Do you love beer but want to branch out and try some cocktails? How about giving a beer cocktail a go? You may not have ever realized it before, but there are actually plenty of delightful beer cocktails out there just waiting for you to discover them. While some of these may be as simple as combining another type of liquor with some beer for a unique twist on a classic, others are a little more involved than that. Take your time looking through our top 7 picks below to help you find the ones that are right for your taste buds and preferences. You may just discover your new favorite drink when you try them out.
Ale Flip
Although it’s not for everyone, the Ale Flip is a unique beer cocktail that’s sure to make a difference in the way you see cocktails from here on.
Ingredients
• 12oz chilled ale
• 1oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 pinch of ground ginger
• 1 egg yolk
• 1oz brandy
Directions
• Heat lemon juice in a small saucepan with 2oz of ale over medium heat. Add ginger and sugar.
• Heat until sugar dissolves.
• In a separate, small bowl, beat the egg yolk and brandy together to combine.
• Add the heated sugar mixture slowly into the egg yolk and beat until smooth.
• Pour the egg yolk mixture into a beer mug.
• Top with the rest of the ale and stir well to combine.
• Serve at room temperature.
Bloody Brew
If you love a good Bloody Mary but want to try it with beer, you’re in luck. Try the Bloody Brew to see what you think about this combination.
Ingredients
• 4oz tomato juice
• 1-1/2oz vodka
• 4oz chilled beer, any variety
• 1 dash of Tabasco sauce
• Dill pickle spear for garnish
Directions
• Fill a highball glass with ice.
• Pour in the vodka and then add the tomato juice.
• Add the beer and Tabasco slowly, stirring to combine gently.
• Serve garnished with dill pickle spear.
Beer Buster
This simple but effective beer cocktail is a great way to cool down on a hot day. Try different types of beer if you don’t like ale or lager very much.
Ingredients
• 1-1/2oz vodka that has been chilled in the freezer
• 3 dashes Tabasco sauce
• 12oz chilled ale or lager
Directions
• Chill a beer mug in the freezer.
• Combine the freezer-cold vodka and the Tabasco sauce in the frozen mug.
• Slowly pour in the beer and stir gently to combine well.
• Serve ice cold.
Michelada
There are a lot of different variations on this drink that you might want to try. However, if you’re looking for a good basic version to get started with, the recipe below can help you learn. Don’t be afraid to look up some other styles of Michelada once you’ve had a chance to try this one!
Ingredients
• ½ key lime
• Kosher salt
• Dash of soy sauce
• Dash of Tabasco sauce
• 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
• Pinch of black pepper
• 12oz dark Mexican beer
Directions
• Chill a beer mug in the freezer.
• Rub the rim of the chilled mug with the lime wedge, then dip in salt as if making a margarita.
• Fill the glass with ice.
• Squeeze the lime over the ice in the glass.
• Add Worcestershire, soy, Tabaco, and pepper.
• Slowly pour in the beer while stirring gently to combine.
• Serve ice cold.
Stout Sangaree
This is a unique drink with a unique name. It’s a heavy, powerful drink that’s sure to “put hair on your chest” when you give it a try. Perfect for the autumn months, the holiday season, or any time when it’s a little colder outside, this drink is ready to warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
• 12oz stout
• 2tsp simple syrup
• 2oz ruby port
• Pinch ground cinnamon
• Pinch ground nutmeg
Directions
• Chill a beer mug in the freezer.
• Pour the simple syrup into the chilled beer mu.
• Slowly pour in the stout to create a full head on the beer.
• Float the port on the head of the beer and sprinkle over the nutmeg and cinnamon.
• Serve cold or at room temperature.
Shandygaff
This unique drink hails originally from England and is a good way to lighten up your beer without having to water it down. Try it the traditional way or go with the variant we have listed here. It’s perfect for lightweights or anyone who just enjoys a crisp, clear cocktail on a hot day.
Ingredients
• 6oz chilled ginger beer
• 6oz chilled lager or pale ale
• Optionally, lemonade instead of ginger beer
Directions
• Chill a beer mug in the freezer.
• Pour the beer into the mug, then pour the ginger beer on top of it.
• If using lemonade, use it in place of the ginger beer for a lighter, less intense drink.
Depth Charge
This is a simple drink that’s nevertheless a great option if you love the taste of peppermint. It’s also a good choice for anyone looking for a holiday beer cocktail for a party or family gathering.
Ingredients
• 1-1/2oz peppermint schnapps
• 12oz chilled ale or lager
Directions
• Chill a beer mug in the freezer.
• Pour the peppermint schnapps into the beer mug.
• Pour in the beer and stir to combine gently, taking care not to dislodge the bubbles too much.
• Serve cold.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of options out there if you’re looking for a beer cocktail or two to try at your next get-together. These can be a fun way to incorporate a love of beer or to try out some craft beers as cocktail bases, too. Remember that these drinks may not be for everyone, but they can make a splash and let you show off your creative side a little bit more when you whip them out for your next party, too. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your substitutions and try some things that aren’t listed here, too. You might discover something new and exciting—or you might not, but at least you’ll have fun sampling some new flavor combinations and seeing what works and what doesn’t!