Ask Betty: Beer Substitute

Cooking with beer adds both flavor and color depending on the dish you are making and the beer you are using. However, for grilling chicken on the can, you don’t actually have to use beer. There are plenty of canned beverages that will work well with this method of cooking. Try lemon-lime soda, cola or even apple or orange juice. You just need to make sure that the can is big enough to fit inside the bird and that the bird is light enough to sit up. A standard-size soda or beer can works great in a 3- to 4-pound bird. Whether you cook with beer or another canned beverage, you do need to pour out or drink about half of the liquid.

Have fun grilling!