Creative Uses For Beer Beyond Drinking It

Beer is a versatile drink with a wide range of uses beyond simply drinking it. From bathing and cooking to gardening and healthcare, beer can be used in numerous ways to enhance your daily life. So, if you're not a drinker, here's a glimpse into the diverse world of beer and its many alternative uses.

Marinate meat

Beer is a great ingredient to use when marinating meat. It is slightly acidic, which makes it an excellent meat tenderiser. It also has a milder flavour than wine or vinegar, so it won't overpower the taste of the meat.

The acidity of beer allows it to penetrate deeper into the meat, acting in a similar way to a brine. This helps to increase the water content of the meat, keeping it juicier during cooking. It also means that the beer flavours the meat a little deeper than the surface.

When marinating steak, it is best to leave the meat for at least three hours, but overnight is ideal. It is also important to remember not to drink the marinade and to always discard it after use.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp mild vinegar (such as sherry or rice vinegar)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 5-6 sprigs fresh thyme
• Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
• 6 oz beer (use a mild lager such as a Munich helles, Czech pils, German pilsner, American craft lager or Vienna lager)
• Steak (all cuts work, but skirt, flat iron, hanger, sirloin and flank are especially good)

Method:

• Add all the ingredients for the marinade to a non-reactive container or freezer bag, with the beer going in last.
• Whisk the ingredients until they are well combined.
• Add the steak to the container, ensuring that it is entirely covered by the marinade.
• Marinate the steak in the refrigerator for 3 to 24 hours. Occasionally flip the steak over to allow the marinade to cover all surfaces.
• Before cooking, bring the steak to room temperature and pat it dry. Season the steak lightly with salt and pepper.
• Grill or pan-sear the steak over medium-high to high heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side, depending on your desired level of doneness.
• Once cooked, remove the steak from the heat and allow it to rest before slicing and serving.

This marinade can also be used for other meats, such as chicken, or even vegetables.

Polish pots

Beer can be used as an effective and inexpensive cleaner and polisher for pots, especially those made from copper, brass, or stainless steel. The slightly acidic nature of beer, combined with its mild abrasive properties, makes it ideal for removing tarnish and restoring shine to metal pots and cookware.

When it comes to polishing pots with beer, the process is relatively simple and can be done with basic household items. Start by pouring a small amount of beer—enough to cover the bottom of the pot—into the cookware you wish to polish. Using a soft cloth, dip it into the beer and begin to gently rub the surface of the pot in a circular motion. For larger pots, you may want to use a sponge or soft-bristled brush to ensure you can reach all areas.

The carbonation in the beer will help lift any built-up grime or grease, while the mild acids will start to break down tarnish and bring back the metal's natural shine. If you're working with copper or brass pots, you may see the beer change colour as the oxidation is removed—this is normal and indicates that the beer is doing its job.

For heavily tarnished areas, you can let the beer sit for a few minutes to allow it to soak and loosen the discolouration. Then, using a soft cloth or brush, work in the direction of the metal's grain to remove the remaining tarnish. Rinse the pot with warm water and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth to reveal the sparkling results.

It's important to note that while beer can work wonders on pots, it's not a substitute for regular cleaning and maintenance. For best results, incorporate beer polishing into your regular pot care routine, and always make sure to dry your pots completely after cleaning to prevent water spots and further tarnishing.

Make shampoo

Beer can be used to make shampoo, which can add shine and lustre to your hair. The proteins from the malt and hops in the beer coat the hair shaft and help repair any damaged hair.

To make your own beer shampoo, you will need to boil a cup of beer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Keep boiling until the beer is reduced to a quarter of a cup. This process removes the alcohol, which can dry out hair. Allow the beer to cool, then mix it with a cup of your favourite shampoo. Pour the mixture into an empty shampoo bottle and wash your hair as usual.

If you want to get creative, you can even make your own organic beer shampoo bars from scratch using a cold process soap-making method. This method involves mixing sodium hydroxide (also called lye) with organic oils and plant-based butters to create a chemical reaction that forms soap. It is important to wear protective gear when handling sodium hydroxide, as it can be dangerous if not used properly. You will also need a heat-resistant mixing bowl, a hand blender, a small digital scale, a candy thermometer, a pot or double boiler, and a silicone mould to pour your soap into.

For an organic beer shampoo bar recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• Organic Coconut Oil (340g)
• Organic Sustainable Palm Oil (249g)
• Avocado Butter (99g)
• Fresh pureed avocado (85g)
• Organic Flattened Beer (44g)
• Sodium Hydroxide (198g)
• Organic Flattened Beer (414g)
• Rosemary Essential Oil (60ml)
• Peppermint Essential Oil (50ml)
• Lemon Grass Essential Oil (30ml)

First, put on your protective gear and weigh out all your ingredients. Combine the avocado and beer, and set aside. Next, slowly pour the sodium hydroxide into the beer and stir until dissolved. This mixture will get very hot, so be careful. Let it cool to between 120-110 F. In a separate bowl, combine and gently melt the coconut oil, palm oil, and avocado butter. Let this mixture cool to between 115-120 F. Once both mixtures have cooled, slowly pour the sodium hydroxide/beer mixture into the oils and butters, and mix with a hand blender. Add the avocado/beer mixture and essential oils, and continue mixing until fully combined.

Finally, pour the soap into your moulds and let it cure for 24 hours. Remove the shampoo bars from the moulds and let them cure for another three weeks. Your organic beer shampoo bars are now ready to use!

Soothe tired feet

If you're looking to unwind after a long day, a beer foot soak might be just what you need to soothe your tired feet. The practice, which involves soaking your feet in a mixture of beer and vinegar, has been around since the Middle Ages and is said to offer several benefits for your feet.

The hops and yeast in beer are believed to have a purifying and cleansing effect, helping to remove dead skin and calluses. A beer footbath may also help clear up mild infections, such as athlete's foot and toenail fungus. To create your own beer footbath at home, simply fill a foot basin or bucket with two to three bottles of room-temperature beer and one litre of white vinegar. You can then relax and soak your feet for about 30 minutes.

In addition to its potential skin benefits, beer can also contribute to foot problems, especially when consumed in excess. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it encourages the production of urine and can lead to dehydration. This, in turn, can cause swelling or edema in the feet and legs. Alcohol also depletes the body of essential vitamins and minerals, affecting the health of foot muscles and potentially leading to a chronic feeling of pain and weakness in the lower extremities.

So, while an occasional beer foot soak may be a refreshing treat for your feet, it's important to consume beer in moderation and take care of your overall health to avoid any potential negative impacts on your feet.

Put out a fire

Beer is mostly water, so it can be used to put out a fire. While it's not as effective as a real fire extinguisher, a can or bottle of beer can be used in an emergency if nothing else is available. Simply shake the beer and spritz it over the fire. This method has been used to put out small grill flare-ups, and some people even carry an emergency can of beer in their car in case of an engine fire.

In one instance, an off-duty firefighter in Houston, Texas, used beer to put out a fire that had started on a truck's brakes and was burning one of the tires. The fire was momentarily extinguished with a fire extinguisher, but it started up again. The firefighter and the truck driver then grabbed cans of Coors beer, shook them, and sprayed the beer all over the burning tire. The burning tire exploded, but the fire eventually went out.

So, while it may be painful to pour your beer away, it might just save your life!

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