55 Beers To Drink This Summer

"Every summer, I look forward to stone fruits coming back to the farmers' market: peaches, plums, and all the weird hybrids like plumcots, dinosaur eggs, donut peaches, cherums... so when I stumbled on New Belgium Pluot on our shelves, I was ecstatic! The light, fruity pluot flavor is perfect for summer, but not sickeningly sweet like some fruit beers. It's the perfect way to cool down after a day in the sun. A study malt background gives it wonderful substance, and I love the retro label. Pair with spicy meats (hot off the grill) and charred vegetable skewers. Just watch out for the 10 percent alcohol content... it will sneak up on you!"

— Cyndi Monohan, beer specialist for Quality Liquor Store in San Diego, Calif.

"My number one favorite summer beer right now is the Blood Orange Pale Ale from Great South Bay Brewing in Long Island. I love fresh OJ in the summer mornings, and I love American pale ales... so this brew is refreshing to me in Houston's hot summers. This is a great tasting beer, and also has a great citrus taste."

— Michael Caplan, from Siphon Coffee and Brew in Houston (to open Oct. 1)

"It's the most amazing summer beer and a great example of an American interpretation of a weizen or white-style German beer. The appearance is golden, cloudy, and foamy; the aroma is banana wheat and citrus zest; the taste is of banana, wheat, and light; and has medium body. It's the best to drink with friends in a beer garden watching soccer and eating barbecue!"

— Ben Scorah, head mixologist for Crown Group Hospitality (for Lion, Crown, Bill's Food & Drink and The Windsor in New York City, and London's Red House)

"This one's perfect for hot weather, as it has all the toothsome maltiness of a fine ale but goes down as easy as a lager."

— Adam Rich, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Thrillist

"[It's a] sweet, seriously piney imperial IPA that doesn't clobber you with bitterness. Bonus: the slender green can makes it look like an energy drink, so you can get away with enjoying it on the go."

— Adam Rich, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Thrillist

"Another strong summer option, this pilsner has a light, refreshing bitterness and a straw color as handsome as the scrimshaw on the label's whale tooth."

— Adam Rich, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Thrillist

"I like this beer because it's in a 16-ounce can, so I can take it with me on the river. It's a refreshing IPA made with Montana barley and Cascade hops."

—  Ryan Newhouse, cicerone certified beer server, beer blogger, and founder of MontanaBeerFinder.com, and author of the forthcoming book, Montana Beer: A Guide to Breweries in Big Sky Country

"This limited seasonal from Deschutes (June-September) packs a citrus punch, thanks to the heavy doses of Citra and Mosaic hops. Pairs very well with spicy fish tacos."

—  Ryan Newhouse, cicerone certified beer server, beer blogger, and founder of MontanaBeerFinder.com, and author of the forthcoming book, Montana Beer: A Guide to Breweries in Big Sky Country

"A truly traditional German lager beer, this Bavarian pilsener is sublimely complex and easy drinking. It can go just as well with a bratwurst as it can with a light summer salad." 

—  Ryan Newhouse, cicerone certified beer server, beer blogger, and founder of MontanaBeerFinder.com, and author of the forthcoming book, Montana Beer: A Guide to Breweries in Big Sky Country

"Sessionable and satisfying, Austin Beerworks' Einhorn delivers a citrusy burst of lactic tartness atop a light foundation of wheat and barley. Debuting as an instant classic, this Berliner Weisse-style beer truly makes our hot Texas summers bearable. Ideally, a growler of Einhorn deserves to hog the spotlight in park picnic spread, perhaps accompanying a summer salad. This beer's acidity would definitely offset stronger flavors such as blue cheese while complementing the tartness of fresh cranberries or a light, fruity dressing."

— Tre Miner, assistant operations manager of Craft Pride beer bar in Austin, Texas 

"Session beers are low in alcohol, but have the balance and craftsmanship of their bigger brethren. DayTime is dry enough to be refreshing, hoppy enough to keep Californians happy, and low enough in alcohol to have a few without getting plastered."

— Noah A. Bolmer (pictured with his wife, Mirjam), owner of Barley and Hops Tavern in Occidental, Calif.; owner of Warped Brewing Company in Sebastopol, Calif.; and host of the  "Bottom of the Bottle" podcast

"My all-time favorite beer. This black lager bridges the gap between beer geeks and casual craft drinkers. Roasty, coffee, and chocolate notes, but light-bodied and supremely quaffable. Brilliant with grilled meats and dry cheeses." 

