The Best Summer Beer Recipe for a Crowd

Chances are, you’re planning to host a marvelous backyard party this summer. You have a party menu all set and found cute outdoor decor to set the mood. This shindig needs more than a grab bag of beer! It’s time to whip up a pitcher of this summer beer recipe.

It’s refreshing and easy to drink, and best of all, this beverage serves a crowd.

How to Make Summer Beer

This beer cocktail is perfect for a weekend party. Just master this simple formula, then check out the variations below for some fun takes on this classic.

Ingredients

• 1 can frozen orange juice concentrate (12 ounces), thawed
• 1 cup vodka
• 4 bottles Blue Moon
• 1 cup club soda
• Orange slices for garnish

Editor’s Tip: You can use citrus-flavored vodka, but plain does the trick nicely. Just save a splash to clean the house with.

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the OJ and vodka

Start by combining the thawed orange juice concentrate and vodka in a large pitcher.

Step 2: Make a splash

Stir in the Blue Moon and club soda just before serving. You don’t have to use Blue Moon, though it’s a good pick for this recipe because of its bright citrus aroma.

Step 3: Serve

Fill a few mason jars or a set of Collins glasses ($24) with ice. Then, pour the summer beer over ice. Garnish with fresh orange slices and enjoy. Cheers to summer!

Make This Summer Beer Recipe Your Own

The basic components of this summer brew are citrus juice and/or concentrate, liquor and beer. You can easily swap in different ingredients to create a unique version. Check out a few of my go-to variations—then let your imagination run wild!

• Summer Beer ‘rita: This refreshing drink uses limeade concentrate and tequila with Corona or Modelo. (Learn more about Mexican-style beers to sip in summer.)
• Tropical Summer Beer: Mix canned pineapple juice and rum with Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy. Finish with a splash of lime juice and lemon-lime soda.
• Blackberry Summer Beer: This fruity version features fresh or frozen blackberries and lemon.

In the mood for an IPA? Our round-up of the best IPAs will help you pick your favorite!

Find More Refreshing Punch Ideas for Your Party

1 / 35

Topsy-Turvy SangriaThe perfect balance between sweet and tart, this red wine sangria is sure to please. Swap the peach and strawberries for apples and pears when fall rolls around.

Go to Recipe

Quick White SangriaUsing white wine makes this version of sangria a little lighter, yet it still has the same wonderful sweetness. It tastes best with fresh fruit, but you can still use frozen peaches and strawberries to enjoy year round.

Go to Recipe

Salty Dog SangriaGrapefruit vodka, ginger ale, grapefruit juice, a little wine and simple syrup make this recipe a real winner. It turns out to be a perfectly refreshing and beautiful punch recipe fit for any holiday or special gathering.

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Citrus & White Grape Juice Party Punch White grape juice and lemonade makes this punch perfect for a party! If you want to spend even less time in the kitchen, you can mix the first four ingredients ahead of time, refrigerate and add the soda right before serving.

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Minty Tea PunchThis refreshing homemade punch will knock it out of the park every time. Plus, the tea will give everyone an extra pep in their step.

Go to Recipe

Rainbow SpritzerLayers of colorful fruit submerged in a fizzy, sweet beverage make this a kid-friendly sipper that gets two thumbs-up.

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Sparkling PunchWhat's better than regular punch? Sparkling punch! This colorful beverage is beautiful as it is delicious.

Go to Recipe

Blood Orange PunchThis tangy punch is festive, refreshing and so easy to make. We recommend using frozen orange juice ice cubes instead of instead of plain ice cubes.

Go to Recipe

Banana Brunch PunchThis banana punch is ideal for brunch to give you an extra pep in your step. It's nice to serve a crisp beverage like this that's way more fun than plain juice. With bananas, orange juice and lemonade, it can add tropical flair to cold and dreary day.

Go to Recipe

Strawberry CoolerThis sparkling punch will quench your thirst on hot summer days. It's great to bring to a party or potluck when there's a need for a fun and refreshing drink.

Go to Recipe

Rhubarb Citrus PunchThis tropical tasting punch will add a summer breeze to every gathering you bring it. The combo of rhubarb and citrus make this a real winner.

