As much as I hate to admit it, I can't deny that fast food is a huge part of my life. The bad news is that I am not alone. In fact, over 25 percent of Americans consume fast food every day.
This got me thinking...
What type of wine are these fast foodies enjoying with their Big Macs and Gordita Supremes? Here are some wine pairing suggestions to help everyday wine drinkers tackle these drive through dining decisions:
Hamburgers:
Like most Americans, I am a huge burger buff. Big Macs, Whoppers, and In-N-Out Double Doubles are among my favorite bun busting burger choices. Depending on your taste, these beautiful burgers pair with anything from Syrah to Cab Franc. Nothing adds a touch of class to an otherwise ordinary fast food meal like a bottle of Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon to wash down one of these fattening fists full of fun. Try it and you'll never see Ronald McDonald the same!
Mc Rib:
This sweetly sauced gelatinous shell of what a BBQ rib sandwich should be has plagued the McDonalds menus for too many years. These sub shaped sandwiches are messy enough without adding alcohol to the mix. If you are feeling daring enough to chance your brand new white shirt, grab a bottle of spicy Zinfandel and go to town. One way or another, this is sure to be an experience you won't want to forget.
Side Items:
If you enjoy your Chicken McNuggets plain, pair them with a nice Pinot Grigio. If you like 'em with a bit of sweet n spicy tang, then put them with a Zinfandel instead. Don't forget about alternative side items such as Mac N Cheese with a buttery Chardonnay, Campbell's Bean n Bacon Soup with Châteauneuf-du-Pape or my personal favorite, salty potato chips with a dry sparkling wine or a champagne preferably.
Salad:
Looking for a healthier option? If so, you won't want to eat that Chicken Caesar Salad once you destroy it with tubs of dressing, handfulls of croutons, and pounds of shedded cheese. If you still decide to eat this pathetic excuse for a salad, combine it with a Chardonnay or even a Sauvignon Blanc. Crisp, light, and refreshing is the key... at least that was the point before everything was added on top.
Pizza:
Who doesn't like a nice slice of pizza at the end of a long day or even for a quick lunch on the run? The next time you are dining on this delivery delight, toast a glass of Cabernet Franc or Syrah. Either wine will be a welcome treat to wash down your tossed crust pie piled high with your favorite toppings. Also, don't forget the anchovies!
Italian:
Although I am not sure if this fits in the "fast food" category, Spaghetti still deserves a special wine selection. The next time you take out this Italian dish, wash down these slippery strands by sipping on a glass of soft Chianti. Although Chianti's Italian heritage makes sense, feel free to pair any other soft red. Just make sure to watch out for runaway meatballs!
Mexican:
Who said that you can't drink wine with Taco Bell? Tempranillo or Grenache makes a great counterpart to a Crunchwrap Supreme or Meximelt. Like to spice things up? Try a nice Riesling or Chardonnay when applying copious amounts of those little Hot or Fire sauce packets on your meal. This combination will leave you refreshed but be careful. Overdo it and you'll be running for the border in no time!
Wings:
If you are like me, you like a good spicy chicken wing and a cold glass of beer. Feel like changing things up? Try a glass of cool Viognier, Riesling, or Chardonnay instead. All three are guaranteed to take the edge off of the hot sauce before it sears your taste buds into oblivion. One word of caution, if you are at Hooters, stick to the beer. This is not the place to try this experiment.
Chinese Food:
Who doesn't like those soggy little Chinese Food takeout containers with the flimsy metal handles. The next time you take home your Kung Pow Chicken, pair it with a cool Riesling. Not a fan of the Kung Pow? This sweet wine works well with any of the items marked by the little chili peppers. Riesling's sweet spot is perfect for complimenting these dishes while also refreshing the palate.
Fried Chicken:
Whether it's original or extra crispy, a cool Chardonnay will butter your biscuits while dining on the Colonial's secret recipe. The chicken may be finger lickin' good, but this wine combo will have you licking every last drop from your glass too. 
BBQ:
If Sonny's BBQ Restaurant had a wine list, they would only need one type of wine: Zinfandel. This smokey vino rocks the BBQ pit better than any other grape. I wonder if Sonny's has a corking fee?
What's your favorite fast food pairing? Click here to share your favorite fast food pairing and maybe even find a new favorite.
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10 comments:
Very cool post! I recently had a Cava with potato chips. And if I get fast food delivery, I often will have wine with it. Though I enjoy Sake with some of the spicier foods, like Thai.
Thank you Richard!
There are so many fun fast food pairings, I couldn't name them all. I can't believe that I totally left out sake... excellent choice! :)
Anyone up for some burgers with Caymus?
Cheers!
I also believe that Sonny's would serve White Zinfandel. It just seems that they would. Of course they would also serve it in those giant plastic ice tea cups.
Hello tampawinewoman!
White Zin in a plastic ice tea cup? Now that's what I call Southern Lemonade! It just wouldn't be a fine restaurant with White Zin! :)
Cheers!
Chinese food without a glass of wine - a sin! Love the new look of the site - headed your way in the next month or so, so look out for me so I can take you and your better half out for a bite to eat (and a glass or two of wine.
Eileen (@TIQ1)
Hi Randy,
Nothing says "Quarter Pounder" like Carlo Rossi! Double Doubles are best paired with first growth Bordeaux in my opinion. Lafite and French fries?
Interesting concept.
Hello Eileen!
I totally agree! In fact most of my meals whether they are gourmet or to-go are accompanied by some sort of wine.
Really glad you like the new site design... it's much easier to work with for me too!
You are correct, she is definitely my BETTER half! :) We'd love to meet you and break bread... just let me know when you are in town!
Cheers!
Hello Innovative Wine!
Does that same pairing work if the 2x2's are ordered Animal Style? :)
Lafite and French fries just makes sense although I think you have to call them frites when you eat them with Bordeaux!
Cheers!
Had to really think hard on this. I gave up the BK and Mickey D's about four years ago along with hot dogs.
I still do pizza with mushrooms and always with a nice bottle of Chianti.
Until this year I did not do wine with Chinese. As you know I was a red only guy and just never found a red to go with chow mein. Now I do open a Sauvignon Blanc or a Gewurz' with the spicy noodles. But, it's hard to find a Chinese Restaurant that serves a good wine, so it's usually with take-out.
Hello Joe!
I have the same problem with the Chinese food... in fact, most of the ones by me don't even deliver. Can't beat that Gewurz' + spice combo!
Cheers!
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