Friday Night Cocktails: Beer Edition

Known in Germany as Biermischgetränke, beer based mixed drinks are a tasty way to take your favorite brew to the next level. And you may be surprised to find that you’ve probably already had at least one type of Biermischgertränke.

 

Lemon Shandy

A favorite breakfast drink in Germany, the Lemon Shandy has been popularized in America by the Leinenkugel Company’s Summer Shandy.

 

Hefe-Wizen Beer (a Pale Ale would work as well)-6 oz

Lemonade (Preferably carbonated)-6 oz

 

Mix 50/50 and enjoy.

 

Coup de Ville

For a more traditional style mixed drink, try this little drink. It has a very summery flavor and can done as an individual drink or as a punch.

 

Lime Juice-1 shot

Orange Juice-1 shot

Tequila-1 shot

Orange Liqueur-1 shot

Mexican Light Beer (Recommended: Dos Equis)-1 bottle

 

Place first four ingredients in shaker with ice, shake thoroughly. Pour into beer glass, add beer. Mix gently. Add lime wedge and orange wedge to glass. Enjoy!

 

Half and Half

Looking for a little beer on beer action? Try a classic Half and Half (also known as a Black and Tan). This is a favorite in Dr. McAlcohol’s world, as it contains two Irish beers. Be careful, though. This one is a bit trickier than it initially appears.

 

Harp Lager-1 bottle

Guinness Stout-1 bottle

 

Pour Harp Lager in a pint glass until it is half full. Now take a teaspoon and hold it in the glass, face down, just above the Harp. Slowly pour the Guinness onto the spoon, raising the spoon as the glass fills. When done correctly, two separate layers should appear in the glass. If not a fan of Harp, many other light beers, like Blue Moon, Smithwicks, Stella-Artois, or even crème soda. But the Guinness is a must.

Back to Basics: Beer Terms Part 2

In addition to knowing the styles of beer you like, its important to know how to describe beers. While there isn’t exactly a standardization for describing the flavors and textures of beers, there are a few terms that are commonly used.

·         Aggressive: An assertive aroma and/or taste

·         Balanced : The malt and hops are in near even proportions and an equal representation of the malty sweetness and hoppy bitterness

·         Bouquet: The aroma given off by the hops

·         Clean: Leaves little or no aftertaste

·         Color: Light or dark, can be helpful when deciding on unfamiliar beers

·         Complex: It has many complimentary flavors

·         Crisp: Highly carbonated or clean

·         Finish: The lingering flavor after the beer has been swallowed

·         Floral: Full of aromas reminiscent of flowers

·         Fruity: Flavors reminiscent of various fruits

·         Head: The amount of foam on top of a poured beer

·         Heavy: If a beer has a thick consistancy

·         Hoppy: Herbal, earthy, spicy, or citric aromas and flavors of hops

·         Light: Describes the color, or used to describe a thinner consistancy

·         Malty: Grainy, caramel-like; can be sweet or dry

·         Roasty/toasty: Malt (roasted grain) flavors

·         Robust: Rich and full-bodied

·         Skunky: A sulfurous smell that comes when a beer has aged too long

Back to Basics: Beer Terms Part 1

The history of beer is extremely complex and has a history nearly as long as humans. So instead of diving right into that rich world of history, we are going to start with the basics, including the basic types of beer and what their classifications mean.

Most people have a favorite brand that they return to time and time again. But what happens if you go to a bar that doesn't have your favorite brand in house? How do you find something similar? An easy way to start is to learn the classifications and what makes one beer a Pilsner and another an IPA.

Most beers can be broken down into 2 larger categories: Lagers and Ales. After that, they are broken down even further by style.

Lagers

Lagers ferment at a colder temperature than ales and tend to be aged longer. Flavor-wise, these tend to be crisper and cleaner on the palate. Lagers should be served colder, ideally a few degrees above freezing. Some types of lagers include:

American Pilsner—A lighter beer and generally served cold, pilsners tend to be the least offensive of the beers. Their flavors are lighter, tend to lack hoppiness, and overall are easier to drink. They also have a lower alcohol content, around 3.5-5%.  Example: Miller Genuine Draft

Bock—A dark, malty lager that originated in Germany. It tends to be less hoppy, though that can depend on the style of bock, i.e., maibock, dopplebock. They tend to have a maltier flavor and are a bit heavier than a pilsner. Alcohol contents vary from 6.3-12% Example: Sam Adams Winter Lager

Stout—Is a member of the porter family, and is a heavier lager that often has a roasted flavor. It’s consistency is thick and filling. Alcohol content is usually between 7-8%. Example: Guinness

Ales

Ales are the older form of brewing, and are fermented at warmer temperatures than lagers. These tend to be more robust beers with fruity or nutty flavors. Ales are served at warmer temperatures, generally 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Some types of ales include:

Amber—Amber Ales are an American variety of ales. They tend to be a bit sweeter than your typical ale, and are served at cooler temperatures than average. The alcohol content is around 5%. Example: Alaskan Amber

Brown—Brown Ales are a nuttier type of beer and are very easily paired with food. They tend to be heavier ales. As with most ales, they are served warmer, though many prefer them cold because they pair so well with spicy foods. The alcohol content is around 5%. Example: Newcastle Brown Ale

IPA—Stands for India Pale Ale, IPAs are fairly common and tend to be hoppy-in flavor, meaning that IPAs are not for those with a sweet tooth. They tend to start smooth and have a bitter aftertaste. Example: Sierra Nevada Torpedo

Welcome!

Welcome to Dr. McAlcohol’s Guide to Alcohol Enthusiasm! You have made an important first step in your journey towards becoming a more educated alcohol aficionado.  Here, you will find information about your favorite alcoholic beverages from Amaretto to Zinfandel.