With the American Football Finals just around the corner, it's time to plan your menu. Yes, because there's no way you’re cooking during the game and missing the kick that will change everything. With than in mind, we’ve got make-ahead recipes and pairings for the occasion: classic finger foods and some vegetarian and healthier options, for those who are in resolution mode. Enjoy the match and may the best team win! 

What to drink with chicken wings
Several possibilities here. The classic wings and beer, but also a local pairing with a cider. And finally a tone-on-tone pairing with an orange wine, a wing-and-wine if you will.

  1. Aventinus Strong
    Aventinus Strong Russet Ale | 500 ml Germany
    $4.40
    Not available Online Available In store

BBQ chicken wings + russet beer

To refresh the palate of a slightly spicy chicken wing, nothing beats a good beer. Like this russet from Germany with a more intense profile, but balanced by typical accents of sweet spices, currants and banana. A sweet and spicy side that will give a nice response to your barbecue wings.

See the recipe: BBQ chicken wings

  1. Taste tag : Fruity and vibrant
    Au Pied de Cochon À Côté
    Origine Québec
    Au Pied de Cochon À Côté Sparkling cider | 750 ml Canada , Quebec
    Taste tag : Fruity and vibrant Fruity and vibrant
    $19.45
    Available Online Available In store

Asian-style chicken wings + cider

If Asian dishes usually find their happiness alongside a sweet wine with a touch of residual sugar, these soy-honey-ginger wings will benefit from the same winning match with this cider dosed with maple syrup. Signed Au Pied de Cochon, it seduces with its fine and very pleasant effervescence. 

See the recipe : Chicken wings with soya, honey and ginger

  1. Taste tag : Fruity and vibrant
    Altolandon Enrosado Manchuela
    Cellier Product
    Altolandon Enrosado Manchuela 2023 White wine | 750 ml Spain , Le Plateau (Meseta)
    Taste tag : Fruity and vibrant Fruity and vibrant
    $19.25
    Available Online Available In store

Vegetarian buffalo "wings" + orange wine 

This sweet and spicy classic with its delicious creamy ranch sauce will tempt even the most carnivorous match partner. Especially if served with this pretty orange (and organic!) wine from Spain.  A thirst-quenching wine which announces itself with a delectable attack of green apple, perfect to temper the heat.  

See the recipe: Decadent buffalo cauliflower wings

When we say football, you say ribs
We all know ribs are finger-licking good and the perfect dish to watch the game. Plus, they’re the best excuse for a winter barbecue.

  1. Taste tag : Fruity and light
    Leitz Zero Point Five Pinot Noir < 0.5%
    Leitz Zero Point Five Pinot Noir < 0.5% Red wine | 750 ml Germany , Badischer
    Taste tag : Fruity and light Fruity and light
    $14.75
    Available Online Available In store

Barbecue ribs + low-alcohol red wine

We propose a more unusual pairing with a dealcoholized Pinot Noir by Leitz, a producer who follows a rigorous process to preserve the original flavors and aromas. This red is full of fruit and balanced with a beautiful acidity. Serve it chilled to tame the heat. 

See the recipe: Barbecued pork ribs.

  1. Taste tag : Aromatic and robust
    Château de Cruzeau Pessac-Léognan
    Château de Cruzeau Pessac-Léognan 2023 Red wine | 750 ml France , Bordeaux
    Taste tag : Aromatic and robust Aromatic and robust
    $28.20
    Available Online Available In store

Ribs + aromatic and robust Bordeaux

For this delicious recipe with complex and intense aromas, we suggest this classic red. Thanks to its presence and overall balance, it’s part of our must-try selection. A gourmet pairing here!

See the recipe: Texas barbecue beef ribs with spiced rum sauce

  1. Taste tag : Aromatic and robust
    Avondale Jonty's Ducks Pekin Paarl
    Cellier Product
    Avondale Jonty's Ducks Pekin Paarl 2021 Red wine | 750 ml South Africa , Western Cape
    Taste tag : Aromatic and robust Aromatic and robust
    $17.55
    Available Online Available In store

Ribs and Californian salad + fruity red 

This lovely organic red from South Africa offers an explosion of fruit on the palate as well as a silky texture. A red with enough body and staying power, yet easy-drinking enough to accompany this very meaty dish with a certain freshness coming from its accompaniment. 

See the recipe: Spareribs, homemade barbecue sauce and californian salad

Football an chili: A chief choice
For some reason, watching sports on TV makes us want to eat things that aren't particularly healthy. But we can break this tradition with these two chili recipes; so fragrant and hearty that there’s no sacrifice in terms of flavour.

  1. Taste tag : Aromatic and mellow
    Gabriel Meffre Côtes du Rhône Laurus
    Cellier Product
    Gabriel Meffre Côtes du Rhône Laurus White wine | 750 ml France , Vallée du Rhône
    Taste tag : Aromatic and mellow Aromatic and mellow
    $21.50
    Available Online Available In store

Turkey and sweet potato chili + aromatic white wine  

We like this leaner white meat version, filled with vegetables and spices that makes it really comforting. With the sweetness of sweet potato, the fat and body of sharp cheddar and its high protein profile, this recipe requires a generous and aromatic white like those from the south of the Rhône Valley. 

See the recipe: Turkey and sweet potato chili au gratin

  1. Cazadores Margarita
    Cazadores Margarita Spirit-based cooler | 4 x 355 ml Mexico
    $13.00
    Sold out

Express vegetarian chili + margarita

If you're looking for a meat-free option, you won't be disappointed here. It’s packed with flavour thanks to chili, cumin and coriander. All spices that go wonderfully with a margarita, which you can make following this cocktail recipe, or buy this ready-to-drink cooler customers love. 
  

See the recipe: Express meatless chili

With so many great pairings to watch the football match with family or friends, all that is left is to wish you bon appetit!