Beer, lager, ale and cider are traditionally enjoyed on their own, but they can also be the foundation for creative and refreshing cocktails.
Across the UK and beyond, bartenders and home enthusiasts are increasingly experimenting with beer cocktails and cider cocktails, blending familiar pub drinks with fruit, herbs, spices and mixers to create something new.
If you enjoy craft beer, real ale or crisp cider, cocktails built around these drinks can offer a fun way to explore different flavour combinations without needing a full spirits collection.
Why Beer and Cider Work Well in Cocktails
Unlike stronger spirits, beer and cider already contain layers of flavour created during the brewing or fermentation process. Malt, hops, fruit notes and natural carbonation all contribute to a drink that can act as a ready-made base for cocktails.
Different styles offer different possibilities:
Lager brings crispness and light bubbles
Ale adds malt depth and sometimes caramel or citrus notes
Craft beer can introduce unusual flavours such as tropical fruit or chocolate
Cider offers natural fruit sweetness and refreshing acidity
Because of this variety, beer and cider cocktails can range from light and summery to warm and autumnal.
Easy Lager Cocktails to Try
Lager is often the simplest starting point because its clean flavour pairs well with citrus and soft drinks.
A classic example is the lager shandy, mixing lager with lemonade for a refreshing summer drink. For a slightly more adventurous twist, try adding:
Fresh lime juice
Ginger beer
A splash of orange liqueur
The result is a light cocktail that keeps the refreshing character of lager while adding extra brightness.
Ale-Based Cocktails with Depth
Ales have richer malt profiles, making them ideal for cocktails with deeper flavours.
Golden ales work well with honey, lemon or herbal ingredients, while darker ales pair nicely with spices or cola-style mixers. Some pubs even experiment with ale cocktails using:
Spiced syrups
Coffee flavours
A small dash of whisky or bourbon
These drinks tend to feel fuller and are perfect for cooler evenings.
Cider Cocktails for Every Season
Cider is incredibly versatile and works beautifully in cocktails because it already carries apple or pear notes.
Summer cider cocktails might include:
Elderflower cordial
Fresh berries
Mint and citrus
Meanwhile, autumn or winter cider cocktails can incorporate:
Cinnamon or cloves
Spiced rum
Cloudy apple juice
Warm cider cocktails have also become popular at Christmas markets and winter gatherings.
Tips for Crafting Beer and Cider Cocktails
If you want to experiment at home, keep these simple tips in mind:
Start with good quality beer or cider
Avoid overpowering the base drink with too many ingredients
Use fresh citrus or herbs where possible
Serve well chilled, unless making a warm winter cocktail
The aim is to complement the drink rather than hide it.
A Growing Trend in Pubs and Home Bars
As craft brewing and artisan cider continue to grow in popularity, beer and cider cocktails are becoming more common in pubs, bars and restaurants. Seasonal cocktail menus featuring lager coolers, cider spritzes or ale-based drinks can offer customers something a little different while still celebrating classic British beverages.
For home entertainers, these cocktails are also wonderfully approachable. You can experiment with flavours you already enjoy without investing in an extensive cocktail cabinet.
Beer, ale, lager and cider have long been staples of British pubs. With a little creativity, they can also become the stars of inventive and refreshing cocktails.
Black Velvet is a famous cocktail, made from combing Guinness and Champagne, dating back to the 1860s, invented in London in honour of the late Prince Albert.
