Cooking With Beer – Best Celebration IPA Recipes
Cooking With Beer – Best Celebration IPA Recipes
(Courtesy Sierra Nevada Brewing)
Every year, the return of Sierra Nevada’s Celebration IPA marks the advent of fall and winter’s inevitable arrival.
Crafted with freshly harvested, kiln-dried Cascade, Centennial, and Chinook hops, Sierra Nevada Celebration IPA, is a brilliant 6.8 % ABV Fresh Hop India Pale Ale and its annual return is always a reason for “celebration.”
Widely available throughout the holiday’s Celebration is also the perfect companion while you’re cooking. And the beer’s hop-forward brightness and subtle malt backbone can transform classic comfort food into something special.
Sierra Nevada’s Celebration IPA has always been about freshness and flavor—two things that matter just as much in cooking as in brewing. Whether you’re braising, baking, or basting, its hop-forward punch can elevate your dishes in unexpected ways.
Here are a few chef-tested, beer-geek-approved recipes that will make the most of this Fresh Hop masterpiece..
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Celebration IPA Beer Cheese Dip
Perfect for: Game days, potlucks, or “just one more” pretzel nights.
Melt sharp cheddar and Gruyère into a creamy blend with a cup of Celebration IPA for a sharp, hoppy bite. A touch of Dijon mustard and cayenne brings balance to the bitterness. Serve with soft pretzels, chips, or even roasted Brussels sprouts for a sneaky way to eat your veggies.
Pro tip: Let the beer come to room temp before whisking it in—it keeps the dip smooth, not frothy.
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IPA-Braised Short Ribs
Perfect for: Slow Sunday dinners with a West Coast twist.
Sear beef short ribs, then braise them low and slow in Celebration IPA, beef stock, onions, and rosemary. The hops cut through the richness, while the caramel malts deepen the gravy’s flavor. Serve over mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for pure winter comfort.
Bonus pairing: Pour yourself a fresh Celebration alongside—it echoes the dish’s earthy bitterness.
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Celebration IPA Shrimp Tacos
Perfect for: Breaking up the heavy holiday menu.
Marinate shrimp in a mix of IPA, lime juice, garlic, and chili powder, then sear quickly in a cast-iron pan. Top with shredded cabbage, cilantro, and a drizzle of chipotle crema. The beer’s citrusy hops play beautifully with the heat.
Upgrade move: Toss a few jalapeños in the pan with the shrimp—IPA handles spice like a champ.
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Hoppy Caramelized Onion Pizza
Perfect for: Casual Friday with a craft twist.
Simmer sliced onions in a splash of Celebration IPA until sweet and sticky, then spread them over a pizza crust with mozzarella, Gorgonzola, and fresh thyme. The beer brings a subtle hop bite that cuts through the cheese’s richness.
Optional but encouraged: Pair with a pint while the pizza bakes—research purposes.
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Celebration IPA Sticky Toffee Pudding
Perfect for: When you want to impress without trying too hard.
Replace part of the boiling water in your toffee sauce with Celebration IPA. The hops bring out roasted, nutty notes in the brown sugar and dates, while the beer’s malt sweetness rounds out the bitterness. A dollop of whipped cream (or a scoop of vanilla ice cream) seals the deal.
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And while we’re at it, there’s also this…
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