Top 10 Summer Beers For 2024

As the summer sun climbs higher in the sky, our taste buds crave something light, crisp, and undeniably refreshing. While there's a universe of delicious beers to explore year-round, specific styles truly take center stage during the warmer months. From classic American Pale Ales (APAs) to juicy India Pale Ales (IPAs) bursting with citrus, navigating the vast selection can feel overwhelming. Fear not, fellow sun-seekers! This comprehensive guide highlights the top 10 summer drinks to quench your thirst and keep you cool in 2024.

Some brews transcend trends, becoming beloved staples for a reason. American Pale Ales (APAs) fall squarely into this category, offering a delightful balance between bitterness and malt character. They're a fantastic choice for those seeking a flavorful yet approachable beer. Perennial favorites like the 4 Hands City Wide APA come in convenient 4-pack cans (perfect for a solo session) and larger 12-pack options for gatherings. Similarly, Modern Citrapolis 4C is another crowd-pleasing APA with a touch of citrusy zip.

For those seeking a light and uncomplicated summer beverage, look no further than a classic Mexican Lager. These crisp, easy-drinking beers are like sunshine in a can. Brands like Modelo Especial have dominated the market for a reason – their refreshing taste and light body make them ideal for poolside lounging, backyard barbecues, or simply unwinding on a hot day.

India Pale Ales (IPAs) are a cornerstone of the craft beer scene, and some varieties are perfectly suited for summer. Not all IPAs are hop bombs; many offer a delightful balance between bitterness and citrusy hop character. Look for Bell's Two Hearted Ale, a well-regarded IPA with a balanced bitterness and a refreshing citrusy hop aroma. This brew is a fantastic example of how IPAs can be both flavorful and perfect for beating the summer heat.

If you're looking for a fun twist on the classic lager, consider venturing into the world of Radlers. These delightful beverages combine a light lager with fruit juice, creating a refreshing and subtly sweet drink. Stiegl Grapefruit Radler is a popular option, offering a burst of citrusy flavor alongside the crispness of the lager base. For those who enjoy bolder fruit flavors, fruity ales like Golden Road Mango Cart are a fantastic choice. These vibrant brews burst with tropical fruit flavors, making them a delicious and unique summer beverage.

Hard Seltzers continue to dominate the beverage market, and for good reason. They're light, bubbly, and perfect for those seeking a lower-calorie option that's still bursting with flavor. The Quirk Variety 12 Pack offers a variety of unique flavor combinations to tantalize your taste buds, while the Cayman Jack Sweet Heat Variety 12 Pack adds a touch of spice to the mix. For those who enjoy the innovation of craft breweries, the 4 Hands Strawberry Burst Seltzer is a refreshing new release that's sure to become a summer favorite.

Craft lagers are experiencing a well-deserved surge in popularity, offering a lighter alternative to heavier ales. These crisp, easy-drinking beers are perfect for those who appreciate the clean taste of a lager but want something with a bit more character than the typical mass-produced variety. Local options like UCBC Zwickel Light and Civil Life Czech Pils are fantastic choices, showcasing the dedication of local brewers to perfecting this classic style. For those who enjoy supporting local businesses, Schlafly Summer Lager and Logboat Bobber are delicious options brewed right here in Missouri. If you prefer a smaller format, Hopewell Lil Buddy comes in adorable 8oz cans, perfect for enjoying on the go or for portion control.

Sometimes, a classic beverage deserves a shout-out. The Leinenkugel Summer Shandy has been a staple for summer gatherings for a reason. This refreshing beverage combines a light wheat beer with a touch of lemon for a delightful and thirst-quenching drink. The convenient variety of package sizes.

While Belgian Witbiers are popular in Europe, American Wheat Ales offer a similar light, refreshing taste that's perfect for summer. These beers are often unfiltered, resulting in a cloudy appearance, and may have subtle citrus or spice notes. They're a fantastic choice for those who enjoy a light and easy-drinking beer on a hot day. Blue Moon Belgian White Ale is a delicious example.

For those seeking a beverage that's a touch lighter than beer but still packs a flavorful punch, consider exploring the world of hard ciders. Made from fermented apple juice, hard ciders offer a crisp and refreshing taste with a touch of natural sweetness. They come in a variety of styles, from dry and tart to sweeter options with fruit flavors. Brick River Cider, a Missouri-made cider comes in a variety of flavors, perfect for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness.

For those who enjoy a crisp and clean-tasting beer, a Pilsner is a fantastic summer option. They're known for their golden color, light body, and prominent bitterness balanced by subtle malt sweetness. This balance creates a refreshing and easy-drinking beer that's perfect for enjoying on a hot day.

Ready to stock your fridge for summer? Head over to Randall's to find a wide selection of these delicious summer brews (and seltzers)! With their vast selection and competitive prices, you're sure to find the perfect drink to beat the heat.

As the summer sun continues to blaze, this guide hopefully provided a roadmap to navigate the exciting world of summer beverages. From classic American Pale Ales (APAs) to unique hard seltzers and crisp ciders, there's a perfect option waiting to quench your thirst and keep you cool.

Here at Randall's Wines & Spirits, we're passionate about helping you discover new favorites. We carry a vast selection of all the summer staples mentioned above, including a wide variety of local Missouri brews and ciders. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue or simply seeking a refreshing solo beverage, our friendly staff is always happy to assist you in finding the perfect summer drink.