Savvy young professionals are known to like two things in the summer: beer and going beyond the expected. Treat your cottage or BBQ guests with these beer-inspired cocktails this summer – one for every day of the week. You’re welcome.
1. Beer Margaritas (pictured top)
This is a beer-inspired twist on the classic margarita that we YPs love so much, and is a guaranteed hit for your guests this summer.
You’ll Need
1 can frozen limeade concentrate
12 ounces tequila (white or gold)
12 ounces water OR 7UP
12 ounces beer
1 lime, cut into wedges
Ice
Directions
Pour limeade, tequila, water (or 7UP), and beer into a large pitcher. Stir until it is well-blended and limeade has melted. Add no shortage of ice, and garnish with lime wedges. If needed, adjust with additional water.
2. The Black Velvet
A favourite among ladies, the Black Velvet puts an elegant spin on beer consumption.
You’ll Need
1/4 can or bottle of dark, chilled beer
1 ounce chilled brut champagne
A champagne flute
Fill a champagne flute halfway with chilled beer and top it off slowly the with chilled brut champagne.
3. Muskoka Iced Tea
A variation of a Long Island iced tea, with beer. This is the ultimate refreshing drink for lounging on the deck or dock.
You’ll Need
1/4 ounce of tequila
1/4 ounce of light rum
1/4 ounce of gin
1/4 ounce triple sec
1/4 ounce vodka
2 ounces of beer
Sour mix or lemonade
Directions
Mix liquors and grenadine to a highball glass with ice. Top off with sweet and sour mix, add a splash of beer, and stir.
4. The Caffeine Bomb
You’ll never know what hit you (and likely be up for hours) with this caffeine-infused beer cocktail. Warning: not for the high-strung.
You’ll Need
1 bottle dark ale
1 shot espresso
1 ounce Jack Daniel’s
1 small can of Red Bull
Directions
Pour espresso, Jack Daniel’s and Red Bull into a martini mixer; add beer, stir and pour cocktail over ice in a tall glass.
5. Pretty in Pink: The Raspberry Beer Cocktail (pictured above)
Pretty, fruity and refreshing; this is a guaranteed hit even among the most infrequent beer-drinking female.
You’ll Need
1 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries
4 bottles of chilled beer
1 container frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate or pink lemonade
6 ounces of vodka
Lemon slices, or raspberries as garnishes.
Directions
In a large container or punch bowl, stir together the first four ingredients. Serve over ice. Garnish with raspberries.
6. Michelada
This hot and spicy Mexican-inspired cocktail is a variation of the Caesar we love so much. either on its own or with tomato or Clamato juice.
You’ll Need
1 bottle of beer
Juice of 1 lemon (or lime)
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
1 dash soy sauce
1 dash Tabasco sauce
1 pinch black pepper
1 pinch salt
Directions
Mix together the ingredients in a tall glass with lots of ice. Add beer, mix, and serve. Add tomato or Clamato juice and create a more authentic, fun spin on the Caesar.
7. Guinness Float
Re-visit your youth with this “adult twist” on the root beer float. Makes for a delicious post-dinner dessert.
You’ll Need
3 scoops of ice cream (usually Vanilla, but feel free to experiment)
One bottle of Guinness.
Directions
It’s pretty self-explanatory; nonetheless, put the ice cream in first, then carefully add the beer. Wait for the head to go down; add more beer. Blend if you want a milkshake!
Top photo courtesy Taste Inspired
Middle photo courtesy Honest Cooking