Why put BEER in chili?

Grapes in tomato based sauce? I can't see how that would be a plus. I just think restaurants do it to appeal to the chi-chi crowd, in much the same manner that adding beer to chili would appeal to macho beer drinkers. The two markets might after all correlate very well.
 
Me though I dismiss both as marketing gimmicks and order something else.
 

 
 

I use an IPA

Why add plain water when you could add something that would actually add flavor to the dish.  I do add a darker or amber beer to deglaze my chili pot after browning the meat.  It adds richness to the dish

I never use water

Hepcat


Grapes in tomato based sauce? I can't see how that would be a plus. I just think restaurants do it to appeal to the chi-chi crowd, in much the same manner that adding beer to chili would appeal to macho beer drinkers. The two markets might after all correlate very well.

Me though I dismiss both as marketing gimmicks and order something else.

 
As I recall, Clemenza added red wine to the tomato-based pasta gravy he made for his "soldiers" when they "went to the matresses". 

My Italian Grandma frequently added a little homemade red wine (grandpa made it) into the Sunday gravy. It's a fairly common add in. I do it often, Good Italian cooking!...oh and I sometimes put beer in our chili...

ChrisOC


I always have trouble trying to smoke the beer.

You are using cheap rolling paper!

LOL, Tom!

I don't think it taste any better putting chili on beer. Sounds awkward for me never tried doing so.

Hops, as found in a good IPA, do ad a nice edge

Great way to put the beer. I liked the way.
Please share more tips, I think it's not worked well.