Who says beer is only for happy hour? While a mimosa or Bloody Mary might be the go-to for brunch, a well-chosen beer can be just as delightful—if not better—when paired with your morning meal.
Whether you’re indulging in a lazy weekend brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply embracing a more adventurous breakfast experience, the right beer can elevate your meal to new heights.
From rich, coffee-infused stouts that mimic your morning cup of joe to crisp, citrusy wheat beers that brighten up fruit-forward dishes, breakfast beers offer a range of flavors that complement everything from eggs and bacon to waffles and smoked salmon.
The best part? There’s a beer for every breakfast style, whether you prefer something light and refreshing or dark and decadent.
So, if you’re ready to ditch the rules and explore the world of breakfast-friendly brews, this list of the 15 best beers to have with breakfast is your ultimate guide.
1. Founders Breakfast Stout
Combining rich flavors of coffee, chocolate, and oats, this stout is smooth yet robust, making it a brilliant partner for a variety of breakfast dishes. Imagine the bitter coffee notes enhancing the sweetness of pancakes drizzled with syrup, or the chocolate undertones complementing crispy bacon.
This beer’s bold flavors make it a match made in heaven with a hearty egg dish, adding depth to the meal. The oatmeal aspect adds a comforting touch, reminiscent of a warm breakfast porridge. Pairing it with breakfast transforms a simple morning routine into an indulgent experience.
Enjoy Founders Breakfast Stout at a leisurely brunch, where its complexity can be savored. This stout proves that beer isn’t reserved just for evening meals, but can be a delightful morning treat as well.
2. Allagash White
Allagash White is a Belgian-style wheat ale known for its light and refreshing character. Its subtle citrus and spice notes make it an excellent choice for pairing with delicate breakfast items. The beer’s crispness complements eggs Benedict beautifully, cutting through the richness of hollandaise sauce.
For those with a sweet tooth, Allagash White works wonders with a fruit-topped waffle, enhancing the fresh fruit flavors while providing a gentle hint of spice. Its versatility extends to pairing with a simple bagel topped with cream cheese, where its light body doesn’t overwhelm but rather complements.
Ideal for a sunny weekend brunch, Allagash White’s refreshing qualities make it a delight to sip slowly alongside your morning spread.
3. Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro
Its slightly sweet profile pairs excellently with rich breakfast dishes like French toast. The creaminess of the stout complements the eggy bread, while its subtle sweetness enhances the syrupy goodness.
If you’re in the mood for a buttery croissant, this milk stout will elevate the experience. The beer’s texture mirrors the flakiness of the pastry, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Its gentle chocolate notes add a layer of indulgence to each bite, making breakfast a little more special.
This stout’s nitro finish gives it a creamy head and smooth taste, perfect for those who appreciate a luxurious mouthfeel.
4. Bell’s Oatmeal Stout
This stout is perfect for a leisurely breakfast at home, where its warmth and depth can be fully appreciated.
Bell’s Oatmeal Stout is the epitome of coziness in a glass. Its roasted malt flavors provide a comforting backdrop for a variety of breakfast favorites. Enjoy it alongside a bowl of oatmeal or granola, where its earthy notes complement the grains beautifully.
Banana pancakes find an ideal partner in this stout. The banana’s sweetness is balanced by the beer’s roasted undertones, making each bite a delightful experience.
5. Blue Moon Belgian White
Blue Moon Belgian White, with its zesty citrus-forward character, is a refreshing choice for breakfast. The wheat beer’s bright flavors are perfect with a fruit salad, accentuating the natural sweetness and tartness of fresh fruits.
Avocado toast becomes a gourmet experience when paired with Blue Moon. The beer’s crispness cuts through the creamy avocado, while its citrus notes add a refreshing touch. Eggs served with salsa also benefit from Blue Moon’s vibrant profile, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
6. Guinness Draught
Guinness Draught is known for its smoothness, making it a surprisingly suitable accompaniment for breakfast. Its creamy texture and deep roasted flavors complement a full English breakfast beautifully, enhancing the taste of hearty components like sausages and black pudding.
The beer’s mild bitterness pairs well with steak and eggs, cutting through the richness and adding a layer of complexity to the meal.
Despite its robust appearance, Guinness is not overly heavy, making it a versatile option for various morning dishes.
7. Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier
Serve Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier at a brunch gathering, where its lively character can be enjoyed by all.
It’s a German wheat beer that brings a touch of tradition to the breakfast table. Its banana and clove notes make it a fantastic match for sweet treats like cinnamon rolls. The beer’s effervescence balances the richness of the pastry, while its spice enhances the cinnamon.
