There’s no better feeling than cracking open an ice-cold beer on a hot summer’s day. If you’re new to the German beer scene and are wondering what the best beers are for when those warm, sunny days do eventually come around (usually when we’re least prepared for them, knowing UK weather), you’re in the right place.
If there’s one thing we know about, it’s German beers, and we’ve put together the list below to help you find your next go-to summer drink. One that’s light, refreshing, and easy to enjoy at a BBQ or for lounging around in the garden.
Augustiner Helles: A Classic Summer Lager
Classics are classics for a reason. There aren’t many options that hit the spot in terms of crisp freshness for a hot summer like the Augustiner Helles. Brewed in Munich by one of the oldest independent breweries in Germany, this lager is a true reflection of a well-crafted beer. It always goes down smoothly with just enough character to keep it interesting without taking away from its light body and perfect balance.
Augustiner Helles has a touch of malt sweetness alongside the citrus and floral hop notes, giving it a refreshing finish without the excessive bitterness of some heavier beers. The carbonation adds to the freshness, combined with the flavour profile that makes it easy to drink over a longer period of time. You won’t get bored sipping on this lager in the sun.
Augustiner Helles also pairs perfectly with classic summer foods like grilled meats and sausages, pretzels and light snacks, burgers and barbecue dishes, and fresh salads and picnic foods.
Giesinger Summer Ale: Brewed For Warm Days
It hasn’t been around as long as the Augustiner Helles, but the Giesinger Summer Ale is quickly becoming a firm favourite for summer drinkers. Brewed by an independent brewery in Munich, it’s specifically designed to be enjoyed on hot days. Focusing on easy drinkability and bright refreshing flavours, the Giesinger has a different profile compared to traditional lagers.
With more aromatics and citrus, you can expect notes of lemon, tropical fruit, and floral hops, balanced by a crisp finish that cuts through any heaviness. Despite it having a bit more hop than a Helles lager, it’s still considered to be a standout choice for craft beer fans and casual drinkers alike.
Giesinger Summer Ale also pairs well with lighter summer foods such as grilled chicken, seafood, fresh salads, and spicy dishes. The citrus character helps cut through richer flavours without overpowering them.
Radler Beers: Germany’s Ultimate Summer Refresher
A traditional German Radler is one of the few beers that can give the Augustiner Helles a run for its money as the most refreshing summer beer. Created as a blend of lager and citrus soda, Radlers tick all the boxes for a fresh drink on a hot day. Lighter alcohol content and zesty flavours make them the ideal thirst-quencher.
In Germany, Radlers are the go-to choice for outdoor social culture in the summer, especially in beer gardens and cycling communities where refreshing, low-strength beers suit their needs better.
Wheat Beers For Summer Drinking
They’re not as well-known amongst newer German beer drinkers, but wheat beers (also known as Weissbier in Germany) are a great alternative to lagers, if you’re looking for something a bit different this summer. Known for their lively carbonation, soft mouthfeel, and fruity profiles, wheat beers are easy to kick back with on a hot summer day.
Wheat beers are made by being brewed with a percentage of wheat malt instead of barley, which creates the softness and lighter feel compared to heavier ales and bitter pilsners.
Berliner Weisse: Tart and Refreshing For Hot Weather
A good summer beer doesn’t always have to be sweet, and for some palettes, a tart flavour is more refreshing on a hot day. The Berliner Weisse is an underrated German beer that doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves. Brewed in Berlin, it’s a light, sour wheat beer known for its acidity and sharper profile.
Some beers with a sour or tart flavour are heavier bodied, but that’s not the case with Berliner Weisse, thanks to its lower alcohol content and balanced notes. Amongst the clean tartness, you’ll also pick up hints of fruit and citrus to add another layer of flavour without being too overpowering and taking away from the sharpness.
Berliner Weisse pairs especially well with lighter summer foods like seafood, salads, grilled vegetables, and fresh cheeses, where its acidity helps cut through richness and create a perfect flavour combination.
What Makes a Perfect Summer Beer?
The exact answer to what makes a beer perfect for summer may differ from person to person, depending on their preferences. However, in hot weather, most people are drawn to beers that are lighter, crisper, and more refreshing. People want a drink that’s going to cool them down and not feel too heavy, with easy drinkability and a flavour that’s enjoyable to sip.
You’ll find that the beers in this list all share similar qualities that are commonly known to make a good summer beer. Crisp carbonation, lower bitterness, citrus and floral notes, and often lower alcohol content all contribute to these popular summer beverages.
German beers are particularly well-suited to summer compared to other types of beer, as they’re largely brewed with refreshment and balance in mind. So, no matter which one you choose, you’re sure to have a refreshing drink in hand the next time you go into the fridge on a hot day.
Buy German Beer Online In Time For Summer
Summer is just around the corner, and now is the time to stock up on the perfect hot-weather beer to enjoy in the sun. As you can see from this list, German brewing offers some of the most refreshing beers you can find for your next BBQ, festival, or simply relaxing in your garden.
At German Beer, you’ll find beers to suit every palate, whether you’re new to trying different beers away from the big name brands or you know exactly what you’re looking for from your perfect beer.