Every summer party has one: a cooler full of light, guzzle-able domestic beer. And whether you’re a Coors guy or a Lone Star lady, maybe it’s time to change things up this summer. We asked bartenders for their favorite summer beers—each and every one of these will be welcome in coolers all summer long. Choose your own adventure below.
Craig Welsh, Boulud Sud, Miami: “I prefer a dry, crisp lager from Germany and Japane because they have both mastered the art of dry beer.”
Jeff Hammett, Guild, Austin: “Hefeweizen and grapefruity IPAs. I like sour beers on a hot summer day, too. Real Ale Scots Gone Wild and Victory Sour Monkey are great options.”
Gabriele Guidoni, Bond 45, New York City: “I always enjoy a Golden Ale Trip Hop Duvel. Your summer beer is typically a pilsner or a pale ale, while the Duvel is a traditional Belgian. It has an extremely hoppy taste, very complex.”
Brock Schulte, The Monarch, Kansas City: “Dogfish Head Seaquench Session Sour, probably the most thirst-quenching beer ever made. I also don't say no to an ice cold yard beer like PBR or Schlitz. Honestly, I don't think I ever say no to a cold beer.......or a warm one. They all taste great with a side of Rittenhouse.”
Andrew Woodley, The Street Food Hall, Waikiki: “Kona Brewing's Hanalei Island IPA. I love the intense bitterness from American-style IPAs, but for the heat of summer I really appreciate this session ale.”
Chris Resnick, Minnow Bar, Miami: “I like to take it easy with a Stiegl Radler or the Ginger Lemon Radler from Boulevard. Both are crisp and light and won’t get you obliterated if you have a few in the afternoon.”
Nima Kasmaii, KYU, Miami: “Mama’s Little Yella Pilsner, by Oskar Blues Brewery.”
Jackson Donahue, The Canal Club, Scottsdale, Arizona: “AZ Wilderness is producing a Blood Orange Gose that is out of this world.”
Jonathan Egged, Park Hyatt Aviara, Carlsbad, California; “Boo Koo IPA from Mother Earth. The mosaic hops give it a more citrusy and tropical flavor than traditional IPAs.”
Kristin Lozano, The Sawyer Hotel, Sacramento: “A super heavy Double IPA. Drink one of those bad boys outside on a hot day, and that really is all you’ll need. I’d recommend Ballast Point Watermelon Dorado Double IPA.”
Lewis Powell, Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen, Scottsdale, Arizona: “Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy because it is light and refreshing with a hint of lemon. Perfect for the Arizona heat!”
Matt Piacentini, The Up & Up, New York City: “I’m a big fan of Lambic beers in the summer. They’re dry, a little sour, and very refreshing...To me, the flavors are reminiscent of a summer field of wild grass and buzzing things.”
