The Best Beers for Chili: Our Top Picks
Chili is warm, spicy and rich, so you want a beer that cools the heat and matches the depth without adding more bitterness. A crisp Mexican lager or a malty amber both work. Here are four that suit a big pot.
| Beer | Style | Our rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modelo Especial | Mexican Lager | 4.0/5 | Cooling the heat |
| New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale | Amber Ale | 4.1/5 | A malty balance |
| Dos Equis Especial | Mexican Lager | 3.5/5 | A clean, crisp match |
| Modelo Negra | Munich Dunkel | 3.9/5 | Toasty depth with beef |
Chili is all about heat and spice, so skip the bitter beers. A crisp or lightly sweet lager cools the burn instead of stoking it.
The Best Beers for Chili, Reviewed
Modelo Especial
The go-to. A crisp Mexican lager that cools the chilli heat and refreshes between spicy spoonfuls. Read the full Modelo Especial review.
- Crisp and clean
- Cuts through chilli heat
- Cheap and everywhere
- Light body
- Not for bold-flavour fans
New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale
Its toasty amber malt matches the deep, savoury base of a slow-cooked chili. Read the full New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale review.
- Biscuit malt with light hops
- Nicely balanced
- Easy craft option
- Middle of the road
- Less exciting than it once was
Dos Equis Especial
Light and clean, it is the easy-drinking option when the chili is really bringing the heat. Read the full Dos Equis Especial review.
- Clean and neutral
- Very drinkable
- Widely stocked
- Low on character
- Forgettable on its own
Modelo Negra
A Vienna-style dark lager with a bit more malt, lovely with a rich beef and bean chili. Read the full Modelo Negra review.
- Toasty caramel malt
- Smooth and easy
- Pairs with grilled meat
- Darker than some expect
- Still fairly mild
The pot for a slow-cooked chili
Chili gets better the longer and lower it cooks. A cast-iron pot holds a steady, gentle heat so the bottom never catches.
Chili and Beer: FAQs
What beer goes with chili?
A crisp or malty lager. Modelo Especial cools the heat, and Modelo Negra adds a toasty depth that suits a beefy chili.
Should I put beer in my chili?
A bottle of lager or amber in the pot adds body and a little sweetness. The same beers work with a plate of tacos.
Related pairings: beer with tacos, beer for a crawfish boil, beer for a BBQ.
