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Have you gathered all the Memorial Day cocktail recipes you want to try? You may have even started working on your brunch drinks for the holiday weekend. But did you plan the Memorial Day beer you are going to serve? If you are confused about what beer brands to get and which craft brews to try, we have you covered.
There are numerous types of beer nowadays. From keto beer to non-alcoholic beer, there is a lot you need to think about when building your beverage menu for Memorial Day weekend. People love a good beer and like to choose from a wider variety. That’s why you need to prepare your beverage inventory for this high-demand period.
Before you start ordering Memorial Day beer, we suggest you check the ones you already have in stock. Check beer expiration dates and quantities and if you are using inventory software that allows you to pull data on which beer types are most frequently ordered - do that. Equipped with all the knowledge, it will be much easier to make the right decisions when you are stocking up for Memorial Day weekend.
6 Types of Memorial Day Beer You Need in Your Inventory
If you are wondering what types of beer you need to stock up on, we are here to help you. Below, you will find a comprehensive list of all the beer kinds we believe every bar and restaurant needs to serve for Memorial Day weekend. Many of these Memorial Day beer types should be served year-round, too. Beer is one of the most famous and loved drinks in the world, so you need to cater to all the beer lovers that are going to come to your business.
Key Takeaway: Memorial Day beer is a crucial part of any beverage menu during this festive weekend. It’s crucial to source light and refreshing beers to celebrate the occasion and the first warm days of summer. Focus on American lager, pale ale, fruit beers, and other types that go with the different dishes served at your restaurant, including barbecue and brunch foods.
1. American Lager
This beer is a classic choice for outdoor gatherings and different parties. This American beer is light, crisp, and refreshing - exactly what everyone needs in the first warm weekend of the summer season! What is even better is that American lagers are easy to source and you can find them at good prices.
The brands that you should get when you are stocking up your Memorial Day beer inventory are Budweiser, Coors, or Miller. We always recommend checking with local breweries, too, and getting some of their craft beers. You can also look for local craft beer distributors. This is an easy way to make the customer experience even better.
2. Session IPA
Session IPA has a more hop-forward taste than the traditional IPAs. They also have a lower alcohol content (ABV), which makes them a better choice when the drinking session is going to be a long one. In general, session IPAs make a great party beer for Memorial Day, Labor Day, and even the 4th of July. These beers have piney and citrusy or tropical fruit notes. This makes them a perfect pair for barbecue or grilled foods.
As for the brands, you should look into Sierra Nevada Nooner IPA, Firestone Walker Easy Jack, and Founders All Day IPA. Sourcing craft brews is always a great way to go about it, too.
3. Wheat Beer
Can’t skip wheat beer when we are talking about Memorial Day beer options. These beers are known for their cloudy appearance and their smooth and easy-to-drink character. The typical flavors of wheat beers are banana, clove, citrus, and coriander. This makes them a nice, refreshing choice for the hot summer days.
If you are looking for quality wheat beers for Memorial Day, get brands like Hefeweizen and Witbier. Find a few of the best local brewery businesses and learn what they can offer as well. Unique craft brews will win the hearts of many customers.
4. Pale Ale
Pale ales are among the most popular beer types in the world. They are a balance between hoppy bitterness and malt sweetness, and the taste typically ranges from caramel and biscuit to citrus and pine. Pale ales pair well with sandwiches and salads, which makes them a perfect brunch or picnic beer, too.
In the United States, the brands of pale ale you need to buy are Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Deschutes Brewery Mirror Pond Pale Ale, and Anchor Brewing Company Anchor Steam Beer. There are many other amazing brands, too, and of course - plenty of delicious craft pale ales.
5. Pilsner
Pilsners are light-bodied lagers with a crisp, clean taste and a subtle hop bitterness. What’s great about pilsner beers is that they can be paired with a huge variety of foods. If you run a restaurant and expect an influx of customers during Memorial Day weekend, make sure you have plenty of pilsner beers in the back. They pair well with everything from grilled meats to seafood dishes!
The brands of pilsner that you can get include Pilsner Urquell, Victory Prima Pils, and Trumer Pils. As already mentioned in the previous paragraphs, you can’t go wrong with craft brews.
6. Fruit Beer
For a fun and fruity twist, consider trying a fruit beer infused with flavors like raspberry, cherry, or peach. These beers offer a refreshing burst of fruit flavor and are perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. Fruit beers will be a total hit when people see them among your Memorial Day beer offers!
When buying fruit beers, you can look for Cascade Apricot Ale, Lindemans Brewery, and Stiegl Grapefruit Radler. Some breweries have their own special fruit beers, so make sure you research what the area has to offer before ordering bottles.
Frequently Asked Questions about Memorial Day Beer
Do you want more helpful information about Memorial Day beer? If so, we are here to answer some of the most common questions people ask. Read the paragraphs below to get more helpful information!
Which Beers Can I Offer on Memorial Day Brunch?
The Memorial Day beer for brunch needs to complement the flavors of the dishes. You can choose from a variety of wheat beers, session IPAs, light-bodied ales, fruit-infused beers, and radlers. Try a few different combinations with your food offers so you can make better suggestions to your customers.
Which Beer Type Is Most Commonly Ordered on Memorial Day?
American lager is among the most commonly ordered beers on Memorial Day. No clear statistics show that but you will not go wrong when you offer a wide variety of this type of beer. Other popular types include session IPAs, pilsners, and fruit beers.
Which Beer Kinds Don’t Sell Well on Memorial Day Weekend?
High-ABV beers, complex and specialty beers, holiday beers, and extremely bitter beers don’t sell well during Memorial Day weekend. Since this is the first warm weekend of the season, people are looking for light and refreshing beverages to keep them cool. Stick to the most commonly ordered beers during this time of the year and you will have customers enjoying their weekend and plenty of beers at your restaurant!