Summer has arrived, and what better way to beat the heat than with a cold beer in hand? But why settle for just any old beer when you can mix it up with some delicious flavors and create a refreshing beer cocktail? In this article, we’ll explore 18 unique and tasty beer cocktails that are perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. From classic combinations like the Beer Margarita to more adventurous concoctions like the Hop Sangria, there’s something for every palate.
Whether you’re looking for a twist on traditional drinks or a new way to enjoy your favorite beers, we’ve got you covered with these refreshing beer cocktail recipes.
Beer Margarita with Lime and Salt
Elevate your margarita game with this refreshing twist that combines the crispness of beer with the tanginess of lime. Perfect for hot summer days or as a unique cocktail for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 4 ounces lager beer, chilled
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila and lime juice.
3. Add ice to the shaker and shake until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Top with lager beer.
6. Stir gently to combine.
7. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in minutes.
Shandy with Lemonade and Lager
Combine the refreshing qualities of lemonade and lager beer for a unique and thirst-quenching drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups lemonade (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 liter lager beer
– Ice cubes
– Lemon slices or wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the lemonade, leaving about 1-2 inches at the top.
3. Slowly pour the lager beer into the glass, being careful not to overflow.
4. Stir gently to combine the two liquids.
5. Squeeze a lemon slice or wedge over the drink and drop it in (optional).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Michelada with Tomato Juice and Spices
Elevate your beer-drinking experience with this twist on the classic Mexican cocktail. This spicy and savory michelada is perfect for those who like a little heat in their drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup tomato juice
– 1/2 cup beer (any style, but darker beers work best)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Pour in the tomato juice, beer, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir well to combine.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just mix and serve!)
Black Velvet with Stout and Champagne
The Black Velvet cocktail is a classic combination of rich stout beer and bubbly champagne, perfect for those who enjoy a sophisticated twist on traditional drinks. This recipe yields two servings.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 pint Guinness or other stout
– 1/4 cup champagne (preferably Veuve Clicquot)
– Lemon slice or wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Pour the stout into a highball glass filled with ice.
2. Top the stout with champagne, stirring gently to combine.
3. Garnish with a lemon slice or wedge, if desired.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Radler with Grapefruit Soda and Pilsner
Combine the crispness of Pilsner with the tanginess of grapefruit soda for a unique and revitalizing beer cocktail. This Grapefruit Radler is perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 liter Pilsner
– 1/2 cup grapefruit soda
– Sliced grapefruit, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Chill the Pilsner in the refrigerator.
2. Pour 1/2 cup of grapefruit soda into a large glass filled with ice.
3. Top the grapefruit soda with the chilled Pilsner.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Slice a grapefruit and place it on top of the beer, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required! This recipe is ready in minutes.
Hop Sangria with Red Wine and IPA
Combine the bold flavors of red wine and craft beer in this unique sangria recipe, perfect for warm weather gatherings or any occasion where you want to make a statement.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1/2 pint of IPA beer
– 1 orange, sliced
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1 lime, sliced
– 1/4 cup of sugar
– 1/4 cup of triple sec or other citrus-flavored liqueur
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine and IPA beer.
2. Add the sliced oranges, lemons, and limes to the pitcher.
3. Sprinkle the sugar over the fruit.
4. Pour in the triple sec and stir gently to combine.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve the sangria over ice in glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None necessary! This recipe is ready when you are.
Beer Mojito with Mint and Light Ale
Combine the refreshing qualities of a mojito with the crisp taste of light ale for a unique twist on the classic cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Light Ale (such as Pilsner or Lager)
– 1/4 cup Fresh Mint Leaves
– 2 tablespoons Lime Juice
– 1 tablespoon Simple Syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice Cubes
– Club Soda
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils and flavor.
2. Add lime juice and simple syrup to the shaker and fill with ice cubes.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Pour in the light ale, holding back the foam with a spoon.
6. Top with club soda and garnish with additional mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Boilermaker with Whiskey and Pale Ale
For those who love the simplicity of a shot and a beer, this Boilermaker recipe combines the smoothness of whiskey with the crispness of pale ale. This refreshing drink is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 12 oz Pale Ale
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the whiskey, allowing it to chill slightly.
3. Top the whiskey off with pale ale.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None needed – just assemble and serve!
This Boilermaker recipe is a quick and easy way to experience the perfect harmony of whiskey and beer. The pale ale’s crispness cuts through the richness of the whiskey, creating a refreshing drink that’s sure to please.
Beer Bloody Mary with Spicy Garnishes
Elevate your brunch game with this bold and refreshing twist on the classic Bloody Mary, featuring a beer-based cocktail and spicy garnishes to add an extra kick.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz beer (any type, but darker beers work best)
– 1 oz tomato juice
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp hot sauce (such as Tabasco or Sriracha)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Spicy garnishes: pickled green beans, spicy pickle slices, or diced jalapeño peppers
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, beer, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with your preferred spicy garnishes.
