As summer nights begin to shine, it’s time to shake (or stir) things up with some refreshing beer cocktails. Gone are the days of basic beer and a lime wedge – we’re talking creative concoctions that will quench your thirst and delight your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking for a new drink to enjoy on a warm evening, we’ve got 18 delicious recipes to try.
From classic combinations like Beer Margarita with Lime and Tequila to bold twists like Spicy Michelada with Hot Sauce and Clamato, these beer cocktails are sure to please. And don’t worry if you’re not a beer expert – many of these drinks use popular styles like IPA, Lager, or Wheat Beer, so there’s something for everyone.
So grab your favorite brew and get ready to elevate your drinking game this summer with these refreshing beer cocktail recipes…
Beer Margarita with Lime and Tequila
Elevate your margarita game by adding a crisp beer to the mix! This refreshing cocktail combines the tanginess of lime, the spiciness of tequila, and the smoothness of beer.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz triple sec or Cointreau
– 1/2 cup beer (light-colored, such as lager or pilsner)
– 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 to combine.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, after all!
Enjoy your Beer Margarita with Lime and Tequila!
Spicy Michelada with Hot Sauce and Clamato
Kick your game day or night up a notch with this bold and spicy twist on the classic Mexican beer cocktail, Michelada. This recipe combines the tangy flavors of Clamato with a kick of hot sauce for an unforgettable taste experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups Clamato
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Cholula or Valentina)
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt, to taste
– Ice
– Lime wedges, for garnish
– Beer, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Clamato, lime juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Stir well to combine.
4. Add a pinch of salt to taste.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.
6. Serve immediately, with beer on the side for those who want to add it (optional).
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and serve.
Blackberry Beer Smash with Fresh Mint
Elevate your backyard gatherings with this sweet and tangy twist on the classic beer smash. The combination of juicy blackberries, crisp mint, and cold beer will quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 1 bottle (12 oz) dark beer (such as stout or porter)
– 2 tablespoons simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, muddle the blackberries with a spoon or a muddler until they release their juice.
2. Add the chopped mint leaves to the pitcher and stir to combine.
3. Pour in the beer and simple syrup. Stir gently to combine.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Blackberry Beer Smash over the ice.
5. Stir briefly and garnish with additional mint leaves, if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None required! Just chill and serve.
Shandy with Lemonade and Wheat Beer
Combine the sweetness of lemonade with the crispness of wheat beer to create a refreshing summer drink. This shandy is perfect for hot days and outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups lemonade
– 1 cup wheat beer (any brand or type you prefer)
– Ice cubes
– Lemon slices or wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the lemonade until the glass is about half full.
3. Top off the glass with wheat beer, leaving about 1-2 inches at the top.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with lemon slices or wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This shandy is ready to serve immediately.
Enjoy your refreshing Lemonade Shandy with Wheat Beer!
Beer Sangria with Mixed Berries and Citrus
A refreshing twist on traditional sangria, this recipe combines the crispness of beer with the sweetness of mixed berries and citrus for a perfect summer drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of cold beer (any style)
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1 orange, sliced
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons citrus-flavored liqueur (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the sliced orange and lemon.
2. Add the mixed berries to the pitcher.
3. Pour in the cold beer, leaving about 1 inch at the top of the pitcher.
4. Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the fruit and beer.
5. If using citrus-flavored liqueur, stir it in gently.
6. Chill the sangria in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve the Beer Sangria with Mixed Berries and Citrus chilled, garnished with additional orange slices if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Ginger Beer Mule with Vodka and Lime
This refreshing cocktail combines the spicy kick of ginger beer, the crispness of lime, and the smoothness of vodka. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Ice
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka and ginger beer.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice and drop the lime wheel into the glass.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with additional lime wedges and fresh mint leaves, if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready when you are!)
IPA Paloma with Grapefruit and Tequila
Combine the crisp bitterness of IPA beer with the tangy sweetness of grapefruit, and add a shot of tequila for a bold and refreshing twist on the classic Paloma cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 4 oz IPA beer
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
– Grapefruit slice or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
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 IPA beer.
7. Garnish with a grapefruit slice or wheel.
Cooking Time: None needed! This cocktail is ready in minutes.
Stout Irish Coffee with Whiskey and Cream
Warm up with a rich and indulgent coffee experience that combines the bold flavors of stout beer, whiskey, and cream.
Ingredients:
– 1 shot of strong brewed coffee
– 2 oz whiskey (such as Jameson or Tullamore DEW)
– 1/2 cup stout beer (Guinness or Murphy’s work well)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp sugar
– Whipped cream and nutmeg for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew a shot of strong coffee and pour it into a warmed glass.
2. Add the whiskey, stout beer, and sugar to the coffee. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. In a small bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks.
4. Pour the whipped cream over the coffee mixture.
5. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg, if desired.
Cooking Time:
– None! This recipe requires no cooking time, just assembly and serving.
Beer Mojito with Rum and Fresh Mint
Elevate your mojito game by adding a splash of beer and a dash of rum to this refreshing cocktail. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz mint syrup (see note)
– 4 oz beer (any type, but lighter beers work best)
– Handful of ice
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add the rum, lime juice, and mint syrup.
3. Top with beer.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: None!
Note: To make mint syrup, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly. Strain and let cool before using.
