There’s something universally comforting about a good burger. Whether it's made with juicy ground beef, grilled chicken, plant-based patties, or even bison, burgers are a staple of Canadian cookouts, backyard barbecues, and summer weekends at the cottage. And while we often put plenty of thought into toppings and condiments (ketchup or chipotle mayo? Cheddar or Swiss?), we don’t always consider what to drink alongside.
The right beverage can elevate a burger from fast-food fare to a gourmet experience. Whether you're sipping on something alcoholic or staying dry, here's a guide to the best drinks to pair with burgers—written with a Canadian flavour, naturally.
1. Beer and Burgers: A Classic Combo
Let’s be honest—beer and burgers are a match made in patio heaven. The carbonation, bitterness, and maltiness of beer help cut through the richness of a juicy burger, cleanse the palate, and amplify flavours. But the best beer depends on the burger style.
Lager
A clean, crisp lager is the Swiss Army knife of burger pairings. It goes well with a traditional beef burger loaded with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mustard. Its mild bitterness and refreshing finish make it perfect for balancing out salty bacon or tangy sauces. Grab a Canadian classic like Moosehead or Steam Whistle Pilsner for an easy win.
Pale Ale
For burgers with sharp cheddar, caramelized onions, or a touch of sweetness (like barbecue sauce), a hoppy pale ale is ideal. The bitterness brings balance, and citrusy hops cut the richness. Ontario’s Muskoka Brewery or British Columbia’s Phillips make excellent options.
IPA (India Pale Ale)
Got a spicy burger on your hands? Think jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese. A bold IPA with tropical or citrus hops can tame the heat and highlight the complexity. Look for juicy or hazy IPAs to soften the bitterness slightly while keeping the flavour impact high.
Stout or Porter
For those indulgent burgers loaded with blue cheese, mushrooms, or smoked bacon, reach for a stout or porter. The roasted malt character complements umami-rich ingredients and can echo the smoky char of the grill. A dark ale from a craft favourite like Quebec’s Dieu du Ciel! or Alberta’s Alley Kat Brewing brings depth and warmth.
2. Wine and Burgers: An Elevated Experience
While beer is a burger’s best buddy, wine can add a touch of sophistication—without sacrificing fun. The key is to choose wines with good acidity, fruit-forward notes, and enough body to match the heartiness of a burger.
Zinfandel
Bold, fruity, and a little spicy, Zinfandel pairs wonderfully with burgers topped with barbecue sauce or sweet-and-spicy elements like caramelized onions and chipotle mayo. Its jammy red fruit and peppery finish can stand up to big flavours.
Cabernet Sauvignon
For a beef burger with classic toppings, Cabernet Sauvignon is a reliable pairing. It’s full-bodied and tannic, which helps cleanse the palate of fat, and its blackcurrant and cedar notes match beautifully with grilled meat.
Rosé
Rosé—especially dry, crisp versions—is incredibly versatile. It pairs nicely with turkey or veggie burgers and complements lighter toppings like goat cheese, arugula, or avocado. Bonus: it’s patio-perfect and refreshingly cold.
Sparkling Wine
Yes, bubbles and burgers are a thing. The acidity and effervescence of sparkling wine make it a great palate cleanser and a fun match for salty toppings like bacon, pickles, or crispy onions. Try a dry Prosecco or a Canadian sparkling rosé for an unexpected twist.
3. Cocktails and Burgers: Mix It Up
If you’re feeling festive, cocktails can offer bold and balanced flavours that elevate your burger experience. Here are a few cocktail pairings that go beyond the basics.
Caesar
Is it even a Canadian cookout without a Caesar? This savoury cocktail—with its clamato base, Worcestershire, hot sauce, and vodka—complements burgers with spicy or smoky toppings. Garnish it with a pepperoncini or bacon strip to double down on the burger vibes.
Whisky Sour
A burger with maple-glazed bacon or brown sugar barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with a classic whisky sour. The citrus cuts the sweetness and fat, while the rye or bourbon adds a rich, oaky depth.
Gin and Tonic
Light and crisp, a G&T is a smart match for grilled chicken or veggie burgers. Add a splash of cucumber or rosemary syrup for a botanical twist that mirrors fresh toppings like lettuce, cucumber, or herbs.
Margarita
Pair a spicy Southwest-style burger with a tart and salty margarita. The acidity from the lime and the savoury notes of tequila are perfect for smoky chipotle mayo or jalapeño-laced beef.
4. Non-Alcoholic Options: All the Flavour, None of the Buzz
You don’t need booze to enjoy a delicious burger pairing. From fizzy sodas to crafted mocktails, there are plenty of satisfying non-alcoholic beverages that go toe-to-toe with burger flavours.
Craft Root Beer
A rich, slightly spicy root beer adds a nostalgic, indulgent touch to a burger meal—especially with bacon or smoky barbecue sauce. Look for small-batch Canadian versions that use real cane sugar for better depth.
Iced Tea (Sweetened or Unsweetened)
Black iced tea with lemon is a fantastic palate cleanser, especially with grilled burgers. For a twist, try steeping it with mint or serving it with a splash of peach syrup for a refreshing Southern-style take.
Sparkling Water with Citrus or Herbs
For a clean, fresh option, sparkling water infused with lime, cucumber, or basil can reset your palate between bites without overpowering flavours.
Mocktails
Mix fresh fruit juice with soda water, herbs, or bitters to create a custom mocktail. A blend of cranberry juice, lime, and mint over ice can add zing to a veggie or turkey burger, while a ginger and pineapple concoction suits a teriyaki-inspired beef burger.
5. Pairing by Burger Type
To make things even easier, here’s a quick cheat sheet for matching drinks to different burger styles:
| Burger Style | Best Pairing |
|---|---|
| Classic Beef Cheeseburger | Lager, Cab Sauv, Old-Fashioned |
| Bacon & BBQ Burger | Stout, Zinfandel, Whisky Sour |
| Spicy Southwest Burger | IPA, Margarita, Caesar |
| Veggie or Vegan Burger | Pale Ale, Rosé, Sparkling Water with Herbs |
| Chicken or Turkey Burger | Wheat Beer, Chardonnay, Gin and Tonic |
There’s no one-size-fits-all drink for burgers—just like there’s no single perfect burger. The beauty lies in the mix-and-match nature of it all. Whether you’re grilling up beef burgers in Banff, flipping veggie patties in Vancouver, or serving sliders on a Toronto balcony, the right drink can make every bite even better.
So next time you're firing up the grill or planning burger night, think beyond the burger itself. Pop a cold beer, pour a glass of wine, or shake up a cocktail—and savour how your drink brings your burger to life.
Cheers to good eats, cold drinks, and great Canadian summer nights!
