider or a sweeter, still variety can be an excellent pairing here. The tartness of the apples cuts through the richness of the dessert, while the sweetness complements the dried fruits.

Food: Chocolate Yule Log

Pair with: Milk Stout or Cream Ale

Chocolate desserts can be tricky to pair, but a milk stout, with its sweet, creamy texture and hints of chocolate, is the ideal companion for a rich yule log. The malt sweetness and mild bitterness help balance the dense chocolate, while the smooth finish makes each bite more indulgent. A cream ale, with its light sweetness and smooth mouthfeel, is another great option, providing a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the dessert.

So, even if wine isn’t your cup of tea (or pint of beer), you can still enjoy the perfect Christmas feast with the right beer or cider in hand. From the seafood starters to the cheese course and all the way through to pudding, there’s a brew for every bite. So, raise a glass—be it a pint or a bottle—and cheers to a merry and beery Christmas!

Christmas Drinks: Mulled Wine, Eggnog, and Other Festive Favourites

Christmas is a time for indulgence, celebration, and of course, delicious festive drinks to keep the chill at bay.

As the cold winds blow and twinkling lights adorn our homes, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm mug or glass brimming with seasonal flavours.

From the traditional mulled wine to creamy eggnog, these drinks are perfect for adding a bit of warmth and cheer to your holiday season. 

Here are some classic recipes and a few twists on festive favourites to try this Christmas.

1. Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a quintessential Christmas drink that’s popular across Europe, and for good reason. This warm, spiced red wine, infused with seasonal aromas, is the perfect antidote to winter’s cold.

Ingredients:

1 bottle of red wine (a fruity one like Merlot or Shiraz works well)

1 orange, sliced

2 cinnamon sticks

4 cloves

3 star anise

2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)

60ml brandy (optional but adds a nice kick)

A pinch of nutmeg

Fresh cranberries (for garnish)

Method:

Pour the wine into a large saucepan and add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.

Heat gently, making sure the wine doesn’t boil. You want it to simmer slowly to allow the spices to infuse.

Add the honey or sugar, stirring until dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.

Stir in the brandy, if using, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Simmer for about 20 minutes, then remove from the heat. Strain out the spices before serving.

Garnish with fresh cranberries or a cinnamon stick in each glass.

Pro tip: If you’re making mulled wine for a gathering, use a slow cooker to keep it warm throughout the evening.

2. Eggnog

Eggnog is a rich, creamy drink traditionally enjoyed during Christmas. Its comforting, velvety texture and the gentle warmth of nutmeg make it a festive favourite. While it’s more commonly associated with the US, it’s gaining popularity in the UK as well.

Ingredients:

500ml whole milk

250ml double cream

3 large eggs

100g caster sugar

100ml rum, brandy, or bourbon (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Grated nutmeg (for garnish)

Method:

Whisk the eggs and sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy.

In a saucepan, gently heat the milk and cream over a low heat until warm (don’t let it boil).

Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the eggs, whisking continuously to avoid scrambling the eggs.

Return the mixture to the pan and heat gently until it thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).

Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and alcohol, if using.

Chill in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavours meld.

Serve cold, with a sprinkle of grated nutmeg on top.

Pro tip: For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum or brandy. You can also add a dash of vanilla syrup for extra sweetness.

3. Hot Chocolate with a Festive Twist

Nothing says cosy quite like a steaming mug of hot chocolate. But this isn’t your standard cocoa. We’re elevating it with Christmas spices and a dash of liqueur to bring some festive flair.

Ingredients:

500ml whole milk

100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

1 cinnamon stick

1 star anise

50ml Baileys, Amaretto, or spiced rum (optional)

Whipped cream and marshmallows (for topping)

Grated chocolate or a pinch of ground cinnamon (for garnish)

Method:

Heat the milk in a saucepan over low heat, then add the cinnamon stick and star anise to infuse the milk with festive flavours.

Once the milk is warm, remove the spices and stir in the chopped chocolate and cocoa powder until melted and smooth.

Add sugar to taste, if desired, and continue to stir until the hot chocolate is thick and creamy.

Remove from the heat and stir in your choice of liqueur, if using.

Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, and a sprinkle of grated chocolate or cinnamon.

Pro tip: For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk, and dark chocolate that doesn’t contain milk solids.

4. Spiced Apple Cider

If you prefer something lighter and non-alcoholic, spiced apple cider is a great choice. This drink is packed with the flavours of cinnamon, cloves, and apples, making it a wonderful alternative to mulled wine.

Ingredients:

1 litre apple juice or cider

1 orange, sliced

2 cinnamon sticks

5 cloves

2 star anise

1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional)

A pinch of ground ginger or allspice

Method:

In a large saucepan, combine the apple juice, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.

