Deciding what to eat once you settle in at Wrigley Field is fun, and delicious. Pairing the perfect beverage with your ballpark meal is even better, even if you might be freezing your fingers off until May at this point.
To help fans enhance their culinary experience at Cubs games this season, RedEye asked Levy Restaurants beverage director Sean Parisi for his favorite combinations for several of this year’s menu additions as well as Friendly Confines staples.
Cotton candy
“Pair the sugary sweetness of the cotton candy with a fruity rum-based drink like a Bob Chinn’s mai tai. Since rum is distilled from sugar, you could kinda say it’s a cousin of cotton candy.”
Get it at: Most concession locations.
Cracker Jack
“Jack Daniel’s and ginger ale. Whiskey has lots of caramel notes that make a nice pairing with caramel corn. The Jack-and-ginger flavor combination provides a refreshing profile to balance the sweetness of the caramel corn and the saltiness of the peanuts.”
Get it at: Budweiser Bleacher Bar and Jack Daniel’s Patio in the upper deck.
Popcorn
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“The traditional ballpark pairing would be an ice-cold Budweiser. My preference is for a light, crisp and highly carbonated beverage to cut through the butter and saltiness of the popcorn. If you’re in the Audi Club, a pairing many might not consider is sparkling wine, as it is also light, crisp and highly carbonated with a flavor profile that pairs very well with popcorn and other salty snacks.”
Get it at: Most concession locations.
Buffalo chicken fries
“Goose Island Green Line pale ale. The spice of the buffalo chicken makes a more sessionable style of pale ale a great pairing. The hops profile is a bit more subtle than the IPA and offers a bit more assistance in balancing the heat of the Buffalo sauce.”
Get it at: Most concession locations.
Chicken sausage, diced tomatoes, basil, mozzarella pearls and balsamic glaze
“Barefoot pinot grigio. It’s a nice, silky white wine that is a classic pairing with caprese-inspired items.”
Get it at: Most concession locations.
Gilbert’s Aloha sausage
Chicken sausage, pineapple salsa, lime aioli, Cholula hot sauce and crushed potato chips
“There is something about fruit salsa and citrus flavors that make me think of the beach. And nothing is better on the beach than a cold Corona or frozen margarita. While it might not be beach weather just yet, we’re optimistic summer will come … eventually.”
Get it at: Select concession locations and beer portables.
Gilbert’s Beef and Cheddar Sausage
Smoked sausage, cheddar, mac ‘n’ cheese, bacon, barbecue sauce
“Goose Island IPA. You’re going to need a big beer to hold up to all the flavors we have exploding together on this sandwich.”
Get it at: Most concession locations.
Grand Slam BBQ Twist
“Barefoot cabernet sauvignon for wine drinkers and the Goose Island 4 Star pilsner for beer lovers. I like the approachable red fruit flavors and soft tannin of the Barefoot cabernet to complement the sandwich, but as most fans are probably looking for cold beer, the Goose Island 4 Star pilsner provides a great flavor profile with a lighter, crisper and easier-drinking profile than its pale ale and IPA counterparts, which helps it cut through the smokiness and sweetness of the barbecue.”
Get it at: Various concession locations.
Joe Maddon Third Base hoagie
“Chicago Dog Bloody Mary. The horseradish, tomato and condiment components of the drink make a great complement to this awesome sandwich.”
Get it at: Various concession locations.
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