Ethan Brooks
The combination of beer and eggs, known as egg in the ol' beer, has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. While it may seem unusual, this pairing has both medicinal and culinary origins and continues to be popular among beer enthusiasts. The practice of adding eggs to beer has given rise to unique beer styles, such as Gose and Oyster Stout, that include eggs or eggshells as ingredients. In terms of food pairings, a stout, especially an imperial stout, pairs well with a steak and egg breakfast, complementing the earthy and dark flavors of the steak. On the other hand, a michelada, an acidic and spicy beer cocktail, can add balance to the dish, cutting through the richness of the egg yolk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Beer pairing for steak and eggs | Stout, especially an imperial stout, or a michelada |
| Beer pairing for a breakfast sandwich | Gose, such as Leipziger Gose or Anderson Valley's The Kimmie, The Yink & The Holy Gose |
| Beer pairing for Mexican-style dishes, such as huevos rancheros | Michelada, made with a light, Mexican-style beer, such as Pacifico, Sol or Modelo Especial |
| Beer pairing for bagel and lox | Altbier, such as Scurry from Off Color Brewing, or a Mission Amber Ale |
| Beer pairing for pancakes and waffles | Brown ale, such as Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale or Dogfish Head's Palo Santo Marron |
| Beer pairing for fruit and yogurt | Bière de Garde |
| Egg in beer | The egg yolk can change the texture of the drink, making it creamy and frothy. It can also add nutritional value, but it is important to note that the body only absorbs 51% of the protein in a raw egg compared to a cooked one. |
| Health benefits of egg in beer | The cysteine in the egg may help reduce the production of acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol consumption that contributes to hangovers. |
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What You'll Learn
The history of drinking beer with breakfast
Drinking beer with breakfast has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly in England and Belgium. During this period, people often consumed a type of beer known as "small beer," which had a low alcohol content, typically under 3% ABV. It was commonly believed that beer was healthier and more nourishing than water, and it provided essential calories and hydration for people engaged in manual labour and physically demanding jobs. The practice of drinking beer with breakfast continued well into modern times in various parts of the world, including Germany, Austria, Ireland, and England.
In Germany and Austria, the tradition of "frühschoppen" involves a breakfast of wheat beer, pretzels, white sausages, pickles, and mustard. This tradition is deeply rooted in Bavarian culture and is even enjoyed by world leaders like former US President Barack Obama, who partook in a "weisswurst frühstück" during a visit to the region. Frühschoppen has become a popular brunch option in these regions, typically served with Hefeweizen, also known as "bottled bread."
In Ireland, "early houses" or pubs licensed to open as early as 7 am, served beer and a traditional Irish breakfast to fishermen and dockworkers as early as the 1920s. This tradition provided workers with the fuel and strength they needed to start their day. Similarly, in Wallonia, the French-speaking region of Belgium, farmers brewed "saison," a low-alcohol beer, to keep seasonal workers full and hydrated during the hot afternoons of harvest season.
While the practice of drinking beer with breakfast may have waned in some parts of the world, it still holds cultural significance in others. The acceptance of breakfast beer varies across different societies and time periods. For example, in some countries, it may be considered acceptable to drink beer at the airport in the early morning, regardless of the local drinking customs.
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The health benefits of drinking beer with raw eggs
Although it may seem like an unusual combination, drinking beer with raw eggs has been a practice that dates back hundreds of years. This unique pairing, often referred to as a "flip," involves cracking a raw egg into a glass of beer. While the health benefits of moderate beer consumption are widely recognised, the addition of raw eggs may raise concerns due to the potential risk of bacterial contamination, such as Salmonella. However, when consumed responsibly, there are some surprising health advantages to this combination.
Firstly, beer is known for its positive impact on heart health. Numerous studies have linked moderate beer consumption to a reduced risk of heart disease. Beer contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants that protect the heart's cells from damage. Additionally, the presence of HDL or "good" cholesterol in beer helps to increase these levels in the body while removing harmful LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.
Raw eggs also contribute to heart health by providing essential nutrients like choline and HDL cholesterol. Choline is crucial for brain development and cardiovascular health. However, it is important to note that the body's absorption rate of choline from raw eggs is lower than that of cooked eggs. Additionally, raw eggs contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are antioxidants that protect the eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases.
Combining beer and raw eggs offers a unique set of health benefits. Historically, this combination was believed to possess medicinal properties, especially in treating colds and flu. The egg was thought to help clear particulates in cloudy beers, resulting in a clearer beverage. Additionally, the practice of consuming beer with raw eggs in the morning, often accompanied by a shot of whiskey, was once popular among labourers in the early 1800s. Known as the "Miner's Breakfast" or "Irish Breakfast," this combination provided a boost of energy to power them through their demanding workdays.
While the health benefits of moderate beer consumption and the nutritional value of raw eggs are recognised, it is important to approach this combination with caution. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to various health issues, including addiction, depression, and anxiety. Similarly, consuming raw eggs carries the risk of bacterial contamination, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems or specific health conditions. Therefore, when considering the potential health benefits of drinking beer with raw eggs, it is essential to prioritise moderation and consult relevant health guidelines and experts.
