As the sun starts to shine brighter and the temperatures rise, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing beer cocktail to quench your thirst on a hot summer day. But why settle for just any old beer when you can elevate it into a deliciously unique drink? From classic combinations to innovative twists, we’ve rounded up 18 mouth-watering beer cocktails that are sure to become your new go-to summer sippers.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the world of beer-based beverages, exploring everything from margaritas and shandies to sangrias and spritzers. Whether you’re a beer aficionado or just looking for a fun and easy way to cool off, these recipes are sure to impress. So grab your favorite brew, get creative, and let’s dive into the world of refreshing beer cocktails!
Beer Margarita with Lime and Salt
This Beer Margarita recipe combines the tanginess of lime juice, the saltiness of sea salt, and the crispness of beer to create a unique and delicious cocktail. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you want to mix things up.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– 4-6 ounces lager or pilsner beer
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Top with beer and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Shandy with Lemonade and Lager
This classic summer drink combines the sweetness of lemonade with the crispness of lager beer, creating a perfect thirst quencher for hot days. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create this refreshing beverage in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups lemonade
– 1 cup lager beer (any style will do)
– Ice cubes
– Lemon slice or wedge (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the lemonade, leaving about an inch at the top.
3. Top off the glass with lager beer.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lemon slice or wedge, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready in just 1-2 minutes.
Enjoy your delicious Shandy with Lemonade and Lager!
Black Velvet with Stout and Champagne
Black Velvet is a classic cocktail that combines the richness of stout beer with the effervescence of champagne, creating a unique and sophisticated drink perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint Guinness or other dark stout
– 1 bottle champagne (such as Veuve Clicquot or Moët & Chandon)
– Optional: whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions:
1. Pour the Guinness into a glass or punch bowl.
2. Open the champagne and slowly pour it over the back of a spoon onto the stout, allowing the two liquids to mix together.
3. Serve immediately, as the drink will not keep its layered appearance for long.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just minutes.
Michelada with Tomato Juice and Spices
Elevate your beer game with this flavorful twist on the classic Mexican drink. This Spicy Michelada with Tomato Juice combines the richness of tomato juice with a kick of spice, perfect for those who like a little heat in their beverage.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups tomato juice
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup beer (any style)
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Cholula or Sriracha)
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lime wedges, for garnish
– Spicy salt, optional
Instructions:
1. In a large glass, combine tomato juice, lime juice, beer, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and garlic powder.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve immediately over ice with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of spicy salt, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and serve.
Radler with Grapefruit Soda and Pilsner
This refreshing Radler recipe combines the crispness of Pilsner beer with the tanginess of grapefruit soda, perfect for warm weather or any time you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 liter Pilsner beer
– 250ml grapefruit soda (such as Squirt)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Chill the Pilsner beer in the refrigerator.
2. Pour the chilled Pilsner into a glass filled with ice cubes.
3. Top the Pilsner with grapefruit soda, creating a layered effect.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None (just pour and serve!)
Beer Mojito with Mint and Lime
Refresh your senses with this unique twist on the classic mojito cocktail, featuring beer instead of soda water!
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz mint syrup (or 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves)
– 6 oz beer (any light-colored beer works well)
– Club soda
– Ice
– Lime wedges and sprigs of fresh mint for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint leaves or add the mint syrup to release the oils.
2. Add the lime juice, rum, and ice to the shaker. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
4. Pour in the beer, holding back the foam with your finger.
5. Top with club soda and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge and sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve as soon as you’ve assembled it.
Enjoy your refreshing Beer Mojito with Mint and Lime!
Boilermaker with Whiskey and Pale Ale
This classic cocktail is a perfect blend of smooth whiskey and crisp pale ale, making it a refreshing drink for any occasion. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the simple process to create a delicious Boilermaker.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 4-6 ounces pale ale
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour the whiskey over the ice.
3. Top the whiskey with pale ale, filling the glass to the desired level.
4. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to combine the ingredients.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None needed, as this is a cocktail recipe.
Red Beer with Bloody Mary Mix and Lager
This recipe combines the bold flavors of Bloody Mary mix with a crisp lager beer, creating a unique and refreshing drink perfect for any occasion. With its deep red color and savory flavor profile, Red Beer is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups lager beer (any type will do)
– 1/4 cup Bloody Mary mix
– Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the lager beer, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
3. Add the Bloody Mary mix and stir gently to combine.
4. Squeeze in a lime wedge, if desired, for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Cooking Time: None! Simply combine ingredients and serve chilled.
Beer Sangria with Fresh Fruit and Ale
Elevate your summer gatherings with this refreshing twist on traditional sangria. This beer-based recipe combines the flavors of ripe fruit, crisp ale, and a hint of citrus for a truly unique drinking experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of crisp pale ale (12 oz)
– 1 cup mixed fresh fruit (strawberries, grapes, pineapple, orange slices)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup Triple Sec or other orange-flavored liqueur
– 1 lemon, sliced
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the pale ale, mixed fruit, and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the Triple Sec and lemon slices to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve the Beer Sangria over ice in glasses and garnish with additional fruit, if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 hours 30 minutes
Hop Lemonade with IPA and Citrus
Elevate your lemonade game by infusing it with the hoppy goodness of an IPA and the brightness of citrus. This unique recipe combines the tanginess of traditional lemonade with the subtle bitterness of hops, making it a perfect summer refresher.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1/2 cup India Pale Ale (IPA)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– Ice cubes
– Sliced citrus fruits (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Add water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Open the IPA and pour 1/2 cup of it into the pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
4. Squeeze in the lime juice and stir again.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Serve the Hop Lemonade over ice and garnish with sliced citrus fruits, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required! Just chill and serve.
