The Best Beer for New Year’s Eve
No matter what you’ve got planned for your New Year’s Eve celebrations, chances are it’ll involve popping open a bottle of champagne as the clock strikes midnight. Of course, it’s an age-old tradition, but have you considered choosing beer instead of champagne this year?
There’s another equally special (and bubbly) alternative for bringing in the New Year. You got it: beer. Here, get the complete lowdown on choosing the best beers for celebration, from seasonal delights to all-time classics and elegant champagne style beers.
Myth #1: beer isn’t festive enough for New Year’s Eve celebrations
Respectfully, we disagree. The amount of small, independent establishments and breweries out there prioritise quality, flavour, and innovation, making beer a unique and memorable choice for any celebration. What’s more, with a nice bottle of barley wine, imperial stout or a crisp lager poured from your BLADE beer tap, you can still find that festive ‘pop’ essential for any New Year’s Eve bash.
Myth #2: beer doesn’t pair well with food
From hoppy IPAs to crisp pilsners, amber ales and chocolatey stouts, beer comes in a huge spectrum of flavours. You can find the right beers to complement any New Year’s Eve menu, not just your classic pub snacks.
A glass of stout, for example, can really enhance the rich, charred flavours of a grilled porterhouse steak. Follow that with a German wheat beer, like the fruity Paulaner Weissbier, paired with a selection of cheeses to switch things up before dessert (check out our article on beer and cheese to learn more about this match made in heaven). And finally. To top it all off. A delicious Biramisu.
Myth #3: beer isn’t sophisticated
An integral part of the gastronomic world, beer is represented in highly regarded restaurants around the world. There are even Michelin starred restaurants offering beer pairings on their menus. If it’s aesthetics you’re worried about, that’s no issue either. Beer, especially champagne beer and blonde beer, can be enjoyed from a flute.
Beer cocktails are another great option. One of the most well-known, the Black Velvet, is made with stout and sparkling wine.
What is the best New Year’s Eve beer?
So, are you ready to swap the bubbly for beer this New Year’s Eve? Let’s explore some inspiring New Year beer ideas that will make your midnight toast unforgettable.
Champagne-style beers (aka Bière de Champagne)
If you're easing into the idea of choosing beer instead of champagne, this is your gateway. Also known as sparkling beer or champagne style beers, these are fermented in the bottle using traditional champagne methods. The result?
- Light, dry, and complex
- Lots of lively bubbles
- Elegant enough to toast with at midnight
Look for Brut IPAs, saison brewed with champagne yeast, or Belgian bière brut styles. These are truly some of the best beers for celebration.
IPAs (especially hoppy or fruity variants)
Want flavour with fireworks? A bold IPA brings citrus, pine, and a touch of bitterness — perfect for ringing in the new year. Great with party snacks, veggie dishes, or fried food.
Try: Gallia West IPA, available in our 5L draught kegs collection.
Blondes & belgian beers
Blonde ales and Belgian tripels balance spice, sweetness, and carbonation, making them versatile enough to go from appetisers to afters. They're great for gatherings where you need something approachable but special. They often come in 8–10% ABV, so you’re not short on celebration strength.
Try: Affligem Blonde, available in our selection of 8L BLADE kegs.
The best New Year’s Eve beers for the BLADE beer tap
Planning to serve your guests with perfectly poured draught beer? Here are some top picks from our current keg selection:
Lagunitas IPA
A legendary American brew, Lagunitas IPA is a hoppy showstopper with pine and citrus notes.
Edelweiss Wheat Beer
Light and smooth, Edelweiss Wheat Beer is a subtly spiced, seasonal number.
Birra Moretti Baffo d’Oro
Balanced and golden, the smooth malt finish of Birra Moretti Baffo D'Oro goes down a celebratory treat.
Gösser Zwickl
Unfiltered and smooth, Gösser Zwickl is an Austrian lager that brings plenty of festive freshness
Check out our full range of BLADE kegs for more New Year's inspiration.
More of the best New Year’s Eve beers
Other New Year's Eve beer styles to explore include:
- Stouts: dark and luxurious, stouts offer a velvety texture and flavours ranging from coffee and chocolate to imperial and oatmeal variations.
- Sours: beers like Berliner Weisse, Goses, and Fruited Sours provide a refreshing, unique and tangy twist to your New Year’s Eve celebrations.
- Barleywines: for those seeking a robust and higher-alcohol option, barleywines boast malt-forward profiles with notes of caramel, toffee, and dark fruits.
- Craft Lager: crisp and clean, craft lagers provide a lighter alternative. Opt for Pilsners, Helles, or Vienna lagers for easy-drinking refreshment.
Why beer wins New Year’s Eve
So, why choose beer instead of champagne this year?
More variety
From crisp and light to dark and decadent, there are endless New Year beer ideas to suit every guest.
Food-friendly
Easier to pair with party food and finger food
More affordable
Many of the best beers for celebration deliver premium quality without champagne pricing.
Perfect for home draught
With BLADE, you can serve ice-cold beer all night long
As the countdown begins, raise something unexpected. Something with fizz, flavour and personality. This year, choose beer instead of champagne and explore the world of champagne style beers and other New Year beer ideas that make midnight truly memorable.