The team’s picks go head to head, but it’s up to you to decide. Which brew should we all reach for when the mercury soars?

Unless you live in the northern reaches of Australia where it’s invariably hot year-round, there’s a good chance you’ve been looking at your weather app with a certain sense of trepidation of late. El Niño is said to be bringing scorching hot temperatures across the continent, with the prospect of more long, dry and seriously warm days with it. And while it makes a nice change after two years of relatively wet summers, it inevitably means that we’re back on the hunt for the perfect tinnies to crack into on a warm day off.

As such, we’ve decided to get a little creative this year and survey some of the Dan’s Daily team, pitting their favourite tinnies against each other to crown an ultimate, undisputed king of the sunny-day frothies. Here are the challengers, and why you should have one of each in hand this summer.

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Dimitri, Writer

Winner: Monsuta Okinawa Premium Draft

“I like to spend hot days outdoors, tongs in one hand and a cold beer in the other. This year, the tongs will be dispatched to my new toy – a Japanese hibachi barbecue – so having a crisp Japanese beer on hand (or, rather: in hand) only makes sense. One of my recent favourites is Monsuta Okinawa Premium Draft.

“Bearing all the hallmarks of a classic Japanese lager, its softly hopped aromas and rich, malty flavours mean it’s big enough to stand up to a smoky bit of squid hot off the coals without getting in the way. And unlike its bigger and better-known compatriots (often brewed here under licence), Monsuta is produced at the foot of Mt. Nago in Okinawa. I like that.”

Runner up: Coopers Australian Lager

“If Coopers Pale Ale is as close as I’m willing to get to craft beer, their lager should be right up my alley (and I’ll need something to serve with the lamb chops).”

Lara, Editor-in-Chief

Winner: La Sirene Citray Sour

“I bloody love a sour beer. Perhaps it’s a natural flow-on from my penchant for natty wines (cliché, I know), but there’s something about that tartness that makes me sit up and take notice – and I like a beer that makes me think about what I’m drinking. It’s hard to ignore the Citray Sour’s acidity, but I argue that it’s the Goldilocks of sours – not too little, not too much, but juuuust right. Not something you can say for all sours out there. And if you’re going to sit back and sip on a sour, this time of year is begging for it.”

“The flavour doesn’t hold any punches here. Locally sourced oranges (this beer hails from the northern suburbs of Melbourne) and fruity hops give it a proper zestiness that reminds me of freshly squeezed OJ and fresh mandarins after a mixed netball match, but it’s not as funky or yeasty as some sours try to be. There’s good fizz – I like my hot days carbonated – a gentle boop of sweetness, and it scores 10s across the board for refreshment.”

Runner up: Hawke’s Brewing Co Lager

“Whatever your thoughts on Bob Hawke’s politics, this simple lager has to be one of the best things the ex-Prime Minister ever put his face to. Doesn’t hurt that 100% of his royalty share goes to environmental not-for-profit Landcare Australia. I’m not trying to claim that it’s a thrilling beer – there’s no wacky yeasts or mouth-puckering sourness to be found – but that’s not the goal. If you want an easygoing, inoffensive brew that’ll please a broad crowd on a stinking hot day, my vote lies here.”

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Amelia, Sub-Editor

Winner: Corona

“Look, I know Corona is the Foster’s of Mexico (they really don’t drink it), but that doesn’t mean I can’t still enjoy it. Because I do. A lot. Especially when warm-weather catch-ups are in full swing. There are few brews that nail the sunny-day brief for me quite like Corona – it’s light, refreshing, doesn’t require too much thought or analysis, and it somehow makes me feel like I’m on holiday. It's also made infinitely better with a lime wedge or two squished down the bottle's neck and a big bowl of salty corn chips to go with it.”

While I have a deep appreciation for local craft brews with serious flavour and personality, I also believe there’s a time and a place for Corona. For me, that’s peak summer. I also love that some of my friends who never otherwise drink beer will always join me in a Corona. So, I challenge you to crack one the next time the temperature spikes and try to tell me I’m wrong. You can even pretend you’re sipping it beachside in Mexico – if you were bold enough to order one over there, that is.”

Runner-up: Philter XPA

“It’s bright but dry, refreshing but with a subtle bitter kick, and while there’s some complexity going on, it’s still easy drinking. Made for the sunshine.”

Brad, Writer

Winner: The Grifter Serpents Kiss Watermelon Pilsner

“Malty, slightly sweet and refreshing in a way that channels the Euro summer, pilsners are slowly reshaping our national taste for simplistic, easy-drinking lagers – in my opinion, not a moment too soon. Serpents Kiss channels the spirit of a Mediterranean-style session beer with a new-world twist, layering in sweet and subtle watermelon before closing things with a clean lager finish.”

Runner-up: Balter Eazy Hazy

“The tide of full-flavoured, mid-strength beers taking over pub taps seems to be unstoppable as we all reevaluate our relationship with alcohol, and for my money, Balter's Eazy Hazy still sets the gold standard for a mid-strength brew that tastes anything but. Fruity yet slightly more restrained in comparison to some of the overly juicy hazy pale ales out there, Eazy Hazy's lighter touch and lower alcohol content works in its favour for sipping on a scorching day.”