Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Food & Drink

10 Lawnmower Beers You Should Sip This Summer

Steven John
By

What is a lawnmower beer? You know exactly what it is, sir; you knew the answer to that question the first time you heard the term, I’ll wager. It’s just makes implicit sense: after mowing the lawn on a hot summer day, you want a cool, refreshing beer that’s on the low end calorie wise and won’t see you canceling the rest of the day’s activities based on a high alcohol percentage.

Lawnmower beers are generally light in body and traditionally pretty light on flavor, too, but a crop of new brews that neatly fit the category are bucking that trend. There are also some classic beers that fit the category, boasting plenty of flavor without a heaviness of body or a river of alcohol. So while we hope to introduce you to a few new beers, if you find new love for the stalwarts, that’s just fine, too.

Recommended Videos

Also, to keep things extra fresh, we’re covering a couple of brews that aren’t beer at all, but that certainly go down smooth after an afternoon of lawn care. Or a game of beach volleyball, a long hike, a grilling session, or … you know, you actually don’t need an excuse to drink these beers. Let’s get to it!

Related

Shiner Cerveza de Verano

Shiner Cerveza de Verano
Image used with permission by copyright holder

When a beer has the gall to call itself the “Beer of Summer” as this new Mexican-style lager from the K. Spoetzl Brewery does, it damn well better go down smooth after a good lawn mowing. Goods news. It does. Cerveza de Verano features a light citrusy hop profile with flavoring from agave nectar adding a sweetness that brings out the fruity hop character. At 4.5% ABV, it’s the perfect hot-weather session lager or a great choice to safely suck down in about two minutes, as I did after the last mowing.

26.2 Brew

Image used with permission by copyright holder

We’ve covered this light wheat ale before, but it bears a second look in the lawnmower beer category, as — surprise, surprise — a beer brewed specifically for athletes looking to refresh themselves without piling on extra calories goes down just as well after yard work as it does after a distance run. The beer has a light breadiness and gentle orange notes as well as a bit of saltiness, which is just what you want after a good sweat.

Helles in the Tropics

Helles in the Tropics
Image used with permission by copyright holder

I’m not sure if this is a problem or a silver lining, but to get a bottle of Sierra Nevada’s Helles in the Tropics beer, you need to buy a larger mixed pack. Which I tend to do at least monthly, so yeah. Helles-style beers are very mild on the hops and more malt-forward, with a light sweetness and great drinkability. And that’s exactly what you find here, except with a bit more hop than you’d get from a traditional pale German Helles, but that’s what you expect from Sierra Nevada.

Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza

Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza
Image used with permission by copyright holder

A collaboration between Colorado-based New Belgium and Mexican brewery Primus Cerveceria, this beer is bursting with flavor provided by hibiscus, watermelon, lime, and agave nectar, not to mention some malt and hops. It’s made in the style of a refreshing Mexican street beverage, this low ABV beer is a unique, fruity revelation.

Trumer Pils

Trumer Pils USA/Facebook

Trumer Pils, a classic German/Austrian-style pilsner, has been brewed in Berkeley, California since 2004. But the same recipe has been followed for about 400 years at the Trumer Brauerei in Salzburg, Austria. This multi-award winning beer is crisp and refreshing, with a lively carbonation and an elegant simplicity. The hop profile is nondescript, and the malt even and balanced. The best way to describe this quaffable beer is as … beer. When you think of the taste of a brew, this is a fine standard-bearer.

Shiner Ruby Redbird

Shiner Ruby Redbird
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Yep, another beer from Shiner, because in the past year or so, this brewery has greatly expanded their catalog, and this new brew is a great summer sip. A bit of ginger spice balances the intensely sweet and bitter grapefruit flavors, with a light hop and malt background keeping things beer-y. At just 95 calories and 4% ABV, this is a guilt-free and daytime-safe beer good to have on hand in the garage fridge.

Melvin Brewing Killer Bees American Blonde Ale

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Melvin Brewing, out of Wyoming, is primarily known for huge, amazing, almost dangerous brews up in the 9%-plus ABV arena, and it’s well worth trying their fine, crazy-strong beers. But if it’s the middle of the day and you need flavorful refreshment that won’t lead to nap time, Killer Bees American Blonde Ale is the one to sip. It’s made with actual honey that sweetens up the light bread flavor and mild hops.

Angry Orchard Spritz Rosé

Angry Orchard Spritz Rosé
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The first of our not-technically-beer lawnmower beers, this new cider from Angry Orchard just came out this summer. It’s so light yet delicious it would be a dangerous drink were it not for the low 4% alcohol by volume. Made from French red-flesh apples, it has as much flavor as any cider out there, and can be sucked down right out of the can or enjoyed more slowly over ice. In fact, I’ll wager adding a splash of liquor would make a fine non-lawnmower cocktail.

Virtue Cider Mezzo Spritz

Virtue Cider Mezzo Spritz
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Made with a blend of cider, sparkling water, and botanical flavoring, this light, easygoing cider just begs to be slurped down fast. And at just 3.8% ABV, you can go ahead and have a second one, too. If you’re looking for a super-safe daytime drink, stock the fridge with Mezzo Spritz. Or use this stuff as the sparkling component in a cocktail to kick the flavor profile up a notch.

Strongbow Dry Pear Hard Cider

Strongbow Dry Pear Hard Cider
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you can get over the fact that it comes in a small can, then a can of Strongbow Dry Pear Hard Cider is a true treat on a hot day. It’s plenty sweet despite the word “dry” in the name, and the small bubbles of the carbonation create a lively mouthfeel and buoy the aftertaste. While a great lawnmower drink, this cider also pairs well with savory foods.