— Noah A. Bolmer (pictured with his wife, Mirjam), owner of Barley and Hops Tavern in Occidental, Calif.; owner of Warped Brewing Company in Sebastopol, Calif.; and host of the  "Bottom of the Bottle" podcast

"A study in balance, this beer is about a specific Simcoe hop, which comes through in layers of pine, then grapefruit, then... just drink it. It's perfect all by itself, which is how I enjoy most Russian River beers."

— Noah A. Bolmer (pictured with his wife, Mirjam), owner of Barley and Hops Tavern in Occidental, Calif.; owner of Warped Brewing Company in Sebastopol, Calif.; and host of the  "Bottom of the Bottle" podcast

"[Florida Weisse is] a new style of beer developed by J Wakefield Brewing in South Florida. The beers are low in alcohol, brewed with lots of fruit, and it's becoming one of the most popular styles in Florida. Nothing better than sitting on the patio at The Brass Tap during the summer enjoying our own style of beer created in Florida and supporting local Florida breweries."

— Jeff Martin, founder of The Brass Tap franchise in Florida

"Since I brewed this beer myself, I made it exactly how I like a summer beer — citrusy and refreshing. During the boil, I add lemon verbena and Buddah's hand to the kettle, which results in a great lemony, herbaceous flavor. It is a light Belgian Blond-style beer that is great for enjoying on a warm summer day on the patio at the Brewing Company."

— James Costa, brewmaster at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company

"Without a doubt, my favorite summer seasonal brew is Great Divide Brewing Company's 'Nomad' Pilsener. It's a Bavarian-style Pils, that despite being 'big' (more than 8 percent alcohol) it's crisp, well-balanced, and has just enough hop in the profile to keep it super-refreshing. It's great stuff from some of my favorite brewers here in Denver."

—Kelly Wooldridge, general manager and sommelier at Mizuna in Denver, and wine director at Bonanno Concepts

"One of my all-time favorite IPA's, the Societe The Pupil pours golden in its color. While hops are definitely at the forefront, it is certainly not over aggressive — one of the more balanced IPAs you will taste, as bitterness is well utilized and integrates. It tastes of citrus, pine, grapefruit, herbal, fruity, and is even a bit sweet. There are so many flavors packed into this... This would be great with Sublime's Southwest Burger — fresh ground meat, avocado, jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, red onion, roasted red pepper chipotle aioli, with sour cream. I would also pair it with Sublime Tavern's lobster and Andouille gumbo."

— James Limjoco, owner of Sublime Ale House and Sublime Tavern in San Diego, Calif.

"[It] is a Belgian strong pale ale that uses a Belgian strain of yeast from a Trappist monastery. It is a beautiful light golden color with a bit of haze and smells of coriander and lemon zest, and has bready notes. It is very refreshing to the taste and you pick up on the Belgian candied sugars with almost tropical citrusy flavors as well. The sweetness lingers throughout... [so be] careful, as this one goes down so smooth, and you'll be swaying in your boots before you know it. This would go great with one of my favorite dishes — Roasted Dungeness crab with garlic noodles. [The] sweetness from the crab and from the ale go brilliantly together, and the citrus notes add a little kick to the crab to take it up a notch."

— James Limjoco, owner of Sublime Ale House and Sublime Tavern in San Diego, Calif.

"[It's the] long-awaited replacement for the popular Drifter Pale Ale, and it is smooth APA, balanced, and distinct. This can [is]... not exceptionally malty or hoppy, but the floral citrusy taste is pleasant, crisp, and creamy. A perfect light, zesty-wet summer beer at a great price... Hard to stop drinkin' this one."

— Brent Shelton, craft beer reviewer for FatWallet.com and brewer with the Forest City Brew Club in Rockford, Ill.

"All the IPA taste without the big IPA bitter blast, Founders' 'session' IPA is a complex exposition of grains and hops and well balanced for a light, clean bitter finish, making it perfect for a summer refresh. It's earthy and somewhat fruity and good out of the bottle, but better on tap at the Olympic Tavern in Rockford, Ill."

