1) MKE IPA
Milwaukee Brewing Company
Citra and Mosaic hops offer plenty of warm weather-compatible citrus flavor, but this beer still has a nice moderately bitter finish. At 5.5% ABV, it’s one that won’t leave you wobbly after a couple of pints.
2) Strawberry Rhubarb Ale
New Glarus Brewing Company
It’s hard to beat New Glarus when it comes to making world-class fruit beers. The blend of tart rhubarb with sweet strawberry is delicious and refreshing and makes it really hard to drink just one. Four-packs of the stuff tend to disappear quickly from both store shelves and my fridge.
3) Juice Grenade Triple IPA
Eagle Park Brewing and Lion’s Tail Brewing Company
So, this collaboration between the locals and Neenah’s Lion’s Tail isn’t exactly a lawn mower beer. Enjoy this hazy powerhouse in the comfort of the air-conditioned Eagle Park taproom. It’s a juicy IPA that is dangerously drinkable, despite having a potent 10% ABV.
4) Rubaeus Raspberry Ale
Founders Brewing Company
There’s no “hint” of raspberry here. The berry flavor is front and center. But it’s not overly sweet and has a slight tartness to it that works. The refreshing taste makes it hard not to gulp.
5) Riverwest Stein Amber Lager
Lakefront Brewery
Summer is a good time for lagers, and Riverwest Stein is a lager with depth. There’s some hop presence there, a bit of malty sweetness and a nice clean finish. Lakefront’s flagship is a fine choice at any time of the year.
6) Lust Weissbier
St. Francis Brewing Company
The refreshing banana and clove combination of a good weiss pairs nicely with the heat of summer. The brewery on the south side does a pretty good job of making one that fits the bill.
7) Soft Parade Shandy
Shorts Brewing Company
Don’t scoff at this shandy, beer nerds. Its lemonade and berry flavor is amazingly refreshing on a hot summer day. And the low 4.2% ABV ensures that even after a couple of these you won’t be groggy in the heat.
8) Sutter’s Secret Golden Ale
Explorium Brewpub
A crisp, clean golden ale tastes pretty good during summer months. Combine a pint or two of these easy drinkers with Explorium’s large outdoor patio and you’ve got a good summer day ahead.
9) Lille Bjorn Norwegian Table Beer
Gathering Place Brewing Company
Looking for something a little different for your summer imbibing? Gathering Place has you covered with this brew that is made with fresh juniper berries and orange peel. It has a hint of sweetness and a manageable 4.7% ABV.
10) Saison du Bourdon
Biloba Brewing Company
Historically, saisons were brewed to be refreshing summer brews. Biloba has a few to choose from, but this one is for the bold. The dry beer is made with honey and Sorachi Ace hops, which add a lemon citrus flavor, and aged in Pinot Noir barrels. At 9.75% ABV, it’s a good idea to sip slowly.
