Bubbles are a Christmas classic. Whether it’s a toast on Christmas morning, a clink of glasses at the office party, or a celebratory fizz with the Boxing Day buffet, sparkling wine has long been the default festive drink.
But this year, a new contender is quietly slipping into the spotlight: sparkling beer.
If you’ve never thought of pouring a sparkling beer into a Champagne flute, this might be the Christmas to give it a try.
With its bright bubbles, refreshing finish and surprising elegance, sparkling beer is becoming the festive drink many of us didn’t know we needed.
Why Sparkling Beer Works So Well at Christmas
It’s wonderfully refreshing with rich festive food
Christmas dinner is full of big flavours—roast meats, buttery potatoes, gravy, stuffing and all the trimmings. Sparkling beer cuts through the richness beautifully, offering a crisp, palate-cleansing burst of bubbles. It’s especially good alongside pigs in blankets, glazed ham and party nibbles.
It suits guests who want something lighter
Many sparkling beers sit at a lower ABV than traditional Christmas fizz. That makes them ideal for long festive afternoons, grazing buffets and gatherings where you want to stay bright and merry without going overboard.
It brings far more flavour variety than sparkling wine
From citrusy saisons to fruit-led sparkling ales and Champagne-style bière brut, there’s genuinely something for every taste. If your guests all like different things, a selection of sparkling beers looks fantastic on a drinks table and keeps everyone happy.
It’s budget-friendly during an expensive time of year
With the cost of Christmas creeping up every year, it’s no surprise many households are looking for quality alternatives. Sparkling beer offers celebratory sparkle without the premium price tag of Champagne or high-end English Sparkling Wine.
A Few Festive Styles to Try
Bière Brut (Beer Champagne)
Dry, elegant and perfect for Christmas toasts. Serve chilled in flutes for maximum sparkle.
Saisons
Naturally bubbly with citrus and spice notes. Fantastic with turkey, stuffing balls and creamy cheeses.
Sparkling Fruit Beers
A fun, colourful choice for parties, especially those featuring cranberry, raspberry or citrus flavours.
Dry Sparkling Lagers
Clean and crisp, making them ideal aperitifs before the main feast.
Mixed Fermentation Sparkling Beers
Full of character and depth—excellent for Boxing Day leftovers or cheese boards.
How to Serve Sparkling Beer at Christmas
Chill it well—carbonation pops more nicely when very cold.
Use Champagne flutes or coupes for an elegant festive look.
Pair it with nibbles such as smoked salmon blinis, cheese straws or charcuterie.
Offer a tasting flight if you’re hosting a Christmas Eve drinks party. It’s a fun talking point.
Don’t forget presentation—sparkling beer bottles look brilliant in an ice bucket with cranberries or sprigs of rosemary for decoration.
A Fun Talking Point at Festive Gatherings
Serving sparkling beer instead of sparkling wine always sparks conversation. Most guests are intrigued, many are surprised by how refined it tastes, and some even end up preferring it.
It’s a brilliant way to offer something unexpected while still keeping the festive sparkle.
If you fancy bringing something a bit different to this year’s celebrations, sparkling beer is well worth exploring. It’s refreshing, versatile and festive in its own right, perfect for toasting with friends, pairing with rich Christmas food, or adding a modern twist to classic traditions.
Swap your usual glass of prosecco for a bubbly beer this Christmas and you might just discover a new festive favourite.
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