There are few greater joys in life than firing up the BBQ on a sunny day, gathering friends and family, and letting the smell of sizzling burgers, sausages and veggie skewers waft through the garden. But while the food might be the star of the show, there’s another key player that can take your summer BBQ from good to unforgettable: the drinks.

And not just any drinks - we’re talking about the best beers (and a few cheeky extras) that are tailor-made for sunshine, smoky grills and good times. Choosing the right BBQ beer is all about balance: you want something refreshing enough to cool you down, flavourful enough to stand up to chargrilled food, and easy-going enough that you can sip it all afternoon without falling asleep in the deckchair before dessert.

So, grab your tongs and let’s dive into the ultimate summer BBQ drinks lineup.

1. Pale Ales – The Crowd-Pleasers

If BBQs were a band, pale ales would be the lead singers: approachable, loved by everyone, and guaranteed to get the crowd going. Light, crisp, and hoppy without being overwhelming, pale ales are the perfect all-rounders for outdoor gatherings.

Why they work:

• They’re refreshing enough for the hot weather.

• The balanced hop bitterness pairs brilliantly with chargrilled meats, smoky chicken, and even veggie skewers.

• They’re sessionable - meaning you can happily enjoy more than one while waiting for that stubborn sausage to finally cook through.

If you’re not sure what to bring to a BBQ, a mixed pack of pale ales is a safe bet that will please lager loyalists and craft beer explorers alike.

Our top recommendation:

Cloudwater, Happy, Easy Pale Ale, 3.4%

2. IPAs – For the Hop Heads

Now, if pale ales are the frontmen, IPAs are the electric guitarists: bold, attention-grabbing, and sometimes a little wild. India Pale Ales are bursting with flavour - think juicy citrus, tropical fruit, or piney bitterness - and they can really elevate BBQ food.

Why they work:

• The strong hop character cuts through fatty meats like ribs, pulled pork, or cheeseburgers.

• Fruitier IPAs (like New England or hazy styles) are fantastic with spicy BBQ sauces, cooling the heat while adding a juicy kick.

• West Coast IPAs, with their sharper bitterness, can tame the richness of smoky brisket.

They’re a little stronger than pale ales, so maybe alternate with water if you’re planning on manning the grill for a few hours.

Our top recommendation:

DEYA, Magazine Cover, Session IPA, 4.2%

3. Sours – The Summer Coolers

Picture this: the sun’s blazing, you’ve already had a couple of sausages, and you need something really refreshing. Enter the sour beer. Tangy, fruity, and thirst-quenching, sours are basically the grown-up version of lemonade for BBQ season.

Why they work:

• Their zingy acidity cuts straight through greasy BBQ food, refreshing your palate between bites.

• Fruited sours (raspberry, passionfruit, cherry) taste like sunshine in a glass.

• They’re a conversation starter - perfect if you want to introduce friends to something new and exciting.

Pro tip: pair a fruity sour with grilled halloumi or seafood skewers. It’s a match made in summer heaven.

Our top recommendation:

Vault City, Lemon Ice Tea Table Sour, 3.4%

4. Cider – The BBQ Classic

Some people simply can’t imagine a summer BBQ without a crisp cider in hand, and honestly, who can blame them? Cider is light, fruity, and endlessly refreshing, making it the go-to for those who might not be as keen on beer.

Why they work:

• A dry cider balances sweet BBQ marinades beautifully.

• Fruity ciders (apple, pear, berry) add a fun twist to lighter dishes like salads or grilled chicken.

• They’re versatile: easy to sip solo, but also perfect over ice for an extra-refreshing serve.

Plus, cider plays well with both meat-lovers and veggie eaters alike. Everyone’s happy.

Our top recommendation:

Thistly Cross, Elderflower Cider, 4.0%

5. Lagers – The BBQ Staple

It would be rude not to mention lagers. Crisp, cold, and uncomplicated, a well-chosen lager is a BBQ essential. But don’t just reach for the big supermarket multipacks - go for something with a bit more character.

Why they work:

• Clean and refreshing, lagers are perfect with hot dogs, burgers, and grilled corn.

• Lighter styles keep you cool on a hot afternoon.

• German and Czech lagers bring a touch of class to your BBQ spread.

They’re the ultimate crowd-pleasers—simple, unfussy, and universally enjoyed.

Our top recommendation:

Tegernseer Hell, German Lager, 4.8%

6. Canned Wine – For the Non-Beer Crowd

Not everyone at your BBQ will be a beer drinker, and that’s where canned wine comes in. It’s portable, easy to chill, and saves you the hassle of corkscrews and glassware.

Why they work:

• Crisp whites and rosés are perfect for warm afternoons.

• Sparkling options add a touch of celebration.

• Cans mean no waste - just grab, sip, and recycle.

Think of canned wine as the secret weapon for making sure everyone feels included.

Our top recommendation:

Canned Wine Co, Grüner, White Wine, 12%

7. Canned Cocktails – Fun in a Tin

If beer and wine don’t tick every box, canned cocktails will. They’re colourful, refreshing, and make you look like the host who’s thought of everything.

Why they work:

• Ready-mixed classics like G&Ts or mojitos are instant crowd-pleasers.

• Fruity options pair perfectly with BBQ skewers and grilled veggies.

• They’re fun! Summer BBQs are about enjoyment, and cocktails in a can bring an instant party vibe.

Our top recommendation:

Whitebox, Classic Cosmo, Canned Cocktail, 16.8%

The BBQ Drinks Strategy

So, what’s the perfect BBQ drinks lineup? Ideally, you’ll want a mix:

• Pale ales and lagers to please the masses.

• IPAs for those who want a little more punch.

• Sours for refreshment and novelty.

• Ciders for fruity, easy drinking.

• Canned wines and cocktails to make sure everyone has something they’ll enjoy.

Throw in a cooler full of ice, and you’ve got yourself a BBQ that nobody will forget.

Final Thoughts

The best summer BBQs aren’t just about the food - it’s the drinks that bring everything together. Whether you’re a hop-lover cracking open a punchy IPA, a sour-sipper chasing that refreshing zing, or someone who prefers a crisp cider or a chilled canned wine, the right choice makes all the difference.

So next time the sun’s shining and the grill is calling, stock up wisely. Trust us: your guests will thank you, and your BBQ reputation will be legendary.