Why Drink A Mimosa At Brunch When You Can Have A Breakfast Beer
No one raises an eyebrow when you order a mimosa or bloody mary or any other brunch cocktails when out for breakfast, but when you order a beer, it's weird. Someone somewhere decided that beer at breakfast is just not the done thing, but it should be. Beer is also effervescent and alcoholic and is just as worthy of accompanying your eggs Benedict as a mimosa.
According to Vine Pair, the Bavaria region of Germany has a tradition called Frühschoppen, which loosely translates to 'drinking alcohol before noon,' where it's socially acceptable — even on weekdays — to consume a beer before midday. Friends and families will meet up at local inns to have veal sausage, pickles, mustard, bread or soft pretzel, and low-ABV German hefeweizen beer for brotzeit — second breakfast. The beer is a staple for Bavarians and so ingrained in their regional culture that it would be weirder if they didn't have it.
Having a low-ABV beer with breakfast is a better brunch option if you actually need to function later in the day. When compared to the bottomless mimosas or boozy bellinis that can derail your day, it definitely seems like the saner option, especially if you need to see grandma later. Plus, the craft brewing scene has made the breakfast beer options nearly endless for all tastes and brunch meals, it just seems like a no-brainer.
Craft brewers are creating beers with breakfast or brunch in mind
With so many options to complement your brunch order, the question is why not order a beer with breakfast? So, how do you choose? According to Hop Culture, you should think about three things when pairing breakfast with beer. Go for resonance by choosing a beer featuring elements of what you're eating, like a maple stout with your pancakes, or replace an element of your meal, perhaps an orange-forward beer to replace your O.J., or if you're looking for a moment of relief to avoid palate fatigue by drinking something crisp to counter a spicy or salty meal. Also, consider your preferences, or if you have afternoon commitments.
Beers with a lower ABV like wheaty hefeweizens and witbiers, session beers, or refreshing Radlers make great accompaniments to a variety of breakfasts from omelets to avocado toasts. They're lightly flavored and refreshing, and won't distract from your meal. If you're a coffee-with-breakfast person consider ordering a coffee stout. Brewers are also creating beers that taste like breakfast, with maple syrup or even chocolate featured in their stouts and porters. And, if you really can't let the bloody mary go, try a Michelada, the beery cousin of a bloody mary.
The next time you're out for brunch, ask for the beer list to see what might go well with your omelet or bagel with lox. Or if it's your turn to pick the location, find a local brewery with brunch and a flight.