Did you know that there’s an international holiday that’s all about beer? Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or just dipping your toes into the world of brews, there’s something for everyone when it comes to beer. In honor of International Beer Day, we’re here to chat about beer, explore its incredible history, and shake things up with some delicious beer cocktails. So, grab a pint, kick back, and let’s learn more about beer!

What Is Beer?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of beer-making, let’s take a moment to appreciate what beer truly is. In simple terms, beer is a fermented alcoholic beverage crafted from four primary ingredients: water, malted barley (or other grains), hops, and yeast. These ingredients come together to create a drink that ranges from crisp and refreshing to complex and robust, satisfying a wide spectrum of taste preferences.

What Are the Different Kinds of Beer?

Now, let’s check out some of the different styles of beer. From the hoppy IPAs to the velvety stouts, the world of beer is expansive and there’s a type for every palate. Here are some of the different types of beer you may encounter:

1. Lagers: Clean and Refreshing

Lagers are known for their clean and refreshing taste. They’re typically light in flavor and often have a crisp finish. Pilsners, Helles, and American Lagers fall under this category. If you’re looking for a straightforward, easy-drinking option, lagers are a solid choice.

2. Ales: Rich and Diverse

Ales cover a wide range of flavors and aromas. They can vary from malty and caramel notes in Amber Ales to hop-forward profiles in Pale Ales. If you’re into darker brews, you’ll enjoy Porters and Stouts, which offer roasted and sometimes chocolatey flavors.

3. Wheat Beers: Light and Fruity

Wheat beers, such as Hefeweizens and Witbiers, are often light and slightly hazy. They often have fruity and citrus-y undertones, making them great choices for a refreshing summer drink. You might even find them garnished with a slice of orange or lemon.

4. Specialty Brews: Unconventional Flavors

For those seeking something different, specialty brews deliver. These beers push the boundaries with unique ingredients and brewing techniques. You might encounter smoky flavors in Rauchbiers or the complex notes of barrel-aged beers.

5. Hybrid Styles: Mixing It Up

Hybrid styles blur the lines between traditional categories. India Pale Lagers (IPLs), for instance, combine the hoppy character of IPAs with the crispness of lagers. Cascadian Dark Ales bring together the elements of Stouts and IPAs. These styles offer a taste of experimentation and innovation.

What Is the History of Beer?

Beer is no newcomer to the world’s stage. Its history stretches back thousands of years, persisting through ancient civilizations and cultures. From the Sumerians crafting barley-based brews in Mesopotamia to the monasteries of medieval Europe perfecting their own recipes, beer has held its place as an important part of human heritage. If you want to dive deeper into the historical brews and tales, check out resources like History of beer – Wikipedia for a seriously fascinating journey through time.

The History of International Beer Day

This beer celebration started in 2007 in Santa Cruz, California, thanks to a beer enthusiast named Jesse Avshalomov. He wanted to enjoy beer with friends and the community, so he organized a small gathering. The idea took off, and by 2008, the first widespread International Beer Day happened. Since then, it’s grown and is now celebrated in over 200 cities worldwide. 

When Is International Beer Day?

We celebrate this holiday every year on August 7th! So, grab a lager or a beer cocktail, and celebrate with us!

How Is Beer Made?

Next, let’s take a look at how beer is made – step by step. It’s definitely a process that combines a few key ingredients and some careful craftsmanship.

1. Malting: The journey begins with grains, often barley, which are soaked in water to germinate. This process activates enzymes that convert starches into sugars, essential for fermentation. The grains are then dried, sometimes roasted, to create malt.
2. Mashing: The malted grains are mixed with hot water in a process called mashing. This helps extract sugars, flavors, and colors from the malt, resulting in a sweet liquid called wort.
3. Boiling: The wort is then boiled and hops are added. Hops contribute bitterness, aroma, and flavor to the beer. Boiling also sterilizes the wort, removing any unwanted microorganisms.
4. Fermentation: After boiling, the wort is cooled and yeast is added. Yeast is a tiny organism that eats the sugars in the wort and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide as byproducts. This fermentation process usually takes a couple of weeks.
5. Maturation: Once fermentation is complete, the young beer is left to mature. This maturation period allows flavors to develop and the beer to clarify.
6. Filtration and Packaging: The beer is filtered to remove any remaining solids. It’s then carbonated, often by adding a small amount of sugar, before being packaged into bottles, cans, or kegs.

