Summer is finally here, and what better way to beat the heat than with a cold beer? But why settle for just any beer when you can elevate it into a delicious cocktail? From classic combinations to innovative twists, we’ve got 20 refreshing beer cocktail recipes that are sure to quench your thirst this summer.
Whether you’re looking for a light and crisp drink or something a little more bold and rich, our list has got you covered. With flavors ranging from fruity and sweet to hoppy and bitter, there’s something for every beer lover on this list. So go ahead, grab a cold one (or two, or three…), and get ready to shake things up with these refreshing beer cocktail recipes.
Beer Margarita
Elevate your margarita game with this refreshing twist that combines the flavors of beer and tequila. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion when you want to shake things up.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce lime juice
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– 4-6 ounces pale lager beer (such as Corona or Modelo)
– 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. Add ice to the shaker 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: 2 minutes
Shandy
Shandies are a classic summer drink that combines the crispness of lemon-lime soda with the tanginess of beer. This simple recipe is perfect for hot days and outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup beer (any style, but lighter beers work best)
– 4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 6 oz lemon-lime soda (such as 7-Up or Sprite)
– Slices of lemon, for garnish
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the beer until the glass is about half full.
3. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and simple syrup. Stir gently to combine.
4. Top the mixture off with lemon-lime soda.
5. Stir gently again to create a layering effect.
6. Garnish with a slice of lemon.
Cooking Time: None! Shandies are served chilled, so simply chill all ingredients in the refrigerator before assembling the drink.
Enjoy your refreshing Shandy!
Michelada
This refreshing twist on a classic beer drink combines the spicy kick of tomato juice with the crisp taste of lager, all while adding a tangy touch from lime and chili peppers.
Ingredients:
– 1 12-ounce bottle of lager
– 2 ounces of tomato juice
– Juice of 1/2 lime
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/8 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1/8 teaspoon of smoked paprika (optional)
– Chili pepper slice or dash of hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the lager, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
3. Add the tomato juice, lime juice, salt, cumin, and smoked paprika (if using).
4. Stir well to combine.
5. Garnish with a chili pepper slice or a dash of hot sauce (if using).
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Black Velvet
A classic cocktail that combines the smoothness of cola with the richness of stout beer, Black Velvet is a unique and refreshing drink perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or Irish work well)
– 4 oz Cola
– 1/2 pint Guinness Stout
– Lime wedge (optional)
Instructions:
1. Pour the whiskey into a highball glass filled with ice.
2. Top the whiskey off with cola, stirring gently to combine.
3. Carefully pour the Guinness Stout over the back of a spoon or a thin stream to create a layered effect.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Tips:
– For a more dramatic presentation, pour the stout slowly and steadily while holding the glass at an angle.
– Experiment with different types of whiskey and cola flavors to find your favorite combination.
Radler
Radler, a popular German beer cocktail, combines the crispness of lager with the sweetness of lemonade. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion when you want a refreshing drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 liter lager beer
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Sliced lemons and orange wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pitcher with ice.
2. Pour in the lager beer, leaving about an inch at the top.
3. Add the lemon juice and simple syrup. Stir well to combine.
4. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness as needed.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced lemons and orange wedges.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and serve.
Beer Mojito
A twist on the classic mojito, this refreshing cocktail combines the crisp taste of beer with the zesty flavors of lime and mint.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 4 oz pale lager (such as Pilsner or Lager)
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– Handful of ice
– Sprigs of fresh mint leaves
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint sprigs with a muddler or spoon to release oils and flavors.
2. Add lime juice and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with pale lager, stirring gently to create a layered effect.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe.
Boilermaker
A Boilermaker is a classic cocktail that combines whiskey with beer, perfect for those who like a strong drink with a kick. This recipe is a simple twist on the original, using bourbon and a crisp lager.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces bourbon
– 4-6 ounces cold lager (such as Pabst Blue Ribbon)
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the bourbon.
3. Top with the lager, filling the glass to the top.
4. Stir gently once or twice to combine.
Cooking Time: None, this is a cocktail!
Hop Sangria
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with this hop-infused sangria, perfect for warm weather and beer enthusiasts alike. This unique twist combines the fruity flavors of traditional sangria with the crisp, refreshing taste of beer.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of white wine (e.g., Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
– 1 cup of mixed fruit (grapes, strawberries, pineapple, orange slices)
– 1/2 cup of beer (pale ale or IPA work well)
– 1 tablespoon of sugar
– 1 tablespoon of triple sec or Cointreau
– Sliced citrus fruits (lemon, lime) for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the white wine and mixed fruit.
2. Add the beer, stirring gently to combine.
3. Stir in the sugar and triple sec until dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve the Hop Sangria over ice in tall glasses and garnish with sliced citrus fruits.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (chilling time)
Enjoy your refreshing glass of Hop Sangria!
Beer Bloody Mary
Elevate your brunch game with this refreshing twist on the classic Bloody Mary cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups tomato juice
– 1/2 cup beer (any style, but darker beers like stout or porter work well)
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or celery for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine tomato juice, beer, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using). Stir until well combined.
2. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Serve the Beer Bloody Mary over ice in tall glasses. Garnish with fresh parsley or celery.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Enjoy your delicious and unique Beer Bloody Mary!
Coronarita
Experience a flavorful fusion of Mexico’s national drink with Spain’s iconic cocktail, the Coronarita. This refreshing twist combines tequila, lime juice, and beer for a unique and tasty treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces tequila
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1/2 ounce triple sec or Cointreau
– 6-8 ounces Corona beer
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.
4. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Top with Corona beer.
