The leaves are turning, the air’s getting crisp, and let’s be honest, your group text is already buzzing about who’s bringing what to Friendsgiving. Whether you’re hosting the whole crew or just showing up with a killer side dish and a six-pack, this is the season to elevate your holiday table with something more exciting than boxed wine or grocery store beer.
At Cohort Craft Brewery, we’re all about crafting bold, flavorful brews that pair perfectly with real food and real people. From our gluten-free options to our seasonal meads and hop-forward IPAs, we’ve got something for every dish and every vibe. So, let’s talk pairings—because your stuffing deserves better.
Turkey & Tradition: The IPA Remix
Let’s start with the centerpiece: turkey. Whether it’s roasted, smoked, or even deep-fried, turkey is a blank canvas for flavor. And nothing brings out the savory, herbaceous notes of a well-seasoned bird like a juicy IPA.
Our Overcast! IPA (7.4% ABV, 30 IBU) is a hazy, citrus-forward brew that cuts through the richness of gravy and stuffing with bright tropical notes. If you’re going bold with spice or smoke, try the Partly Overcast! IPA, which layers in passionfruit and sweet fruit for a more complex bite.
For those who like their hops with a little edge, the Pink Pony Club IPA (6.5% ABV, 70 IBU) brings a punchy bitterness that stands up to garlic mashed potatoes and roasted root veggies. It’s the IPA that says, “I brought the good beer,” without having to say anything at all.
Gluten-Free & Glorious: Options That Include Everyone
We get it—gluten-free guests deserve more than cider and sadness. That’s why we’ve crafted options that are both inclusive and delicious.
Our Strawberry Fields Forever Mead (4.5% ABV) is light, fruity, and naturally gluten-free. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with cranberry sauce, glazed carrots, and even pumpkin pie. Mead is having a moment, and this one’s ready for its close-up.
Another standout is the Cranberry Hibiscus Craft Mead (5.5% ABV), which brings tart, floral notes that complement the tangy-sweet flavors of holiday sides. It’s like the grown-up version of your favorite cranberry cocktail—minus the sugar crash.
And if you’re looking for something crisp and crushable, the Beercan Lager (4.2% ABV, 12 IBU) is a gluten-reduced option that’s light enough for daytime sipping but flavorful enough to hold its own next to a charcuterie board.
Sweets & Spirits: Dessert Pairings That Slap
Let’s talk dessert. Pies, cookies, cakes… But instead of reaching for coffee or eggnog, try pairing your sweets with something unexpected.
The Sign “O” the Times Pastry Stout (4.5% ABV, 25 IBU) is loaded with coconut, vanilla, and marshmallow. It’s basically dessert in a glass and pairs like a dream with pecan pie, chocolate cake, or toasted s’mores if you’re doing a bonfire thing.
For apple pie or spiced desserts, the Chai Me A River Mead (6.5% ABV) is a fall favorite. Made with South Dakota honey, apples, and chai tea, it’s warm, aromatic, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s the kind of drink that makes you want to put on a flannel and write poetry about leaves.
Sides, Snacks & Sips: The Unexpected Heroes
Holiday meals aren’t just about the main event. Sides and snacks deserve love too—and the right beer can turn a good dish into a great one.
Try the Lavish Habits Sour (6.5% ABV, 10 IBU) with tangy goat cheese, cranberry brie bites, or anything involving puff pastry. It’s tart, dry, and layered with cinnamon and citrus—basically, it’s the cool cousin of your average sour.
For buttery rolls, mac and cheese, or creamy dips, the Fine Malt Lyrics Pale Ale (5% ABV, 43 IBU) offers a balanced bitterness that refreshes your palate without overpowering the dish. It’s the beer you sip between bites and say, “Damn, that’s good.”
And if you’re going full comfort food mode, the Wellerman Stout (4.2% ABV, 15 IBU) is a dry Irish stout that pairs beautifully with savory dishes like mushroom gravy, shepherd’s pie, or anything involving caramelized onions.
Hill City Vibes: Smaller Menu, Big Flavor
If you’re heading to our Hill City location, the menu’s a bit more curated, but still packed with flavor. The PYT Kellerbier (5.5% ABV, 21 IBU) is a smooth, slightly hazy lager that pairs well with roasted meats, buttery sides, and even smoked salmon.
And of course, the Overcast IPA makes an appearance here too, because some beers are just too good to keep in one zip code.
Bring Cohort to the Table
Whether you’re planning a full feast or just showing up with a six-pack and a smile, Cohort’s got your back. Our beers, meads, and spirits are crafted to complement real food and real moments. So, this holiday season, skip the generic and go local. Go bold. Go Cohort.
Explore our full food menu here and start planning your pairings. Your taste buds and your guests will thank you.
What’s On the Cohort Menu?
