Cheeseburgers Pairing Challenge – The Vote

Who Doesn’t Have Cheeseburger Cravings?

There are very few foods that I actually crave.  That, like a heroin addict, once I get the tasteful desire in my head I have to fulfill it.  Cheeseburgers are one of those foods.  In fact, right now I’m craving one just typing this post.  All my brain can think about is a huge hunkin’ patty of ground beef; crunchy lettuce and dill pickles; a soft, fluffy bun; tangy cheese; and a squirt of catsup and mustard.  My mouth is starting to water, and my stomach is starting to grumble.

Deep breath…  It’s not even lunch…  And I had a large breakfast…  But what if bacon is added?  Or a fried egg?  How about sautéed mushrooms and grilled onions?  Fresh jalapenos anyone?  OMG!  I just went to food paradise.

What’s Your Favorite Beer or Wine Pairing with Cheeseburgers?

Thankfully, cheeseburgers have been rescued from the gray matter (which probably isn’t even meat) that we grew up knowing as a hamburger patty from McDonald’s, Burger King, etc.  The lifeless forms of patties in the fast food world have been replaced with a new era of quick burger joints like Smashburger, BT’s, and Five Guys.  Burgers are now cool (Probably even hipster approved) and sometimes even upscale like the $1,700 burger found in London.

Which is the Best Wine or Craft Beer Pairing with Cheeseburgers?

Those cravings can now be met almost anywhere, at anytime.  Which is why I challenged readers to pair their favorite beer or wine with Cheeseburgers in Decembers Beer Versus Wine Challenge!  Here’s what you had to say!

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!!!  Winner of December’s Challenge receives a tasting kit from Negra Modelo like the one referenced here.  So, email your Mom, share of Facebook, tweet the world, maybe even Pinterest this post (you can use those floating share buttons to your left).  You want to win this challenge!

• A Famished Foodie – I’m going to go with the holiday spirit and suggest Abita Christmas Ale which is a big, dark ale that works well with rich food- especially a juicy burger topped with cheese.
• TalkAVino – I didn’t expect this from myself, but the first pairing which comes to mind is … beer! I would go with the nice, hearty Porter – I think it would be a great pairing no matter what toppings are used on that cheeseburger…
• Beer in My Belly – Hmm, this is a fun one. The beer suggestions have been nice so far, and I was tempted to try to pick up the torch of wine for talkavino, but a burger needs a beer… For me, I don’t tend to just eat a plain old burger any more. It needs to be high quality beef, and the toppings are usually extravagant. To bring it back to the classic cheeseburger, however, I think I’d go with a nice funky biere de garde. In particular, I’m thinking Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien by BFM (which has a long list of foods it would pair well with). The beer has near port-like qualities, but still comes across lighter, and has a brilliant tart twang, and a light acetic bite that will play nicely into the ketchup while contrasting the gooey cheese. Meanwhile, the caramel malts, the brown sugar, and the dark cherry notes will pair wonderfully with the rich burger. While the carbonation is near non-existent, its still there, and should help to lighten the heavy burger, while still allowing the palate to marvel at the burger’s qualities. I wouldn’t put this beer beside a McDonalds burger, but for a high quality cheeseburger, I think the beer would be a beautiful accompaniment.
• Escaping Our Comfort Zone (via Facebook) – Mmmmmm….I’m really a red girl. Doesn’t everything go well with a good Napa Cab? And if it doesn’t, why the heck would you want to eat it?
• Tiffany Young-McCavour (via Facebook) – Cline Zinfandel California goes great with a big juicy burger
• Wander and Wine – Well isn’t this is a nice change from the holiday ham and turkey, indeed! I’d go with a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon with my cheeseburger, something inexpensive yet hearty with dark fruit. If the cheeseburger has bacon on it (why wouldn’t it?!) then I’d pair it with a slightly smokey, juicy Rioja. I’ve been craving a burger so now I may just need to go out and get one to test out my answers! Cheers.
• If It Falls – Holy guacamole! All you southern boys need to visit Santa Fe and treat yourself to a Santa Fe Bite’s GREEN CHILI CHEESEBURGER. Book-end by a specially made sourdough bun this burger is a two-fister. I can guarant-damn-tee you it will be the best burger you’ve ever had. Pair with a Left Hand Brewery Polestar Pilsner – the true test of a brewer. Light, crisp and perfect with a burger.
• SAHMmelier (via Facebook)– Dry Creek Zin or Balard County Syrah.
• Jeffery Mark (via Instagram) – A Guinness float

The poles close on Wednesday, December 17.  The winner is announced on Thursday, December 18.