POV: It’s April 7th, and National Beer Day is knocking! That means you’ve got the perfect excuse—er, occasion—to raise a glass. And why stop at just beer? Enter the ‘beertail’, the ultimate fusion of beer and cocktails. Cheers to that!
How did this wackily crafted drink come to exist? You can say it’s an act of adulteration — mixing ingredients in beer to make it taste stronger or weaker. Over the past few decades or so, this new type of drink has clinched its spot in the cocktail menus of many restaurants.
History says Belgian beer is the undisputed champion when it comes to crafting the best beer cocktails. Here we’ll discuss how you can make these funky and adventurous beer cocktails using the Belgian beers we have at Taste of Belgium (ToB).
Why Belgian Beer is the Best for Cocktails
Belgian beers, with their rich flavor profile and high-quality brewing tradition, make the perfect base for cocktails. The fresh fruity esters and spicy phenols are derived from the unique yeast strains used in their fermentation. This unique fermentation process makes Belgian beer perfect for mixing in cocktails.
Belgian beers, which are hops-forward, come in different styles: Belgian IPAs, Double IPAs, and Strong Pale Ales. Their bright, citrusy, and sometimes piney aroma and flavor, with a moderate to high amount of bitterness, pair well with different ingredients: citrus enhances the hop’s citrus notes; spices complement the beer’s bitterness; and herbal liqueurs or bitters create an aromatic cocktail.
Belgian Tripels, Dubbels, and Strong Golden Ales are the styles of malty Belgian beers. How to pair them in cocktails? Honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar add to the sweet notes of malt, while milk also goes well in making a cocktail. Even chocolate and cocoa powder complement the malt flavor so well.
Belgian Blondes and Witbiers are known for their clean, refreshing character, often with a hint of tartness or spice. Their crisp profile pairs beautifully with fresh herbs like mint, basil, or cilantro, while spices such as ginger, chili, and black pepper add a bold kick. For a touch of natural sweetness, fruits like berries, apples, and pears create the perfect balance.
The wide variety of Belgian beers allows endless possibilities for crafting cocktails, whether you want to complement, balance, or enhance their flavors.
Essential Ingredients for a Great Beer Cocktail
We’ve seen in the earlier section how fruits, spices, herbs, and chocolates add their qualities to make a great cocktail. Now, let us tell you some scratch key ingredients you must have to beat the mixologists in a pub.
- Fresh citrus: Lemon, lime, and orange juice brighten up the flavors and balance the crispness of beers.
- Herbs and bitters: Fresh herbs, such as mint, basil, or cilantro, complement the beer and add a touch of freshness.
- Spirits: With their naturally high alcohol content, Belgian beers create bold and flavorful cocktail bases. Gin enhances the spicy and fruity notes of a Saison, rum deepens the rich maltiness of a Dubbel, and whiskey perfectly complements the complex flavors of a Tripel.
- Sweeteners: Honey, agave, and Belgian sugar cubes balance the bitterness of the beers.
Signature Belgian Beer Cocktails to Try
At Taste of Belgium, we offer you a diverse collection of Belgian beers, but with an Americanized twist. So, sitting in the cozy atmosphere of your home, you can get the taste of Belgium. Here are some of the signature and must-try cocktails you can prepare using the beers at Taste of Belgium:
The Belgian Shandy (Light & Refreshing)
The Belgian Shandy is the ultimate go-to for a light, refreshing sip, perfectly balancing bright citrus notes with a crisp, bubbly finish.
- Beer to Use:
- The Baptist Wit: An ABV of 5% and a bright and citrusy note.
- Bavik Super Pils: A pilsner with 5.2% ABV and a crisp and clean taste.
- Ingredients: Lemonade, orange liqueur, and a splash of soda are enough to set the process in motion.
The bright and clean notes, when mixed with the citrusy and crisp profile, enhance the beer’s refreshing character.
The Devil’s Mule (Spicy & Bold)
This top-drawer cocktail is the outcome of the blending of the following:
- Beer to Use:
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- Duvel 6.66: A Belgian Blonde Ale with 5.5% ABV.
