Sure, you can just serve beer as is, but it makes a lovely cocktail, as well. Look for interesting regional brews that can add a local flavor and interesting twist to your mixes.
The experts at your local liquor store or fine grocer can help you find the best bases for these cocktails.
Bul
The bul (bool) is a Cuban drink that mixes ginger beer and ale. It’s crisp, refreshing and perfect for a hot summer’s day.
2 12-oz. bottles ginger beer, chilled
2 12-oz. bottles pale ale, chilled
4 oz. fresh lime juice
Lime slices for garnish
1. Pour the beers into a pitcher with the lime juice. Add the lime slices and ice. Pour into tumblers and serve.
Makes one pitcher.
Snakebite
Originating in the U.K., the snakebite is equal parts lager or stout and cider. A good, solid drink for a night in. It goes down easy, though, so pace yourself.
1/2 pint apple cider
1/2 pint lager or stout
1. Pour equal parts into a pint glass. Serve.
Makes one drink.
Shandy
A shandy is equal parts beer and another drink, usually lemonade, carbonated or otherwise.
There are a variety of regional shandies served all around the world, such as the panache in Switzerland, Belgium and France; the portergraff of stout and lemonade in Australia; or the shandygaff, a British mix of beer and ginger beer or ginger ale. Try this kicked-up orange twist on the typical shandy from DeKuyper.
6 bottles Belgian-style wheat ale
1/4 cup tequila
1/2 cup orange liqueur
2 cups orange juice
2 oranges, sliced
Fresh rosemary and thyme
1. Combine the tequila, liqueur, juice, oranges and herbs in a pitcher. Slowly pour in four bottles of beer. Stir.
2. Refrigerate until chilled. When ready to serve, add remaining bottles of beer.
Makes one pitcher.