Article originally published August 21, 2017 by Lee Heidel. Last updated July 5, 2019 by Steven John.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Steven John
Steven John
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Steven John is a writer and journalist living just outside New York City, by way of 12 years in Los Angeles, by way of…
Here’s why you should be grilling your summer cocktails
We all love a classic summer cocktail, but have you ever thought to grill one?
grilled cocktails guide for summer edward howell 5tf40djyvbm unsplash

Summertime means backyard barbecues, pool parties, and long evenings by the bonfire. It means picnics and beach getaways, and lounging around in chic shades and sandals. As varied as these fun activities can be, not a single one isn't improved by really, truly delicious summer cocktails. There are, of course, the sunshine staples — margaritas, daiquiris, and piña coladas. And while we certainly aren't here to bash the classics, there's a secret weapon for improving these tried-and-true cocktails, and any other adult beverage you can think of, for that matter: the grill.
While the idea of a grilled cocktail may sound a bit strange, we aren't actually recommending you somehow skewer your martini glass and pop it on the coals. That lemon wedge you use for your icy poolside lemon drop, however, would absolutely love a quick trip to the flames before it hits your glass. Or how about that grapefruit wedge in your Seabreeze? Imagine adding a hint of smoke to the perfectly tart slice of sweet. You get the idea. By grilling your cocktail ingredients before mixing and muddling, you can add a whole new level of beautifully smoky, summertime flavor to your favorite fruity drinks.
The smoke you add to your grilled cocktails can be as subtle or as bold as you wish. If it's only a small kiss of smoke you're after, consider charring your drink's garnish; a citrus wedge, a slice of watermelon, or a bit of peach are all beautiful after a trip to the grill grates. By grilling just some of an ingredient, your drink will have a hint of summertime smoke that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of a fruity drink.
On the other hand, if you're looking to go bananas (which are also wonderful when grilled), feel free to really go all out. If you're making a Bloody Maria, for example, almost every ingredient but the tequila can be grilled or at least smoked — including all of the vegetable garnishes.

Grilled cocktails tips and tricks:

Read more
You’ve probably never grilled these 10 foods…but you should
Looking for things to grill? If you've never grilled a banana, you're missing out big time
Person grilling

It's officially barbecue season. And while that, of course, means ribs and burgers, your grill skills and creativity shouldn't stop there. When it comes to things to grill, the sky is the limit. As far as we're concerned, when the temperature rises above 75, there isn't a single meal that should be prepared inside the house. And yes, that includes a few dishes you've probably never thought to place on those grill grates. So without further ado, these are some of our favorite grilling ideas, and a few not traditionally grilled ingredients to consider for your next cookout.
Salad

When salad comes to mind, usually bright, clean, crisp flavors are the stars of the show. But if you've ever grilled romaine lettuce, for example, you know that salad greens can be much more sultry and exciting. By halving and grilling lettuces such as romaine or endive, you can bring out their deep earthy flavors, complemented with a bit of smoke. Just add lemon and enjoy!

Read more
Miller Lite’s simple hack for a cold beer all summer long is genius (and keeps selling out)
Get ready to kick yourself for not thinking of this hack before now
Glass of beer on black background

Every now and then, an idea comes along that has us wondering how in the world it took so long for something so obvious to come to light. Those forehead slapping why-didn't-I-think-of-that moments. Well, brace yourself, because you're about to experience one such moment, courtesy of Miller Lite. If you've ever had the frustrating experience of room-temperature beer and lacked the patience to wait for the refrigerator to do its job, this clever little hack is for you. Miller Lite isn't just releasing retro gear and Christmas tree keg stands — the company has just released beer cube trays.
While Miller Lite has come up with some interesting ideas in the past, we are completely on board with this one. The idea is simple — ice cubes made from frozen beer instead of water. The pros? Instantly chilled beer without the worry of watery ice cubes diluting the flavor.
The cons? None. There are no cons. This idea is brilliant. What's more is that the molds of Miller Lite's beer cube trays are shaped into adorable tiny little beer cans, making them perfect for slipping into your can of brew. Plus, they're freaking adorable. The only problem is that since their release, they've become so popular that Miller Lite can hardly keep them in stock, so get them if you can. (At the time of writing, three different drops had sold out, but the company site says more will be in stock Monday.)

Of course, frozen beer cubes can be made from any of your favorite beers, in any perfectly charmless old ice cube tray from the grocery store. Simply pour your favorite beer into an ice cube tray, freeze, and voila! Beer cubes. Sure, they may not be as cute as Miller Lite's, but the benefits are the same — ice-cold beer in mere moments. And no watered-down taste? Who cares what the damned tray looks like?
People have been using ice cube trays in non-water applications for ages. Coffee ice cubes have been a thing for a while now. Simply pour a little of that leftover coffee into trays and freeze for a great way to enjoy your cold brew all day long without fear of losing any of that preciously caffeinated flavor. Or cool down a punch bowl with cubes of your frozen concoction for an icy treat that will stay flavorful for the whole party. You can even use your ice cube trays to portion out and freeze fresh herbs in oil for summertime flavor in wintertime meals. The possibilities really are immense.
If we're honest, though, this has got to be the cleverest idea so far. And yet, perhaps the most frustrating one at the same time. So thanks, Miller Lite, for pointing out what should have been so glaringly obvious for decades now: That the answer to warm, tepid beer has been in our freezers this whole time. So excuse us,while we go and buy all the ice cube trays.

Read more