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8 Concoctions that Prove that Beer Cocktails are a Great Idea.

The craft beer boom has allowed Brew Masters to add more whimsy in their suds concocting recipes reminiscent of sweet holiday confections, exotic islands, and perished badasses (Hey-o Old Rasputin!). For a while, beer has played second fiddle to the spirit as spirits acquired a more aristocratic status during the prohibition era. But, what is also true about cocktails is that ingredients needed to be added to mask the foul taste of the spirit itself (unless we’re talking good whisky, or, an ass kicking Anejo). Noone, and I mean noone, likes a straight up martini. Ifthey do, they’re a liar… or a lush.

The brewing culture is in a renaissance where creativity in palate is encouraged. More and more cocktails are emerging featuring beer in such a way that showcases the subtler notes of the brew recipe rather than masking its taste.

For your drinking pleasure, SoCalSessions has brought you some innovative and creative mixes to take these tantalizing brews to the next level.

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1. The Basic Betch

I’ve convinced myself that The Pumpkin Spice Latte has marked the beginning of the end, but white women everywhere may be onto something. Chalk this up to a seasonal beer high ball if you are fortunate enough to come by some Manzanita Witch’s Hair post October 31st (Crest Liquor in Pacific Beach hoards bottles for year round consumption FYI). Brewed with actual graham cracker, High Water Brewing’s Campfire Stout delivers that note of toasty, crusty confection to elevate and celebrate the pie spiced seasonal making for one hell of a spin on the black and tan. Measuring at about 8.5% abv per cocktail, it’s anything but girly.

Directions: Combine both ingredients in a tall pint glass.

10 oz Manzanita Witches Hair

6 oz High Water Campfire Stout

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2. German Spiced Beer Punch

Tis’ the season to get toasty. I have to hand it to the Germans. They know how to get down with the get down during the holidays. Kris Kringle, gingerbread, the Christmas tree are only a few seasonal good tidings we’ve adopted over here in the states. Then there’s lesser known Gluehwein, or, “Glow Wine” - a hot spiced wine punch served between Christmas and New Years.

This take on Gluhwein features a Belgian Amber Ale as the main event rather than its traditional Alsace Red. This particular type of ale’s taste is purely reminiscent of the holidays – piney ye trich with spice. Amplify these notes with cinnamon stick and other classic Yule Tide flavors and it will be a Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night, indeed.

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a large pot and simmer slowly stirring often. Avoid boiling the liquid otherwise the alcohol will be burned off. When heated through, strain and serve in mugs garnishing with extra cinnamon sticks if desired.

3 liters Cold Front by Ithaca Beer Company

2 cups Cabernet

1 cup brown sugar (to taste)

6 cinnamon sticks

12 cloves

1 tablespoon grated nutmeg

2 oranges, peeled and sliced

Twist lemon peel

1 tablespoon whole Cardamom pods

4 tablespoons rum or 4 tablespoons brandy

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3. Bloody Manly

Beer. Bacon. Bourbon. For all you Lumbersexuals out there, meet your new hair of the dog remedy. This play on the classic Bloody Mary highlights the smokiness of a Nut Brown Ale with bacon, and ditches vodka for the sweeter, maple undertones of bourbon. Just try not to spill any in your beard.

Directions: Pour bourbon and tomato juice into a pint glass. Muddle in two strips of crispy bacon into the mixture. Top with beer and give it a slight stir. Season as desired and garnish with third strip of bacon.

1 oz bourbon

2 oz Tomato Juice

3 Strips Bacon

German Rauchbier or Nut Brown Ale

Salt (to taste)

Pepper (to taste)

4. Sunday Brunch

It’s about time a gluten free option made an appearance on this list. This cocktail features 2Towns Rhubarbarian Cider hosting a brut-like flavor profile reminiscent of a mimosa. Splash of OJ, a shot of berry liqueur, and maybe a side off waffles and you’re ready to get your Sunday Funday on.

Directions: In a tall pint glass combine orange juice and liqueur and top with cider.

Splash Orange Juice

1 oz Crème de Cassis, or, Crème de Framboise

2Towns Rhubarbarian

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5. Mexico City Michelada

Stemmed from the Mexican slang term “chela” for beer, and the Spanish word “helada” for cold, the Michelada has made its way across the border as one of Southern California’s most popular hangover cures. Traditional Sculpin hits the palate with a sweeter, citrusy permeation of flavor than most West Coast IPAs. Add some Habanero Heat to it, and you’ve got the perfect foundation for a variant of the Mexican classic. Swap the lime for some lemon to counter balance the bitter aftertaste, and rim with a thick, spicy paste of Maggi Sauce and chili salt and you’ll swear your spending your Saturday Morning in Rosarito.

Directions: Rim a glass with a thick paste of Maggi Sauce, chili powder and salt. Add an additional dash of Maggi at the bottom of the glass. Squeeze in two wedges of lemon and top with Habanero Sculpin. Garnish with additional lemon if desired.

Ballast Point Habanero Sculpin

3 Lemon Wedges

Chili Powder

Rock Salt

Mexican Maggi Sauce

6. Goodbeer Float

The way to a woman’s heart is through dessert. And gentleman, you can have your beer and eat it too with this beerlicious treat. This concoction is rather decadent with coffee ice cream playing off the deep, roasted malts and espresso undertones of Modern Times Black House Coffee Stout, while melting into the rich texture of the beer. Compliment it with a shot of hazelnut liqueur and good things are in store for the rest of your evening.

Directions: Scoop ice cream into a large pint glass and top with Frangelico. Pour beer over top and enjoy.

2 scoops quality Coffee Ice Cream

1 oz Frangelico

9 oz Modern Times Blackhouse Coffee Stout

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7. Radler Bones

Okay. So maybe this should be called a Shandy rather than a Radler, because it’s well, girly and pink. But this makes for a great poolside cocktail if you’re looking for something a little lighter and refreshing during those hot summer months. Telegraph White Ale has a distinct crispness and an upfront wheatiness which allows it to stand in harmony with the fruitiness from the lemonade and strawberries. With an undertone of summer citrus fruit, and a mellow, grassy flavor, this brew is bold enough to play main stage in this summer cocktail.

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a large punch bowl. Chill in the fridge prior to serving.

2 oz Crème de Framboise

2 oz Vodka

¾ Cup Frozen Strawberries thawed

Frozen Lemonade Concentrate

40 oz Telegraph Brewing White Ale

8. The 1880

Many beer cocktails similar to the ones shown already are unique beer creations, some can pay homage to traditional classics that have withstood the test of time. This particular beer cocktail is a tip of the hat to the flavors of an Old Fashioned using a strong rye porter in place of whiskey and citrusy brew to account for the orange peel. The natural bitterness of the hops eliminate for the need for additional bitters. Enjoy with a good cigar and it’s like your back in the days of Sinatra and the Rat Pack.

Directions: Add grenadine to a large pint class. Simultaneously pour both beers over top. Stir if necessary.

10 oz Acoustic Ales You’ll Hop Your Rye Out Hoppy Rye Porter

6 oz Coronado Brewing Orange Avenue Wit

1/2 tablespoon Grenadine