Cooking Time: None needed!
Enjoy your Beer Bloody Mary with Spicy Garnishes!
Coronarita with Tequila and Corona
A refreshing twist on the classic margarita, this Coronarita combines the crisp taste of Corona with the bold flavor of tequila.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of Corona Extra beer
– 2 ounces of tequila (preferably a silver or blanco style)
– Lime wedges for garnish
– Salt for rimming glass (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. Pour the tequila into the glass.
3. Top the tequila off with Corona beer.
4. Squeeze a lime wedge over the drink and drop it in.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None needed! This is a cocktail, not a cooked dish.
Ginger Beer Shandy with Wheat Ale
A refreshing twist on the classic shandy, this recipe combines the spicy kick of ginger beer with the crispness of wheat ale. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a revitalizing drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Ginger Beer
– 4 oz Wheat Ale
– Slice of lime (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the ginger beer and top with wheat ale.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. If desired, squeeze a slice of lime over the drink and drop it in.
Cooking Time: None! Simply mix and serve.
Beer Mimosa with Orange Juice and Wheat Beer
Start your day off right with a twist on the classic mimosa – combine the brightness of orange juice with the crispness of wheat beer for a refreshing brunch cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/2 cup wheat beer (such as Allagash White or Sierra Nevada Pale Bitter)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a champagne flute or highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the orange juice, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
3. Top the orange juice off with wheat beer.
4. If desired, add a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
5. Stir gently to combine.
Cooking Time: None! This is a quick and easy cocktail that’s ready in just a few minutes.
Lagerita with Triple Sec and Lime
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique combination of lager, triple sec, and lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Lager beer (chilled)
– 3/4 oz Triple Sec
– Juice of 1 lime
– Slice of lime for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the chilled lager beer, leaving about 1/2 inch at the top.
3. Add the triple sec and stir gently to combine.
4. Squeeze in the lime juice and drop in the slice.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Beer Paloma with Grapefruit and IPA
Combine the classic Paloma cocktail with the bold flavors of IPA beer, and you’ll have a unique and delicious drink that’s perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 3 oz IPA beer (chilled)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, and lime juice. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
4. Top with chilled IPA beer.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe.
Dark and Stormy Beer with Ginger and Stout
Experience the perfect blend of spicy and rich flavors with this unique beer-based cocktail. Dark and Stormy’s ginger kick pairs perfectly with the roasted notes of stout beer.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Dark ‘N’ Stormy Rum
– 4 oz Stout Beer (such as Guinness)
– 1-inch piece of fresh Ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Dark ‘N’ Stormy Rum and stout beer.
3. Add a few slices of fresh ginger to the glass.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Squeeze a lime wedge over the drink and drop it in.
Cooking Time: None (ready to serve)
Beer Bellini with Peach Puree and Wheat Beer
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic Bellini. The sweetness of peach puree pairs perfectly with the crispness of wheat beer.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup peach puree
– 1 bottle wheat beer (12 oz)
– 1/2 cup Prosecco or sparkling wine
– Slice of peach for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a champagne flute or highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the peach puree, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
3. Top the peach puree with wheat beer.
4. Carefully pour the Prosecco or sparkling wine over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect.
5. Garnish with a slice of peach and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None required! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Spiced Pumpkin Beer Cocktail with Cinnamon
Warm up with this delightful fall-inspired cocktail, combining the flavors of pumpkin beer, cinnamon, and spices. Perfect for a crisp autumn evening or as a unique addition to your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 oz pumpkin beer
– 0.75 oz bourbon whiskey
– 0.25 oz heavy cream
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
– Ice cubes
– Whipped cream and cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add pumpkin beer, bourbon whiskey, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sticks, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Berry Beer Smash with Mixed Berries and Ale
Elevate your summer gatherings with this refreshing Berry Beer Smash recipe, combining the sweetness of mixed berries with the crispness of ale. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or simply a warm evening by the pool.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1/2 cup ale (any pale-colored beer works well)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, muddle the mixed berries with a spoon or a muddler until they’re well-crushed.
2. Add the ale, lemon juice, and honey to the pitcher. Stir until the honey is dissolved.
3. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Berry Beer Smash mixture over the ice.
4. Stir gently and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None needed – just chill and serve!
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these refreshing beer cocktails! From classic combinations like the Beer Margarita and Shandy, to creative twists like the Hop Sangria and Beer Mojito, there’s something for everyone. Try pairing beers with juices, sodas, or even wine for unique flavor profiles. For a spicy kick, add some heat with hot sauce or spicy garnishes. Whether you’re looking for a light and crisp refresher or a rich and fruity treat, these 18 beer cocktail recipes are sure to quench your thirst all summer long.
