The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Tacos with Beer

How to Perfectly Pair Tacos with Beer: A Guide to Flavorful Combinations

I became a vegetarian when I was about 12 years old. At first, my mom wasn’t on board with my decision. She told me I’d have to cook for myself if that was my choice. That’s when I discovered tacos! They were easy to make, always vegetarian, and absolutely delicious. (Don’t worry—she eventually warmed up to my decision and even started cooking for me!)

Tacos quickly became my go-to meal. Over the years, I’ve explored countless variations that make tacos so versatile and universally loved. Whether you fill them with savory meats, fresh vegetables, or succulent seafood, there’s a taco for everyone. And what better way to elevate your taco experience than pairing it with the perfect beer?

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular types of tacos—from classic meat options to creative vegetarian versions. We’ll also suggest the best beers to pair with each type, enhancing their unique flavors. Whether you’re hosting a taco party, a family gathering, or a relaxed dinner, these pairings are sure to impress!

Types of Tacos and Suggested Beer Pairings

MEAT TACOS

Taco al Pastor (Marinated Pork with Pineapple)

- Description: A quintessential Mexican taco, al pastor features thinly sliced, marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, with pineapple pieces adding a burst of sweetness.
- Suggested Beer Pairing: Mexican Lager like Modelo Especial. The crisp, clean taste of a Mexican lager cuts through the rich, spicy marinade while balancing the sweetness of the pineapple.

Taco de Birria (Slow-Cooked Beef or Goat)

- - Description: Birria tacos have gained immense popularity in recent years. They are typically made with slow-cooked beef or goat, marinated in a rich, savory broth full of chilies and spices. Served with a side of consommé for dipping, these tacos are flavorful and juicy.
  - Suggested Beer Pairing: Porter or Stout. A dark, malty beer like a porter or stout complements the deep, savory flavors of birria while standing up to the spices. The slight sweetness and roasted notes in the beer pair beautifully with the broth’s richness.

Taco de Carne Asada (Grilled Steak)

- Description: Carne asada tacos are made with grilled, marinated steak that is often seasoned with lime juice, garlic, and various spices. These tacos are juicy and full of flavor.
- Suggested Beer Pairing: Pale Ale or IPA. A pale ale or IPA, with its hoppy bitterness, cuts through the richness of the steak and balances out the spices, providing a refreshing contrast to the smoky, charred flavors.

Taco de Pollo (Grilled Chicken)

- Description: Grilled chicken tacos are a popular and versatile choice, often seasoned with a blend of citrus, garlic, and mild spices. They can be dressed up with a variety of toppings like pico de gallo, avocado, and queso fresco.
- Suggested Beer Pairing: Blonde Ale or Wheat Beer. These lighter beers have a mild sweetness and a refreshing finish that complement the zesty and slightly smoky flavors of grilled chicken.

Taco de Carnitas (Slow-Cooked Pork)

- Description: Carnitas tacos feature tender, slow-cooked pork that is crisped up just before serving, providing a delicious mix of textures. These tacos are rich, savory, and perfect with a squeeze of lime.
- Suggested Beer Pairing: Vienna Lager or Amber Ale. The malt-forward profile of these beers pairs well with the richness of carnitas, enhancing the caramelized notes and providing a clean finish.

Taco de Barbacoa (Slow-Cooked Beef)

- Description: Barbacoa tacos are made with slow-cooked beef that has been seasoned with a variety of spices and often has a smoky flavor. This taco is juicy, tender, and full of deep, rich flavors.
- Suggested Beer Pairing: Stout or Porter. The deep, roasted malt flavors in these beers complement the smoky, tender beef, while their slightly sweet undertones balance the savory spices.

VEGETARIAN TACOS

Taco de Hongos (Grilled Mushrooms)
- Description: These tacos feature grilled or sautéed mushrooms, often with a mix of onions, garlic, and spices. Mushrooms provide a meaty texture and rich umami flavor, making them a great choice for vegetarians.
- Suggested Beer Pairing: Brown Ale or Amber Ale. The malty sweetness and nutty notes in these beers complement the earthy flavor of mushrooms and add depth to the taco’s profile.

Taco de Calabacitas (Zucchini, Squash, and Corn)

- Description: A delicious combination of zucchini, squash, and corn, these tacos are light, fresh, and perfect for summer. Often seasoned with lime, cilantro, and a bit of chili for heat.
- Suggested Beer Pairing: Blonde Ale or Pilsner. These light and crisp beers highlight the fresh, sweet flavors of the vegetables without overpowering them, making for a refreshing pairing.

