Chicago’s craft beer scene is as diverse as its food culture, with breweries producing everything from bold barrel-aged stouts to crisp, citrusy IPAs. While beer is often paired with savory dishes, it also creates exciting contrasts and harmonies with desserts. Whether you’re indulging in a deep-dish apple pie or a rich chocolate mousse, the right craft beer can enhance your dessert experience in unexpected ways.
If you’re looking to explore new flavors and elevate your next gathering, here’s how to pair Chicago’s best craft beers with a variety of sweet treats.
Understanding the Art of Beer and Dessert Pairing
Pairing beer with dessert follows a few key principles:
- Matching Intensity – A delicate dessert pairs best with a lighter beer, while rich, decadent sweets require a more robust brew.
- Complementary Flavors – Look for beers with tasting notes that mirror the dessert’s dominant flavors, such as caramel, vanilla, or fruit.
- Contrasting Elements – Sometimes, opposing flavors create the most dynamic combinations, like a tart raspberry sorbet with a malty, caramel-forward beer.
Chicago is home to some of the country’s most innovative breweries, making it the perfect city to experiment with creative pairings. Here are some of the best craft beer and dessert matches to try.
Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout with Deep-Dish Apple Pie
Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza, but its apple pie deserves just as much attention. The thick, buttery crust and cinnamon-spiced filling pair beautifully with a bold, bourbon barrel-aged stout.
- Why It Works – The rich, roasted malt flavors of a stout complement the caramelized apples, while the vanilla and oak notes from the barrel aging enhance the pie’s warm spice profile.
- Best Local Beer – Goose Island Bourbon County Stout is a legendary choice, with deep chocolate and bourbon undertones that elevate the sweetness of the pie.
For an even more indulgent experience, serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the stout’s creamy texture will enhance every bite.
Hazy IPA with Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake
Chicago’s breweries have perfected the art of the hazy IPA, a juicy, citrus-forward beer style that pairs exceptionally well with creamy, tangy desserts. A lemon ricotta cheesecake offers the perfect balance of richness and brightness to complement the tropical notes of the beer.
- Why It Works – The beer’s fruit-forward flavors mirror the lemon’s tartness, while its soft, pillowy mouthfeel cuts through the cheesecake’s creamy texture.
- Best Local Beer – Revolution Brewing’s Hazy Hero is packed with notes of orange, mango, and passionfruit, creating an exciting contrast with the cheesecake’s smooth, slightly tangy finish.
This pairing is a refreshing option, especially in the warmer months when a light, citrusy dessert is the perfect way to end a meal.
Coffee Porter with Chocolate Mousse
For those who love chocolate, a rich and velvety chocolate mousse deserves an equally complex beer pairing. A coffee porter brings roasted espresso notes that enhance the deep cocoa flavors while adding an extra layer of depth.
- Why It Works – The bitter edge of a coffee porter balances the sweetness of chocolate mousse, while its carbonation prevents the dessert from feeling too heavy.
- Best Local Beer – Try Half Acre’s Big Hugs Coffee Imperial Stout, which is infused with fresh coffee beans and offers a bold, aromatic finish that pairs seamlessly with chocolate.
For an extra treat, sprinkle the mousse with cocoa nibs or sea salt to further highlight the beer’s roasted malt profile.
Belgian Dubbel with Caramel Flan
A Belgian Dubbel is a fantastic beer for desserts with caramelized sugar, as its malty sweetness and hints of dried fruit perfectly complement the rich, golden caramel of a flan.
- Why It Works – The Dubbel’s notes of toffee, fig, and brown sugar match the creamy, slightly burnt sugar profile of the flan, creating a luxurious taste experience.
- Best Local Beer – Off Color Brewing’s Scurry is a great alternative to a traditional Belgian Dubbel, offering a honeyed, malty character that enhances caramel-forward desserts.
This pairing is an excellent choice for those who enjoy smooth, well-rounded flavors with a touch of complexity.
Raspberry Sour with Dark Chocolate Tart
For a contrast of flavors that surprises the palate, a raspberry sour beer pairs beautifully with a dark chocolate tart. The beer’s tart, fruity acidity cuts through the richness of the chocolate, creating a balanced and refreshing experience.
- Why It Works – The beer’s bright raspberry and citrus notes provide a sharp contrast to the deep bitterness of dark chocolate, enhancing both elements.
- Best Local Beer – Hopewell Brewing’s Clover Club Sour is inspired by the classic raspberry gin cocktail, making it an ideal choice for chocolate-based desserts.
If you want to take this pairing to the next level, add fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of sea salt to the tart for extra dimension.
Where to Experience Craft Beer and Dessert Pairings in Chicago
If you’d rather leave the pairing to the experts, Chicago has plenty of breweries and bars that offer unique beer and dessert combinations. Many breweries host special pairing events where pastry chefs and brewers collaborate to create unforgettable flavor experiences.
For those interested in crafting a custom beer and dessert tasting at home or at an event, Bartender Chicago provides expert bartending services that can help you curate the perfect pairings. Whether you’re hosting a private party, wedding, or corporate gathering, their team can guide you in selecting craft beers that complement your dessert menu.
Final Thoughts
Exploring craft beer and dessert pairings is an exciting way to experience Chicago’s world-class brewing scene in a new light. Whether you’re drawn to bold bourbon barrel-aged stouts with warm apple pie or prefer the tart contrast of a raspberry sour with dark chocolate, there’s a combination to suit every palate.
Next time you’re indulging in a sweet treat, consider reaching for a locally brewed beer to enhance the experience. With so many incredible breweries in Chicago, the possibilities are endless.
