From keg and pint to bottle and can, beer can come in all shapes and forms, including beer cocktails that add a little something-something to your regular brew. Here are five summer-loving beer cocktails that take your suds to the next level.
Beer Revolution Snakebite
A U.K. favourite, this drink is equal parts stout and cider finished with a splash of blackberry cordial. A good bartender will layer the varying liquors for a good visual. Ten points for presentation! (1080 8 St. S.W., 403-264-2739, beerrevolution.ca, @RevolutionYYC)
CRAFT Beer Market Beer Floats
A grown-up spin on a childhood classic, try a glass of Fruili or Guiness with a big scoop of Village vanilla ice cream for a beer-meets-dessert end to your dinner at this popular gastro pub. You’ll feel like a kid again … except way happier. (345 10 Ave. S.W., 403-514-2337, craftbeermarket.ca, @CRAFTbeermarket)
Julio’s Barrio The Bloodhound
Julio’s on the corner of Memorial Drive and 10th St. N.W., has made a name for itself with its signature Bulldog drink list. The popular Bloodhound drink is made with raspberry slush, Sourpuss, spiced rum, Absolut Mandarin and Stella Artois. (1110 Memorial Dr. N.W., 403-203-3066, juliosbarrio.com, @julioscalgary)
Libertine Vice Grip
A rich combination of Mill Street Cobblestone Stout, vanilla vodka and espresso vodka is the perfect pick-me-up on Libertine’s Stephen Avenue patio after a long day’s work. (223 8 Ave. S.W., 403-265-3665, thelibertine.ca, @LibertinePublic)
National 17 Hound Dog Hooch
With a surprisingly expert cocktail list for a beer hall, this hooch is no exception. Made with tart pink lemonade, vodka and wheat beer, this one is definitely an ideal patio sipper. (550 17 Ave. S.W., 403-229-0226, ntnl.ca, @NTNL17)