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Whether you're looking for something spicy, fruity, or simply different, beer cocktails can be a creative and refreshing way to enjoy beer. The idea is to enhance the beer’s natural flavours while introducing new ones. Depending on one’s preferences, beer cocktails can be sweet, tart, bitter, or savoury, depending on the ingredients used. The fun thing about these cocktails is that beer goes well with almost any type of mixer, making the possibilities for beer cocktails virtually endless.
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To make these cocktails, it’s a good idea to get familiar with the vast and diverse world of beer. From the crisp and refreshing lagers to the rich and complex stouts, there’s a beer for almost every kind of palate. One of the most commonly found beers is lager. The taste is clean and crisp and lagers are usually fermented and conditioned at low temperatures. There are two types of lager: pale lager, which is light in colour and body and has a mild flavour and dark lager, which is richer in flavour and has a more malt character.
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There are also ales that are brewed with top-fermenting yeast and typically have a more robust and complex flavour compared to lagers. The popular varieties include Pale Ale, India Pale Ale (IPA), Brown Ale, Porter and the strong, dark Stout. Wheat Beers or beers that use a significant proportion of wheat in addition to barley have also grown increasingly popular.
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The type of beer you use is important, as it will influence the flavour of the cocktail. Lighter beers such as lagers and pilsners are the preferred choice for refreshing cocktails, while darker beers like stouts and porters can add depth and richness to the drink. For a stronger cocktail, spirits like rum, tequila, vodka, or whiskey work best. Fresh herbs, spices, or fruits improve a beer cocktail immensely. The idea is to make sure that the flavours complement each other without overwhelming the beer’s natural taste.
Make sure there is enough ice available; beer cocktails are best enjoyed chilled. They can also be served in a frosted glass.
Michelada
A Mexican beer such as Corona or Modelo works best to make a Michelada, a spicy and tangy beer cocktail that's perfect for hot days. Add salt and chilli powder to a glass. Add lots of ice to the glass, almost filling it. Add lime juice, tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of tomato juice. Top it with beer and stir gently. Add a lime wedge on top as a garnish.
Shandy
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One of the most famous beer cocktails, the Shandy, is a classic British summer drink. It is light, refreshing, and easy to make. Fill a glass halfway with beer. Use a pale ale or lager, preferably for this cocktail. Top with lemonade or lemon-lime soda and stir gently.
Black and Tan
This layered beer cocktail combines a pale ale with a stout. The dark and the light look great together, making a pretty drink. Pour the pale ale or lager into a pint glass. Using a spoon, slowly pour any stout, such as Guinness, over the back of the spoon to create a layer on top. Serve this immediately.
Radler
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Popular in Germany and Austria, the Radler is a refreshing mix of beer and citrus soda. Fill a glass halfway with beer, lager or Pilsner. Top with any citrus soda, such as Sprite or lemon soda. Give it a stir and it’s ready.
Beer Margarita
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A fun twist on the classic margarita, the Beergarita combines the flavours of beer and tequila. Rim a glass with salt and then fill the glass with ice. Add tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup. Top with beer and garnish with a wedge of lime.
Beer Sangria
An interesting version of the wine sangria, this is a fruity and refreshing beer cocktail. In a large pitcher, combine orange juice, brandy, and triple sec. Add fresh fruits and let them soak for a few minutes. Pour in the wheat beer or pale ale and serve over ice.
Snakebite
Snakebite, a popular drink in the UK, combines beer with apple cider vinegar. Pour the lager into a pint glass. Slowly add the hard apple cider to prevent excessive foam.
Beer Mojito
A mojito can be made with beer too. Muddle mint leaves with lime juice and simple sugar syrup in a glass. Fill the glass with ice. Add rum and top with beer. Garnish with lime and a sprig of mint.
