Sips, meet summer. There’s no better combination than a little bit of sunshine and a refreshing cold beer. And when it comes to choosing your favorite summer brew, it’s whatever floats your pontoon boat! But we happen to think some of our brews are especially suited for specific summer activities and moments. Read on to learn our favorite summer fun and beer pairings.

Gather ‘Round the Campfire with Midwest IPA

There’s nothing more Midwestern than a good old-fashioned road trip. Why fly when you can pack the whole family into a minivan and drive 14 hours to your destination? Contrary to the belief of many Midwesterners (ourselves included), road trips don’t always have to be quite so lengthy. Find a campground a couple hours away, pack some snacks, and you’re off to the races! As you take in the serene lake views and peaceful sounds of the forest, kick your feet up and crack open a crisp 12 or 19.2 oz can of Midwest IPA. Its Citra, Triumph, Strata, and Cascade hop blend makes the perfect accompaniment for summer nights spent by the campfire, roasting marshmallows and hot dogs. Want to make your camping trip twice as nice? Mix in some Midwest Hazy IPA for campfire singalong levels of hospitality.

Bask in the Sun with Mexican Lager with Lime

When you’re lounging around in the winter, they’ll call you a couch potato. But when you’re lounging around in the summer, you’re sunbathing! Make like an iguana in some sunny rays and get your tan on. Of course, you’ll need some refreshments while you do. Pop on your sunglasses and grab a zesty Mexican Lager with Lime, your current read, and some sunscreen to keep in arm’s reach while you soak up the Vitamin D. Those lizards are onto something!

Hit the Green with Dortmunder Gold Lager

We can see it now: picturesque blue skies, vibrant green grass, golf bags leaning lazily on your cart, a Dortmunder Gold Lager in hand. Practice your swing with pals while you enjoy our classic brew that brings out the winner in all of us. No matter if you thrive at the driving range or the putt-putt course (or as moral support for your buddies), we’ve got a refreshing sipper to accompany you for all 18 holes.

Put Your Records on with Vibacious & Juicy Vibacious Double IPA

There are few combinations as wonderful as good tunes and good brews. But sometimes you don’t feel like navigating concert crowds or finding parking at a venue to listen to your favorite artist. Fuel your impromptu dance party with a 12 or 19.2 oz. can of Vibacious Double IPA, the perfect hoppy yet ridiculously drinkable beer to keep the vibes right. Or bust a move while drinking Juicy Vibacious Double IPA for an extra juicy dose of liquid courage. We hear dancing is proven to boost your serotonin levels, according to the experts. Of course, we have a few of our own areas of expertise: beer and good vibes! Find us at music venues around Cleveland at your next show, too.

Get Fresh with Strawberry Pineapple Wheat 

Summer is the season of freshness! What could be a better way to support the fresh food chain than by picking up a bunch of berries from your town’s farmers market? As you browse your community’s selection of hand-picked fruits, locally grown veggies, and homemade delicacies, fill your tote bag to the brim with pints of strawberries (the second best kind of pints).

Once you’re stocked up, throw a strawberry soiree and bake with your berries! Gather your friends to drink Strawberry Pineapple Wheat and whip up a delicious dessert together. (Pssst, we’ll give you a hint: this Strawberry Pineapple Wheat Bundt Cake is decadent and absolutely to die for). Complete your tablescape with fresh local flowers, like these from Greenleaf Floral Co.!

At the GLBC brewpub, you’ll find Strawberry Pineapple Wheat on tap and learn that local food is our jam! Our brewpub menu features a variety of locally sourced seasonal ingredients and a wide range of local growers and vendors, like Oberlin Food Hub and more!

Get Your Game Face on with Cold Rush Premium Light Lager

We don’t know about you, but our friends can get pretty competitive (and honestly, we’re here for it). Why not ramp up the spirit with a little friendly competition, all from the safety of your backyard? Challenge your stamina by hosting summer beer games at your place on a sunny Saturday, featuring events like flip cup, beer die, and everyone’s favorite, beer pong! Winner takes home a heaping cooler full of Cleveland’s crushable Cold Rush Premium Light Lager— the best prize out there!

If drinking games aren’t your speed, host a grill-off! This is a sure-fire way to witness local dads in their element (even more so than curating the perfect lawn stripes). Level up your marinades with our Dortmunder Gold BBQ Sauce for a dash of hickory smokiness and malty notes, or add in the crowd-pleasing Edmund Fitzgerald BBQ Sauce for extra roasted flavor and a spicy kick.

Revisit Summer’s Most Nostalgic Activities with Rocket Pop Hard Seltzer

We’re all just chasing that carefree feeling of a childhood summer. Ice cream melting on the pavement, sidewalk chalk all over our hands and knees, spending our hard-earned cash from a lemonade stand… you get us. Thankfully, it’s easy to tap back into the summers of old with Rocket Pop Hard Seltzer, since its flavor was inspired by our favorite summertime treat. Grab a 6-Pack and indulge in a spontaneous summer adventure, trip to the pool, or pickup beach volleyball game. Rocket Pop pairs well with carnival favorites like funnel cakes, fries, and vanilla ice cream—and it’s perfect in this popsicle refresher cocktail. Who knows? Maybe it will inspire you to fill up your porch cooler and host a grown-up lemonade stand for your neighbors, featuring Rocket Pop and other GLBC summer brews.

No matter how you spend your summer, it’s always better with good friends and great beer. Tag us on Instagram, Facebook, and X when you incorporate Great Lakes into your summer adventures!

Words by Lily Switka
Photos by Vicki Campana, Marissa DeSantis, Colleen Ketler, and Lily Switka