Banana bread finds an ideal partner in this hefeweizen, where the beer’s fruity profile complements the bread’s moist texture and flavors. This pairing elevates your breakfast to a delightful gourmet experience, perfect for leisurely mornings.
8. Maple Bacon Coffee Porter
Maple Bacon Coffee Porter from Funky Buddha Brewery is literally crafted for breakfast indulgence. Its bold flavors of maple syrup, coffee, and bacon make it an unbeatable pairing for morning meals. Imagine sipping this porter alongside a plate of waffles generously topped with syrup and crispy bacon.
The beer’s coffee notes add depth to eggs and sausage, creating a balanced and flavorful experience. Each sip enhances the savory and sweet elements of the meal, making breakfast feel like a feast.
Perfect for weekend brunches, this porter’s unique flavor profile makes it a standout choice. Its delightful combination of breakfast-inspired notes brings a playful touch to traditional morning fare, ensuring your breakfast is anything but ordinary.
9. Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout
For a warm and comforting breakfast, enjoy this stout with a bowl of cinnamon oatmeal. The beer’s roasted malt flavors blend seamlessly with the spice, creating a harmonious taste sensation. This pairing transforms a simple breakfast into a cozy and indulgent treat.
Ideal for chilly mornings, Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout brings depth and warmth to your breakfast table. Its smooth texture and complex flavors make it a perfect companion for those who appreciate a rich and satisfying start to their day.
10. Ommegang Three Philosophers
Ommegang Three Philosophers is a Belgian quadrupel that brings richness and complexity to the breakfast table. Its slightly fruity and malty character pairs beautifully with chocolate chip muffins, enhancing their sweetness and adding depth to each bite.
For a more savory option, this beer complements a cheese-and-fruit platter. The beer’s robust flavors balance the creaminess of cheeses and the sweetness of fresh fruit, creating a sophisticated breakfast experience.
Its complex profile makes it a standout choice for those who appreciate a beer that can hold its own alongside refined breakfast dishes.
11. Victory Golden Monkey
Its unique flavors make the Golden Monkey an excellent choice for a breakfast pairing with smoked salmon. The beer’s spice complements the fish’s rich taste, creating a balanced and flavorful combination.
Eggs Florentine also benefit from this tripel’s intricate profile, where the beer’s richness complements the creamy hollandaise sauce beautifully. A ham-and-cheese croissant becomes a gourmet treat with Victory Golden Monkey, as the beer’s flavors enhance the savory and buttery tones.
12. Erdinger Weissbier
Erdinger Weissbier is a crisp German wheat beer that’s perfect for lighter breakfast options. Its refreshing taste pairs beautifully with a light omelet, where the beer’s effervescence complements the dish’s delicate flavors.
For a wholesome breakfast, enjoy this beer with a bowl of granola or yogurt drizzled with honey. The beer’s subtle fruit notes enhance the natural sweetness of these dishes, making breakfast a delightful experience.
Ideal for those who prefer a lighter start to their day, Erdinger Weissbier brings a touch of refreshment to your morning routine.
13. Dogfish Head Midas Touch
Perfect for special occasions, Dogfish Head Midas Touch offers a distinct and refined flavor profile. Its sweet and slightly floral notes make it an excellent choice for pairing with pastries. The beer’s complexity enhances the buttery layers of croissants and other baked goods.
For a decadent breakfast, pair this ale with a honey-drizzled scone. The beer’s honey profile mirrors the sweetness of the scone, creating a harmonious and indulgent taste experience. This pairing brings a touch of luxury to your morning meal.
14. Hoegaarden Witbier
Hoegaarden Witbier is a crisp and citrusy wheat beer that pairs wonderfully with healthy breakfast options. Its refreshing profile complements an acai bowl, enhancing the flavors of fresh berries and granola.
Ricotta pancakes find an ideal partner in this witbier, where the beer’s citrus notes cut through the creaminess of the ricotta. The subtle herbal undertones of Hoegaarden add a layer of complexity to each bite, making breakfast a delightful experience.
15. Negra Modelo
This Vienna lager is known for its smooth and malty character. Its rich flavors make it a perfect match for hearty breakfast dishes like chilaquiles. The beer’s malty notes complement the spiciness of the dish, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Huevos rancheros also pair well with Negra Modelo, where the beer’s smooth profile enhances the savory and spicy elements. For those who enjoy a breakfast burrito, this lager’s flavors add depth and complexity, turning a simple dish into a gourmet delight.
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