When most people think of beer, they picture a frosty pint—simple, refreshing, and straightforward. But beer can be much more than a solo act. It’s a surprisingly versatile base for creative cocktails that blend hops with fruit, spice, and spirits. Whether you’re looking for something bold and savory or crisp and citrusy, beer-based cocktails offer something for every palate.
Here are some of our favorite beer cocktails to shake (or stir) things up this season.
1. Michelada – The Spicy Beer Classic
Best with: Light Mexican lagers (like Modelo, Pacifico, or Corona)
Ingredients:
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1 bottle Mexican lager
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2 oz tomato or Clamato juice
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Juice of 1 lime
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Dash of hot sauce
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Dash of Worcestershire sauce
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Tajín or chili salt for the rim
Instructions:
Rim a pint glass with Tajín. Fill with ice, tomato juice, lime juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire. Top with beer and gently stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Think of it as a beer-based Bloody Mary with a bold kick.
2. Beer Shandy – A Bright Summer Refresher
Best with: Light lager or pilsner
Ingredients:
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1 part beer
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1 part lemonade or lemon-lime soda
Instructions:
Simply pour equal parts beer and lemonade over ice in a tall glass. Stir gently and garnish with a lemon wheel.
Sweet, tangy, and endlessly refreshing. Perfect for summer picnics or BBQs.
3. Black Velvet – Bubbly Meets Bitter
Best with: Dry stout (like Guinness)
Ingredients:
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1 part stout
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1 part champagne or sparkling wine
Instructions:
Pour the sparkling wine into a flute halfway. Slowly pour the stout over the back of a spoon to layer on top.
Elegant and unexpected, this drink balances the richness of stout with the brightness of bubbles.
4. The Snakebite – A Cider-Forward Pub Favorite
Best with: Lager and hard apple cider
Ingredients:
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1/2 pint lager
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1/2 pint hard cider
Instructions:
Pour equal parts lager and cider into a pint glass. No garnish needed—just pure, smooth refreshment.
It’s sweet, dry, and slightly tart—a perfect gateway for cider lovers.
5. The Radler – German-Style Thirst Quencher
Best with: German-style wheat beer or pilsner
Ingredients:
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2/3 light beer
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1/3 grapefruit juice or citrus soda
Instructions:
Mix the ingredients gently in a chilled glass. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit if desired.
“Radler” means “cyclist” in German—a nod to its roots as a low-alcohol refresher perfect for summer rides.
6. Hop, Skip & Go Naked – A Party Classic
Best with: Light beer
Ingredients:
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1 bottle beer
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1 oz vodka
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1 oz lemonade concentrate or lemon juice
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Ice
Instructions:
Mix everything in a pitcher with ice. Serve in highball glasses for a crowd-pleasing punch with a kick.
Warning: The name may be fun, but this drink is surprisingly strong!
Why Beer Cocktails?
Beer-based cocktails are more than just a novelty—they’re a creative way to:
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Lower the overall alcohol content of a mixed drink
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Add effervescence and depth without extra sugar
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Showcase the flavor profile of different beer styles in new and interesting ways
From citrusy IPAs to rich porters, the possibilities are endless.
Find Your Favorite Beers at 3rd Street Beverage
At 3rd Street Beverage, we stock a massive selection of local craft brews, imported favorites, and seasonal specialties—perfect for mixing up any of the cocktails above. Not sure what beer to use for your drink? Just ask our knowledgeable team, and we’ll help you pick the perfect match.
Visit us in-store or online at 3rdStreetBeverage.com and give beer a new twist—cheers!
