Five Refreshing Beers to Enjoy this Summer
When the sun is blazing, and you’re lounging by your pool, there’s no better way to enhance the vibe than with a crisp, refreshing beer in hand. But instead of reaching for the usual big-name brews, why not explore some lesser-known gems that will make your summer experience even more enjoyable?
We asked our engineers and some friends of Hydrocare for their recommendations. Whether you’re a fan of the hop-forward bitterness of an IPA, the balanced bite of an EPA, or the smooth chill of a lager, we’ve rounded up five fantastic beers that are perfect for the pool and easily available in the UK.
Which is your favourite?
1. Michael’s Choice: Beavertown Neck Oil (IPA)
Michael said, “I love this brand and my standout favourite is Beavertown’s Neck Oil, which is a zesty, punchy IPA that delivers a tropical hit without being overly bitter.’ Interestingly, many pubs now have this beer on draft.
It’s loaded with juicy, fruity flavours—think mango, grapefruit, and orange—with just the right balance of bitterness to make each sip refreshing.
This beer is perfect for sipping in the sun, offering both a burst of flavour and a clean finish that keeps you coming back for more. It’s an ideal companion to those long, relaxing poolside moments.
Where to find it: Available in most supermarkets and specialist beer shops.
2. James’ Choice: High Wire (American Pale Ale)
For those who prefer something a little lighter than an IPA, Magic Rock’s High Wire West Coast Pale Ale is a stellar choice. With a crisp and slightly hoppy flavour profile, it delivers notes of grapefruit, pine, and a gentle caramel malt backbone. The bitterness is just enough to keep things interesting while still being incredibly drinkable.
James said, “It’s easy to imagine this crisp beauty accompanying a summer barbecue or chilling out under the sun. The bitter caramel taste works perfectly with barbecued burgers or steaks. It’s 5.5 ABV, which is fine by me”
Where to find it: Widely available in independent beer shops and online retailers, including Ocado.
3. Colin’s Choice: Tiny Rebel Cwtch (Red IPA)
Tiny Rebel’s Cwtch offers a bold twist on the classic IPA with a slightly maltier body and a deep, rich flavour. It has a blend of citrusy hops and sweet caramel, with hints of red fruits like berries, making it both fruity and balanced.
It’s a really nice alternative to some of the lighter and paler IPS, for those who like a bit more depth of flavour in their beer. Colin said, “It’s a smooth finish, ideal for when you want something with a bit more complexity but still refreshing under the heat of the day.”
Where to find it: Available in most independent beer shops, online, and some large supermarkets.
4. Katie’s Choice: Camden Town Hells Lager (Lager)
Katie said, “If you’re craving something cool, crisp, and refreshing, Camden Town’s Hells Lager is a top contender. You just can’t beat a beat lager on a hot day.”
This German-style pilsner is as fresh as it gets, with a smooth, clean profile that’s perfect for enjoying by the pool. There’s a light floral bitterness from the hops and a subtle malt sweetness, making this lager the very essence of summer refreshment. If you’re looking for a fab session lager that goes down easy, this is it.
Where to find it: Easy to find in large supermarkets and independent beer shops.
5. James P’s Choice: BrewDog Elvis Juice (American PA)
For those who love a zesty, citrus-packed brew, BrewDog’s Elvis Juice hits the spot.
This American Pale Ale has a bold, grapefruit aroma with hints of caramel malt to balance the bitterness. It’s grapefruit-infused but doesn’t skimp on hop character, making it a refreshing but satisfying beer for those hot afternoons by the pool.
James said, “It’s surprising that a beer with a relatively high ABV of 6.5% can be so smooth and so full flavoured. Best of all, you can enjoy a couple and get in the party mood very quickly”
Where to find it: Available in all major supermarkets and online retailers such as Ocado.
The Hydrocare Team’s Verdict
Whether you’re into the crisp refreshment of a lager, the hoppy bite of an IPA, or something in between, these five beers will keep your spirits high while you soak up the sun.
The best part? They’re all readily available in the UK, so that you can enjoy them on your next sunny day by the pool. So grab a cold one, chill out, and make the most of those golden hours in the sun. Cheers!
Keep an eye on our website, as we’ll be asking our team to try out the very best alcohol free beers soon. Can it really taste as good as its alcoholic cousin, or is it all hype?
One final thought – alcohol and swimming, especially at night, are not the best things to mix. Always drink responsibly. www.drinkaware.co.uk
Safety Note: Glassware and swimming pools should never be in the same place at the same time. Broken glass in a pool is difficult to see and can cause serious injury. Broken glass in a pool means the pool needs to be drained and cleaned, and pumps & filters checked for damage. This can be a very expensive fix for what may have been a simple accident. At Hydrocare, we offer a safe and almost unbreakable alternative to glassware. It is premium quality and hard to distinguish from its glass cousin.
