9 Refreshing Beer Cocktail Recipes You Can Make All Year

Nikole Stewart |

Updated: Oct 16, 2024

Beer Cocktail Recipes, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

A beer cocktail is the perfect party drink, especially if you’re a guest. Start with a light beer, add juices and spices, and serve. It’s really that easy. So what are some of the best beer cocktail recipes to try at your next get-together?

One of our favorite beer cocktail recipes is a classic Mexican Michelada, which starts with a refreshing beer and then is kicked up a notch with hot sauce and lime. Even if you feel inspired by the Beastie Boys song, we don’t recommend making a “Brass Monkey” consisting of malt liquor and orange juice.

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1. The Honey Basil Julep

Honey Basil Julep, Flickr — Credit: Flickr

This is one of the best beer cocktail recipes if you have some raw honey lying around the kitchen. Just add strips of basil leaves into a child glass and muddle, then add your honey and bourbon. Fill the glass with crushed ice and a splash of seltzer for a refreshing twist on a classic Julep.

2. Peach Lambic and Rye Sangria

Peach Sangria beer cocktail — Credit: Unsplash

This genius pairing takes an already peachy Belgian Lambic beer and enhances it with fresh peaches and smoky rye whiskey. This pairs well with grilled or smoked meats, perfect for the next family reunion.

3. Strawberry Beermosas

Strawberry Mimosa, Wiki Commons — Credit: Wiki Commons

Need a new brunch drink? Then try one of the best beer cocktail recipes that is a spin on mimosas. Start with a white IPA or citrusy beer like Blue Moon for this sweet cocktail with orange juice and fresh strawberries.

4. Raspberry Beer Cocktail

beer cocktail recipes, raspberry cocktail — Credit: Unsplash

Try this raspberry beer cocktail with pastries and you’ll discover your new perfect pairing. Just add pink lemonade, fresh berries, and lime juice to a very ligh t beer. If you don’t have pink lemonade, muddle fresh raspberries and mix with regular lemonade for an extra fruity flavor.

5. Southern Shandy

Shandy, Wiki Commons — Credit: Wiki Commons

Mix beer and lemonade (learn how to make your own here) for an age-old favorite but add peach brandy for a very Sou t hern twist. One sip and you’ll be transported to a grand home in Georgia with a wrap-around porch. It’s easily one of the best beer cocktail recipes as it requires very little prep and you’ll adore the combination of sweet with a hint of tart.

6. The Porcupine

beer cocktails recipes rosemary — Credit: Unsplash

Tropical beer cocktail recipes are perfect year-round, and all you need is pineapple juice, rosemary sprigs, sparkling dry white wine, and sturdy pale ale like Sierra Nevada. Boil the sprigs of rosemary with the pineapple juice, strain into a pitcher, then add the beer and wine. Add pretty spears of pineapple to each drink for extra appeal.

7. The Michelada

michelada recipe for beer cocktails — Credit: Organic Authority Studio + Ally Jane Grossan

One of the best beer cocktail recipes is this classic Mexican Michelada. This cocktail uses Tajin, which adds both heat and tang to the drink. Run a lime wedge around the rim of a beer glass, dip it in Tajin, and then fill it with ice. Add tomato juice, lime juice, hot sauce, and a Mexican lager. For some more heat, add more Tajin to the mixed beer cocktail.

8. Watermelon Lemonade Beer Cocktail

Watermelon Cocktail for beer cocktail recipes — Credit: Unsplash

Stock up on watermelon for a year-round treat with one of the best beer cocktail recipes. Juice one small watermelon, and add it to a pitcher with some lemonade and four Coronas for a refreshing, sweet drink.

9. Aperol Mist

Aperol Mist beer cocktail recipes — Credit: Unsplash

The Italian purists might take issue with adding precious Aperol to anything other than sparkling water or wine. However, after a sip of the Aperol Mist, a blend of Aperol and Belgian wheat beer all will be forgiven. Don’t forget the lemon twist — or try an orange for a traditional Italian finish.