The birds are chirping. The warmth of the sun shines down on you. In a few short hours, your yard will be filled with friendly faces, the smell of burgers flipping on the grill, and lively conversation. The big day has finally arrived: it’s your first patio party of the season!  

At Great Lakes, we believe in the art of the party. After all, beer is the ultimate connector: it brings people together over a shared love of the craft and desire to occupy the present. As spring gives way to summer, we’re here to help you live out your cookout dreams—whether you’re a seasoned host or a rookie on the scene. Let us guide you through creating the perfect atmosphere for the party your friends will talk about all season long, with a beer in hand each step of the way. 

Step One: Secure the Bevs 

Welcome to our area of expertise! While many of our seasonal brews are perfect for an indoor-outdoor gathering, there’s none quite as fitting as the Sunshine Party Pack. The new 12-pack was built for moments just like this: a melting pot of neighbors, friends, and family bonding over sunshine and fantastic beers. Stuff your cooler with this mix of seasonal flavors and styles sure to appeal to everyone in your crowd.  

Local to Northeast Ohio? It never hurts to pick up an additional 12-er of Cleveland’s Light Beer for fans of a classic, low-ABV lager. We make it easy to track down our brews with a beer finder tool, so you’re not stuck checking every grocer in town an hour before the first guest rolls in. 

Step Two: Set the Tone 

The greatest parties aren’t the ones with the biggest budgets. You don’t need anything fancy to kick off the season just right. Focus on where you can spend your time, not money, to make the best experience for your guests. 

But first: crack a Mexican Lager with Lime while you set up! The party is just starting for you. Here are some easy swaps to keep the costs friendly. 

• Make cleanup easy and opt for colorful paper plates and compostable cutlery to save time washing dishes once the guests head home. 

• Break out those citronella candles you may or may not have left in the rain a few times last season. Their citrus scent and warm glow will keep the magic going into the evening. 
• Skip the DJ and curate a playlist. We’ve built you some options that pair with your beer of choice: old school beach vibes inspired by Mexican Lager, yacht-rock chill for crushing a Cold Rush, classic rock to get Dad tapping his toe while sipping a Dortmunder Gold, and high-energy club beats for the Vibacious Double IPA enjoyer. Don’t overthink it! Peruse our Spotify for more beer-inspired music ideas.

Step Three: Warm Welcome 

The doorbell rings, and your first guests are here! What better way to greet them than with an Orange & Lime Shandy? You’ll make them feel special with a sip of something exclusive—this brew is only available within the Sunshine Party Pack. Give ‘em a hug and hand them a frosty can as they settle in. 

Step Four: Fire Up the Grill 

Now you’re cooking with gas (literally). People are mingling, the dogs are running in the yard, and you hear the familiar slosh of ice shuffling in the cooler as they reach for an Orange & Honey Wheat. It’s time to get some burgers, hot dogs, and veggie skewers smoking! Your topping repertoire isn’t complete without our beer-infused ballpark mustard. 

Think of this brew as your mid-party anchor: the sweetness of honey pairs perfectly with grilled meats, while its twist of blood orange brings a refreshing zest. Put that together with a highly drinkable wheat base, and Orange & Honey Wheat will keep you cool while you man the grill. Curious how we pull off that balance? Explore the behind the scenes process that goes into the brew, just like the intention that went into planning your summer bash. 

Step Five: Let Loose 

The sun dips lower into the sky, casting a golden glow on your friends’ smiling faces. Take off your apron and pick up a Rally Drum Lemon Shandy as you relax into an Adirondack chair. Congratulations—you’ve arrived at the moment where you can join the fun with that oh-so-sweet crack of a can. You built this party, and now you finally get to take it all in! 

As the rush subsides, your guests will forget to check the time. Instead, they’ll reach for one more to top off the night and linger—in true Midwest goodbye fashion. 

Step Six: The Midwest Goodbye 

If you’re from the Midwest, you know what happens when someone says, “Alright, I think we should probably get going.” Sometimes it looks like an hour-long conversation in the doorway or chatting in the kitchen while packing up the leftovers. If you’re cracking one more open, it’s gotta be a Midwest IPA. 

Sure, it’s not part of the Sunshine Party Pack, but it’s a friendly nightcap for those who stay late to help clean up the chairs and bring the cooler inside. Send your buds on their way with a 6-Pack of Midwest or Midwest Hazy to show them just how thankful you are. 

Whether you’re commemorating a milestone or seeking a casually cool hang this season, make every party a celebration with the Sunshine Party Pack, available everywhere you find Great Lakes beer. 

Words and photos by Lily O’Brien, Marketing Communications Specialist