The best refreshing beers for the summer
What makes a great summer beer?
Not every beer works in the heat. The best light fruity summer beers tend to share a few key characteristics:
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Lower to moderate ABV
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High carbonation
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Crisp finish
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Fruity or citrus-forward aromas
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Clean, refreshing mouthfeel
Heavy malt sweetness and high alcohol can feel overwhelming in the sun, but bright hops and fresh yeast character thrive.
Summer beer recommendations you’ll love
If you’re looking for summer beer recommendations, here are some styles that never disappoint:
Pilsner & Pale Lager
Crisp, dry and refreshing with subtle hop bitterness. Perfect for long afternoons in the garden.
Session IPA
All the hop character, lower alcohol. Citrus, tropical fruit and a clean finish make this ideal for BBQ season.
German Wheat Beer (Weissbier)
Soft, smooth, slightly fruity with banana and clove notes. Surprisingly thirst-quenching.
Belgian White (Witbier)
Light body, coriander spice and orange peel. A true sunshine beer.
Alcohol-Free & Low ABV
If you’re pacing yourself, a modern 0.0% beer like Heineken 0.0 delivers full flavour without the heaviness. Ideal for long summer days.
These are the ultimate light fruity summer beers when temperatures climb.
Draught summer beer at home
There's a whole bunch of refreshing beers for summer available with BLADE and BeerTender. Check out our Starter Packs and find your top picks just waiting to accompany lunches, BBQs, al fresco dinners and lazy afternoons in the garden.
Fresh draught beer simply tastes better in hot weather!
Summer food & beer pairings
We all know that food is a big part of summer, and often a big part of enjoying beer too. We have a number of summery suggestions to make it feel a little closer to that beach holiday by the Mediterranean or that sunny city break. We've got suggestions for burgers and veggie for an unforgettable BBQ but also lighter bites and nibbles for when you're snacking in the sunshine.
Burgers & BBQ
A crisp lager or session IPA cuts through smoky grilled meat beautifully.
Grilled veg & salads
Wheat beers and witbiers complement lighter, fresher dishes.
Sharing boards & nibbles
Soft cheeses, olives and seafood pair brilliantly with Belgian beers and pilsners.
Spicy dishes
Citrusy IPAs cool heat while amplifying flavour.
The combination of sunshine, good food and beer for hot weather is unbeatable.
Summer is about easy drinking, fresh flavours and good company.
Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, heading into the garden, or just enjoying a quiet evening in the sun, choosing the right refreshing beers for summer makes all the difference.
Stock up, chill down, and pour something bright.
Cheers to long evenings and light, fruity pints!