Marinated chicken wings, deep-fried and slathered in sweet and spicy sauces, are among the most popular items served at bars and restaurants throughout the nation. Pairing them with the perfect drinks can bring out their flavors and make for an even more satisfying meal. Here are some beverages to order with this widely-beloved chicken dish. 

4 Drinks to Pair With Hot Wings

1. Wine

Wines such as riesling and white zinfandel have a fruit-forward flavor profile that can meld harmoniously with sweet and spicy sauces, such as mango habanero or honey hot. Prosecco, which is a sparkling wine, has a light body and crisp mouthfeel that may offset the crispy texture of the chicken skin. 

Bolder red wines such as Malbec and syrah have an intense, peppery finish that can enhance Jamaican jerk or lemon pepper seasonings on wings. 

2. Beer

Beer's ice-cold temperature and crisp texture can cool your mouth while you enjoy seasoned chicken coated in spicy sauces. Beers such as lager and pilsner feature a light body and mild flavors, making them perfect for washing down pieces of chicken without causing you to feel too full or overwhelming the flavors of the meat. 

These beers also have a malty sweetness and slight hop bitterness that can provide delicious flavor contrast with the salt and seasonings.

3. Cocktails 

Cocktails served chilled or on the rocks can cool down your lips and tongue after taking bites of succulent chicken covered in spicy sauces. A whiskey sour, for instance, features fruity and tarty flavors that may bring out the sweeter honey or tangy citrus notes in sauces. 

A martini made with gin or vodka can serve as a palate cleanser between bites of different types of wings, such as BBQ and garlic parmesan, and cut through the heat of sweet chili and honey-hot sauces. 

4. Soda

Whether enjoyed on their own or mixed with your favorite spirits, sodas feature carbonation that feels crisp on the tongue and can freshen up the mouth while enjoying wings. The sugars and syrups in these carbonated beverages may also provide a sweet flavor that contrasts the savory chicken marinades and chili peppers in sauces. 

When you're in the mood for hot wings paired with delicious beverages, head to Gilly's Sports Bar. Located in Atlanta, this bar and restaurant offers deep-fried chicken coated in house-made sauces along with happy hour drinks to patrons throughout the Dunwoody area. Call (770) 817-2789 to ask about daily food and drink specials, and visit the website to browse their menu of appetizers and entrees.