Beer cocktails: an original idea for your end-of-year celebrations

With the festive season fast approaching, why not surprise your guests with beer-based cocktails? This daring marriage of beer and the art of mixology could well become the star of your festive gatherings. Let's explore this growing trend together, along with a few recipes to inspire you.

Why choose beer cocktails?

Beer as a cocktail ingredient is gaining in popularity. Here are a few reasons why:

A rich aromatic palette

The diversity of beer styles offers an infinite variety of aromas, from fruity notes to roasted flavors and more or less pronounced bitterness. This richness makes it possible to explore daring combinations.

A unique texture

Beer's natural fizz adds a touch of freshness and creaminess, comparable to that of Prosecco in a Spritz. Replacing the latter with beer can offer an interesting and innovative alternative.

Low alcohol content

Beer, with an alcohol content generally between 4% and 9%, can be used to create lighter cocktails, ideal for longer evenings.

A source of innovation

Mixologists are exploring new ways to sublimate beer by integrating it into original creations, often inspired by the rise of craft breweries.

Promising collaborations

Recently, the Morand distillery in Martigny joined forces with WhiteFrontier and the Little Barrel cocktail bar in Geneva. Together, they have created some unique recipes, combining brewing expertise and mixology. Here are two inspiring examples of beer cocktails you can make at home.

Recipe 1: Extra Vice

This cocktail is a Little Barrel creation, perfect for starting your evening on a refined note. Here's how to prepare it:

Ingredients

• 1 clMorand PDO apricot brandy
  
• 0.5 clMorand raspberry brandy
  
• 1 session IPA ( Martigny Vice ) 33cl
  
• 0.5 cl Morand raspberry syrup

Instructions 

1. Pour the apricot brandy and brandy into a 35-cl beer glass.
2. Add the beer and stir gently.
3. Add the raspberry syrup last and stir gently.

Avoid the shaker to avoid the risk of an explosion caused by the beer's fizz!

Recipe 2: The Millionaire 37

Inspired by a recipe book created by a passionate zythologist, Cyril Hubert: La bière en cocktail.

Ingredients ^A few apricot pieces

• 1 cl whisky
  
• 1 cl Grand Marnier
  
• 0.5 clMorand absinthe
  
• 1 cl Morand grenadine syrup
  
• 1 egg white
  
• Ice cream
  
• 1 roasted apricot
  
• 1 apricot Sour (10 years goes by fast)

Instructions 

1. Mash the apricot pieces in a shaker.
2. Add whisky, Grand Marnier, absinthe, syrup and egg white. Shake without the beer.
3. Fill a glass with ice and strain the mixture before adding the beer.
4. Stir gently and garnish with the roasted apricot.

Recipe 3: Wheat Green

A fresh, elegant cocktail that will seduce your guests. Imagined by Little Barrel mixologist Romain Plagnat in Geneva.

Ingredients

• 0.5 cl honey
  
• 33 cl Pillows WhiteFrontier - Blanche

For the emulsion :

• 1.5 cl honey
  
• 3 cl Grand Saint Bernard liqueur
  
• 1.5 cl Veggwhite or half an egg white

Instructions

1. In a 35-cl beer glass, mix the honey with the Pillows beer.
2. Another container, prepare the emulsion by combining the honey, Liqueur Grand Saint Bernard and Veggwhite (or egg white).
3. Emulsify the mixture well, then carefully place it on the glass containing the beer.

Recipe 4: le Slip de Bain 

Fresh cocktail created by Lara Trebucco, beer sommelier at WhiteFrontier

Ingredients

• 8cl pineapple juice
  
• 4cl Passion fruit juice
  
• 4cl Amber Rum
  
• 1 apricot sour

Preparation

1. Fill shaker halfway with ice cubes
2. Shake all ingredients except beer for at least 30s
3. Fill can glass 1/3 full with ice cubes, pour in mixture
4. Fill glass with apricot beer

Beer cocktails offer an original and refreshing alternative to traditional holiday drinks. So, this year, let yourself be tempted by these daring mixes that will surprise and delight your guests. Happy tasting and happy holidays!