As the sun begins to shine and the temperatures rise, there’s no better way to quench your thirst than with a refreshing beer cocktail. This summer, why not try something new and exciting? From classic combinations like Beer Margarita and Shandy to more adventurous concoctions like Michelada and Radler, we’ve got 20 delicious recipes to help you beat the heat.
In this article, we’ll be exploring a range of tasty beer cocktails that are perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. Whether you’re in the mood for something fruity and sweet or spicy and savory, there’s something here for everyone. So grab your favorite brew and get ready to mix up some fun!
Beer Margarita
Elevate your margarita game with this refreshing twist that combines the crisp taste of beer with the classic cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila (100% agave)
– 1 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz triple sec
– 4 oz beer (pilsner or lager work well)
– 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 vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Top with beer, holding back the foam with a spoon.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None needed! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Shandy
Shandies are a classic summer drink that combines the sweetness of lemonade with the crispness of beer. This recipe is perfect for hot days and outdoor gatherings, and can be easily customized to your taste.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1/2 cup beer (any type, but light-colored beers work best)
– Ice cubes
– Sliced lemons or orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together the lemon juice and sugar until dissolved.
2. Add the water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Just before serving, add the beer to the pitcher and stir gently.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Shandy over the ice.
6. Stir briefly and garnish with sliced lemons or orange.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is best served chilled, so keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Michelada
Micheladas are a popular drink originating from Mexico, perfect for hot summer days or any time you need a refreshing pick-me-up. This recipe combines the flavors of beer, lime juice, and spices to create a delicious and revitalizing beverage.
Ingredients:
– 1 cold beer (lager or pilsner work well)
– 1/2 lime, cut into wedges
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt, to taste
– Ice cubes
– Lime wheel and celery stalks for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the lime wedge in half.
2. Pour the beer into a tall glass filled with ice cubes.
3. Squeeze the lime juice into the beer, releasing the oils by gently pressing the lime against the sides of the glass.
4. Add the Worcestershire sauce and chili powder to the beer.
5. Stir well to combine.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel and celery stalk, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Simply assemble and serve.
Black Velvet
This Black Velvet cocktail is a mysterious and rich drink that combines the velvety texture of stout beer with the sophistication of champagne. Perfect for special occasions or just a unique treat, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
– 4 oz stout beer (such as Guinness)
– 1/2 oz grenadine syrup
– Champagne (enough to fill the glass)
– Lemon twist or cherry for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Irish whiskey and stout beer, stirring gently to combine.
3. Add the grenadine syrup and stir again to create a layered effect.
4. Top with champagne, allowing it to flow slowly into the glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready to serve)
Radler
Radler, also known as “Beer Spritzer,” is a popular German drink that combines the crispness of beer with the sweetness of lemon-lime soda. This refreshing beverage is perfect for warm weather or anytime you want to cool down.
Ingredients:
– 1 liter pilsner or pale lager beer
– 250ml lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7-Up)
– Slices of lemon or orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. Chill the beer in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. Pour the chilled beer into a tall glass filled with ice.
3. Top the beer off with the lemon-lime soda.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with slices of lemon or orange, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is quick and easy to prepare.
Beer Mojito
Combine the refreshing flavors of a mojito with the crispness of beer for a unique and delicious cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz mint syrup (see note)
– 4 oz cold beer (any style, but lighter beers work best)
– Ice
– Lime wedges and sprigs of fresh mint for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine rum, lime juice, and mint syrup.
2. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
4. Top with cold beer.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge and sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, not a cooking one.
Enjoy your Beer Mojito!
Boilermaker
A boilermaker is a simple yet satisfying drink that combines the bold flavors of beer and beef broth. This recipe is perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a unique addition to your favorite sporting event.
Ingredients:
– 1 cold beer (any style)
– 1/2 cup beef broth
– Optional: Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, or other desired seasonings
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour the beer into the glass, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
3. Carefully pour the beef broth over the back of a spoon to create layers.
4. If desired, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for extra flavor.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None (just assemble and serve!)
Tips:
– Use a beer with a robust flavor profile to balance out the richness of the beef broth.
– Experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect combination.
– Be careful when pouring the hot broth over the cold beer to avoid creating a mess!
Lagerita
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on a classic margarita. By incorporating lager beer and a touch of lime, you’ll create a crisp and tangy drink perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce fresh lime juice
– 4 ounces lager beer (such as Pilsner Urquell or Sierra Nevada)
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Top with lager beer.
7. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is quick and easy to prepare.
Enjoy your refreshing Lagerita!
Beer Sangria
This Beer Sangria recipe combines the crisp flavors of beer with sweet and tangy fruit, perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you need a refreshing drink. With its easy-to-make formula and customizable ingredients, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of your favorite beer (light-colored beers work best)
– 1 cup mixed citrus fruits (orange, lemon, lime), sliced
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup Triple Sec or other orange-flavored liqueur
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine sliced citrus fruits and mixed berries.
2. Pour in the beer, leaving about 2 inches at the top of the pitcher.
3. Add sugar and Triple Sec; stir until sugar dissolves.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! Just chill and serve.
Hopside Down
This revitalizing cocktail combines the crisp bitterness of hop-infused simple syrup with the smoothness of whiskey and the sweetness of honey, creating a unique and refreshing drink perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Hop-Infused Simple Syrup (see below)
– 1/2 oz Honey Syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– Ice
– Lemon twist or hop sprig for garnish
Hop-Infused Simple Syrup:
– 1 cup Water
– 1 cup Sugar
– 1/4 cup Hopped IPA Beer (any style works)
Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and steep with hopped IPA beer for at least 30 minutes. Strain and store in refrigerator.
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add whiskey, hop-infused simple syrup, and honey syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or hop sprig.