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Cranberry FizzWith just five basic ingredients, this punch couldn't be easier to make. Plus, everyone will love the sparkling aspect of this recipe!

Go to Recipe

Celebration PunchThis pretty fruit punch has just the right amount of sweetness and zing to it. Plus, the ice ring keeps it cool for hours without diluting the flavor.

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Orange-Apricot Mimosa PunchYou truly can't ever go wrong with mimosas. But this recipe really knocks it out of the park. With apricot flavors, this mimosa has a tropical flair to it.

Go to Recipe

Pretty Pink PunchThis refreshing punch is convenient because you can make it ahead of time and just add the ginger ale just before serving.

Go to Recipe

Peach ChampagneThis is the ultimate punch recipe of summer. It's fruity and sweet thanks to the peaches and the champagne adds a nice sparkle to it.

Go to Recipe

Chilean Monkey Tail PunchCoffee and spirits make up this sweet chilled drink that will be sure to get you energized and excited for the holidays. Cheers!

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Champagne Party PunchYou can't have a party without champagne! To make this punch even more festive, float an ice ring in the punch.

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Raspberry RefresherThis recipe explodes with raspberry flavor! It's a wonderful summertime treat and berry lovers will be coming back for more.

Go to Recipe

Fruited PunchThis fruit punch may seem simple, but it tastes delectable. Thanks to the pineapple juice, tea and fresh strawberries, it's sweet and pleasing on the eyes too.

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Holiday Wassail PunchThis festive and fruity punch is made with five kinds of juices plus cinnamon and allspice for a beautifully well-balanced flavor.

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Citrus PunchThis zesty punch is a refreshing addition to any gathering. You can easily double the recipe if you're bringing this to a potluck or gathering.

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Pirate PunchThe nice tang to this punch, crowned by foamy topping, makes it a very refreshing drink. Children love it too!

Go to Recipe

Rhubarb PunchThanks to the tartness of the rhubarb, this punch is perfectly sippable. Plus, it's a stunning color that will excite anyone who sees it.

Go to Recipe

Bubbly Champagne PunchThis champagne punch is a elegant drink that's perfect for special events like weddings or anniversaries.

Go to Recipe

Spiced Cider PunchSay goodbye to regular cider and hello to this chai-inspired twist on basic spiced cider punch. This punch is great cold or hot!

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Cranberry Fruit PunchThis punch is perfect for people who don't want to consume anything too sweet. The cranberry adds a wonderful tartness to the beverage.

Go to Recipe

TASTE OF HOME

Witches’ BrewWitch’s brew will satisfy all the parents after a day of trick-or-treating with the kids. Plus, you can’t resist that green spooky color.

Go to Recipe

Pineapple Rum PunchThis lovely punch is a great way to wind down after a hard day of work. The pineapple adds just the right amount of sweetness. Feel free to serve without the rum for delicious mock-tails.

Go to Recipe

Mixed Berry SangriaThis punch is light and berrylicious! Everyone will gulp this lovely beverage up. Plus, it's shockingly easy to whip up in minutes.

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Slow-Cooker Christmas PunchWhy not indulge in a warm ruby red punch for winter parties? The cinnamon and Red Hots give it that cozy spiced flavor perfect for cooler days or nights.

Go to Recipe

Strawberry CoolerThis strawberry cooler drink is a crowd winner because it's sparkling and refreshing. It's ideal for the summertime when you need something more special than just a juice.

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Picnic Fruit PunchThis pink cooler is deliciously thirst-quenching on a hot and humid day. Discover the bubbly blend that includes cranberry, pineapple, orange and lemon juices.

Go to Recipe

Brandy SlushThis slush with a hint of citrus keeps you cool on hot summer days. Even if you're not a tea lover, you'll likely find the mix of flavors pleasing.

Go to Recipe

TMB Studio

Mulled WineThis mulled wine is soothing and satisfying with a delightful blend of spices warmed to perfection. Refrigerating the wine mixture overnight allows the flavors to blend, so don't omit this essential step.

Go to Recipe