Christmas beer and cider: winter ales, stout, spiced cider and food pairings

Some breweries release stronger, maltier or spiced seasonal beers, but “Christmas ale” is not one strict style. Look at strength, sweetness, malt and spice rather than the festive label.

A balanced bitter or brown ale can be more useful with food than an extremely strong seasonal beer.

Roast flavours work beautifully with chocolate, smoked food and strong cheese. Dry stout can also cut through rich savoury dishes because bitterness provides contrast.

Sweeter imperial stout is better treated as a small after-dinner drink.

Dry cider works with ham, pork, Cheddar, sausage rolls and roast vegetables. Warm spiced cider is an easy party serve when you want something aromatic and seasonal.

For alcohol-free guests, 0.0 beer and good apple-based drinks provide much more food compatibility than sweet soft drinks.