7. Stir gently to create a layered effect.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None required! Just mix, pour, and serve.
Beer Mimosa
Beer Mimosa Recipe
Elevate your brunch game with a twist on the classic mimosa – add beer to the mix for a refreshing and unique cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup champagne or sparkling wine
– 1/2 cup beer (any style, but lighter beers like lager or pilsner work best)
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
– 1 tablespoon grenadine syrup
– Slice of orange, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a flute glass with ice.
2. Pour in the champagne and beer, leaving about 1/4 inch at the top.
3. Add the orange juice and grenadine syrup.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with an orange slice.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready when you are!)
Lagerita
Combine the crisp flavor of lager beer with the sweetness of margaritas and you’ll get a refreshing twist on a classic cocktail. The Lagerita is perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a thirst quencher.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz lime juice
– 1 oz agave syrup
– 4 oz lager beer (such as Corona or Modelo)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Top with lager beer.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and enjoy!)
Beer Paloma
Elevate your happy hour with this unique beer-based cocktail that combines the crispness of paloma with the richness of beer. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion when you need a refreshing drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz tequila
– 4 oz lager beer (such as Pilsner or IPA)
– 1/2 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, and lime juice to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Top with lager beer.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Grapefruit Beer Cocktail
This refreshing cocktail combines the tanginess of grapefruit with the crispness of beer, perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a revitalizing drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Grapefruit vodka
– 4 oz Lager beer (chilled)
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz Honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– Slice of grapefruit, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the grapefruit vodka and grapefruit juice.
3. Top with chilled lager beer.
4. Add a splash of honey syrup.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Squeeze a slice of grapefruit over the drink and drop it in for garnish.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Enjoy your Grapefruit Beer Cocktail!
Beer Moscow Mule
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique twist on the classic Moscow Mule. The addition of beer gives this drink a bold and refreshing flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz beer (dark lager or IPA work well)
– 3/4 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz ginger beer
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Sprig of mint, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka and lime juice.
3. Top with beer and ginger beer.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Squeeze a lime wheel over the drink and drop it in.
6. Garnish with a sprig of mint.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just mix and serve!)
Stout Irish Coffee
Escape the chill with this decadent twist on the classic Irish coffee. The addition of rich stout beer gives this drink a deep, velvety texture and a subtle roasted flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 shot of strong brewed coffee
– 1 teaspoon brown sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped
– 1/4 cup Guinness Stout or other dark Irish stout
– Whipped cream and a sprinkle of grated nutmeg for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew a shot of strong coffee and pour it into a warmed glass.
2. Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Top the coffee with whipped heavy cream, creating a layered effect.
4. Pour the Guinness Stout slowly over the back of a spoon to create a distinct layer on top.
5. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg, if desired.
Cooking Time: None needed! This drink is ready to serve.
Beer Pimm’s Cup
A refreshing twist on the classic Pimm’s Cup cocktail, this beer-infused version is perfect for hot summer days or sporting events.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Pimm’s No. 1 Liqueur
– 4 oz Lager Beer (such as Pilsner or Helles)
– 1/2 cup Lemon-Lime Soda
– 1/4 cup Fresh Mint Leaves
– 1/4 cup Cucumber Slices
– Ice Cubes
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the Pimm’s No. 1 Liqueur and Lager Beer.
3. Top with Lemon-Lime Soda.
4. Add fresh mint leaves and cucumber slices to the glass for garnish.
5. Stir gently to combine.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, so there’s no cooking involved.
IPA Spritz
Combine the crisp flavors of India Pale Ale with the effervescence of Prosecco and a hint of citrus in this revitalizing summer drink. Perfect for warm days or as a unique alternative to traditional beer pairings.
Ingredients:
• 1 bottle of IPA (12 oz)
• 2 oz Prosecco
• 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda (e.g., Sprite or 7-Up)
• Slices of orange and lemon, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Chill the IPA in the refrigerator.
2. Fill a wine glass with ice.
3. Pour the chilled IPA over the ice, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
4. Add the Prosecco and stir gently to combine.
5. Top with lemon-lime soda and stir again.
6. Garnish with slices of orange and lemon.
Cooking Time: None needed! Simply assemble and serve.
Enjoy your refreshing IPA Spritz!
Beer Bellini
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique Beer Bellini recipe that combines the crispness of beer with the sweetness of peach puree and champagne.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup peach puree
– 2 cups chilled sparkling water (champagne or Prosecco work well)
– 1/2 cup cold beer (light-colored beers like lager or pale ale work best)
– 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large glass, combine peach puree and sugar (if using). Stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add chilled sparkling water to the peach mixture. Stir gently to combine.
3. Pour in cold beer. Be careful not to overfill the glass.
4. Stir the mixture briefly to combine.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Chocolate Stout Martini
A luxurious twist on the classic martini, this treat combines the deep flavors of stout beer with the richness of chocolate liqueur.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Godiva white chocolate liqueur
– 1 oz Guinness stout
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1/2 oz vodka (optional)
– Chocolate shavings or whipped cream for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the white chocolate liqueur, Guinness stout, and heavy cream.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. If desired, add a splash of vodka for an extra kick.
6. Garnish with chocolate shavings or whipped cream.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, so no cooking time is required.
Enjoy your rich and decadent Chocolate Stout Martini!
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 Hop Sangria and Grapefruit Beer Cocktail, there’s something for every palate. Try a Michelada for a spicy kick or a Black Velvet for a sophisticated vibe. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet and fruity or crisp and citrusy, these beer cocktails are sure to quench your thirst. So grab a cold one and get mixing!