Photo: M. Okimoto & G. Kaye (Getty Images)
It’s that time of year again: spring break . After what was for many a horrible winter , you deserve this. While you’re lounging on the beach , you’re going to need something besides water and Pedialyte to wet your proverbial whistle. That’s where beer comes in. But, picking the right beer can be tough. That’s why we did it for you. (You’re welcome.) And while you can survive on a diet of Natty Ice and Bud Light Lime, there are better options out there. Check out some of our favorite beach beers below.
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Beach Beers
Alesmith Brütiful Day
This 7.2 percent Brut IPA is like Champagne in beer form and what could be better than drinking Champagne on a beach? Brewed with Nelson Sauvin hops, Brütiful Day is dry, crisp, with subtle hop bitterness.
Photo: Alesmith
Brooklyn Bel Air Sour
Sour beers are trending lately and Brooklyn’s 5.8 percent ABV offering is crisp, tart and full of tropical flavors the pair just as well with a backyard barbecue as a day at the beach.
Photo: Brooklyn Brewery
Southern Tier Lake Shore Fog
Hazy, juicy IPAs are in big time. It helps that they’re perfect for sunny, spring break beach days. Lake Shore Fog is 6.5 percent ABV and chocked full of hoppy goodness (including Mosiac, Citra, and Amarillo). It gets much of its juicy, hoppy character from being dry hopped four times.
Photo: Southern Tier Brewing Co.
Boulevard Tropical Pale Ale
This 5.9 percent ABV pale ale was inspired by a previous collaboration with Cigar City Brewing. This light, fruity brew is perfect for the beach because it’s well-balanced with passion fruit, grapefruit, and other tropical flavors.
Photo: Boulevard Brewing Co.
Victory Twisted Monkey
This Belgian-style blonde ale gets a kick from the addition of mango. It’s 5.8 percent ABV, refreshing, and light. It’s available year-round, but it’s the perfect beer to fill a cooler and take to the beach.
Photo: Victory Brewing Company
Coney Island Beach Beer
"Beach" is in the name, so that seems pretty self-explanatory. This crisp, refreshing, 4.6 percent ABV Kölsch was first brewed for Coney Island’s taproom. It was so popular they threw it into cans and made it available all year long.
Photo: Coney Island Brewery