Which craft beers should you choose for the summer?

A sunny terrace, a sizzling barbecue, the first cool sip going down. Summer calls for beers that quench thirst without weighing you down, lively and fruity profiles that complement the heat. But "drinking something cool" doesn't mean grabbing the first can you find at the back of the fridge. Some craft beer styles have been crafted, sometimes for centuries, to shine precisely in these moments.

This makes it a perfect beer for summer.

Not all styles are created equal when the temperature rises. Summer beers share a trio of characteristics: a moderate alcohol content (generally between 3% and 5.5%), a light body that doesn't overwhelm the palate, and lively carbonation that delivers that refreshing sensation from the very first sip. As for aromas, citrus, spicy, or light cereal profiles work better than the roasted or resinous notes of winter beers.

It's a matter of physiology as much as taste: in hot weather, the body craves hydration and lightness. A beer with 8% ABV and 60 IBUs of bitterness, however excellent, tires the palate more quickly below 30 degrees Celsius. Craft brewers have understood this, and the global trend confirms this shift towards "drinkability": craft lagers, session beers, and light sour ales are gaining ground against heavy IPAs, especially during the summer months.

Five craft styles tailored for hot days

The Blanche is refreshing thanks to its blend of wheat and citrus fruits.

Witbier (or Belgian White) is probably the most instinctively summery style. Brewed with a blend of barley malt and unmalted wheat, it gets its character from the addition of coriander and orange peel . The result: a hazy, smooth, slightly spicy beer, typically around 4.5 to 5% ABV. La Nébuleuse's Moonshine perfectly illustrates this profile, with its silky texture and citrusy freshness. If you want to delve deeper into this style, our article on white beer, between tradition and freshness, tells its complete story.

The Session IPA keeps the hops without the overpowering

Do you love IPAs but want to be able to drink two without missing a conversation? Session IPA is your answer. It retains the aromatic punch of the hops (citrus, tropical fruit, pine) while staying around 4% ABV. The challenge for the brewer: maintaining aromatic intensity with less malt to carry the flavors. La Nébuleuse's Speakeasy succeeds with its notes of grapefruit and mango, at just 4%.

Craft Lager focuses on refreshing simplicity

Long associated with large industrial brands, lager is experiencing an artisanal renaissance. Craft lagers are distinguished by their brewing precision : controlled bottom fermentation, noble hops that impart a subtle bitterness, and a clean, dry, unadulterated profile. The Italian-Style Pilsner, recognized as a new official style by the Brewers Association in 2024 , takes the concept further with dry hopping using noble hops that adds a floral dimension. La Nébuleuse's Zepp' , a Bavarian-inspired craft lager at 4.7% ABV, embodies this approach: simple in appearance, demanding in brewing.

The Season, literally invented to survive summer

This is the style that carries the word "season" in its name, and for good reason. Saison beer originated on Walloon farms in the 18th century, brewed in winter with ingredients available on the farm , then stored until summer to quench the thirst of farm workers during the harvest. Its alcohol content was intentionally kept low (around 4.5%) so that the workers could drink without getting drunk. Today, the style has evolved, but it retains its defining characteristics: peppery and fruity notes, a dry mouthfeel, and that characteristic liveliness of saison yeasts. It's the beer with the strongest historical argument for claiming the title of "summer beer."

Gose and sour ales provide the refreshing tartness.

If you're looking for something truly different, sour beers are a summer revelation. Gose , originating from Goslar in Germany, combines lactic acidity, a touch of salt, and notes of coriander. Berliner Weisse , nicknamed "the Champagne of the North" by Napoleon, goes even lower in alcohol (2 to 3%) with a crisp, dry profile. These styles, long considered niche, are exploding in the craft beer world: fruity sour ales are among the fastest-growing categories, attracting an audience far beyond IPA enthusiasts.

Serving your summer beer at the right temperature makes all the difference.

The most common mistake in summer: taking all your beers out of the fridge and serving them at 2°C. At that temperature, your palate is numb and you miss out on everything that makes a craft beer interesting. Industrial beers are drunk ice-cold precisely because there's nothing to reveal, but a craft beer deserves better.

The ideal serving temperature for light summer beers (wheat beers, lagers, session IPAs) is between 4 and 8°C . A simple trick to get the hang of it: take the alcohol percentage of your beer and add one or two degrees. A 4% Speakeasy? Serve it around 5 to 6°C. A 5% Moonshine? Aim for 6 to 7°C. If your beer is too cold straight from the fridge, two to three minutes at room temperature is enough to bring it into the right range.

Four summer occasions, four beers to uncork

Barbecue with friends. Grilled food calls for a beer that can stand up to the smoky flavors without overpowering them. Zepp', with its dryness and crisp carbonation, cleanses the palate between each bite.

Picnic by the lake. Relaxed atmosphere, blazing sun: this is the perfect setting for Moonshine. Light and fruity, it pairs equally well with a sandwich or a summer salad.

An open-air festival. You'll walk, dance, and get thirsty. The 4% Speakeasy beer lets you enjoy the hoppy aromas for longer without missing the concert.

Enjoy an aperitif on the terrace at sunset. The perfect moment for a Stirling, whose grapefruit and lychee notes blossom as the temperature drops a notch. For more aperitif ideas, take a look at our guide to light craft beers for aperitifs .

Summer is the season when craft beer truly shines: styles designed for the heat, aromas that bask in the sun, and occasions perfect for sharing. Explore our entire summer range on our e-shop (free delivery on orders over CHF 100), or better yet, come and taste them directly at La Tap , our bar in Renens.

Cheers! 🍻