What To Know
- A classic American pale ale with a balanced hop profile and a refreshing finish.
- A highly-rated pale ale with a smooth, malty flavor and a crisp hop finish.
- A Belgian-style wheat beer with a low ABV and a refreshing citrusy flavor.
As the mercury rises and the sun beats down, there’s nothing quite like a cold, refreshing beer to quench your thirst and cool you down. But not all beers are created equal when it comes to hot weather. Some styles are simply too heavy or malty to enjoy on a sweltering day. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the best beers for hot weather, ensuring you have the perfect brew to keep you cool and hydrated.
Crisp and Refreshing Lagers
Lagers are known for their crisp, clean flavor and low alcohol content, making them ideal for hot weather. Here are some top picks:
- Pilsner Urquell: This classic Czech pilsner is light, hoppy, and incredibly refreshing.
- Modelo Especial: A Mexican lager that’s perfect for sipping on the beach or by the pool.
- Yuengling Traditional Lager: A light and crisp American lager that’s perfect for any occasion.
Light and Fruity Wheat Beers
Wheat beers are another excellent choice for hot weather. They’re light, refreshing, and often have a slightly fruity flavor. Try these options:
- Blue Moon Belgian White: A Belgian-style wheat beer with a hint of orange peel and coriander.
- Hoegaarden Original White: A classic Belgian wheat beer with a refreshing citrusy flavor.
- Shock Top Lemon Shandy: A wheat beer blended with lemonade for a sweet and tart twist.
Tart and Tangy Sour Beers
Sour beers are becoming increasingly popular, and they’re perfect for hot weather. Their tart and tangy flavor can quench your thirst like nothing else. Here are some recommendations:
- Berliner Weisse: A German-style sour beer that’s light, tart, and incredibly refreshing.
- Gose: A German-style sour beer that’s brewed with salt and coriander, giving it a unique and flavorful profile.
- New England IPA: A hazy, juicy IPA with a tart finish that’s perfect for a hot summer day.
Hoppy and Aromatic Pale Ales
Pale ales are a bit hoppier than lagers, but they’re still light and refreshing enough for hot weather. Here are some great options:
- Sierra Nevada Pale Ale: A classic American pale ale with a balanced hop profile and a refreshing finish.
- Bell’s Two Hearted Ale: A highly-rated pale ale with a smooth, malty flavor and a crisp hop finish.
- Lagunitas IPA: A West Coast IPA with a bold hop profile and a refreshing bitterness.
Low-Alcohol Session Beers
If you’re looking for a beer that’s low in alcohol but still full of flavor, consider a session beer. These beers typically range from 4-6% ABV, making them easy to drink and perfect for hot weather. Try these:
- Allagash White: A Belgian-style wheat beer with a low ABV and a refreshing citrusy flavor.
- Firestone Walker Mind Haze: A hazy IPA with a low ABV and a juicy, fruity flavor.
- Lagunitas DayTime: A session IPA with a balanced hop profile and a crisp finish.
Non-Alcoholic Options
If you’re not in the mood for alcohol, there are plenty of non-alcoholic options available that can still quench your thirst on a hot day. Here are a few recommendations:
- Athletic Brewing Run Wild: A non-alcoholic IPA with a hoppy and refreshing flavor.
- Budweiser Zero: A non-alcoholic version of the classic American lager.
- Heineken 0.0: A non-alcoholic version of the popular Dutch lager.
The Perfect Pairing: Food and Beer
When enjoying a cold beer on a hot day, it’s essential to pair it with the right food. Here are some suggestions:
- Lagers: Pair with light and refreshing foods like salads, seafood, or grilled chicken.
- Wheat beers: Pair with fruity and flavorful foods like fruit salads, grilled salmon, or tacos.
- Sour beers: Pair with tangy and salty foods like chips and salsa, fish and chips, or grilled shrimp.
- Pale ales: Pair with hoppy and aromatic foods like grilled ribs, burgers, or pizza.
- Session beers: Pair with light and easy-to-eat foods like sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
Tips for Enjoying Beer in Hot Weather
- Keep your beer cold: Store your beer in a refrigerator or cooler to ensure it’s always at the perfect temperature.
- Drink slowly: Sip your beer slowly to avoid getting too cold or feeling bloated.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated while enjoying your beer.
- Choose the right style: Opt for lighter and more refreshing styles of beer when the weather is hot.
- Enjoy in moderation: Remember to drink responsibly and enjoy your beer in moderation.
Top Questions Asked
- What is the best beer for hot weather?
The best beer for hot weather is one that is light, refreshing, and has a low alcohol content. Some great options include pilsners, wheat beers, sour beers, pale ales, and session beers.
- What are some non-alcoholic beer options for hot weather?
There are many non-alcoholic beer options available that are perfect for hot weather. Some popular choices include Athletic Brewing Run Wild, Budweiser Zero, and Heineken 0.0.
- What foods pair well with beer in hot weather?
Light and refreshing foods pair well with beer in hot weather. Some great options include salads, seafood, grilled chicken, fruit salads, grilled salmon, and tacos.
