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The Best Poolside Beers: Safe, Refreshing Choices for Summer Fun

There’s something about the sound of a can cracking open poolside that just feels like summer. Maybe it’s the promise of cold, bubbly refreshment after a swim, or the way a light lager pairs perfectly with sunshine and laughter. Whatever it is, beer and pool days are a classic combination. But before you fill the cooler, let’s talk about what makes the perfect poolside beer—and why your choice of container matters just as much as what’s inside.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash, a family BBQ, or a lazy afternoon float, here’s your guide to the best poolside beers, plus tips for keeping things safe, delicious, and fun.

Safety First: Why Cans Are King

Let’s start with the golden rule of poolside drinking: no glass allowed. It’s not just a suggestion—it’s a must. Broken glass and bare feet are a recipe for disaster, and nobody wants to end a perfect pool day with a trip to urgent care. Cans or plastic are the way to go. Not only are cans safer, but they also chill faster and are easier to recycle. Many craft breweries now offer their best brews in cans, so you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for safety.

What Makes a Great Poolside Beer?

Poolside beers should be light, crisp, and refreshing. You want something you can sip slowly in the sun without feeling weighed down. Lower alcohol content (think 3-5% ABV) is ideal for long afternoons, and a clean, thirst-quenching finish is a must. Here are the styles that shine brightest by the water:

• Light Lagers & Pilsners: Effervescent, mild, and easy to drink.
• Wheat Beers & Hefeweizens: Cloudy, fruity, and often a little citrusy.
• Session IPAs: Hoppy, but with lower alcohol and a lighter body.
• Sours & Goses: Tart, tangy, and incredibly refreshing on hot days.
• Radlers & Shandies: Beer blended with fruit juice or soda for a low-alcohol, super-refreshing treat.

Let’s dive into some top picks!

Top Picks for Poolside Beer

1. Light Lagers & Pilsners

If you want a beer that goes down easy, you can’t beat a crisp lager or pilsner. These beers are designed for refreshment, with a clean finish and just enough flavor to keep things interesting.

• Pacifico: A classic Mexican lager that’s light but flavorful. Add a squeeze of lime for extra zing.
• Modelo Especial: Smooth, slightly malty, and made for sunny afternoons.
• Miller Lite or Coors Light: Ubiquitous for a reason—they’re easy to drink, widely available, and won’t weigh you down.
• Pilsner Urquell: If you want something with a touch more character, this Czech pilsner is a classic.

2. Wheat Beers & Hefeweizens

Wheat beers are the ultimate summer sipper—cloudy, slightly sweet, and often bursting with notes of banana, clove, or citrus.

• Blue Moon: Serve with an orange slice for a hint of sweetness.
• Allagash White: A craft favorite with hints of spice and orange peel.
• 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon: Light, wheat-based, and kissed with watermelon flavor—summer in a can!

3. Session IPAs

Love hops but don’t want something too heavy? Session IPAs offer all the citrusy, piney goodness of a regular IPA, but with a lower ABV and a lighter body.

• Founders All Day IPA: The gold standard for session IPAs—flavorful, aromatic, and endlessly drinkable.
• Lagunitas DayTime: Crisp, hoppy, and perfect for all-day sipping.
• Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty: A low-cal, low-ABV IPA with plenty of hop character.

4. Sours & Goses

On a hot day, nothing beats a beer with a tart, almost lemonade-like tang. Sours and goses are incredibly thirst-quenching, often with hints of fruit or salt.

• Anderson Valley Briney Melon Gose: Tart, lightly salty, and bursting with watermelon flavor.
• Dogfish Head SeaQuench Ale: A blend of kolsch, gose, and Berliner weisse—salty, citrusy, and perfect for poolside.
• Boulevard Tank 7: A farmhouse ale with a touch of tartness and lots of fruity notes.

5. Radlers & Shandies

If you want something even lighter, reach for a radler or shandy—beer blended with citrus soda or fruit juice. These are low in alcohol and high in refreshment.

• Stiegl Radler (Grapefruit): Crisp, tangy, and just 2.5% ABV.
• Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy: Wheat beer blended with lemonade for a sweet, citrusy treat.
• Schofferhofer Grapefruit: A German favorite—zesty, sweet, and incredibly drinkable.

Tips for Serving Poolside Beer

Keep It Ice Cold

Fill a cooler with plenty of ice and water—this combo chills cans faster than ice alone. Nestle your beers deep in the cold, and keep the cooler in the shade whenever possible.

Add a Garnish

A simple garnish can elevate your beer game. Drop a lime wedge into a Mexican lager, or add an orange slice to a wheat beer. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference.

Drink Responsibly

Pool days can get hot, and alcohol plus sun can sneak up on you. Alternate beers with water, offer plenty of hydrating snacks (think watermelon or cucumber), and always keep an eye on your guests—especially if kids are around.

Recycle

Set up a clearly marked bin for empty cans. Not only does it keep your pool area tidy, but it’s also good for the planet.

Bring Variety

People have different tastes! Stock your cooler with a mix—lagers, wheat beers, sours, and a few non-alcoholic options for designated drivers or anyone skipping alcohol.

Beyond Beer: Fun Poolside Alternatives

Not everyone’s a beer drinker, and that’s okay! Consider adding hard seltzers, canned cocktails, or alcohol-free brews to your cooler. There are more options than ever, and many are just as refreshing and easy to serve as beer.

The Bottom Line

The best poolside beer is the one that keeps you cool, refreshed, and safe. Stick to cans, keep it light, and focus on fun, easy-drinking styles that pair well with sunshine and splashing. With a well-packed cooler and a little attention to safety, your next pool day is sure to be a hit.

So crack open a cold one (responsibly), dip your toes in the water, and toast to summer. Cheers to long days, great friends, and the simple pleasure of a perfect poolside beer—no glass required.

What’s your favorite poolside beer? Share your top picks or pool party tips in the comments below!