— Brent Shelton, craft beer reviewer for FatWallet.com and brewer with the Forest City Brew Club in Rockford, Ill.

"This beer screams 'summer!' Tart, crisp, and refreshing it's perfect for a hot day. Plus, if you go to the brewpub, you can drink it by the pitcher on their deck overlooking the Merrimack River."

— Jeff Wharton, co-founder of Drink Craft Beer 

"This one combines rye spiciness with Belgian yeast and light, but flavorful, hop character. And it's all less than 4 percent ABV. A surprise hit at a friend's summer wedding, it'll win folks over wherever you serve it, too."

— Jeff Wharton, co-founder of Drink Craft Beer 

"Need something a little fancier, but still want a great summer brew? Then this is your answer. Corked and caged, it's ready for the dinner table. Plus, as a saison, it'll go with whatever food you're serving."

— Jeff Wharton, co-founder of Drink Craft Beer 

"Want something hoppy for summer? Then grab a ¡Magnifico! It's 3.4 percent ABV and has tons of citrusy hoppy flavor and bitterness. Perfect for a cookout, keep the entire 22 ounces for yourself while other suckers drink from a 12-ounce bottle."

— Jeff Wharton, co-founder of Drink Craft Beer 

"Summer calls for a nuanced craft beer, and Sierra Nevada's Summerfest, a pils, meets the call. The lager's subtle sweetness supports the bitterness and spicy flavor, lending a refreshing bite. I'd pair it with grilled shellfish on a beachside deck; I love how Summerfest's dry character contrasts with rich, buttery clams."

— Andrew Sparhawk, craft beer program coordinator at the Brewers Association; editor at CraftBeer.com, certified Cicerone and BJCP Beer Judge

"A fruit beer needs still needs to taste like beer. That's why I like Dry Dock's Apricot Blonde. It bursts with apricot off the bat; you never miss the fact that this is a blonde ale. Pack it in camping or enjoy it at home with ceviche."

— Andrew Sparhawk, craft beer program coordinator at the Brewers Association; editor at CraftBeer.com, certified Cicerone and BJCP Beer Judge

"Saisons are in fashion year-round, but this saison is at its best when the mercury rises. Light and effervescent, Sal's is an excellent example of the style with a unique citrusy twist, coming from Sorachi Ace hops. Grab some Camembert, peach jam, and a baguette for a picnic in the park."

— Andrew Sparhawk, craft beer program coordinator at the Brewers Association; editor at CraftBeer.com, certified Cicerone and BJCP Beer Judge

"Think San Diego is all about the hops? Think again. Karl Strauss' hefe is as traditional as it gets. So refreshing and fruity. Ditch the salad course and serve this after dinner with a slice of Key lime pie."

— Andrew Sparhawk, craft beer program coordinator at the Brewers Association; editor at CraftBeer.com, certified Cicerone and BJCP Beer Judge

From our Twitter craft beer lovers:

@SunnyinSyracuse: "Xingu, @BrooklynBrewery Pennant Ale, Magner's Hard Cider, McSorely's Light, UFO Raspberry Hefe are some of my faves."

@CindyNomerati: "Lost Coast's Tangerine Wheat is one of my favorites."

@rpulvino: "Love the Long Trail Belgian White, Brooklyn Summer Ale, and Victory Summer Love Ale."

@wcsand: "@LonePint Yellow Rose, @Boulevard_Beer 80 Acre Hoppy Wheat."

@timmycoyne: "Anything from Pretty Things Brewing Project out of Cambridge MA"

@lightingthelamp: "Victory Summer Love and Troegs Sunshine Pils are my two favorites!"

@flirtdoc: "#AmberBock"

@howamericaeats: "Blanche de Bruges is my favorite beer this summer and every summer"

@klasley1: "All about cans in the summer time. You gotta get all over that @FinchBeer @sixpoint in the tall cans."

@pieterBK05: "Try Ommegang Witte or Sixpoint The Crisp (which comes in a can!)"

@lizardville: "Allagash White, Southern Tier HopSun, Troegs Sunshine Pils, Dogfish Head Festina Peche, Revolution Bottom Up Wit. Cheers!"

@VisitCorvalis: "Nebula from @Block15Brewing!" 

@VisitCorvalis (continued): "Pretty fond of @FlatTailBrewing's Summer Brown, too."