Beer Mimosa with Orange Juice and Wheat Beer
Elevate your brunch game with this unique beer-based take on the classic mimosa. Combining the crispness of wheat beer with the sweetness of orange juice, this recipe is perfect for a warm day or a celebratory toast.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of wheat beer (such as Allagash White)
– 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Chill the wheat beer in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the chilled beer and orange juice.
3. Add the granulated sugar if desired to balance out the flavors.
4. Stir gently to combine and chill the mixture for an additional 10-15 minutes.
5. Serve the Beer Mimosa in glasses filled with ice and garnish with a slice of orange or a sprig of mint, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Dark & Stormy Beer with Ginger Beer and Porter
Combine the richness of porter beer with the spicy kick of ginger beer for a unique and refreshing twist on the classic Dark ‘N’ Stormy cocktail. This recipe is perfect for those looking to mix things up on a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Porter Beer
– 4-6 oz Ginger Beer
– Lime Wedge (optional)
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the porter beer, leaving about an inch at the top.
3. Top the porter off with ginger beer.
4. Stir briefly to combine.
5. Squeeze a lime wedge over the drink, if desired (and toss it in for garnish).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! Just chill, pour, and serve.
Beer Bellini with Peach Puree and Blonde Ale
Elevate your brunch game with this refreshing twist on the classic Bellini cocktail. The sweetness of peach puree pairs perfectly with the crisp, golden tones of blonde ale.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe peach, pureed
– 1 cup blonde ale (such as Pilsner or Lager)
– 1/2 cup Prosecco or sparkling wine
– Slice of peach for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the peach puree and a splash of blonde ale until well combined.
2. Fill a glass with ice.
3. Pour the peach-blonde mixture over the ice.
4. Top with Prosecco or sparkling wine.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a slice of peach.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (assemble and serve)
Enjoy your Beer Bellini with Peach Puree and Blonde Ale!
Spiced Beer Cocktail with Cinnamon and Brown Ale
Elevate your beverage game with this unique Spiced Beer Cocktail, featuring the warmth of cinnamon and the richness of brown ale. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a seasonal twist on classic cocktails.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Brown Ale
– 1/2 oz Cinnamon-infused simple syrup (see below)
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 oz Honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– Pinch of ground cinnamon, for garnish
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Cinnamon-Infused Simple Syrup:
– 1 cup Water
– 1 cup Granulated sugar
– 2 Cinnamon sticks (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon)
Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Add cinnamon sticks (or ground cinnamon). Heat until sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain before using.
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Brown Ale, Cinnamon-infused simple syrup, lemon juice, and honey syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a pinch of ground cinnamon and a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Beer Paloma with Grapefruit and Tequila
Elevate your classic Paloma cocktail game by incorporating the crisp flavor of beer and a hint of grapefruit. This unique combination is sure to quench your thirst on a warm day.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 4 oz pale lager beer (such as Pilsner or Lager)
– 1/2 oz agave syrup (or simple syrup)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add tequila, grapefruit juice, and agave syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with beer.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None
Summer Shandy with Raspberry and Wheat Beer
Beat the heat with this fruity twist on a classic Summer Shandy! Combining sweet raspberries with crisp wheat beer, you’ll be sipping on a refreshing treat in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
– 2 oz raspberry puree (or raspberry syrup)
– 4 oz wheat beer (such as Allagash White or Sierra Nevada Wheat Beer)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh raspberries for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, muddle the raspberries with a spoon to release their juice and flavor.
2. Add the raspberry puree (or syrup) and stir until well combined.
3. Pour in the wheat beer and stir gently.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Summer Shandy mixture over the top.
5. Stir gently and garnish with additional fresh raspberries, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just chill and serve.
Enjoy your delicious Summer Shandy with Raspberry and Wheat Beer!
Beer Bloody Mary with Horseradish and Stout
Elevate your Bloody Mary game by incorporating the rich flavors of beer, horseradish, and stout. This recipe combines the classic cocktail’s savory elements with a bold, spicy kick.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Vodka
– 4 oz Beer (dark or stout)
– 1/2 oz Horseradish-infused Bloody Mary mix
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Garnishes: celery stalks, cherry tomatoes, or olives
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka, horseradish-infused Bloody Mary mix, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Top with beer (stout or dark beer works well).
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish as desired.
Cooking Time: None
Citrus IPA Spritzer with Club Soda and Hops
Refresh your senses with this citrusy twist on the classic spritzer. This bubbly drink combines the crispness of club soda with the hoppy goodness of IPA, all tied together with a squeeze of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of IPA beer (chilled)
– Juice from 1/2 orange, 1/2 lemon, and 1 lime
– 2-3 dashes of club soda
– Fresh hops leaves or sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the chilled IPA beer, leaving about an inch at the top.
3. Squeeze in the citrus juice (about 1/4 oz total).
4. Top off the glass with club soda, creating a gentle fizz.
5. Garnish with fresh hops leaves or sprigs.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This is a quick and easy drink to prepare.
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these refreshing beer cocktail recipes! From classic combinations like Beer Margarita and Shandy, to unique twists like Radler and Hop Lemonade, there’s something for everyone. Try adding a splash of citrus with the Michelada or spice things up with the Spiced Beer Cocktail. For a sweet treat, mix up the Beer Sangria or Beer Bellini. And don’t forget to try some of the more adventurous options, like the Dark & Stormy Beer and the Beer Bloody Mary. With these 18 beer cocktail recipes, you’ll be sipping in style all summer long.
