With summer finally here, it might be time to grab a drink. And if you’re a beer drinker, you’ll need a few good beers within your reach. But what are the best beers to quench your summer thirst? We’ve tried some of the best summer beers out there; and we’re here to show you 25 of them!
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Hennepin (Brewery Ommegang)
A long-time American classic, Hennepin has a rustic malt flavor, a spice-induced aroma, and a finish that lingers.
2. Cabin Crusher Ale
Looking for an easy-drinking beer that’s crisp and refreshing? Look to Summit Cabin Crusher Kölsch-Style Ale, with its combination of Lemon Drop, Loral hops, lime peel and lime puree, along with citrus.
3. Psychedelic Arcade from Firestone Walker
Psychedelic Arcade (ABV 6.3%) was first released in 2021. Now leveled up for this special release, a base of 2-Row and Rye malts plus a special blend of Galaxy, Strata and Nectaron hops delivers mind-blowing flavors of tropical fruit, blueberry, and grapefruit. It’s an IPA that you can bank on sip after sip.
4. Lagunitas Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’
Whether you’re a beer fan or not, Lagunitas is for every drinker, giving you explosive flavors of citrus and pine, and stays smooth from start to finish.
5. Firestone Walker Mind Haze
As, the name explains, it is a hazy IPA. This IPA is perfect for sipping on a deck on a warm spring or summer day (I did!) but it also is something I’d eat while enjoying a burger that I grilled at home. You’ll at first be hit with the notes of orange but then there’s a subtle taste of other fruits too, but it isn’t too pronounced and the finish has a slight peppery taste.
6. Left Hand Flamingo Dreams
Flamingo Dreams is a re-imagined version of Founders’ Rubaeus, with raspberry and blackcurrant flavors (mainly sweet), and mellowness that mimics well-poured Guinness.
7. Barrier Lomax
Barrier’s summer drink is different than any other craft beer, since it retains a clear, hop-forward-yet-balanced profile with bright citrus flavors and a medium-light body.
8. Fruit Scape (Fifth Hammer)
Fifth Hammer’s Fruit Scape is packed with fruity flavors like passionfruit, mango, strawberry, blood orange, and guava.
9. Margarita Gose
Partially aged in tequila barrels, and enhanced with ingredients like lime puree, makrut lime leaf and Himalayan pink salt, it’s a drink that screams summertime.
10. Scofflaw POG
With it’s refreshing blend of Passionfruit, Orange and Guava this is a lovely summer sipping IPA.
11. Tritonia Gose with Cucumber & Lime
Tritonia Gose offers tart and freshness with hints of coriander and sea salt. What makes it even better is the cucumber-lime combo, making it perfect for pool parties.
12. The Alchemist Heady Topper
A drink best served from the can, the Alchemist is perfect for the outdoors, despite its high ABV.
13. Dogfish Head SeaQuench Ale
Craving a beer, but also a margarita? No problem! Dogfish Head offers the best of both worlds, with its brew of black limes, sour lime juice and sea salt.
14. Founders’ Rubaeus
The freshness of the raspberry flavor, along with its sweetness and tartness, makes Founders’ the go-to beer for fruit-beer fans.
15. Flying Dog Pool Hopping Deck Beer
Flying Dog’s go-to summer beer makes a great addition to pool parties. Its mango and citrus make it ideal for warm weather without having to be too sweet.
16. High Water Cucumber Kolsch
Let High Water’s Cucumber Kolsch quench your thirst, with its German Pilsner malt, German noble hops, fresh cucumber, mint, coriander and lemon peel.
17. Allagash River Trip
Low in ABV, and includes great flavors (stone fruit, coriander, melon and citrus), Allagash is just what you need during a summer outing.
18. Anderson Valley Summer Solstice
Often referred to as an “adult cream soda,” Anderson Valley is a malty cream ale with caramel and hints of vanilla and orange, making it something good to pair peach cobbler with.
19. Maui Coconut Hiwa Porter
Why settle for dark beers when there’s Maui Brewing’s Coconut Hiwa Porter? Containing hand-toasted coconut and hints of chocolate, this drink sets itself apart from the usual boring drinks.
20. Mikkeller San Diego Raspberry Blush
Mikkeller is brewed with rye barrel aged coffee and raspberries. You start with an inviting berry flavor, and then finish with soft, freshly brewed coffee.
This Pineapple MIlkshake IPA from Reformation is fantastic! Photo credit: Jessica Miller / Cherokee Tribune
21. New Belgium Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza
Inspired by aguas frescas from taquerias, Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza has the light, refreshing flavors (watermelon juice, lime puree, hibiscus and agave) that makes it ideal for a hot day.
22. 2nd Shift Technical Ecstasy
2nd Shift is a craft-Iager favorite for many reasons. A Saaz crusher with a hop-driven vibe, this drink has a herbal-spicy kick combined with malts, along with the right amount of carbonation.
23. Smoke & Dagger (Jack’s Abby)
A rare find on the East Coast, Jack’s Abby is a topnotch black lager with a dry but unique taste that keeps you drinking until the last drop.
24. Roadie Grapefruit Radler
Roadie Radler is refreshing and slightly tart with the natural grapefruit puree, making it a great summertime brew.
25. Saison Ardennes from Bruery Terreux
Saison Ardennes is a tart saison, sipping like a classic Belgian-style farmhouse ale. The beer is floral with a hint of spice. The Bruery puts this beer through a six-month fermentation and maturation in a large oak foeders previously used for wine in Santa Rosa, California.
So, don’t be afraid to grab a cold beer this summer. Try out some of these beers, perfect for summer sipping, and you’re your go-to brew that you can sit outside and enjoy the sun with.
Photo credit Jessica Miller / Cherokee Tribune
