From Bubbles to Blends: Top Beverages to Enjoy with Your Fries

Good food tastes better with great company. So do french fries with the right drinks. The right drink can turn your fries into a next-level snack!

This blog explores the A to Z of which beverages perfectly complement your favorite fries and why they do. Whether it’s fizzy soda or smooth milkshake drinks create harmony with your fries  — you’ll get to know everything about the drinks to wash down your BurgerFi meal! 

Why Drink Pairings Matter with Fries

The salty crunch of fries begs for a refreshing companion and here is everything you should try:

• Balancing Flavors with the Right Drink

The taste and texture of fries become more delicious when you get the drink on the mark. For example, soda drinks enhance your food experience and help you digest food easily. 

Your love for mingling sweet and sour items is backed by science. Researchers call it the “flavor layer effect.” A 2011 study reports that sodium-glucose cotransporters (the component that registers saltiness) on our taste buds activate in the presence of sugar only. 

This is why when you combine your fries with sweet, sour, or refreshing beverages, your fries taste better. 

Cultural Beverage Pairings with Fries

You’ll be shocked to hear that cultural traditions play a huge role in shaping these pairings of fries and drinks. Here’s a list for your convenience:

• Belgium: The duo of fries and beer is the most popular here. 

 

• France: A glass of dry Champagne or a light Beaujolais wine is how the French complement their fries. 

 

• Germany: A pilsner beer or a spritzer with fries is seen on almost every German restaurant menu.

 

• United States: Fries in the USA have a never-ending love story with classic cola, a hoppy IPA, or a root beer float. 

 

• Canada: Canadians like their poutine – french fries, cheese curds, and gravy – with sparkling wine or a fruity cider with fries. 

 

• Japan: Japanese prefer a cup of cold green tea or a Japanese lager with a light flavor and fries. 

 

• South Korea: A Korean soju with a spicy dipping sauce is what they like. 

 

The crux of these pairings is to balance the richness of the fries with the carbonation in the drink. We will keep this in mind for the pairings we 

Fizz It Up: Carbonated Drinks for Your Fries

In the matter of finding the best companion for fries, carbonated beverages come first in the row. These beverages are the master in balancing the salty and rich flavors perfectly. Here are the top options:

• Classic Sodas:

Just like bread and butter is the timeless and classic food pairing, colas are the never-changing companion to fries. The sweetness and fizzy bubbles cut through the saltiness and crunch to maintain a delightful balance. This duo has become a staple at almost every Burger joint. At BurgerFi, you can pair your fries with Coke, Sprite, or if you are calorie-conscious, a Diet Coke. And if you are in the mood to experiment, try our Freestyle Floats – Signature Vanilla Frozen Custard topped with your choice of 165+ Coca-Cola Freestyle options!

• Sparkling Water and Lemon:

Sparkling water or seltzer offers a refreshing contrast with the richness of fries. When you add a squeeze of lemon or lime, you get a citrusy twist elevating the overall experience. This is the best alternative for those who prefer sugarless beverages. 

Dairy-Based Beverages for a Creamy Combo

Pairing crunchy fries with creamy beverages is always fun. This indulgent combo is hard to resist. Here’s why they create an irresistible combo:

• Milkshakes

The creamy milkshake contrasts beautifully with crispy fries. Whether it’s chocolate for rich depth, vanilla for smoothness, or strawberry for fruity sweetness, a milkshake with fries is a must-try combo. 

• Classic Milk

If you want a simpler but traditional pairing, a cold glass of milk is the right choice. It’s a contrast to the saltiness of fries. Milk doesn’t overwhelm the taste of the fries and is a satisfying match, especially for kids. 

Non-Alcoholic Smoothies and Juices

Pairing your fries with non-alcoholic smoothies and fruit juices is the perfect way to elevate the nutrient profile of your meal. These refreshing and wholesome mates make your snack experience even better:

• Fruit Smoothies

Strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, and mango, smoothies deliver a mixture of sweetness and natural acidity. This contrasts with the savory taste of fries. 

• Fresh Juices

Freshly extracted juices from oranges, apples, tomatoes, and grapes are always a go-to-, especially with a plate of fries. Their natural sweetness and zest cleanse the palate easily. The oiliness of fried food easily balances with the citrusy and tangy zing of freshly picked fruits. If you are at BurgerFi with your kids, make sure to order a natural juice for them to finish their gourmet meal. 

The Best Alcoholic Beverages to Pair with Fries

If you’re an adult, pairing fries with alcoholic beverages takes the humble dish to the next level. Explore the gourmet experience with these options: 

• Beer

Among beers, the light lagers or pale ales form the classic couple with fries. If you’ve ever been to Belgium, you know how this popular pairing enhances the overall food experience. Light lagers fit wonderfully with plain fries and pale ales bring out the best in loaded fries with toppings like cheese or bacon. 

• Wine

Wine with fries is surprisingly a delightful match. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements best the saltiness and oiliness of fries. Its zesty acidity cuts through the oil of the fries. Fries with light rosé create a more playful pairing. Wine adds a touch of elegance to your fry indulgence. It’s a casual yet sophisticated treat.

• Cider

Want an equal alternative to beer? Cider is the go-to option. Its subtle sweetness pairs exceptionally well with salty fries.  Dry or semi-sweet ciders work best. It balances the flavors without overpowering the fries.

Ready for an Unforgettable Ride? 

Fries are great alone, but with the right drink, they become legendary. Just like burgers are alone tasty, a dip of sauce or mayo makes them flawless.

Want to relish this pre-eminent combo without breaking a sweat in the kitchen? Don’t worry! BurgerFi curates the best combination of fries. So whenever you feel like giving an unforgettable treat to your taste buds, drop by your nearest BurgerFi.