Jason Wagner
Oranges and beer might seem like an unusual combination, but the addition of an orange slice to a beer is a popular practice with a long history. The pairing of oranges with beer dates back to the Middle Ages when monks in Belgium began brewing beer with local fruits and spices. Today, orange slices are commonly added to wheat beers, such as Blue Moon or Hoegaarden, to complement their light and citrusy flavours. The orange slice can enhance the citrus notes in the beer, particularly if it is muddled and its juices released. However, some beer purists may object to the addition of any fruit to their beer, believing that a good beer should stand on its own. Ultimately, the decision to add an orange slice to a beer comes down to personal preference and the desire to experiment with different flavours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Beer type | Wheat beers, Witbiers, White ales, IPAs, Lagers |
| Beer examples | Blue Moon, Hoegaarden, Shock Top, New Belgium Citradelic, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Bud Light Orange, Coors Slice |
| Orange type | Valencia oranges, Curacao oranges |
| Serving style | Orange slice on the rim of the glass, floating in the beer, or muddled |
| Pairing | Salads, seafood dishes like ceviche or paella, margaritas |
What You'll Learn
Blue Moon Belgian White Ale
When served with an orange slice, Blue Moon's citrusy notes are enhanced, and the beer takes on a more subtle hint of orange. The orange slice can be floated on top of the beer or muddled to release more of its juices. The addition of orange is especially complementary to this brew as it is already flavoured with oranges and coriander.
Blue Moon is a popular choice for those who enjoy a craft beer taste without the higher price tag. It has a full-bodied ABV kick and is known for its big, frothy head. It is a versatile beer that can be paired with various dishes, including grilled shrimp, pad Thai, and marinated chicken.
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Hoegaarden Witbier
The addition of an orange slice to Hoegaarden Witbier is a matter of personal preference. While some people enjoy the enhanced citrus notes that the orange slice provides, others may prefer to enjoy the beer without any fruit garnish. Ultimately, it is up to the drinker to decide how they would like to enjoy their beer.
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Shock Top Belgian White
While some may have their own preferences for how to serve the orange with the beer, there are a few common methods. One way is to simply add the orange slice as a garnish on the rim of the glass, allowing you to enjoy the beer's aroma while still getting hints of citrus. Alternatively, you can float the orange slice in the beer, which will impart a more subtle orange flavour. If you prefer a stronger citrus note, you can muddle the orange to release more of its juices before adding it to the beer.
Overall, Shock Top Belgian White is an excellent choice for those who enjoy the combination of wheat beer and orange. Its subtle citrus notes and smooth finish make it a refreshing and easy-drinking option, especially during the hot summer months. So, if you're looking for a unique beer that pairs perfectly with an orange slice, be sure to give Shock Top Belgian White a try!
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New Belgium Citradelic IPA
Citradelic is an ideal beer to pair with an orange slice as it has a strong citrus character. The orange slice can complement the beer's light, citrusy flavour and enhance its notes. The beer's aroma busts out citrus-y hop notes, and it has a bright, fruity, bitter, and juicy taste. It is also described as having a "nice bitter" and "good ol', no-fuss, good-drinkin' IPA".
Citradelic has an ABV of 6% and is available in 355 ml cans. It is a good summer beer, perfect for those looking for something different and wanting to expand their palate.
Overall, New Belgium Citradelic IPA is a unique and flavourful beer that offers a tropical, fruity pleasure with a touch of bitterness. It is a great choice for those who enjoy IPAs with strong citrus and tangerine notes.
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Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
The beer was first brewed in 1980 by Ken Grossman and Paul Camusi, who founded the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in Chico, California. It was an American twist on the English-style Pale Ale, which was first developed in the 1700s. The American version, however, emphasised bold hops and lots of them.
The beer has a distinctive green label and comes in a 12-ounce heritage bottle with a quality-seal cap. It is widely available in grocery stores and is known for its reliability and familiarity.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. also previously brewed a Sidecar Orange Pale Ale, which is no longer in production. This beer had a bright orange flavour, emphasised by the citrus-heavy character of Cascade, Equinox, and Mandarina hops. It was brewed with orange peel added directly to the kettle.
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Frequently asked questions
Beers that are often paired with an orange slice include Blue Moon, Hoegaarden, Shock Top Belgian White, and St. Pete's Orange Wheat.
Oranges add a refreshing citrus flavour to beers, complementing the light, citrusy, malty flavours of wheat ales and other varieties.
Any ripe, sweet orange will do, but Valencia oranges are a good choice as they are much sweeter than traditional curacao oranges.
