How to choose between beer and champagne at Christmas ?

For a truly special Christmas Eve, you need an equally exceptional drink.

At PerfectDraft, we do everything possible to help you find the perfect pairing between your Christmas dishes and a festive drink. This year, why not break with tradition and upgrade your celebrations? Swap sparkling wine for something more original and just as refined: beer.

Beer during the festive season

Beer during the festive season

One of beer’s greatest strengths is its incredible versatility. Thanks to the wide range of flavours found in hops and spiced malts, beer can be paired with almost any dish. With countless styles available, the possibilities for food and beer pairings are virtually endless.

Christmas beers are known for their strong character and rich flavours, making them the perfect match for traditional Christmas meals, which are often hearty and indulgent. Year after year, these festive beers have become firmly rooted in holiday traditions—so why not make them part of your celebrations?

While champagne remains a classic choice for Christmas, nothing prevents you from enjoying a Christmas beer alongside your meal or dessert to vary flavours and enhance the overall dining experience.

Advantages of beer over champagne

Beer comes in an impressive variety of styles, ensuring there is something for everyone. Here are the key advantages of choosing beer for your Christmas celebrations:

Pairs with many dishes: Beer allows you to select a style that perfectly matches your dishes. From starters and aperitifs to main courses and desserts, beer offers endless opportunities for flavour combinations. Discover our ideas for pairing Christmas dishes with beer.

Champagne-style beers: An increasing number of beers are inspired by champagne or even have a direct connection to it. Examples include Bière Spéciale Rèmes from Orgemont Brewery and Brut IPA from Lyon-based Ninkasi. Ideal for champagne lovers looking for a refined alternative without the high price tag.

More affordable: Beer is generally far more affordable than champagne, making it an excellent option for pairing festive meals while staying within budget—perfect for cost-conscious celebrations.

Brew your own: Did you know you can even brew your own beer at home? A fun and rewarding option for beer enthusiasts!

Discover Christmas beer

Unlike champagne, which is available all year round, beer offers exclusive seasonal varieties that can only be enjoyed during the festive period. Take the opportunity to discover Christmas beers brewed just once a year, such as Einstöck Winter Ale or Saint Feuillien Cuvée de Noël.

These exclusive festive beers pair beautifully with a wide range of dishes featured in our articles and can even be used in recipes like a foie gras terrine. Discover the recipe here.

Beer versus champagne for Christmas

Explore more insightful articles on our blog, such as 14 unusual facts to know about Guinness and 5 desserts to make your Oktoberfest a success.

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