Perfect Drink Pairings for Crab Dishes

Traditionally, crab is a food to be shared with family and friends. The perfect addition to any crab feast is a full glass of wine or pint of your favorite beer. Pair your next crab dish with these wine and beer drinks and the whole gang is sure to eat, drink and be merry.

Perfect Wine Pairings for Crab

Nothing says “summertime” like fresh-picked crab meat, crab cakes or crab legs shared with family and friends. The only thing to make your crab meal more enjoyable is a delicious glass of wine.

Best wine pairings for crab cakes, fresh crab meat and crab legs:

•    Sauvignon Blanc – White
•    Riesling – White
•    Chardonnay - White
•    Champagne

The crisp, fresh and light flavors of white wine make it the perfect accompaniment to a spring or summer crab meal. There is an old rule of, “white wine with white meat,” which holds true in the case of crab. The light, fruit flavors of the white wine won’t overpower the flavors of the crab, and the light style of the wine compliments the lightness of a crab meal.

Best wine pairings for crab soups, and heavier crab dishes:

•    Shiraz/Syrah – Dry, red table wine
•    Cabernet Sauvignon – Red
•    Rosé – Dry wine, pink in color

The bold, warm flavors of a red wine add spice to any crab meal, but pair particularly well with crab soups, stews and casserole dishes. For those who prefer red wines to white wines, a glass of red compliments dishes such as crab cakes as well. Just be prepared for the extra spice and warmth to accompany the rich crab flavors.

Perfect Beer Pairings for Crab

Sometimes a glass of wine doesn’t quite fit the mood. For those occasions, a full-bodied beer compliments favorite crab dishes perfectly.

Best beer pairings for crab dishes:

•    Bass – British Pale Ale
•    Guinness – Irish Draught
•    Budweiser – Light American Lager

Flavors of beer vary greatly. But, depending on your mood and favorite brew, just about any full-bodied beer compliments your favorite crab dish wonderfully. Light ales and lagers are the ideal accompaniment for fried crab dishes and darker, heavier brews add body and richness to crab salads, appetizers or sandwiches.

Crab, paired with your (or your friends’) favorite beer or wine makes the perfect food gift. Or, if you are looking for a gourmet dinner delivered, try adding your favorite wine or beer and some fresh crab to spice up the meal and make it your own.