The proof is in the pint – here are seven recipes to try.

Gin this, vodka that – we know they make great cocktails. But what about the humble beer? Does it have a natural home beyond the can or pint glass? We say yes, and we can prove it with this selection of surprisingly excellent beer cocktails. They’re nothing new, after all; the Shandy – one of the best known of the lot – was first documented back in the 1800s. That gives us at least 200 years of beer being mixed into frothy new creations.

Not convinced beer cocktails are the way forward? We have seven great recipes to choose from below that also incorporate everything from tequila and Campari to sorbet and Champagne. There’s even a non-alc recipe in the mix that showcases zero%* beer. These alcohol-free beers have gotten so good you could easily sub one into any of these cocktails and get the same tasty results.

So, have a browse, try something new and maybe even win over a few mates along the way, especially if they only ever drink the same beer the same way, or claim they don’t like beer at all. They might just be converted.

The Lagerita is a Tommy's Margarita mixed with Mexican-style beer

1. Lagerita

If you’re partial to a Margarita, particularly a Tommy’s, and you’re into beer, it’s time to meet the Lagerita. It’s easy to make, too – shake tequila, agave syrup and lime juice with ice, strain it into a glass with fresh ice, and top it with a Mexican lager. Corona is a solid pick, or another cerveza style, but you could add your favourite beer to see how the flavours change. Whichever way you go, this cocktail is light, bright and has a summery feel, no matter what the weather’s doing.

2. Campari IPA Spritz

We love a cocktail with just two ingredients, so this clever little combo is right up our alley. Bitter and fruity, the Campari IPA Spritz is exactly as it sounds – that bitter red liqueur is mixed with an India Pale Ale to create a very pretty, different style of Spritz. We love this one with a slice of orange for the garnish as it sweetens that bitter kick and meets the fruity notes of the beer nicely. It’s a simple mix that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.

The Campari IPA Spritz is a simple mix of beer and Campari

The Tropical Non-Alc Sgroppino in a coupe glass

3. Tropical Non-Alc Sgroppino

The Sgroppino (pronounced sgro-pee-no) is a refreshing cocktail of vodka, prosecco and sorbet, of all things. And that base is what inspired this riff, which still has all that same freshness, but adds non-alc beer to the mix. Our recipe sticks with the sorbet, while adding a few more ingredients – think grapefruit juice, lime juice, sugar and a pinch of salt – as well as that non-alc beer. A sprinkling of cayenne pepper on top to finish delivers a little spicy kick to bring it all together. Of course, full-strength beers work a treat here, too.

4. Black Velvet

Yep, dark beers belong in cocktails, too – and they play incredibly well. Another easy two-ingredient cocktail, the Black Velvet combines everyone’s favourite stout, Guinness, with Champagne – or sparkling wine, if you prefer to keep the budget in check. The result is a smooth, rich and surprisingly decadent cocktail, and the trick is to master that perfect frothy top (hot tip: pour it from a height). This drink might make an appearance every St Patrick’s Day, but we reckon it’s well worth a showing year-round.

The dark and frothy top of the two-ingredient Black Velvet cocktail

Fixing the garnishes on a spicy Michelada cocktail

5. Michelada

The Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail that can be improved on in many ways, including spirit swaps, bolder flavours and, in some cases, OTT garnishes. But what about adding beer in there? This Mexican staple is another classic cocktail, and it switches the traditional vodka for a Mexican-style brew. It comes together with lime juice, clamato juice – that Canadian mix of tomato juice and clam juice – Worcestershire sauce, Maggi seasoning and the all-important Tabasco for spice. Expect a punchy drink that puts a frothy twist on the OG.

6. Shandy

We couldn’t not include this icon – a super simple mix of lemonade and beer. Do cocktails get any easier? Perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon, and ideal for anyone who wants to make their beer go a little further, this easy-going drink is ready to be customised in any number of ways. That might mean trying a different flavoured soda, adding a favourite liqueur or maybe just finishing it with a few drops of bitters for that Lemon, Lime & Bitters twist. Try it for yourself.

The Stout Fellow is a rich and indulgent cocktail

7. Stout Fellow

Always order an Espresso Martini? Consider a Stout Fellow instead. This rich cocktail is all about dark, warm flavours, with stout combining with dark rum, coffee liqueur and dark crème de cacao for a touch of sweetness. Delish. Stout brings depth with a bitter hit, while the other elements help to create a balanced, smooth and indulgent cocktail. Serve this up to your mate who’s mad for an Espresso Martini, and they might pick that something is different, but they may not be able to put their finger on it. Genius.