Gently simmer over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse.

Stir in honey or brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter drink, and add a pinch of ginger or allspice for extra warmth.

Strain the spices and orange slices before serving.

Serve warm in mugs, and garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise.

Pro tip: You can easily spike this drink with a shot of rum or brandy for an adult version.

5. Gingerbread Latte

A gingerbread latte is a warming treat that combines the rich flavours of coffee with the spices of gingerbread – perfect for a festive morning or as a cosy afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients:

1 shot of espresso (or strong coffee)

250ml milk (or dairy-free alternative)

1 tablespoon gingerbread syrup (you can buy this or make your own)

A pinch of ground cinnamon and ginger

Whipped cream (optional)

A gingerbread biscuit (for garnish)

Method:

Heat the milk in a saucepan or use a milk frother until steaming.

Add the gingerbread syrup and a pinch of cinnamon and ginger to the milk, stirring to combine.

Pour the espresso into a mug, then add the spiced milk mixture.

Top with whipped cream and garnish with a gingerbread biscuit on the side.

Pro tip: To make your own gingerbread syrup, simmer 100g brown sugar, 100ml water, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon for 5-10 minutes until thickened.

Whether you're hosting a Christmas gathering or simply enjoying a cosy night in by the fire, these festive drinks are sure to warm your heart and lift your spirits. Cheers to a warm and merry Christmas!

Brewing Your Own Wine, Beer, or Cider for Christmas: A Festive Guide Using Ready-Made Brewing Kits

Christmas is the season of festive indulgence, and what better way to add a personal touch to your festive celebrations than by brewing your own wine, beer, or cider? 

Not only is it a fun and rewarding activity, but homemade drinks can also be the perfect gift for friends and family or the centrepiece of your Christmas table. 

The best part is that you don’t need to be a seasoned brewer to create delicious drinks—ready-made brewing kits make the process simple, accessible, and enjoyable.

If you’re keen to give it a go, here’s a guide to brewing your own wine, beer, or cider for Christmas using ready-made kits.

1. Why Brew Your Own for Christmas?

Brewing your own drinks for Christmas offers several benefits:

Personal Touch: There’s something special about serving homemade beverages at your Christmas gathering. Whether it’s a mulled wine you’ve brewed yourself or a crisp apple cider, it adds a touch of personal pride to the festivities.

Cost-Effective: Buying bottles of wine, beer, or cider for Christmas parties and family meals can be expensive. Brewing your own allows you to create large quantities at a fraction of the cost, perfect for those hosting big gatherings or wanting to give homemade drinks as gifts.

Creative Control: With a ready-made brewing kit, you have control over the flavours and style of your drink. You can experiment with different types of fruit, spices, and other ingredients to create a unique brew that suits your tastes or adds a festive twist.

2. Choosing Your Brewing Kit

There are several types of brewing kits available depending on what you want to make. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:

Wine Kits: Ready-made wine kits provide everything you need to produce your own wine, usually in around four to six weeks. These kits typically come with grape juice concentrate, yeast, and instructions. You can find kits that make reds, whites, or rosés, and even speciality wines like sparkling or mulled varieties. Some Christmas-themed kits might include ingredients for spiced wine, perfect for the season.

Beer Kits: Beer brewing kits are ideal for anyone who loves craft beer. These kits usually come with malt extract, yeast, and hops, and they guide you through the process of fermenting and bottling your brew. Many kits allow you to choose between different styles such as pale ales, stouts, or lagers. For Christmas, you might consider a kit that offers festive flavours, like a spiced ale or winter warmer.

Cider Kits: If you prefer something a little lighter, cider brewing kits are a great choice. They often come with apple concentrate, yeast, and all the equipment you’ll need to produce a delicious cider. Cider kits are relatively easy to use and can be flavoured with spices like cinnamon and cloves to create a festive drink.

When choosing a kit, make sure to select one that matches your experience level. Most kits are designed for beginners, but some might offer more advanced options for those with brewing experience.

3. The Brewing Process: Step by Step

While each type of brewing kit will have its own specific instructions, the basic process for making wine, beer, or cider at home is generally the same. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

Step 1: Preparation

Before you start brewing, make sure you’ve read through all the instructions included with your kit. Clean and sterilise all of your equipment thoroughly—this is one of the most important steps to avoid contamination and ensure your brew turns out just right.

Step 2: Mixing Ingredients

Once your equipment is prepared, it’s time to mix the ingredients. For wine, this typically involves mixing the grape concentrate with water, adding yeast, and perhaps some additional sugars or flavourings. Beer kits will have you mix the malt extract with water and add hops for flavour, while cider kits involve mixing apple concentrate with water and yeast.