Taco de Rajas (Roasted Poblano Peppers)

- Description: Rajas tacos are made with strips of roasted poblano peppers, often combined with onions, cheese, and sometimes cream. They are smoky, slightly spicy, and creamy.
- Suggested Beer Pairing: Hefeweizen or Wheat Beer. The soft, fruity notes in these beers contrast the smoky, spicy flavors of the peppers and cut through the creaminess of the cheese.

Taco de Frijoles (Black Beans and Tomatoes)

- Description: A classic vegetarian taco, filled with seasoned black beans, tomatoes, onions, and sometimes topped with queso fresco or avocado. It’s hearty, flavorful, and simple.
- Suggested Beer Pairing: American Pale Ale. The mild bitterness and citrusy notes of a pale ale balance the richness of the beans and provide a refreshing finish.

SEAFOOD TACOS

Taco de Pescado (Grilled Fish)

- Description: Grilled fish tacos, often made with white fish like tilapia or mahi-mahi, are typically topped with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and a zesty lime crema.
- Suggested Beer Pairing: Cerveza Clara (Light Mexican Lager) or Pale Lager. The light, crisp qualities of these beers complement the delicate flavor of the fish and enhance the fresh toppings.

Taco de Camarones (Grilled Shrimp)

- Description: Grilled shrimp tacos are juicy and flavorful, often spiced with chili, garlic, and lime. They are commonly paired with fresh vegetables or fruit salsas.
- Suggested Beer Pairing: Hazy IPA or Pale Ale. The citrus and tropical fruit notes in these beers pair well with the shrimp’s sweetness and the zesty toppings, enhancing the overall freshness.

Taco de Pulpo (Octopus)

- Description: Octopus tacos are a more unique option, often grilled or sautéed with garlic, lime, and a hint of chili. They are chewy, flavorful, and sometimes smoky.
- Suggested Beer Pairing: Saison or Farmhouse Ale. These beers have a complex profile with slight tartness and peppery notes that complement the octopus’s flavors, creating a dynamic pairing.

Taco de Pescado Empanizado (Breaded Fish)

- Description: Breaded fish tacos, typically with battered and fried white fish, are crunchy and savory. Topped with cabbage, creamy sauces, and salsas.
- Suggested Beer Pairing: Pilsner or Kolsch. The crisp, clean finish of these beers cuts through the fried coating and pairs well with the fish’s mild flavor, adding a refreshing touch.

Beer Pairing Basics for Tacos

Pairing beer with tacos is all about finding the right balance between flavors, textures, and intensity. Here are some general principles to keep in mind when choosing the perfect beer to accompany your tacos:

Match Intensity: Pair lighter tacos with lighter beers and heavier, richer tacos with more robust beers. For example, a simple grilled fish taco goes well with a light lager, while a rich, slow-cooked birria taco pairs better with a bolder beer like a stout or a porter.
Complement or Contrast Flavors: Consider whether you want your beer to complement the flavors of your taco or provide a contrast. A citrusy IPA can highlight the zest of a lime-infused shrimp taco, while a malty amber ale can contrast nicely with a spicy carnitas taco.
Consider the Tortilla: The type of tortilla used in your taco can also influence your beer choice. Corn tortillas have a sweeter, earthier flavor that pairs well with crisp, clean beers like pilsners or wheat ales. Flour tortillas, being more neutral, can pair with a broader range of beers, from lagers to IPAs.
Think About the Toppings: Toppings like salsas, cheese, crema, and avocado can add layers of complexity to your taco. Fresh, acidic toppings pair well with hop-forward beers, while creamy or cheese-heavy tacos might benefit from beers with a more malty backbone.
Heat Level Matters: If you love spice, choose beers that can either amplify the heat or cool it down. Pale ales, IPAs, and lagers with higher carbonation levels can cut through the spice and refresh the palate, while sweeter beers like amber ales or stouts can help mellow out the heat.
Experiment and Have Fun: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to pairing beer with tacos. The most important thing is to experiment and find what you enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or just trying something new, don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles of beer to see what works best with your favorite tacos.

By keeping these basics in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to create memorable taco and beer pairings that enhance both the food and the beer, elevating your overall dining experience.

Conclusion

Tacos are more than just a meal; they are a canvas for culinary creativity and a symbol of community, culture, and gathering. With so many varieties—ranging from the rich, slow-cooked flavors of birria to the fresh, light crunch of a pescado taco—there is a taco to suit every taste. By exploring the art of pairing these delicious tacos with the perfect beer, you can elevate your taco experience to new heights.

Whether you’re hosting a taco party, celebrating a family gathering, or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home, the right beer can enhance the flavors, complement the textures, and bring out the best in your taco creations. We hope this guide inspires you to get creative in the kitchen, explore new flavors, and discover your own perfect taco and beer pairings.

Don’t forget to share your own taco and beer combinations with us and your friends. Cheers to delicious tacos, great beer, and memorable moments!