June 12, 2015

My 5 Favorite Summer Beers


 I'm taking a page out of a friend's book today. The lovely Brittany did a list of her favorite summer beers earlier this week and I was a tiny bit jealous I didn't think of the idea first. Especially as a self proclaimed "beer lover/drinker."

So full credit for the idea goes to Brittany but, I'll fill you in with my favorites so you can drink them along side me all summer long!


I take pride in the fact that some of my friends come to me for questions on, and recommendations for, beer. That being said, I know sometimes it's helpful to base beers on a type or flavor, so that you can pinpoint the kind that usually speaks to you ( dark, hoppy, fruity, etc.)

The good news is there are ALL TYPES of summer beers to get you through the sweltering summer months!

*disclaimer* some of these beers are northwest brewed and may not be available nation wide 

Here are my top 5 summer beers, categorized so you can find the perfect one for you!

1 | IF YOU WANT SOMETHING FRUITY

Grapefruit Shandy  - Leinenkugel's
"A traditional shandy is beer mixed with a little something extra, like lemonade, soda or ginger ale. Leinenkugel's® Grapefruit Shandy is our take on this tradition. Each batch begins with our traditional Weiss beer. We then combine it with natural white grapefruit flavor that adds a note of fresh-cut citrus to brighten a great day by the lake."

Any Leinenkugel's Shandy and you're pretty much set for a hot summer's day. So fruity and refreshing! I love the classic Summer Shandy, with lemonade, but the Grapefruit Shandy is something special. It's not for the faint of fruity heart, it's very grapefruity, so if you aren't a grapefruit fan this one might not be for you.
2 | IF YOU LIKE A DARK BEER

Summer Solstice by Anderson Valley Brewing Company
"Summer Solstice® is a slightly sweet, malty session beer with a creamy mouth feel and clean finish.  With hints of caramel in the nose and a touch of spice, it’s become affectionately known as “cream soda for adults”. The unique flavors and superior drinkability make for the ultimate refreshment on a hot summer day."

You guys, this is beer is in my top 5 all time favorites. LOVE IT. I mean they call it the "cream soda for adults" how much more yummy can I make it sound? It's darker in color, but light in taste, smooth and just creamy enough to have that "dark beer" feel. It has a little spice to it. So good. Really, highly recommend. Plus I mean, a bear with antlers, can it get any better?

source

3 | IF YOU'RE AN IPA LOVER OR LIKE HOPPY BEERS

Fresh Squeezed IPA by Deschutes Brewing
"This mouthwateringly delicious IPA gets its flavor from a heavy helping of citra and mosaic hops. Don't worry, no fruit was harmed in the making of this beer."

I'm not a fan of IPAs period. I don't personally like a hoppy beer. But this one has just the right balance of citrus for me to drink it all summer night long. Careful - like most IPAs it packs a punch!
4| IF YOU WANT SOMETHING OUT OF THE BOX

Hell or High Watermelon by 21st Amendment Brewery
"American wheat beer, which undergoes a traditional secondary fermentation using fresh watermelon. A straw-colored, refreshing beer with a kiss of watermelon aroma and flavor."

This is one of those beers that surprises you. I expected sweet. Not this beer though. Somehow they captured the crispness and flavor of the watermelon without making it overly fruity or sweet. I know it sounds crazy - but it's true. Try it and you'll see what I mean. It's totally different!
5 | IF YOU WANT A CLASSIC

Corona  or Corona Light, with lime
I have to go with Brittany on this one, nothing says summer or "let's hit the beach" like an ice cold Corona. Lime is a must. And if you're really wanting to relax, try it loaded with a shot of lime flavored liquor!



There are probably hundreds more great summer beers. I'd love to hear what your favorite is!

Cheers to the weekend!
 
post signature

11 comments:

  1. Love this idea!! You and Brittany are OBVIOUSLY geniuses. I bet I couldn't find a single one of those in Ireland (you'd be hard pressed to find Corona sometimes and you'd be LUCKY to find Blue Moon - love the picture by the way!) But you might have just given me an idea to spotlight Irish beers... hmmmm ;)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh man. Love those. Light summery beers are some of my favorites.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for the shoutout--too kind! I HAVE to try the grapefruit shandy!

    ReplyDelete
  4. i love a classic summer shandy! i will have to try their grapefruit one though!

    great list!

    ReplyDelete
  5. All great choices!!! We also love Shipyard's Melonhead. Another great watermelon beer. I hate IPA's, but you made good choices otherwise. haha. You better stop by next week and link this bad boy up to Thursty Thursday.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love that you threw your dog in the photo for the post ;) hehe!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Here I was thinking I was the queen of Leinie's and I didn't know there was a grapefruit shandy. DEFINITELY need to check that out! Maybe I'll make it my go-to when I tour there this summer. I'll just be that annoying woman asking if I can try it because I heard about it.

    ReplyDelete
  8. You have some great choices here!! I haven't tried the Fresh Squeezed because I am not an IPA fan though, but I like the rest! Have you tried Stiegl Radler? It is a Grapefruit one that is sooooo refreshing! One of my top favorites. Also, 1809 Berliner Weisse is great too!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm a huge Leinenkugel fan. I haven't had grapefruit yet, I couldn't find any around here. Hopefully when we go on vacation I'll find it, different area and all.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I just tried the grapefruit shandy this week & it wasn't terrible. I'd actually much rather have a summer shandy! Blue Moon is a great summer beer too :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. In the summer, I tend to crave alcoholic lemonades and teas. Twisted Tea and Mike's Hard products are two of my favorites. I also like the Bud Light 'Rita drinks, but they are very sugary. I often mix them with a regular light beer or some club soda.

    ReplyDelete