When the sun is shining and the temperature is rising, there’s nothing quite like sipping on a refreshing summer beer. These brews are crafted to be light, crisp, and incredibly drinkable, making them the perfect choice for laid-back gatherings, beach days, or simply relaxing on a warm afternoon. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking to explore new flavors, summer beers offer a wide range of options to suit every palate. From fruity and citrusy notes to the classic hoppy bitterness, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the world of summer beers. So, grab a cold one, kick back, and let the flavors of summer take you on a delicious journey.
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Hell or High Watermelon is a refreshing American beer with wheat from 21st Amendment Brewery that is brewed with fresh watermelon. The result is a light, crisp beer with a subtle watermelon aroma and flavor that is perfect for summer sipping. The beer has a 4.9% ABV and is great for pairing with grilled meats or seafood.
Tangy, sweet, and bold, blood oranges are ideal for winding down on a hot night. This real fruit Hefeweizen will have fans savoring every drop and clamoring for more. I like to pair a can with some lemon-lime soda after a sweaty day for a refreshing punch with a citrus twist.
A Belgian-inspired wheat beer, Allagash white features a unique herbaceous spice blend that makes it a standout choice for your summer line-up. Cilantro stands at the forefront of the flavor of this summer beer, characterizing it as earthy and grounded, while orange peel accentuates it as citrusy and playful.Â
Floral and tangy, this Brooklyn Summer Ale is perfect for sipping at the poolside. The Sunny Pale Ale is designed for summer days that last long into the afternoon and linger even longer on the tongue. This ale pairs well with barbecues, so fire up the grill and toss on a few patties and dogs to get the party started.
A German beer with a robust taste and zero alcohol content, this beverage is a great option for making sure everyone can have a good time at a get-together. There are plenty of reasons for people to prefer to skip a drink, and Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier Alkoholfrei can provide a way for them to feel included at the cookout.
Victory Summer Love Ale is a refreshing beer perfect for the summertime. Brewed with whole-flower hops and pale malt, it has a subtle bitterness. Moreover, at 5.2% ABV, it's great for sipping during outdoor activities or pairing with a grilled meal. I love this beer for its drinkability and balance of flavor.
Straight from the sweat of the bee’s brow, Rogue Honey Kolsch bears an all-natural honey flavor with grace and poise. Floral accents make for a brew that screams summertime in every sip. This wildflower honey brew goes great with the dessert course of a picnic or a particularly earthy sangria.Â
Designed to be paired with a piping hot slice of pizza, this unique brew is the perfect pairing for the Italian classic. This farmhouse ale features citrus flavors meant to complement the mozzarella flavors of a slice of pizza. The beer also features peppercorn zest and chili pepper heat, unique elements for such a brew, making it a special summer beer and an unforgettable sip when paired with a slice of cheese pizza.
Named after a real whale that is local to the coast of Maine, this beer represents the tenacity of life and those who live it. Determination and persistence are palpable in this brew that tastes like stalwart deliciousness in every sip. A totally unique flavor, this India pale ale features notes of grapefruit, papaya, caramel, orange, floral overtones, and hints of onion and garlic.
Crisp and citrusy, there’s no way to go wrong with a classic Samuel Adams, and this Summer Ale is no exception. I like to combine this Samuel Adams Summer Ale with a bevy of summertime barbecue recipes, whether it's grilling or some of the marinade prep in the kitchen.Â
Gentle and low on alcohol content, this IPA is made for sunny days. Perfectly fizzy and sweet, there’s no doubt that this ale is perfect for any summertime occasion. Sip it at the poolside or the beach, and rest easy knowing that you’ve chosen a gentle ride for a quiet day.
Hot and ready, this habanero forward drink is ready to mingle with whatever you’re bringing to the party. Turn up the heat and get ready to beat it with this refreshing ale. Fruity notes make this perfectly balanced, so you’re ready to party right after putting one of these away.
Citrusy and unforgettable, a can of Stiefly Grapefruit Radler is one of my favorites in the summertime. Tart notes of the nominal melon make for a puckering sip that is refreshing and cooling. I like to pair this ale with a fruit salad or some meatless barbecue options.
Nothing says summer like a slice of key lime pie, and nothing says key lime pie like a can of this decadent beverage. Westbrook Key Lime Pie Gose is a dessert in your hand, with notes of salt, vanilla, coriander, and cinnamon leaping onto your tongue with every sip.
