The Boozy Liquids You Should Be Steaming Lobster Tails In

Steaming places the tail on a rack just above simmering liquid, producing tender meat that’s hard to overcook. But while the technique is reliable, the cooking liquid itself often goes unnoticed. Adding a little wine or beer to the pot infuses the lobster with extra flavor and acidity that complements the natural sweetness of the meat — and is especially welcome when you serve the tail with butter.

A small splash is all you need. The goal is to enhance, not overpower, the delicate lobster flavor; too much wine or beer will dominate the meat. Use sparingly — a few tablespoons to a cup, depending on pot size — so the alcohol and aromatics lift rather than drown the lobster.

Which wines and beers work best?

Not all wines and beers will produce the same result. Saed News recommends matching the spirit to the balance you want on the plate. Dry, lighter white wines — with their higher acidity — help cut the richness of lobster and add a bright, subtle tang. Red wine can bring a bolder character, but its stronger profile will show more obviously in the finished meat.

Beers follow the same logic: a neutral lager (for example, a lighter, less assertive brew) will add moisture without changing the lobster’s flavor too much, while an amber ale will impart more pronounced, malty notes. Choose the style that complements the meal you’re building — if you’d happily drink it alongside the lobster, it will probably work well for steaming it, too.

Avoid cooking wine. Saed News cautions that bottles sold as “cooking wine” often contain additives and inferior flavors that won’t improve the lobster. When in doubt, steam with a drinking-quality beer or wine you enjoy.

A final tip

Keep the addition modest, pat the lobster dry before steaming, and remember the aim: a subtle layer of complementary flavor. With a splash of the right booze, a simple steam can taste that much more special.