Summer Beer

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

The Summer Beer is a simple and refreshing concoction that’ll keep all of your friends satisfied on a hot day.

When the summertime rolls around, and the heat begins to cause the sweat to dribble down the side of your face, the siren call of lemonade is a strong one. And for us adults, a lemonade with a little something “extra” in it is always more than welcome.

As the winter begins to fade and the warmer months start to slowly tap us on the shoulder, many of you may already be planning your summer excursions. For me, it’s as simple as pulling out all of my Thunderball-inspired cabana outfits and thinking about what I’ll be drinking and making for my friends as we hang out by the pool. Many of my buddies prefer a Boilermaker—a shot and a beer—so why not try something a little different that won’t have them running for the hills, fearing a mixture they won’t enjoy. Enter today’s cocktail, the Summer Beer.

Not to be confused with a crisp and cold bottle of Summer Ale from Samuel Adams, the Summer Beer is something you can whip up for a large group, using your favorite hot-weather suds and preferred brand of vodka. Combined with the sweet flavors of lemonade, this is no ordinary pitcher of oat soda.

Make sure that when you make this at your first summer party this year, you have enough ingredients to make more than one batch. It’ll disappear before you know it, not unlike the season.

What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In A Summer Beer?

While you might have your own preferences when it comes to beer, I would recommend sticking with golden, pale or wheat ales when crafting the Summer Beer. Crisp and light lagers work well, too. They’ll blend with the citrusy sweetness of the lemonade, creating a shandy-like experience. An unflavored or citron-infused vodka will add that extra bite of booze, making this drink a little stronger than your average beer. You can also use fruit-flavored vodkas to experiment with different varieties of Summer Beers.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH IS USED?

A large pitcher and cup set is ideal, as you’ll mix the drink itself in the pitcher and dole out servings in the matching cups. Solo cups work in a pinch, as do simple rocks glasses. Garnish with a lemon wedge, if you wish.

CAN YOU MAKE A VIRGIN VERSION OF THIS RECIPE?

Yes. You can omit the vodka entirely and use a non-alcoholic beer instead.

Other Beer Cocktails Worth Trying

Beer is a great treat anytime of the year, but when the summer sun is wearing you down on a hot and grimy day, nothing perks you up like an ice-cold brewski. Twist & Toast doesn’t just provide you with classic cocktail recipes that you can shake or stir, it also has some tasty and tantalizing beer mixtures that you should definitely take for a spin.

• Shandy Beer – A favorite of mine, this combo of beer and lemonade is one everybody should try.
• Spaghett – Aperol enthusiasts will find this curious cocktail a tasty one.
• Beer Paloma – The grapefruit-flavored classic gets a hoist from some bubbly lager.
• Black Velvet – Guinness and champagne combine to create this smooth and relaxing tipple.