Beer brewing is a blend of science and artistry that results in the diverse range of flavors and styles we enjoy today. So, the next time you crack open a cold one, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the journey it took from grains to glass.

How to Use Beer in Cocktails

Now, let’s chat about getting a little creative with your beer. Incorporating beer into cocktails can add a delightful twist to your cocktails. Just remember, subtlety is the name of the game. When mixing, consider the flavors of the beer and spirits to achieve a harmonious balance. And here’s a quick pro tip: avoid shaking cocktails with beer, as it can lead to excessive foaminess and a potential mess.

5 Beer Cocktails to Try For International Beer Day

Get ready to add a twist to your beer experience with these mouthwatering beer cocktails. These five concoctions are here to tantalize your taste buds and have you raising your glass in celebration. Let’s mix up some beer cocktails:

The Beerita

This zesty blend combines the brightness of beer with the punch of tequila. It’s perfect for those who want a tangy kick and a lively twist to their beer.

Combine 1 ½ oz tequila, 1 oz lime juice, and ½ oz triple sec in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass. Top it off with the light lager beer and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.

The Black and Tan

This classic duo brings together the smoothness of a pale ale and the rich, roasted flavors of a stout. It’s not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a feast for the eyes too, with its visually stunning layers.

Fill a glass halfway with a ½ pint pale ale. Using an upside-down spoon, gently pour ½ pint of stout over the back of the spoon to create a layered effect. The stout should float on top of the pale ale, creating a striking contrast.

The Shandy

When the sun is blazing, a Shandy is your best friend. This refreshing mix of beer and citrusy goodness is like a vacation in a glass, making it the ideal choice for beating the summer heat.

Fill a glass halfway with beer, then top it off with an equal amount of lemonade or citrus soda. Stir gently to combine.

The Michelada

Spice up your life with this flavorful beer-based concoction. The Michelada brings together savory, spicy, and tangy elements to create a drink that’s both refreshing and invigorating.

Rim a glass with salt and pepper (and Tajín or chili powder if you like it spicy). Fill the glass with ice, then add 2 oz tomato juice, 1 oz lime juice, hot sauce to taste, and a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce. Top it off with lager beer. Stir gently and enjoy!

The Beermosa

Brunch just got better with the Beermosa. This easy, bubbly twist on the classic mimosa combines the bright notes of beer with the tangy sweetness of orange juice.

In a chilled glass, pour equal parts beer and orange juice. Give it a gentle stir and soak in the brunch vibes!

How to Make the Best Beer Cocktails

As we wrap up our beer-infused journey, here are a few tips to ensure your beer cocktails are nothing short of spectacular:

1. Local Love – Opt for locally-brewed beer and spirits to support your community while enjoying the freshest flavors.
2. Fresh is Best – Use freshly squeezed juices and high-quality mixers to enhance the taste.
3. Balance is Key – Strive for a harmonious blend of flavors, letting each ingredient shine.
4. Garnish Gracefully – Elevate your cocktails with fresh garnishes like citrus twists, herbs, or even a small beer float.

Find Locally-Crafted Spirits at Distillery Nearby

Want to get your hands on some local, craft spirits for your beer cocktails for International Beer Day? Check out our “by-state” directory to see which distilleries are in your area. You can easily see the list of distilleries in your state, check out their hours, and much more – right on their featured page. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there, discover some new spirits, and mix some beer cocktails for International Beer Day!