Top 4 Best Summer Beers to Elevate Your Weekend and Your Barbecue

Summer is here, and with it comes sun-filled days, backyard BBQs, and endless outdoor adventures. Whether you're hosting a cookout, relaxing at the beach, or spending quality time around the campfire, selecting the right beer can elevate these moments from enjoyable to unforgettable. But what makes a beer perfect for summer?

What Makes a Great Summer Beer?

When the temperature rises, your beer needs to rise to the occasion too — not just taste good, but actually refresh and invigorate. The best summer beers are more than just cold; they’re crafted with flavor, balance, and drinkability in mind. Here’s what sets a great summer beer apart:

Light Body = Easy Drinking

Summer beers should feel light and breezy, just like the season. A lighter body means the beer won’t sit heavy in your stomach — which is ideal whether you’re playing lawn games, soaking up the sun, or going back for that second burger. Beers made with pilsner malt, rice, corn, or lighter adjuncts tend to be more “lifted” and easier to crush.

Look for: Cream ales, pilsners, lagers, or lighter IPAs with minimal residual sweetness.

Sessionable ABV (5.5% or Lower)

“Sessionable” means you can enjoy more than one without overdoing it. This is key for daytime drinking and long social events like BBQs, beach outings, or concerts. Many summer beers aim for that sweet spot between 4%–5.5% ABV, delivering flavor without fatigue.

Why it matters: Lower ABV means better hydration balance, less risk of dehydration in the heat, and a more social, inclusive drinking experience.

Bright, Crisp, or Citrusy Flavors

Flavor matters — but in the summer, we crave clean, refreshing profiles over dark, roasted, or heavy flavors. Citrus (from hops or adjuncts), mild bitterness, fruity esters, and a dry finish are common features of warm-weather beers. Great examples are our Tierra Madre Mexican-style Lager, our All-Purpose German Pilsner, or even a Member of the "Cali Family" which includes Cali Creamin' Vanilla Cream Ale and it's orange creamsicle sibling. These flavors wake up your palate without overwhelming it.

Cold-Friendly Styles

Not all beer styles taste great ice cold — but summer beers should. Pilsners, cream ales, blonde ales, and light lagers shine at colder temps, often between 38–45°F. The colder the beer, the more crisp and thirst-quenching it feels.

Pro tip: Use a cooler with ice + water for faster chilling, and keep cans in the shade during your summer hangout.

Cans Over Bottles

While it’s not about the beer style itself, cans are far more summer-friendly. They’re:

• Lighter and more portable

• Better for the beach, pool, or trail (no glass)

• Block light exposure that can "skunk" beer

Plus, let’s be honest — there’s something satisfying about cracking a cold can while the sun’s out.

Finishes Clean and Dry

The last thing you want is a sticky-sweet beer that lingers in the heat. A clean finish helps “reset” your palate, especially with grilled or salty foods. Dryness in beer doesn’t mean it’s bitter or flavorless — it means it finishes crisp and refreshing, without residual sugars clinging to your tongue.

The Best Summer Beers from Mother Earth Brew Co.

1. Cali Creamin’ – Vanilla Cream Ale

This flagship cream ale is the beer version of your favorite cream soda — but without the sugar overload. Golden and smooth with a subtle kick of Madagascar vanilla bean, it’s got just the right balance of perceived sweetness and a dry finish.

Perfect for: Floating the river, bonfire nights, or introducing non-beer drinkers to something new 

Bonus: It’s vegan and also comes in a Nitro version for an even smoother pour.

2. Cali Creamsicle – Orange Vanilla Cream Ale

Built on the base of Cali Creamin’, this version adds citrusy orange to the mix for full-on Creamsicle vibes. It’s a bit sweeter than the original and has a nostalgic flavor that’ll take you straight back to chasing the ice cream truck — only now, you’re the one bringing the cooler.

Perfect for: Poolside lounging, brunch pairings, or after-dinner sips Note: Contains lactose

3. All-Purpose – Pilsner

Pilsners are summer MVPs, and All-Purpose nails it. Brewed with Bavarian noble hops and traditional German yeast, this crisp pils offers subtle fruity and herbal notes, a dry finish, and just enough hop character to keep things interesting.

Perfect for: Backyard games, baseball tailgates, or any time you want a classic, crushable beer Pro tip: It’s a crowd-pleaser for both craft fans and macro-drinkers

4. Tierra Madre – Mexican-Style Lager

Crisp, snappy, and ridiculously easy to drink, Tierra Madre is Mother Earth’s take on the Mexican-style lager. Brewed with Vienna malt and corn, it has just enough malt body to make it interesting — without weighing you down.

Perfect for: Tacos on the patio, beach days, or cooling off after mowing the lawn Pair with: A squeeze of lime and your favorite salsa-fueled snacks

BBQ Pairing Tips

As the sun shines bright and the days grow longer, summer beers become the perfect companions for outdoor gatherings and cookouts. The right beer can elevate the flavors of your grilled dishes, creating a harmonious dining experience that celebrates the season. Here’s how to expertly match Mother Earth’s delightful brews with your next summer barbecue:

• Cali Creamin’ → This smooth and creamy beer is a fantastic match for grilled corn, hot dogs, or peach cobbler. The sweetness of the corn and the savory notes of hot dogs are complemented by the beer’s rich, creamy texture, while the fruity undertones enhance the flavors of a warm peach cobbler, making it a delightful end to your meal.

• Cali Creamsicle → This refreshing brew shines when paired with spicy shrimp tacos or a vibrant citrusy summer salad. The beer’s bright and zesty profile cuts through the heat of the shrimp, providing a cooling contrast, while its fruity notes mirror the freshness of the salad, making each bite and sip a perfect match.

• All-Purpose Pilsner → Known for its versatility, this pilsner works exceptionally well with classic barbecue staples like burgers, potato salad, and brats. The crispness of the pilsner cleanses the palate, balancing the richness of a juicy burger and the creaminess of potato salad, ensuring that every bite is as enjoyable as the last.

• Tierra Madre → This beer is a match made in heaven when enjoyed with carne asada, guacamole, and tortilla chips. The robust flavors of the grilled meat are perfectly complemented by the earthy notes of the beer, while the creamy guacamole and crunchy chips add layers of texture and flavor that enhance the overall experience.

Beers That Belong in Every Backyard

Now that you have your summer beer guide, it’s time to stock up and start enjoying the sunshine. So grab a cooler, invite some friends, and fill it with a lineup of the best summer beers that hit all the right notes — light, flavorful, and made for making memories. Visit our tap rooms to explore these summer-perfect beers or pick one up near you using our beer finder.

Cheers to unforgettable moments and great beer all summer long!