Discover the Most Iconic Summer Beers for 2025
Summer is a season that calls for exceptional brews that pair perfectly with every beach picnic, poolside splash, and backyard barbecue. Here at BreweriesNearMe.us, we’ve curated a list of iconic beer styles that scream summer—and the standout brews that embody each one. Our selection highlights five styles you’ll want in your hand during these sun-soaked days. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer aficionado or a curious novice, this guide is your invitation to explore refreshing flavors and celebrate the vibrant U.S. craft beer landscape.
Grab your sunglasses and get ready to dive into “The Most Iconic Beers to Drink Each Season.” We’re starting with summer, and we’ve handpicked the top beer styles and a selection of quintessential brands to accompany your warm-weather adventures. Don’t hesitate to share your feedback or beer suggestions with us; we love hearing from our community of craft beer enthusiasts.
American IPA: A Storied Summer Classic
Few beer styles capture the spirit of American craft beer quite like the American IPA. This hop-forward style is beloved for its bold flavors, boasting rich floral and fruity aromas with a citrusy bite and piney undertones. Pioneers like Sierra Nevada have elevated the American IPA to legendary status, influencing a revolution that continues to delight beer lovers across the nation.
The American IPA remains a summer staple, perfect for anyone seeking a refreshingly bitter beer that pairs flawlessly with hot days. Here’s a toast to the daring brewers and innovative minds who have perfected and popularized this iconic style. As you sip, remember you’re tasting a fundamental piece of the craft beer movement.
Torpedo Extra IPA – Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Hailing from Chico, California, Sierra Nevada’s Torpedo Extra IPA is a jewel of innovation in the IPA world. Conceived from an inventive device known as the “Hop Torpedo,” this bold beer is renowned for its assertive bitterness and vibrant hop character. With notes of citrus, pine, and refreshing grassiness, complemented by a subtle malt backbone, it’s the quintessential summer sip for any hop lover.
Other Iconic American IPAs to Consider
🍻 **Russian River Blind Pig:** A pioneer in the West Coast IPA style, this beer is all about low citrus and high pine, resonating back to the historical roots of craft brewing.
🍻 **Firestone Walker Union Jack:** A robust offering packed with seven hop varieties that harmonize perfectly to produce complex layers of tropical and citrus flavors.
🍻 **Tree House Julius:** Rich in tropical notes like mango and peach, this IPA promises a creamy texture that refreshes and delights.
🍻 **Ballast Point Sculpin IPA:** A nod to its homebrewing origins, Sculpin is bright with tropical fruit and echoes the sun-drenched beaches of San Diego.
🍻 **Stone IPA:** With a legacy dating back to 1997, this brew remains a mainstay for those who appreciate a crisp and hop-forward pale ale with lasting flavor.
Blonde / Golden Ale: Your Golden Ticket to Refreshment
As temperatures climb, a beautifully crafted blonde or golden ale becomes the antidote to summer’s swelter. Often used interchangeably, these styles are marked by their light body and thirst-quenching qualities—ideal for leisurely afternoons spent outdoors.
While these styles might appear deceptively simple, they are the perfect showcase of balance and subtlety in brewing. They offer a refreshing, approachable option for diverse palates, serving as your perfect partner during those sunny days and warm evenings.
805 – Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Originating from Paso Robles, California, Firestone Walker’s 805 began as a local favorite, named after the area code it was brewed in. This easy-drinking blonde ale quickly gained a devoted following for its light, crisp profile and subtle sweetness. It reflects the laid-back California lifestyle, capturing the essence of summer simplicity.
Other Iconic Blonde / Golden Ales to Consider
🍻 **Kona Big Wave:** Capturing the spirit of Hawaii, this blonde ale delivers tropical vibes and easy drinkability, perfect for any beach day.
🍻 **Victory Summer Love:** A golden ale that captures the essence of summer activities and flavors, a must-try for seasonal beer lovers.
🍻 **Fox Farm Little Brook:** Hopped with Citra and Amarillo, this blonde ale brings a bold yet refreshing profile.
🍻 **Bissell Brothers Baby Genius:** A standout in the category, this Maine brewery delivers a hoppy, hazy blonde ale with burst of citrus and stone fruit character.
