Summertime Sips

The heat of summer calls for light, refreshing drinks and these beers, hard seltzers and wines fit the bill

Crack open a cold beer or hard seltzer. Uncork a crisp white wine or a grill-friendly red. As the days heat up this summer, relaxing with a refreshing drink is in order. Whether that’s on the patio, by the pool or packed for a picnic, we’ve got you covered.

Warm-Weather Beers

What makes the perfect hot weather brew? Typically, popular summer beers have an alcohol content that’s low enough for easy drinking—around 4 percent ABV. And, of course, they are also known for their light, refreshing tastes. Some of these include light ales, German Weissbier and Hefeweizen, or American wheat beers and Pilsners. They’re great for a day at the beach or beside the grill with the classic burger or brat. Here are a couple to try:

LEINENKUGEL SUMMER SHANDY

This is Leinenkugel’s own unique take on an original Munich tavern tradition. Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy is a traditional Weissbier with a refreshing natural lemonade avor that makes it the perfect summer beer.

SAMUEL ADAMS SUMMER ALE

This American wheat ale is synonymous with summer. A blend of orange, lime and lemon peels create a fresh citrus aroma. Grains of paradise accent the crisp wheat character with a subtle spice that nishes clean.

Hard Seltzer

Hard seltzer has become one of the most popular alcoholic beverages on the market. At its core, it’s a simple combination of carbonated water, alcohol and avoring. Many brands infuse their seltzers with alcohol from fermented cane sugar and some use malted barley. Seltzers usually have a relatively low alcohol content (4–6 percent ABV), no or low sugar content (zero to 4 grams) and minimal carbs, making most hard seltzers fall under the 100-calorie mark. This is less than most beers and comparable to, or even less than, most light beers. Hard seltzers can also provide a gluten-free alternative to traditional beers brewed with barley and wheat that contain gluten.

Enjoy hard seltzer on its own, pour over ice, or mix with other spirits and juices for a light and avorful cocktail. Its light, fruity and bubbly pro le makes it perfect for summer. Here are a couple to try:

Truly Lemonade

Truly Lemonade is the perfect mix of hard seltzer and sweet lemonade that’s big on taste and low on calories. It packs the sweetness of real lemonade with the refreshment of Truly Hard Seltzer—with only 100 calories and 1 gram of sugar.

White Claw Hard Seltzers

Wines To Try

From pale pink to salmon and light red, there are as many hues of food-friendly rosé wines as there are styles to suit your tastes. Crisp white wines are a great refresher in summertime, and a grill-friendly red ticks all the right boxes for your sizzling meals o the grill.

DECOY ROSÉ

This crisp and elegant rosé displays enticing aromas of pink grapefruit and fresh picked strawberries, along with hints of honeydew melon and raspberry. On the palate, it is bright and balanced, with layers of vibrant fruit and subtle notes of minerals and spice.

WHISPERING ANGEL ROSÉ

Fresh red berry fruit characteristics with oral nose. Ripe and eshy feel on the palate. Dry (zero sugar). Great concentration. Smooth and round nish. Extremely easy drinking.

CLOS DU BOIS CHARDONNAY

Brilliant silver straw yellow in color. Intense aromas of apple blossom, ripe pear and sweet lemon drop are complemented by toasty oak.

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE

SAUVIGNON BLANC

Stainless steel fermentation makes this crisp. The wine o ers bright fruit character of melons and herbs.

J. LOHR CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Layered aromas of black currant, blueberry and cherry are accentuated by an authentic barrel bouquet of hazelnut, cocoa powder and dark roasted co ee. High-toned red berry fruit strikes the fore-palate and follows with bright acidity and a full structure that is both dense and so at once. ■

Cra ed with quality ingredients, White Claw Hard Seltzer is made from a blend of seltzer water, a gluten-free alcohol base and a hint of various fruit avors. Availability may vary by store location.