How to Make a Beer Cocktail: 5 Easy Recipes to Try at Home

Quick Answer

To make a beer cocktail, start with a base beer that matches the flavor profile you want, then add complementary ingredients like citrus, syrup, or spirits. Our five easy recipes—Shandy, Michelada, Black and Tan, Beer Margarita, and Stout Float—are perfect for beginners and use simple ingredients you likely already have.

Beer cocktails combine the best of both worlds: the refreshing character of beer with the creativity of mixology. Whether you're new to beer mixology or looking to expand your repertoire, these easy beer cocktail recipes will elevate your home bar.

The key to a great beer cocktail is balance. Choose a beer that complements your other ingredients, and don't be afraid to experiment with different styles. From crisp lagers to rich stouts, there's a beer cocktail for every taste.

Getting Started: Beer Cocktail Basics

Before you start mixing, understand the role of beer in a cocktail. Beer can add carbonation, body, and unique flavors like maltiness or hop bitterness. It can also lighten a cocktail, making it more sessionable.

When choosing a beer, consider the style. Light lagers and pilsners work well in refreshing drinks like shandies, while stouts and porters add depth to dessert cocktails. IPAs can bring citrus and pine notes, but they can also overpower delicate ingredients.

• Always chill your beer and glassware before mixing to keep the cocktail cold and refreshing.
• Use fresh citrus juice and quality syrups for the best flavor.
• Start with small amounts of strong ingredients like spirits, as you can always add more.

Essential Ingredients for Beer Cocktails

Most beer cocktails rely on a few common ingredients: citrus (lemon, lime, orange), sweeteners (simple syrup, honey, agave), and sometimes spirits or liqueurs. You can also use bitters, herbs, and spices to add complexity.

Keep your bar stocked with these basics, and you'll be ready to make a variety of beer cocktails. For a unique twist, consider using fruit-forward beers or barrel-aged brews to add depth without extra ingredients.

• Simple syrup is a must-have for sweetening cocktails.
• Fresh herbs like mint or basil can brighten up a beer cocktail.
• Don't forget salt and spices for savory drinks like the Michelada.

Recipe 1: Classic Shandy

The shandy is a timeless beer cocktail that's perfect for hot days. It's simply a mix of beer and lemonade or citrus soda. Use a light lager or wheat beer for the best results.

To make a classic shandy, fill a glass with ice, add equal parts beer and lemonade, and stir gently. Garnish with a lemon wheel. This drink is light, refreshing, and easy to customize with different fruit sodas.

• For a more sophisticated shandy, use a Belgian witbier and fresh lemon juice with a touch of simple syrup.
• Try grapefruit soda for a bitter-sweet variation.

Recipe 2: Michelada

The Michelada is a savory beer cocktail popular in Mexico. It's made with beer, lime juice, and a blend of sauces and spices, often served in a salt-rimmed glass.

To make a Michelada, rim a glass with salt and chili powder, then add ice, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of black pepper. Top with a light Mexican lager and stir. Adjust the heat to your liking.

• Use a light lager like a Mexican beer to let the flavors shine.
• Add a splash of tomato juice or Clamato for a heartier version.

Recipe 3: Black and Tan

A Black and Tan is a layered beer cocktail made with a pale ale and a dark stout. The key is to pour the stout slowly over the back of a spoon to create a distinct layer.

Fill a pint glass halfway with pale ale, then slowly pour the stout over a spoon held just above the beer. The stout will float on top, creating a beautiful two-tone effect. Serve immediately and enjoy the contrast of flavors.

• Use a stout like our Sounds Good BA 2022 for a richer, barrel-aged twist.



• Make sure the pale ale is not too carbonated to prevent mixing.

Recipe 4: Beer Margarita

The Beer Margarita combines the classic margarita with beer for a fizzy, refreshing twist. Use a light beer to keep it crisp, and don't forget the salt rim.

In a shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and a splash of simple syrup. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Top with beer and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wedge.

• Use a Mexican lager or a light ale for the beer top-up.
• For a fruitier version, add a splash of orange juice or use a citrus-infused beer.

Recipe 5: Stout Float

A Stout Float is a dessert-like beer cocktail that pairs rich stout with vanilla ice cream. It's like a root beer float but with a grown-up twist.

Scoop vanilla ice cream into a tall glass, then slowly pour a stout over it. The ice cream will create a creamy head. You can add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor. Serve with a straw and spoon.

• Use a sweet stout or a barrel-aged imperial stout for a more complex flavor.
• Try adding a shot of espresso for a coffee-infused float.

Step-by-Step Beer Cocktail Guide

1. Choose Your Base Beer: Select a beer style that complements your cocktail. Light lagers work for refreshing drinks, stouts for dessert cocktails, and IPAs for hoppy twists. Consider the flavor profile you want to achieve. Match the beer to the cocktail's mood.
2. Gather Your Ingredients: Have all your ingredients ready: beer, citrus, sweeteners, spirits, and garnishes. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Measure out quantities before you start. Prep everything to avoid fumbling mid-mix.
3. Mix the Cocktail: Combine non-beer ingredients first, then add beer last to preserve carbonation. Stir gently or use a shaker for mixed drinks. For layered cocktails, pour beer slowly over a spoon. Adding beer last keeps the fizz.
4. Garnish and Serve: Add garnishes like citrus wheels, herbs, or spices to enhance aroma and visual appeal. Serve immediately while the beer is still carbonated and cold. Presentation matters, but don't delay serving.
5. Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste your cocktail. Adjust sweetness, acidity, or heat to your preference. Common mistake: adding too much strong spirit, which can overpower the beer. Balance is key; tweak as needed.

Beer Cocktail Ingredients from To Øl

• Rollover: Same hop rate as our huge DIPAs, with half the alcohol! Rollover Session IPA by Whiplash in Dublin has all the body and flavour you’d expect from a much bigger beer, brought down to a crushable, pintable level. Simcoe, Ekuanot, Citra and Mosaic hops. Notes of orange juice, pine, stone fruits and candy. Its juicy, citrus-forward character makes it a great base for a hoppy beer cocktail like a shandy or a beer margarita, adding fruitiness without overwhelming sweetness.
• Sounds Good BA 2022: A beer that tastes even better than it sounds. Our barrel aged Imperial stout we made in collaboration with the talented people across the pond, Fuerst Wiacek. Aged in Bourbon barrels for 13 months, with additions of pecan nuts, cacao nibs, vanilla, and cinnamon. This barrel-aged stout brings deep vanilla, cocoa, and bourbon notes, making it an excellent choice for a stout float or a dessert beer cocktail.

Beer cocktails are a fun and versatile way to enjoy your favorite brews. With these five easy recipes, you can impress friends or simply treat yourself. Remember to experiment with different beer styles and ingredients to find your perfect mix. Cheers!