Beer is all the rage at the moment. However, that means that your run-of-the-mill craft beer is just enough to make you pretentious without actually standing out in a positive way. If you’re looking to enjoy your favorite brew while making a statement, then look no further than these classic beer cocktails.
Top Beer Cocktails to Make Now
Many of these drinks are nearing two hundred years old, but they taste as fresh today as they did back then. This contrast brings them into perfect play with many of the popular aesthetics we see today.
The Black Velvet
This delicate drink is a personal favorite, and it surely deserves to top the list. The black velvet was supposedly invented by a bartender in London in the year 1861. As legend has it, the drink was created in tribute to Prince Albert, who had recently passed.
Today, the black velvet is still made by creating a layered beer cocktail composed of stout and champagne. Guinness is the typical stout of choice, but there is a variation of the black velvet that has gained popularity. Commonly known as the “poor man’s black velvet,” this variation replaces champagne with a cider. Either way, the black velvet is a classic that will always be welcome.
The Snake Bite
For those who prefer a lighter option to stout, there’s the snake bite. This drink became popular in 1980s Britain, and it’s made from layering a lager with a cider. As with a black velvet the two liquids are layered creating an appealing visual effect. In fact, if you see a rather flat spoon hanging from beer equipment in the Inland Empire, then they’re likely used to creating some of these exact layered drinks.
The Michelada
The classic Mexican Michelada dates back to the 1940s. The cocktail resembles a Bloody Mary with some clear differences. A light lager replaces the vodka, and the drink usually includes stronger spices. Hot sauce, teriyaki sauce, and tajin all frequently find themselves mixed into the Michelada. As a result, you’ll generally find that Micheladas vary across regions, but you will always find that perfect balance between heat and refreshment.
The Shandy
A shandy could refer to a wide variety of different beer cocktails, but the general term originates in 1850s Britain. Essentially, a shandy is a mix of beer and ginger ale. However, modern renditions of the classic shandy may feature lemonade, orange juice, or any other number of fruit-based liquids. The important thing for a shandy is that it’s well-balanced, a bit tart, and completely delicious.
Corrido Prohibido
If you’re looking for something with a stronger alcohol content, then it’s back to Mexico. The corrido prohibido is a twist on the classic margarita, except in this case the drink is a simple blend of a light Mexican lager and tequila. With all of the flavors and variations available among Mexican tequilas, the options for flavor combinations are endless.
A Reflection on Beer Cocktails
Thanks to beer-loving cultures like the British and the peoples of Mexico, there are literally hundreds of well-known beer cocktails that you could promote at your establishment. These are just five of the most common and most loved, but once you get the hang of mixing beer flavors with other juices and liquors, you are sure to add your own.
To help you get started, have your own draft beer service in Los Angeles installed to better serve your customers. Between your creativity and their wiliness to explore, you will help to push beer cocktails to new heights.