Step 3: Fermentation

After mixing your ingredients, the fermentation process begins. This is where the magic happens, as the yeast converts sugars into alcohol. For wine, fermentation can take anywhere from two to six weeks depending on the type of wine you’re making. Beer typically ferments for one to two weeks, while cider might take about one to three weeks.

During this time, you’ll want to keep the brew in a cool, dark place, away from any disturbances. Many kits come with airlocks to let gases escape while keeping air out, so it’s important to monitor this part of the process closely.

Step 4: Bottling

Once fermentation is complete, it’s time to bottle your brew. You’ll need to transfer the liquid into bottles, being careful to avoid any sediment at the bottom of your fermenter. Some kits include bottling equipment, while others may require you to purchase it separately.

For beer and cider, you’ll usually add a small amount of sugar to the bottles before sealing them. This creates a secondary fermentation in the bottle, adding fizz to your drink. Wine, on the other hand, is usually bottled and stored to mature, though you can drink it soon after bottling if you’re eager to sample your creation.

Step 5: Ageing and Enjoying

The final step is ageing your brew. Wine typically benefits from being aged for a few weeks to several months to develop its full flavour. Beer and cider can also be aged for a few weeks to improve taste and carbonation. However, if you’re on a tight timeline, you can enjoy your drinks as soon as they’re ready.

Once aged, your homemade wine, beer, or cider will be ready to serve at Christmas parties, family dinners, or to give as thoughtful, handcrafted gifts.

4. Festive Twists on Your Brews

To make your homemade drinks even more festive, consider adding some Christmas-themed flavours to your brew:

Spiced Wine: Add cloves, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and a touch of orange peel to your wine during fermentation to create a warming mulled wine that’s perfect for Christmas.

Christmas Ale: Brew a beer with winter spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg for a festive twist. You could also add some dried fruit or a splash of honey for a sweet, warming ale.

Mulled Cider: Spice up your cider by adding mulling spices like allspice, cinnamon, and cloves. For an extra festive touch, you could also add a dash of vanilla or caramel essence.

5. Brewing Kits: A Perfect Gift Idea

Ready-made brewing kits also make fantastic gifts for the beer, wine, or cider enthusiast in your life. They offer a fun, hands-on experience, and the recipient gets to enjoy the fruits of their labour—literally! Whether it’s a beer brewing kit for a budding homebrewer or a cider kit for someone who loves trying new flavours, it’s a unique and thoughtful gift that’s sure to be appreciated.

Brewing your own wine, beer, or cider for Christmas is a wonderful way to personalise your festive celebrations and create something truly special. With ready-made brewing kits, the process is simple and enjoyable, allowing even beginners to produce delicious drinks to share with family and friends.

 Whether you’re brewing to serve at your Christmas feast or to give as homemade gifts, the experience of crafting your own festive drinks will add an extra layer of joy to the season.

So, why not try your hand at brewing this Christmas? Raise a glass of your homemade creation and toast to a festive season full of creativity and cheer!

Brew Genie offers a wide range of brew kits and equipment by mail or from their retail premises: https://www.brewgenie.co.uk

The Perfect Beer Pairings for Every Course of a Traditional Christmas Meal

The festive season brings not only joy and togetherness but also a feast to remember. 

While wine is often the go-to pairing for Christmas meals, beer offers a delightful and versatile alternative that complements each course beautifully. 

From rich roasts to indulgent desserts, the right beer can enhance every bite. Here’s a guide to pairing beer with a traditional Christmas meal, ensuring your celebration is as flavourful as it is festive.

Starters: Light and Zesty

Christmas dinner often kicks off with lighter dishes, perhaps a smoked salmon canapé, a prawn cocktail, or even a creamy soup. These starters require a beer that’s crisp and refreshing to cleanse the palate, without overwhelming the delicate flavours of the food.

Beer Pairing: Pilsner or Wheat Beer

A pilsner, with its clean, slightly hoppy finish, is the perfect match for lighter starters. Its effervescence works well with seafood, cutting through any oiliness. Alternatively, a wheat beer, with its fruity and slightly spicy notes, can complement the subtlety of a creamy soup or vegetable-based dishes. Both styles add a refreshing brightness that prepares the palate for the heartier dishes to come.

Main Course: Rich and Robust

The star of the Christmas table is typically a roast—whether it’s turkey, goose, or beef, served alongside rich trimmings like stuffing, roast potatoes, and gravy. For this course, you’ll want a beer with depth, one that can stand up to the robust flavours and textures of the traditional Christmas roast.

