• Newsfeed

10 Craft Beers to Kick Off Your Summer

3 minute read

Summer officially begins this weekend, meaning it’s time to relax and kick off the season with a nice, cold beer. But don’t get weighed down by a heavy brewsky; you need some lighter options to stay buzzed all summer.

We enlisted some help from the bar finding website Taphunter to round up a list of beers you can stock your fridge with all summer. Cheers!

White Rascal, Avery Brewing

Avery Brewing Co.

If you need to cool off after a long day in the sun, this is your beer. It’s light, sweet and can be found at just about any bar.

Windansea, Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Karl Strauss

Perfect for poolside sipping, this Hefeweizen will make you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation. Even non-beer drinkers will appreciate the banana and vanilla undertones, giving it a sweet finish.

RAD, Sixpoint Brewery

Sixpoint Brewery

A combination of fruit juice and ale, this lower-alcohol beer is great for the lightweights in your crew. It’s almost like a beer cocktail, so feel free to put a little umbrella in your glass.

Bombshell Blonde, Southern Star Brewing

Southern Star Brewing

The Lone Star State’s sticky weather served as a good excuse to concoct this light, smooth beer. Enjoy on a hot summer day with your cowboy boots on.

Summer Love, Victory Brewing Company

Victory Brewing Company

When you’re barbequing on the roof, this lemony beer will keep you cool as you’re getting ready to enjoy a summer night. The tangy finish makes it a great addition to almost any meal.

Blonde Ale, Diamond Knot Craft Brewing

Diamond Knot Craft Brewing

Don’t be fooled by the light color–this blonde ale packs a punch. The makers used their grandfather’s pre-Prohibition recipe to make it into a modern day, light drinking option.

Summer Honey Ale, Big Sky Brewing Company

Big Sky Brewing Company

You can taste the difference of the clear, crisp Montana water in the Summer Honey Ale’s seasonal suds. It’s got some spices to kick up the flavor — but not too many, keeping it very drinkable.

Festina Peche, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Dogfish Head

Hailed by critics as one of the best additions to the summer season, this tart beer was made for the beer geeks. It’s a little sour, but fruity, and would probably taste great with ice cream.

Honey Kolsch, Rogue Ales

Rogue Ales & Spirits

The honey in this beer will have you buzzing for more. Made with honey from the brewery’s local farm, it’s got a special taste you won’t find in standard fizzy yellow beers.

Big Wave Golden Ale, Kona Brewing Company

Kona Brewing Company

Take a sip of this Hawaiian-brewed beer for a taste of the islands. All you need to complete the pint is a surfboard and some major waves.

More Must-Reads From TIME

Contact us at letters@time.com