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The best beers to pair with steak and eggs
When it comes to steak and eggs, there are two ways to go about pairing a beer: heavy or light. If you want to lean into the hearty, earthy flavours of a steak and eggs breakfast, you might opt for a stout, specifically an imperial stout. This style of beer is heavy and woody, with notes of coffee, mocha and liquorice that complement the rich, savoury flavours of the dish.
If you're looking for something a little more refreshing, a michelada could be the answer. This beer cocktail is acidic and spicy, making it a great match for the marbling of a ribeye. The light, Mexican-style beer used in a michelada can also help to balance the richness of a runny egg yolk.
When pairing beer with food, it's a good idea to match the intensity of the beer to the intensity of the dish. A fattier cut of steak, for example, might call for a stronger beer with a tart or bitter profile, while a leaner cut might be better suited to a lighter-bodied beer. A pilsner, for instance, is a light, low-alcohol lager that pairs well with a variety of foods.
If you're looking for something a little more unconventional, a hefeweizen could be a fun pairing for steak and eggs. This style of beer is cloudy and golden, with notes of banana, clove and black pepper. The robust beef flavour and tender bite of a flat iron steak can stand up to these unique flavours.
For those who prefer their beers light and refreshing, a wheat beer or lager could be a perfect match for steak and eggs. These styles of beer are known for their palate-cleansing properties, ensuring that you can savour every bite of your breakfast.
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The 'Miner's Breakfast' and other egg-beer combinations
The practice of adding eggs to beer, known as "egg in the ol' beer", has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. In the 1800s, it was common to start the day with a morning beer, and the addition of eggs was believed to provide health benefits. This tradition has given rise to beer styles like Gose and Oyster Stout that include eggs or eggshells as ingredients. Here are some popular egg-beer combinations:
The Miners Breakfast
The Miners Breakfast, also known as the Irish Breakfast, originated in the early 1800s in northeastern Pennsylvania mining towns. It consists of two raw eggs cracked into a beer, served with a shot of whiskey on the side. This combination was believed to be a soothing chaser after the whiskey. The drink spread across the East Coast of the United States and is still available in bars across the country, particularly on the East Coast.
Malta Con Huevo
In Chile, you'll find Malta Con Huevo, a concoction of dark malt beer, sugar, and cracked eggs. This combination creates a unique texture and flavour that is enjoyed by locals.
Flips
Flips are made with liquor, beer, or wine, along with egg yolks, hot water, and sugar. They were popular in the early 1800s and are still enjoyed today, especially in cold climates. The addition of liquor was believed to kill any salmonella risks associated with raw egg consumption.
Possets
Possets are made by whipping eggs with cream, sugar, and beer or wine. They were used medicinally to treat colds and flu, and were also believed to boost libido. Possets are famously consumed in Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and "The Merry Wives of Windsor".
While the combination of egg and beer may seem unusual, it has a long history and continues to be enjoyed by beer enthusiasts worldwide. These unique egg-beer combinations showcase the diverse culinary traditions found across the globe.
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The use of eggs in beer as a hangover cure
While there is no consensus on the effectiveness of eggs as a hangover cure, eggs are believed to contain high amounts of cysteine, an amino acid that helps break down acetaldehyde, the cause of hangovers. Eggs are also packed with minerals that help the body get rid of toxins accumulated from drinking. In addition, eggs are a good source of protein, providing a boost of energy.
The practice of adding eggs to beer is called a "flip" and dates back to the 1690s. It involves cracking a raw egg into a glass of beer, which is then drunk with the egg sliding to the bottom of the glass. The egg can also be gently bitten into before swallowing. This combination was believed to be a cure for colds and flu, as well as a way to clear cloudy beers.
The "flip" has had various names over the years, including the "graveyard cocktail", "spring tonic", and most commonly, "the miner's breakfast". This drink typically consisted of two raw eggs cracked into a beer, served with a shot of whiskey on the side. It was consumed as early as 5 am by labourers in mining towns in northeastern Pennsylvania and later spread throughout the East Coast.
While the raw egg in beer may not be a cure for hangovers, eggs are a common feature of breakfasts aimed at curing hangovers. For example, a classic New York hangover cure is an egg and cheese bagel sandwich, often paired with coffee or orange juice.
When pairing beer with breakfast, it is important to consider the flavours and textures of the meal. For instance, a stout beer pairs well with a steak and egg breakfast, while a michelada, a beer cocktail, complements Mexican dishes such as huevos rancheros.
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Frequently asked questions
To augment a steak's earthy, dark flavors, try a stout—especially an imperial stout—that's heavy and woody, with coffee, mocha, and licorice notes. If you want to go light, try a michelada: an acidic and spicy beer cocktail that should melt your most marbled ribeye.
The practice of adding eggs to beer has both medicinal and culinary origins and dates back to the 17th century. In the early 1800s, a drink called the Miner's Breakfast, which consisted of two raw eggs cracked into a beer, was popular in northeastern Pennsylvania mining towns. The drink was served with a shot of whiskey on the side.
The protein in eggs can increase the nutritional value of your beer, making the beverage more filling. Some also believe that drinking a beer with eggs can help cure a hangover.