Cooking Time: None (preparation time: 30 minutes + chilling)
Beer Mimosa
Elevate your brunch game with this refreshing take on the classic mimosa. By incorporating beer into the mix, you’ll create a unique and delicious drink that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup champagne or prosecco
– 1/2 cup dark beer (such as stout or porter)
– 1 tablespoon orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
– Juice of 1 orange
– Slice of orange, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a champagne flute with ice.
2. Pour in the champagne and orange liqueur.
3. Add the dark beer, stirring gently to combine.
4. Squeeze in the juice of one orange and stir again.
5. Garnish with an additional slice of orange.
Cooking Time: None!
Enjoy your Beer Mimosa!
Coronarita
The Coronarita is a delightful twist on the classic margarita, with the added bonus of a cold beer. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for hot summer days and outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce lime juice
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– Salt for rimming glass
– Beer (Corona or similar) for serving
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Top with beer and garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Beer Bloody Mary
Elevate your brunch game with this unique take on the bloody mary, incorporating beer for added depth and complexity. This refreshing drink is perfect for sipping on a lazy Sunday morning or afternoon.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups tomato juice
– 1 cup beer (any style, but darker beers work well)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup horseradish sauce
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Garnishes: celery stalks, olives, cherry tomatoes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine tomato juice, beer, lime juice, horseradish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using). Stir well to combine.
2. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
3. Serve the Beer Bloody Mary over ice in glasses or mugs. Garnish with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: None
Grapefruit Beer Cocktail
Revive your taste buds with this tangy and crisp cocktail that combines the sweetness of grapefruit with the hoppy flavor of beer. Perfect for a warm evening or as a unique twist on happy hour.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup grapefruit juice
– 1/2 cup lager beer (chilled)
– 1 tablespoon honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Slice of grapefruit for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add grapefruit juice, honey syrup, and salt to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Pour chilled lager beer into the shaker.
5. Shake again for 5-7 seconds to combine flavors.
6. Strain cocktail into a glass filled with ice.
7. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!
Beer Paloma
This Beer Paloma recipe combines the crispness of beer with the tanginess of grapefruit, perfect for a warm day or a relaxing evening. With only a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create this unique and delicious cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 4 oz beer (any light-colored lager works well)
– Salt for rimming glass (optional)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add tequila, grapefruit juice, and lime juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Top with beer and stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and enjoy!)
Spiced Beer Punch
This Spiced Beer Punch recipe is a unique twist on traditional beer cocktails, combining the warmth of spices with the crispness of beer. It’s perfect for chilly gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups strong brewed coffee
– 1 cup dark brown sugar
– 1/4 cup grated ginger
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 6 cups beer (any dark, malty beer works well)
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 2 cloves
– 1 star anise pod
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine coffee, brown sugar, ginger, and marmalade. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add beer, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise to the pot. Stir to combine.
3. Remove from heat and let steep for 10-15 minutes to allow the spices to infuse into the beer.
4. Strain the mixture into a large pitcher or individual mugs filled with ice. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Beer and Ginger Highball
This Beer and Ginger Highball recipe combines the crispness of beer with the spicy kick of ginger for a unique and revitalizing drink. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz ginger liqueur (such as Domaine de Canton)
– 4 oz lager beer (such as Pilsner Urquell or similar)
– Slice of fresh ginger, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the ginger liqueur and top with the lager beer.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a slice of fresh ginger.
Cooking Time: None needed! This drink is ready to serve immediately.
Enjoy your refreshing Beer and Ginger Highball!
Lemon Basil Beer Spritzer
Elevate your beer game with this bright and citrusy spritzer, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick weekend pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/2 cup pale lager beer (any crisp, light beer works)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves
– Ice cubes
– Sliced lemons and additional basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the lemon-lime soda, leaving about an inch at the top.
3. Add the beer, stirring gently to combine.
4. Squeeze in the freshly squeezed lemon juice.
5. Stir in the chopped basil leaves.
6. Top with additional lemon-lime soda if desired (for a more carbonated drink).
7. Garnish with sliced lemons and extra basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This spritzer is ready to serve immediately.
Beer Bellini
Elevate your brunch game with this refreshing twist on the classic Bellini cocktail. Combining the crisp taste of beer with the sweetness of peach puree, this Beer Bellini is perfect for a special occasion or a lazy Sunday morning.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups peach puree
– 1 cup chilled lager (such as Pilsner or Helles)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Splash of lemon juice
– Fresh peach slices and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine peach puree and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the chilled lager to the pitcher and stir gently to combine.
3. Squeeze in a splash of lemon juice and stir again.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Beer Bellini mixture over the ice.
5. Garnish each glass with fresh peach slices and mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None!
Stout Espresso Martini
Elevate your cocktail game with this rich and bold Stout Espresso Martini. Perfect for coffee lovers, this unique twist on the classic martini combines the smoothness of espresso with the depth of stout beer.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz Kahlúa
– 1/2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
– 1 shot of strong espresso (about 1 oz)
– 1/2 oz stout beer (such as Guinness or Murphy’s)
– 1 tsp sugar syrup (optional)
– Coffee beans or grinds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, Kahlúa, and Baileys Irish Cream to the shaker.
3. Pour in the espresso shot and stout beer.
4. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
6. If desired, add a dash of sugar syrup to balance the flavors.
7. Garnish with coffee beans or grinds.
Cooking Time: None (just shake and serve!)
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these 20 refreshing beer cocktail recipes. From classic combinations like Beer Margarita and Shandy, to unique twists like Michelada and Black Velvet, there’s something for every beer lover. Try a Radler with fruit flavors, or a Beer Mojito with minty freshness. Don’t miss out on the fun with Beer Sangria, Hopside Down, and more! Whether you’re looking for a light and crisp drink or something stronger, these recipes will quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds.