Beer And Beyond: Exploring World Of Beer's Cocktail Menu

Beer is a beloved beverage for many, but sometimes a plain beer just won't do. Luckily, there are endless options for mixing up your beer to create a refreshing cocktail. World of Beer, a craft beer bar and restaurant, is a great place to start if you're looking to branch out from your usual brew. While the bar's focus is primarily on beer, they also serve spirits, so you can get creative and mix up your own unique cocktail. Whether you're craving something sweet, savoury, strong, or refreshing, there's a beer cocktail for every palate.

World of Beer's history

World of Beer is a craft beer bar and restaurant that was founded in 2007 by two best friends in a little neighbourhood called Westchase in Tampa, Florida. It started as one of the original craft beer bottle shops and has since become a gathering place for beer and food lovers.

Beer is one of the oldest alcoholic drinks in the world and is the third most popular drink globally after water and tea. It is produced by brewing and fermenting starches from cereal grains, most commonly malted barley, although other grains such as wheat, maize, rice, and oats are also used. The earliest archaeological evidence of beer-like substances has been found in Raqefet Cave in the Carmel Mountains near Haifa in northern Israel and dates back 13,000 years. There is also evidence of beer production at Göbekli Tepe during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic (around 8500 BC to 5500 BC). The earliest clear chemical evidence of beer produced from barley dates back to approximately 3500-3100 BC and was found at the site of Godin Tepe in the Zagros Mountains of western Iran.

Beer is deeply ingrained in the culture of many nations and is often associated with social traditions such as beer festivals, pub crawling, pub quizzes, and pub games. It has played a significant role in the development of civilisations, with some scientists arguing that the desire to produce and consume beer was a key motivation for humans to transition from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled communities. For example, workers in the ancient city of Uruk (modern-day Iraq) were paid with volumes of beer, and beer was crucial to the construction of the Great Pyramids in Giza, Egypt, where each worker received a daily ration of four to five litres.

The development of beer can be traced through various periods, including ancient civilisations like Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China, to the adoption of hops in Europe, the Industrial Revolution, and modern craft brewing. Today, the brewing industry is a global business, consisting of multinational companies and thousands of smaller producers, including brewpubs and regional breweries.

Beer cocktails

Michelada

The Michelada may be the ultimate savoury brunchtime drink. It's a Mexican staple that has been gaining popularity in the United States. The basic recipe is simple: start with a cold, light beer of your choice, add tomato juice, hot sauce, and lime, then mix and serve over ice. From there, you can get creative with garnishes like a chile salt rim or tamarind straw, or add pureed salsa to the mix.

Black Velvet

For a touch of luxury, try a Black Velvet, a cocktail that's been around for over 160 years. It's made by combining stout with Champagne (or a similar white sparkling wine). It's best made with an Irish stout like Guinness for a creamy mouthfeel and notes of effervescence and crisp dryness from the sparkling wine. Simply combine the two in a 50-50 ratio, poured into a Champagne flute.

Snakebite

A British favourite, the Snakebite combines stout with hard cider. It's served in a traditional pint glass, with the cider poured first followed by the beer, creating a light colour on the bottom and dark on top.

Shandy

A classic and refreshing choice, the Shandy (or Shandygaff) is made by mixing beer with lemon-lime soda, sparkling lemonade, or flat lemonade in a 50-50 ratio, served in a chilled pint glass. For a more unique twist, try using French sparkling lemonade or substitute grapefruit juice for lemonade.

Beermosa

A beermosa (or Brass Monkey) is a simple yet delicious combination of beer and orange juice, making it a perfect replacement for a mimosa, especially for those who don't care for the taste of champagne. It's typically made with a bright and bubbly pilsner or a blonde or wheat ale, and served in a chilled beer glass with an orange slice for garnish.

Lagerita

For a unique twist on a classic margarita, top the typical mix of tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice with a Mexican lager like Modelo Especial. It's a refreshing summer drink that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Beer and food pairings

Contrast

Pick a beer or dish with a dominant flavour, such as sweet, rich, or oily. For example, oysters and stout is a good pairing as the strong, briny flavour of oysters can stand up to the rich texture and chocolatey notes of the stout.

Complement

Complementing flavours is a simple way to make a delicious pairing. Match rich foods with heavy and rich-flavoured beers, like stouts or porters. Pair light-tasting salads and fish with light beers, and wheat beers with fruit tarts.

Cleanse

Beer can be used as a palate cleanser, especially for spicy or intense flavours. A refreshing light beer can wash down the heat of a spicy dish. This can also be done in reverse, where fatty foods like French fries can help balance out the bitterness of an IPA.

Avoid Overpowering Flavours

Be mindful of the levels of flavour in your food and beer. Medium and dark beers, for instance, have a rich and powerful flavour that can overpower certain types of food. For example, the flavour of salmon would be overpowered if paired with a pint of Guinness.

• Light lagers: spicy food, burgers, and salads
• Wheat beers: spicy food and fruity desserts
• India pale ales (IPAs): steak, barbecue, and Mexican food
• Amber ales: pizza, fried food, and smoked pork
• Dark lagers: pizza, burgers, and hearty stews
• Brown ales: sausage, sushi, and fish
• Porters: seafood, coffee-flavoured desserts, and game meats
• Stouts: chocolate desserts, shellfish, and Mexican food

Beer rewards and badges

World of Beer, a craft beer bar and restaurant, offers its customers the chance to track different beers they have consumed to earn badges, achievements, and scale a local leaderboard.

The Black and Tan

Known as a Half and Half in Ireland, this drink is made by layering equal parts of a dark beer and a light beer, such as Guinness Stout and a lager or pale ale. The drink is often served in a pint glass, with the lighter beer poured first, followed by the darker beer, which is gently poured over a spoon to create an ombre effect.

The Michelada

A popular choice for brunch, the Michelada is a Mexican drink made by mixing beer, lime juice, tomato juice or Bloody Mary mix, and various spices such as hot sauce, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce. It is typically made with a Mexican lager, such as Corona or Modelo Especial, but can also be made with other types of beer.

The Shandy

A refreshing summer drink, the Shandy is a simple mix of equal parts beer and lemonade. It is best made with a lighter beer, such as a lager, pale ale, or wheat beer, to allow the citrus flavours to shine through. Different variations of the Shandy can be made by using different types of juices, such as grapefruit juice or pineapple juice, to complement the flavours of the beer.

The Black Velvet

A combination of a dark stout and Champagne or sparkling wine, the Black Velvet is a sophisticated drink that can be served at any occasion. The two ingredients are mixed in equal parts, creating a bubbly and invigorating drink that appeals to both wine and beer drinkers.

Beer-based mixed drinks

Beer is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed on its own or as a base for mixed drinks or cocktails. Here are some creative ways to mix beer and elevate your drinking experience:

Chelada

The Chelada is a classic Mexican cocktail that is tangy and refreshing. It is made by infusing Mexican lager beer with fresh lime juice and a salty rim. This drink is perfect for any occasion, from a laid-back brunch to cocktails on the patio.

Michelada

The Michelada is another popular Mexican beer cocktail that is similar to a Bloody Mary. It is made with Mexican lager beer, lime juice, tomato juice or salsa juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. The glass rim can be customised with a mix of Old Bay seasoning, chili powder, and celery salt for a salty and savoury touch. This cocktail is perfect for summer afternoons or a Mexican-themed brunch.

Shandy

The Shandy is a traditional British cocktail that is perfect for summer sipping. It is a simple mix of beer and lemon soda or ginger ale. For a more unique twist, you can use French sparkling lemonade or grapefruit juice instead of lemon soda. The Shandy is a refreshing and low-alcohol drink that has been enjoyed for hundreds of years.

Black Velvet

This elegant cocktail is a combination of stout and champagne or sparkling wine. It is said to have originated in London in the 1800s as a tribute to Queen Victoria, who wore black in mourning for the rest of her life after the death of her husband, Prince Albert. The Black Velvet is typically served in a champagne flute without ice, showcasing the layered look of the dark beer and bubbly wine.

Beermosa or Brass Monkey

This cocktail is a delightful twist on the classic mimosa, combining beer and orange juice. It is a perfect choice for those who prefer the bubbles of champagne without the taste. For an extra kick, you can opt for a Manmosa, which includes orange vodka in the mix.

Lagerita

The Lagerita is a fun take on the classic margarita, mixing lager (preferably Mexican), tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. It is a refreshing and unexpected combination that is perfect for summer days.

These are just a few examples of the endless possibilities when it comes to beer-based mixed drinks. Whether you're looking for a refreshing summer cocktail or a savoury brunch beverage, there's a beer cocktail for every occasion and palate.

Frequently asked questions