15 Best Beer Cocktails to Drink
Introduction
Looking to upgrade your happy hour routine? Beer cocktails are the ultimate blend of crisp, refreshing beer and creative mixers, offering complex flavors that will surprise and satisfy. Whether you prefer light and citrusy sips or something bold and savory, these drinks are easy to make and perfect for parties, cookouts, or simply relaxing at the end of the day. Beer cocktails are also a great way to use up leftover brew and impress your guests with something new and delicious.
Why Beer Cocktails Deserve a Spot on Your Drinks Menu
Beer cocktails combine the effervescence and maltiness of beer with the nuanced flavors of juices, spirits, and syrups, resulting in drinks that are refreshing, lower in alcohol than many traditional cocktails, and endlessly customizable. Try a classic Shandy or branch out with a Michelada—there’s a beer cocktail for everyone, from those who love light lagers to adventurous IPA fans.
How to Mix Beer Cocktails Like a Pro
Always pour your beer gently to avoid excessive foam, especially when mixing with carbonated ingredients. Chill all your components thoroughly, and consider using clear glassware to show off these visually appealing drinks. Many beer cocktails also benefit from fresh garnishes like citrus wheels, cucumber, or even a celery salt rim.
15 Best Beer Cocktails to Drink
Whether you’re planning a get-together or just want to unwind, these beer cocktail recipes deliver unbeatable refreshment:
1. **Shandy** – Combine equal parts pilsner and lemonade for a sweet-tart summer classic.
2. **Michelada** – Mix lager with tomato juice, lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce for a savory, spicy Mexican favorite.
3. **Beermosa** – Swap the champagne for wheat beer and blend with orange juice for brunch perfection.
4. **Black Velvet** – Pour stout and champagne in equal measures for a luxurious, fizzy treat.
5. **Radler** – Mix German-style lager with grapefruit soda for a zesty, thirst-quenching brew.
6. **Snakebite** – Blend pale lager with hard cider for a fruity, crisp concoction.
7. **Beer Margarita** – Add tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to a light lager for a refreshing twist on the classic marg.
8. **Irish Shandy (Shandygaff)** – Mix ginger beer with your favorite pale ale for added spice and fizz.
9. **Corona Sunrise** – Mix Corona with tequila, orange juice, grenadine, and a slice of lime for vibrant flavor and color.
10. **Dark & Spicy** – Combine spiced rum, ginger beer, and stout for a bold sipper.
11. **Lemon Beer Collins** – Mix lemon juice, simple syrup, gin, and wheat beer for effervescent fun.
12. **Sake Bomb** – Drop a shot of sake into a light beer for a playful party starter.
13. **Raspberry Beer Cocktail** – Mix fruit syrup, raspberries, vodka, and wheat beer for a lively party pour.
14. **Peachy Keen** – Blend peach nectar with pale ale and a hint of bourbon for sweet warmth.
15. **Basil Beer Spritzer** – Stir basil leaves, lemon, and club soda with Belgian ale for an herbaceous lift.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this list to instantly generate an organized shopping list, grouping all beverage ingredients by store section. It’s the easiest way to prep for your next party or weeknight gathering!
Instructions
- For each cocktail, prepare your glassware by chilling or adding ice as specified.
- Follow each recipe’s ratio—usually equal parts beer and mixer, but sometimes specific proportions for balance.
- Pour beer slowly to reduce foam, adding spirits or mixers beforehand for best integration.
- Gently stir (never shake) your mixture, especially when combining carbonated elements.
- Finish with any fresh garnishes or a salt/sugar rim, as desired.
- Serve immediately while chilled and bubbly, and enjoy responsibly!
Weekly Meal Planning
Building a drinks menu or prepping for entertaining? Save and schedule these beer cocktail recipes in your meal planner to compute exactly how much beer and mixer you’ll need for the week, avoiding overbuying but keeping your guests happy.
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically calculates total quantities for each drink recipe
- Groups ingredients by store aisle for super-efficient shopping
- Consolidates drinks and meals, so all party prep is in one place
- Makes weeknight planning and hosting a breeze!
Pro tip: When planning multiple drinks and recipes together, schedule all your recipes so the shopping list optimizes for quantities—if several cocktails use lime juice, you’ll get the right total amount, cutting waste and saving time.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 5-10 minutes per cocktail
Cook Time: None
Total Time: Plan for about 10 minutes per cocktail or batch—perfect for easy entertaining!