Beer Pairing: English Bitter or Belgian Dubbel

An English bitter, with its malty backbone and slight bitterness, is a fantastic choice for roast meats. It complements the savoury flavours of the meal while its moderate strength keeps the pairing balanced. A Belgian dubbel, with its caramel, dark fruit, and slight spice notes, offers a richer alternative, particularly for roasted beef or goose. The dubbel’s sweetness cuts through the richness of the meat, enhancing the flavours of the sides like cranberry sauce or spiced stuffing.

Vegetarian or Vegan Mains: Complex and Balanced

If your main course is a vegetarian wellington, nut roast, or a plant-based feast, the beer pairing needs to enhance the earthy, wholesome flavours of the dish.

Beer Pairing: Amber Ale or Saison

An amber ale, with its toasty malt profile and gentle bitterness, complements the nutty, umami flavours of vegetarian mains. For more adventurous palates, a saison brings peppery, fruity, and earthy notes that can elevate dishes featuring mushrooms, nuts, and roasted vegetables. Its light effervescence also helps balance the richness of sauces or gravies often served with vegan dishes. Incidentally you should source vegan beers for pairing with vegan foods.

Pudding: Sweet and Decadent

Christmas pudding, mince pies, and other festive desserts call for something indulgent yet balanced. You’ll want a beer that can either match the sweetness of the dessert or cut through it with a complementary contrast.

Beer Pairing: Imperial Stout or Barleywine

For a truly indulgent finish, an imperial stout with its rich, roasted malt character and notes of chocolate, coffee, and dried fruits is ideal for pairing with Christmas pudding or mince pies. The stout’s creamy texture mirrors the richness of the dessert while the roasted bitterness prevents it from becoming too sweet. Alternatively, a barleywine, with its intense malt sweetness and high alcohol content, can serve as a dessert on its own or as a companion to fruit cakes and puddings. Its complex flavours of toffee, caramel, and dried fruit create a harmonious match with the spiced and fruity Christmas sweets.

Cheese Course: Bold and Balanced

If you’re serving a cheese board after the main meal, consider a beer that can cut through the richness of creamy cheeses while standing up to the strength of blue varieties.

Beer Pairing: Belgian Tripel or Porter

A Belgian tripel, with its fruity esters, subtle spice, and effervescence, pairs wonderfully with hard cheeses like Cheddar or Comté, while its sweetness complements blue cheese without overpowering it. For creamier, buttery cheeses like Brie or Camembert, a porter’s roasted malt and subtle chocolate notes provide a delightful contrast, adding depth without overwhelming the cheese’s mild flavour.

Conclusion: A Festive Toast to Beer

This Christmas, consider swapping out the wine and raising a glass of carefully selected beer with each course. Beer’s vast range of flavours, from light and crisp to dark and intense, offers the perfect pairing for every dish on your festive table. Whether you prefer traditional British ales or more adventurous Belgian brews, there’s a beer to suit every palate and enhance the joys of the Christmas feast.

Cheers to a merry Christmas filled with good food, great company, and, of course, exceptional beer!

Christmas Drinks & Gifts: Salcombe Brewery's Christmas Tide and NEW Christmas Pub in a Box

The Salcombe Brewery Co. is absolutely delighted to announce the return of its hugely popular seasonal beer Christmas Tide (ABV 4.8%), which will be available from this month onward in 500ml bottles (8 x 500ml bottles RRP £19.50) from retail outlets, including the brewery shop and online for nationwide delivery from www.salcombebrewery.com.

Christmas Tide (ABV 4.8%) is a very special limited edition yuletide ale. It's a well-structured, malt-driven beer which will be available to be enjoyed throughout the festive season. The crystal, chocolate and wheat malts bring warmth and body to the beer, making it perfect for a winter's day. The plethora of hops build on the chocolatey malt base and add a bittersweet finish to this Christmas ale.

Christmas Tide is the perfect beer to get everyone into the festive spirit and if you're looking for gift ideas, the Christmas Tide Gift Pack, complete with two bottles of beer and a branded pint glass, makes the ideal stocking-filler (Gift Pack 2 x 500ml, 1 x branded pint glass £8.00 from the brewery's online shop.

New for this year, Christmas Tide will also be available in a Christmas Pub in a Box which is packed with beer, mats, glasses and tasty snacks, perfect for a festive night in! The box contains:

4 x 500ml bottles of our Christmas Tide beer (4.8% abv)

2x Salcombe Brewery branded 1/2 pint glasses

2 x Salcombe Brewery branded bar towels

6 x Salcombe Brewery beer mats

1 x Burts crisps

1 x The Dormen peanuts

The Christmas Pub in a Box will be available from late October priced £22.00 from the brewery's online shop.

For the full range of Salcombe Brewery Co. festive gifts visit www.salcombebrewery.com.