Full-bodied and rich, Cerveza Pacifico Clara is a beer that’s great for summer football games. Grassy and fresh, this ale pairs great with salads and hot dogs. I like to enjoy it earlier in the day, around lunchtime, and find that it's the perfect send-off prior to an afternoon nap.Â
There’s nothing like traipsing through a berry patch warmed by the summer sun, and Fat Head Bumble Berry will evoke that feeling of crushing a blackberry fen in your brother’s galoshes. I like to pair a Fat Head Bumble Berry with a vanilla bean dessert parfait and a slice of strawberry pie.Â
Raspberries transform this ale into a berry-flavored dream of a drink. This lager pairs wonderfully with all sorts of desserts and acidic treats. A favorite combination of mine is serving Abita Purple Haze with boysenberry brie and dark chocolate. Acai and blackberry pie is another favorite of mine when I’m sipping this lager.
Citrus explodes on the tongue with this offering from Adirondack. Tangerine, orange, lemon, and a touch of lime combine to create a delicious summer treat that lights up the tongue. I like to serve this ale as a float with rainbow sherbet and other ice cream and dairy desserts.Â
California blood oranges lend this ale a distinct flavor that can’t be beaten. Citrus and refined, Anchor Brewing Blood Orange Blonde has a clear, delicious profile that impresses with every sip. Best enjoyed with barbecued pork and angel food cake, this ale is great throughout the summer and the autumn.
This fruity ale from Goose Island is great for pool parties and similar festivities. Get a floating cozy at the ready because you’ll want this beverage close at hand all summer long. For a funky sangria, mix this ale with some seltzer, halved strawberries, lemon slices, lime slices, chunked pineapple, and berries to get a fun and unique punch to share at the poolside.
For the adventurers at heart, make sure to take a Summerfest along. Spicy and floral hops keep you hydrated no matter where the summer vibes direct your wandering soul this year. This specialty brew may only be available from April to July, but your spirit is in season all year round.
As colorful as the ocean it pays homage to, Wicked Weed Coastal Love Hazy IPA is bursting with flavor and character. With grape and apple notes, this beer can lighten heavy meals or accompany appetizers. I like to have one with steak dinner.Â
If a glass of lemonade on a summer day is refreshing, imagine how rejuvenating a Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy tastes after a long day out in the sun. This beer has a natural lemonade flavor, making it the perfect companion for a barbecue or any other summertime occasion.
I love to drink Firestone Walker 805 Ale at the end of a long day with a hearty grilled chicken salad. Smooth citrus flavors make it the ideal pairing for veggie platters and other fresh flavors. Other great options include using it in dirty smoothies and other late-night desserts.
Founders Brewing All Day IPA is a beer that keeps you satisfied without dulling your senses. So if you have a long day or night ahead of you and wish to pace yourself, reach for this beer. With smooth flavor worth sipping, there’s a lot to love in a can of All Day.
Flying Dog Dead Rise Old Bay Summer Ale is a unique and flavorful beer that's perfect for seafood lovers. The beer has a bold and spicy Old Bay seasoning taste that's balanced with a citrusy hop aroma. It's light-bodied and easy to drink, making it a great pairing with crab cakes or other seafood dishes. Highly recommended for those who want to add some extra flavor to their summer beer lineup.
Green Flash Passion Fruit Kicker is a zesty and tangy beer that's perfect for those who enjoy a fruity and refreshing taste. The beer has a bright passion fruit aroma and a slightly sour flavor, balanced with a subtle sweetness. It's light-bodied and easy to drink, making it a great option for a hot summer day or a relaxing evening. Highly recommended for those who want a flavorful beer without feeling too heavy.
Dogfish Head Festina Peche is a crisp and refreshing beer that's perfect for summer. The beer has a tart and fruity peach flavor that's not too sweet, making it perfect and easy to drink for hot days. It has a light body and a clean finish, making it a great choice for those who want a flavorful beer without feeling too heavy. Highly recommended for those who enjoy fruity and refreshing beers.
Traveler Aloha Pineapple Shandy is a delicious and unique beer that's perfect for those who enjoy fruity drinks. The beer has a refreshing pineapple aroma and a smooth and slightly tart taste. It's easy to drink and has a low alcohol content, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings or for beach days. Highly recommended for those who want to try something new and flavorful.
Harpoon Camp Wannamango is a refreshing and fruity type of beer that's perfect for summer. The beer has a bright and juicy mango flavor with a subtle hop bitterness, making it easy to drink and perfect for outdoor activities. It has a light body and a clean finish, making it a great choice for those who want a tropical taste without being overwhelmed by sweetness. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a light and flavorful beer.