- Ingredients: Non-alcoholic beverages like ginger beer with lime juice, and bourbon are set to make it stand out.
This drink becomes a must-try thanks to the beer’s fruity and slightly spicy notes that blend perfectly with ginger beer.
The Abbey Manhattan (Rich & Boozy)
A bold twist on a classic Manhattan, this cocktail combines rich malty depth with a smooth, bittersweet finish.
- Beer to Use:
- Chimay Grand Reserve (Blue): A Quadruple with 9% ABV.
- St. Bernardus 12: Another Quadruple with 10.5% ABV.
- Ingredients: The blending of Rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters pairs well.
As the beer features dark and malty depth, these bitter-sweet ingredients add a smooth finish.
The Belgian Sunset (Fruity & Smooth)
Looking for a cocktail that’s as fresh as a summer breeze? The Belgian Sunset is a must-try!
- Beer to Use:
- Downeast Cider: With 5.1% ABV and a farm-fresh cider-like taste.
- Ingredients: Scratches like Aperol and fresh orange juice with a splash of Prosecco give a fruity vibe.
This cocktail tastes best thanks to the juicy, sweet cider that complements the citrusy Aperol.
The Hop & Honey Old Fashioned (Hoppy & Complex)
Add the complex of hoppy goodness to your day with this cocktail.
- Beer to Use:
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- TOB IPA: The Belgian IPA with 5.9% ABV.
- Rhinegeist Truth: With an ABV of 7.2%, this hoppy IPA presents a citrus punch.
- Ingredients: Sweet elements like Bourbon, honey syrup with orange peel, and bitters make this drink a complex one.
It’s the game of balance between the IPA’s citrusy bitterness and the smooth sweetness of honey and bourbon.
How to Pair Beer Cocktails with Food
Our menu features an array of mouthwatering food items for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. No issues if you’ve skipped your breakfast — we’ve got the option of brunch! Wrap up your main course with cocktails. Here are some of the best dishes at Taste of Belgium, you can go for along with our beers:
- Belgian Shandy + Mussels Du Jour – This light, refreshing cocktail pairs perfectly with our seafood delicacy.
- Devil’s Mule + Waffle & Chicken – A spicy and bold cocktail is a perfect match with the variations of our legendary dish.
- Abbey Manhattan + Handhelds: The rich and boozy flavors of this cocktail complement the special handhelds— burgers and grilled or fried chicken.
- Belgian Sunset + Waffles & Crêpes: Fruity and smooth taste is perfect to pair with a sweet dish.
- Hop & Honey Old Fashioned + Burger: The hoppy notes cut through the smoky flavor of Brunch Burger or Bistro Burger.
Grab our beers and dishes for a themed party. Or just cater with us to bring Belgian cuisine to your home.
Tips for Crafting Your Belgian Beer Cocktails
Unleash the creativity within you to create your favorite Belgian beer cocktails inside your kitchen. Let us give you some pro tips while you experiment with different beer styles.
First things first! Start with the base — choose the beer style. Whether it’s a dark beer or a light one, each creates different flavor profiles of cocktails when mixed with the essential ingredients.
For example, light beers make a good pair with non-alcoholic drinks — lemonade or sparkling water and fresh herbs. Lime juice and agave syrup balance the taste.
Dark beers complement dark rum, whiskey, and gin. Syrup and citrus add a refreshing touch to dark Belgian beers.
Take care that the beer’s natural flavors shine, and mixers or spirits should only enhance the taste.
And lastly, the presentation speaks volumes. A well-thought-out garnishing sparkles through everything!
Let’s Celebrate: Cheers!
This National Beer Day, why not shake things up with a beer cocktail? Get creative and raise a glass! Beer cocktails are a whole new way to embrace the spirit of joy and merrymaking.
At Taste of Belgium, we’ve our menu specially curated with a selection of Belgium-inspired beers. You can sip them individually or mix up your cocktail at home.
Explore our beer menu and find your next favorite Belgian beer cocktail!
