Which craft beers should you choose for a successful aperitif?
The aperitif is sacred. It's the moment when you unwind from the day, meet up with friends, and kick off the evening on the right foot. Except, the truth is, most people get it wrong when it comes to choosing the beer.
Too strong? In two hours, everyone will be asleep on the sofa. Too heavy? Impossible to drink more than one without feeling weighed down like a stuffed duck. Too bland? Might as well open a bottle of sparkling water and save five bucks.
The worst part is that we've been bombarded so much with industrial lagers served ice-cold that many people still think that an aperitif beer is necessarily something tasteless that goes down easily.
Fake.
A true aperitif beer, it has character without being overpowering. It surprises without intimidating. It quenches thirst without being bland. Here in Renens, we've been brewing exactly that for 10 years. Beers that do the job when you're entertaining.
Choose light or non-alcoholic craft beers.
For a long-lasting happy hour, you have three options. Light beers between 4 and 5.5% alcohol : enough character, light enough to enjoy several. Ultra-light beers around 2.5%, like our Alternative : perfect for extending happy hour or alternating with stronger beers. And alcohol-free beers at 0.5% : all the flavor, zero constraints if you need to drive or remain completely sober.
Beyond these ranges, the trick is to mix things up : start with classic light beers, then switch to Alternative or Diversion (non-alcoholic) to keep things flowing without overdoing it. Your guests will appreciate having the choice. Want to host a memorable happy hour? Follow our tips for a successful tasting party at home .
The 4 styles that work best as an aperitif
1. Session IPA: aromatic intensity and lightness
Session IPA is the best of both worlds. All the aromatic intensity of a classic IPA with an alcohol content between 3 and 5%, allowing you to drink several without any problem.
Bold aromas: lime, white grape, mandarin, tropical fruits . The hops are fully expressed, but without aggressive bitterness. Our 4% Speakeasy delivers an aromatic profile worthy of a much more robust IPA thanks to generous hopping with American varieties. And if you have to drive or want to stay at 0%, our 0.5% Diversion IPA perfectly captures this tropical profile with mango and passion fruit.
2. White beer: lemony freshness and roundness
Wheat beer is the timeless classic for enjoying an aperitif on the terrace. Its citrus and spice notes make it a perfect companion when it's hot.
Wheat provides a velvety texture , while spices (coriander and orange peel) add freshness. Our 5% Moonshine perfectly captures this: aromas of orange and coriander on the nose, a round yet light palate, and a delicate finish. We also brew it in an alcohol-free version, Diversion Blanche at 0.5%, which retains those citrus notes and thirst-quenching freshness.
3. Craft Lager: Refreshments and Accessibility
Craft Lager is our answer to all those looking for a truly thirst-quenching beer . Not a soulless industrial lager, but a beer brewed according to the rules of the art with noble hops.
It's dry, clean, and crystal clear. Our 4.7% Zepp features noble European hops with delicate floral aromas and a perfect balance. It's a beer that appeals to everyone , even novices discovering craft beer.
4. Pale Ale: versatility and balance
Pale Ale is the Swiss Army knife of aperitifs. Not too hoppy, not too malty . A perfect balance that goes with just about anything: charcuterie, cheeses, crisps, spreads, light grilled food.
Our 5.3% Stirling embodies this profile with aromas of grapefruit and lychee, a balance between malty sweetness and hoppy bitterness. Bonus: it's gluten-free , perfect for those who need to avoid traditional barley.
Adapt your choice according to the occasion
Sunny terrace and warm weather? Bring out the wheat beers and lagers. Their lemony freshness and thirst-quenching character shine when the mercury rises. Winter after-work drinks indoors? Opt for Pale Ales and Session IPAs, which offer more aromatic character without being heavy. And if the happy hour stretches on or some have to drive, the 2.5% Alternative or the 0.5% Diversion ensure continuity without compromising on taste. And to enhance your appetizers, discover our food and beer pairing suggestions .
Opt for light and aromatic styles.
For a successful aperitif, three simple rules: choose light beers (between 2.5% and 5.5%) or non-alcoholic beers depending on your needs, favor aromatic styles that combine character and drinkability , and serve them between 6 and 8°C to bring out their aromas without losing their freshness. To delve deeper into the art of tasting, discover our complete guide on how to taste craft beer like a sommelier .
Here at La Nébuleuse, we brew these styles with these moments in mind. Beers with character but no constraints, that surprise without intimidating, that accompany your aperitifs from beginning to end.
Cheers 🍻
