The Best Craft Beer Pairings for the Holidays at Maui Brewing Co.
It's merrier in paradise. Bring some aloha magic to the holidays by booking a getaway to Hawaii this year. Everybody knows that palm trees trimmed in tinsel, stockings hung by the bonfire and waves as zesty as candy canes make holidays unforgettable. And everyone should spend a holiday season by the beach instead of hunkering down at home at least once!
Plan a three-day weekend in Waikiki that packs in fun, sun, relaxation and life-changing food, or stay a little longer for some weeklong fun. One of our favorite spots for holiday cheer is the famed Maui Brewing Co., Hawaii's largest craft brewery and the heart of the Hawaiian craft-brewing scene.
The love of Hawaiian culture is evident in everything that Maui Brewing Co. produces. In fact, Garrett Marrero founded the buzzed-about brewery 15 years ago after falling in love with the islands. He was inspired to open a first-of-its-kind authentic Hawaiian "watering hole" after discovering that the beer he was drinking during his blissful visit was brought in from the mainland.
If you can't make it to Hawaii this year, you can bring a taste of the tropics to your holiday celebration. Here are some amazing holiday pairings inspired by the menu at Hawaii's largest craft brewery. Enjoy!
Paring #1: Seared Ahi and Peach Mango Caprese Salad + Pau Hana Pilsner
This supple, lightly seared ahi takes just six minutes to prepare! We suggest serving it with a delicious peach mango caprese salad. The fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil are brought to life by the sweet twist of mango. This menu is proof that healthy eating can be quick and thrilling!
Pair with the Pau Hana Pilsner, with a bright-straw hue with an aroma characterized by soft noble hops. It's a classic European pilsner with a sweet-and-spicy balance. Its clean, crisp flavor profile with the slightest cracker finish is amazing with fish.
Pairing #2: Grilled Misoyaki Fish With Daikon-Apple Slaw + Bikini Blonde Lager
This flavorful dish brings the right amount of "kick" to your plate (ad your palette!). If you can't find daikon, you can substitute either white radish or jicama. The pale-gold Bikini Blonde Lager has a clean, crisp and refreshing flavor that balances so perfectly with the tanginess of this creation.
Pairing #3: Brussels Sprouts Pizza with Cherries & Bacon + Big Swell IPA
Bring out your inner chef! This pizza is impressive enough to take center stage at your holiday dinner —yet easy enough for a quick weeknight meal. Pair it with a beer offering big flavor like the Big Swell IPA. With a deep-gold appearance, this beer merges hops with floral and citrus flavors. In addition to a smooth taste with bursts of tropical flavor, this beer blends in some piney hop notes.
Pairing #4: Warm Honey Toast With Vanilla Ice Cream + Pineapple Mana Wheat
A sweet snack like this requires a sweet, mellow beer with a touch of wheat haze to leave you in a state of holiday bliss. Start with a unique warm honey toast, add ice cream, and then top with tropical fruits (Pineapple, Mango, and Papaya) for the ultimate treat! The Pineapple Mana Wheat is a light-gold beer that brings a sweet, fruity flavor with just a hint of tartness. Its smooth-bodied flavor embodies the relaxation of spending your favorite wintertime holidays by the beach.
Join us at Waikiki Beachcomber for more craft beer (and craft-cool design) this season!