Citrus Radler with Orange Juice and Lager
A refreshing twist on the classic German-style radler, this citrusy drink combines the zesty flavors of orange juice with the crispness of lager. Perfect for warm weather or any time you need a pick-me-up!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups lager beer (any style will do)
– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slices of orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the lager and simple syrup. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Add the freshly squeezed orange juice 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 Citrus Radler over ice in a tall glass, garnished with slices of orange.
Cooking Time: None! Just chill and serve.
Beer Bloody Mary with Tomato Juice and Spices
Elevate your brunch game with this twist on the classic Bloody Mary, featuring a rich beer-infused flavor profile. Perfect for a lazy Sunday morning or a pre-game party.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup tomato juice
– 1/2 cup beer (any style, but darker beers work best)
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Garnishes: celery stalks, olives, cocktail onions, or a dash of cayenne pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine tomato juice, beer, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and smoked paprika.
2. Stir well to combine and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
3. Just before serving, season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve over ice in glasses or mason jars, garnished with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: None needed! This recipe is a simple mix-and-chill process.
Peach Beer Bellini with Prosecco and Puree
Elevate your brunch game with this refreshing twist on the classic Bellini. The sweetness of peaches pairs perfectly with the crispness of beer, while the Prosecco adds a celebratory touch.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe peaches, pureed
– 1 cup Prosecco
– 1/2 cup peach-flavored beer (such as Peach O’Brie or similar)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large glass, combine the peach puree and Prosecco.
2. Add the peach-flavored beer and stir gently to combine.
3. If desired, add a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
4. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This Bellini is ready in just a few minutes.
Pineapple Beer Punch with Coconut Rum
A refreshing twist on classic beer punch, this tropical concoction combines the sweetness of pineapple with the richness of coconut rum.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12 oz) can of pineapple juice
– 1 (12 oz) can of beer (light or dark, your choice)
– 1/2 cup of coconut rum
– 1/4 cup of simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of grenadine syrup (optional, for a hint of tartness)
– Sliced pineapple wedges and cherry halves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice, beer, coconut rum, and simple syrup.
2. Stir until well combined and the simple syrup is fully dissolved.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add a splash of grenadine syrup if desired.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the punch.
6. Garnish with pineapple wedges and cherry halves.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Lavender Beer Spritz with Gin and Tonic
Elevate your spritz game with this unique and refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. The subtle flavor of lavender adds a delightful floral note to the crisp beer and tangy gin.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup lager or pale ale
– 2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz tonic water
– 1/4 teaspoon dried lavender buds
– Slice of orange, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large glass filled with ice, pour the beer.
2. Add the gin and stir gently to combine.
3. Top the mixture with tonic water.
4. Sprinkle the dried lavender buds over the top (you can adjust the amount to your taste).
5. Garnish with an orange slice.
Cooking Time: None! This spritz is ready in minutes.
Beer Mimosa with Champagne and Orange Juice
Combine the classic champagne mimosa with a cold beer for a unique twist on a morning favorite. This refreshing drink is perfect for special occasions or just a lazy Sunday brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of champagne (such as Veuve Clicquot or Moët & Chandon)
– 1 cup of orange juice
– 1/2 cup of beer (any style, such as pale lager or IPA)
– Orange slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. Chill the champagne and beer in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
2. Fill a glass with ice.
3. Pour 1-2 ounces of orange juice over the ice.
4. Top the OJ with 1/2 cup of beer, holding back the foam with a spoon if desired.
5. Slowly pour the chilled champagne into the glass, allowing it to mix with the beer and OJ.
6. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Cherry Beer Sour with Bourbon and Lime
This recipe combines the tartness of cherry beer with the warmth of bourbon, all wrapped up in a zesty lime package. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion where you want to impress your friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Cherry beer (such as Cherry Bomb or Cherry Stout)
– 1/2 oz Bourbon whiskey
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 oz Simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the cherry beer, bourbon, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, so it’s ready in an instant.
Enjoy your Cherry Beer Sour with Bourbon and Lime!
Honey Beer Toddy with Whiskey and Lemon
This sweet and tangy toddy is the perfect remedy for a chilly winter evening. With the warmth of whiskey, the comfort of honey, and the brightness of lemon, this drink is sure to become your new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz whiskey (bourbon or scotch work well)
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 4 oz beer (any style, but darker beers like stouts or porters complement the other flavors well)
– Lemon slice and sprig of rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mug, combine whiskey, honey syrup, and lemon juice.
2. Add the beer and stir gently to combine.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
4. Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of rosemary, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This toddy is ready to serve immediately.
Herbal Beer Collins with Gin and Cucumber
Elevate your summer cocktails with this refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins. This herbal beer collins combines the crispness of cucumber, the tanginess of lime, and the subtle botanicals of gin.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
– 3 oz herbal beer (such as Lavender Dream or Lemon Ginger Beer)
– Slice of cucumber, for garnish
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake until chilled, about 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with herbal beer.
6. Garnish with a slice of cucumber and a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This is a ready-to-serve cocktail.
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these refreshing beer cocktail recipes! From classic twists like Beer Margarita and Spicy Michelada to fruity fusions like Blackberry Beer Smash and Peach Beer Bellini, there’s something for everyone. Try a twist on the classic Shandy with lemonade and wheat beer or indulge in a rich Stout Irish Coffee with whiskey and cream. With 18 recipes to choose from, you’ll be sipping your way through summer in no time! Whether you’re a beer newbie or connoisseur, these refreshing cocktails are sure to quench your thirst.
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