As the mercury rises outside, drinkers will likely start seeing fruit-infused beers lining store shelves across the nation. Local craft breweries and nationwide outfits have jumped on fruit beer bandwagon and it means good news for people who like to try something different.
Below are 13 fruit beers that shouldn’t be too hard to find this summer.
Unibroue Éphémére Apple
There are countless hard apple ciders available during summer but for an apple-infused beer, this Canadian brew is arguably the top choice. In 2013, it was crowned the world’s best fruit beer by the World Beer Awards.
Magic Hat #9
The popular “not quite Pale Ale” from Vermont’s Magic Hat Brewing Company includes hints of apricot flavoring. This brew is available across the country and packs 5.1 percent alcohol by volume.
Shock Top Spiced Banana Wheat
A fruit-infused beer from Anheuser-Busch’s Shock Top brand may elicit eyerolls from some been enthusiasts but this wheat ale carries a sweet banana scent and flavor to match. It’s a limited edition that has emerged for springtime.
Samuel Adams Blackberry Witbier
This blackberry-infused year-round brew from Samuel Adams is the reigning world’s best fruit beer, according to the World Beer Awards. It’s made with what and also contains orange peel and coriander.
Sea Dog Bluepaw Wild Blueberry Wheat Ale
A signature, award-winning brew of Maine’s Sea Dog Brewing Company, Bluepaw is made with wild blueberries from its home state. It pours to a dark-yellow tint, meaning drinkers won’t have to worry about their teeth turning blue.
Illusive Traveler
This grapefruit ale from Vermont’s Traveler Beer Company is widely available and is perfect for casual drinkers because of its low alcohol content (4.4 percent alcohol by volume). Traveler also makes a popular lemon shandy called Curious Traveler.
Samuel Adams Porch Rocker
Just about every major brewer in America now offers a shandy — which is essentially beer mixed with lemonade — and the reviews are mostly mixed depending on who is asked. Porch Rocker, a spring/summer seasonal from Samuel Adams, is a blend of golden lager and lemons.
Dogfish Head Festina Peche
Since 2007, this summer seasonal from Dogfish Head has been one of the country’s top peach beers. Some find its flavor to be too sour while others swear by the beer’s dry style. Experts recommend pairing Festina Peche with grilled chicken or fish.
Shmaltz Brewing HE’BREW Origin Pomegranate Ale
Dubbed “the chosen beer” by its New York-based makers, Origin is made with real pomegranate juice. The amber ale was formerly given a silver medal at the World Beer Championships. Shmaltz’s HE’BREW beers can be found in most states.
Shiner Prickly Pear
A beer made of cactus juice? Shiner’s Prickly Pear is one of the top-rated, widely available prickly pear brews in the United States. The beer boasts notes of tart citrus and according to the folks at Shiner, it tastes best when temperatures outside top 100.
Founders Rubaeus
Fruit-beer lovers were disappointed when Founders retired its cherry-infused Cerise brew but this raspberry ale looks to take its place. Rubaeus comes in a beautiful red tint and is available from April through September this year.
Samuel Smith Organic Strawberry Fruit Beer
This British classic gets rave reviews from fruit beer lovers around the globe. It packs 5.1 percent alcohol by volume and pours to a golden-brown finish. Samuel Smith Brewery also makes organic apricot, cherry and raspberry beers.
21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon
This wheat beer is made with real watermelon for what San Francisco’s 21st Amendment Brewery describes as a “surprisingly crisp, dry and refreshing” flavor. It’s available in cans and on tap from April through September.
Clint Davis is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @MrClintDavis.