XPA: The Mysterious Pale Ale Phenomenon
The XPA, or Extra Pale Ale, may still mystify many, but its allure lies in its flexibility and refreshing charm. This style straddles the line between pale ale and IPA, typically lighter in color and high in hop aroma without overpowering bitterness. Perfectly suited for summer, the XPA offers a tantalizing array of flavors with its own distinctive flair.
Emerging primarily in international markets, the XPA has recently gained traction stateside, offering a new dimension yet to be fully explored by American brewers. For those thirsting for a creative take on the traditional pale ale, the XPA awaits your appreciation.
XPA – Balter Brewing Company
Balter Brewing’s XPA is a clear, crisp ale that pioneered this category’s rise in popularity. It’s a refreshing, low-ABV beer packed with vibrant tropical hop notes—a perfect fit for sunny afternoons by the pool. This is a true classic representative of the XPA’s charm and innovation.
Other Iconic XPAs to Consider
🍻 **Capital Brewing XPA:** A local favorite, this XPA wows drinkers with its balance of sweet hops and subtle malty body.
🍻 **pFriem Extra Pale Ale:** The Oregon brewery’s take on an XPA delivers rich tropical and berry notes, rounded by a smooth, light finish.
🍻 **Firestone Walker XPA:** A sessionable beer that won accolades for its perfect blend of tropical hops and refreshing cleanness.
🍻 **3 Floyds Zombie Ice:** Dominated by Citra hops, this double pale ale offers an intensified take on the XPA’s refreshing appeal.
Radler / Shandy: The Quintessential Summer Quencher
When the heat hits its peak, nothing quite refreshes like a radler or shandy. These blends of beer with lemonade or citrus soda offer a delightful balance of sweet and tart, making them incredibly appealing on hot summer days. Popularized in Europe, they’ve since become a beloved choice for those seeking a light and zesty beer experience.
Whether you’re hitting the trail or simply cooling off on the porch, a radler or shandy is an invigorating option that complements a wide range of summer activities. Its enduring appeal is a testament to its perfect role in the pantheon of summer brews.
Stiegl Radler – Grapefruit – Stieglbrauerei
This classic, brewed in Austria but beloved worldwide, mixes real grapefruit juice with a mild lager, offering a refreshing burst of citrus that’s perfect for summer. It’s crisp, effervescent, and unabashedly thirst-quenching—a must-have for any drink lineup.
Other Iconic Radlers / Shandies to Consider
🍻 **Schöfferhofer Grapefruit**: A unique blend of beer and grapefruit juice, offering a zesty burst of summer flavor.
🍻 **Braxton Brewing Scooter Blood Orange Radler**: With a citrusy twist, this radler brings together bold fruit flavor and smooth refreshment.
🍻 **Hoppin’ Frog Tequila Barrel-Aged Turbo Shandy Citrus Ale**: A modern twist on tradition with the added complexity of tequila barrel aging.
Kölsch: The Delicate Union of Tradition and Taste
Kölsch, a beer style deeply tied to its origins in Köln, Germany, offers a balanced, smooth experience. Known for its pale, clear appearance and subtle fruitiness, kölsch combines traditional brewing techniques with characteristic yeast profiles. While deeply rooted in German tradition, this style is gaining popularity among U.S. breweries eager to showcase their take on this classic.
Kölsch provides an ideal canvas for exploring nuanced flavors while maintaining a light and refreshing profile, perfect for any summertime occasion. With its delicate flavor and crisp finish, kölsch stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and heritage behind every pour.
Päffgen Kölsch – Brauerei Päffgen
An authentic representation of the kölsch style, Päffgen Kölsch captures the delicate harmony of malt sweetness balanced with a refreshing hop snap—a must-try for any lover of traditional brews.
Other Iconic Kölsch to Consider
🍻 **Früh Kölsch:** A staple in Köln, offering a quintessential taste of regional tradition with each sip.
🍻 **Reissdorf Kölsch:** Known internationally for its quality and consistency, providing a fuller-bodied experience of the style.
🍻 **Human Robot Kölner:** A top-rated American expression that delivers an authentic kölsch experience using classic German ingredients.
🍻 **Notch Kölsch:** Crafting a fruit-forward take with herbal undertones, Notch offers an exemplary American-made kölsch.
