Beer is often enjoyed from the bottle or poured into a chilled glass, but did you know, beer is also a fantastic cocktail ingredient? While beer-based drinks aren’t as common as those with spirits, they offer a refreshing, bubbly twist to classic concoctions. If you’re looking to shake up your drinking game, here are five unconventional beer cocktails that are easy to make and delicious to sip.
Michelada – The Spicy Beer Refresher
A Michelada is a classic Mexican beer cocktail that combines spice, tang, and umami for an invigorating drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of light Mexican beer (like Corona or Modelo)
- 1 oz lime juice
- ½ oz hot sauce (like Tabasco)
- ½ oz Worcestershire sauce
- Tajín seasoning or salt for rimming
- Ice cubes
How to Make:
- Rim a glass with lime juice and Tajín seasoning.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Add lime juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour in the beer and stir gently.
- Enjoy your zesty, spicy beer cocktail!
Black Velvet – A Regal Mix
This elegant beer cocktail pairs the deep richness of stout with the crisp fizz of champagne.
Ingredients:
- ½ glass of stout beer (like Guinness)
- ½ glass of chilled champagne or sparkling wine
How to Make:
- Fill a champagne flute halfway with stout.
- Slowly top with champagne to create a layered effect.
- Sip and savor the creamy, bubbly contrast.
Beergarita – A Beer Twist on the Margarita
A fusion of a classic margarita and beer, this drink is tangy, refreshing, and perfect for summer.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of light beer
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz triple sec
- Salt for rimming
- Ice cubes
How to Make:
- Rim a glass with salt.
- Fill with ice cubes and add tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.
- Pour in the beer and stir lightly.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!
Snakebite – A Bold British Favorite
A Snakebite is a popular pub drink that blends beer and cider for a crisp, smooth finish.
Ingredients:
- ½ pint of lager
- ½ pint of dry apple cider
How to Make:
- Fill a pint glass halfway with lager.
- Top it off with cider.
- Stir gently and enjoy the balanced, fruity kick.
Shandygaff – The Ultimate Summer Cooler
A Shandygaff (or simply “Shandy”) is an ultra-refreshing beer cocktail that blends beer with ginger ale or lemonade.
Ingredients:
- ½ glass of beer (preferably a light lager)
- ½ glass of ginger ale or lemonade
How to Make:
- Fill a glass halfway with beer.
- Top up with ginger ale or lemonade.
- Stir and enjoy this fizzy, citrusy delight.
Summing Up
Beer cocktails are a creative and delicious way to experiment with your favorite brew. Whether you like spicy, citrusy, or bubbly drinks, these unconventional recipes offer something for everyone. Next time you crack open a beer, consider elevating it into a refreshing cocktail—cheers to new flavors!
