Pouring beer over ice sounds like a way to water down a good IPA, but this version is built to hold up to it. A hoppy IPA or Belgian-style ale gets paired with Dubonnet or vermouth over a full glass of ice, then finished with a twist of lemon zest or a slice of fresh ginger.
The vermouth adds a bittersweet, herbal edge that plays well against hop bitterness, and the ice keeps the whole thing at a drinking temperature that a straight pour would lose in ten minutes on a hot day.
It is closer to a cocktail-bar riff than a backyard classic, so pour it into a rocks glass rather than a pint glass if you want the presentation to match the drink.
| Style | IPA and vermouth cocktail |
| Base beer | IPA or Belgian-style ale |
| Serve | Over ice, rocks glass |
| Serves | 1 |
How to Make It
Beer On-the-rocks cocktail
Equipment
- Glass
- Ice
- Stirrer
- Knife (for preparing the garnish)
- Cutting board
- Zester or peeler (if you are using citrus zest for garnish)
- Measuring tool (optional, if you want to measure the ingredients precisely)
Ingredients
- Dubonnet or Vermouth
- IPA India Pale Ale or Belgian-style Ale
- Lemon Zest Twist or Fresh Ginger Slice
Instructions
- Start by filling a glass with ice.
- Pour your chosen substitute for Byrrh Aperitif (Dubonnet or Vermouth) into the glass.
- Next, pour your chosen substitute for British Bitter Ale (IPA or Belgian-style Ale) into the glass.
- Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
- Finally, garnish with your choice of a twist of lemon zest or a slice of fresh ginger.
- Serve and enjoy your personalized Beer On-the-rocks Cocktail!
Notes
Choice of Glassware
Using the right glass can greatly enhance the drinking experience. A highball or a rocks glass would work well for this cocktail.Quality of Ingredients
Use high-quality ingredients. The taste of your cocktail will depend significantly on the quality of the beer and aperitif wine you use.Fresh Garnish
Always use fresh garnish. The citrus zest or ginger slice will add not only flavor but also aroma to the cocktail.Ice Quality
Use good quality ice, preferably made from filtered or bottled water. Poor quality ice can affect the taste of your cocktail.Pouring the Beer
When pouring beer into the glass, tilt the glass at an angle. This helps to prevent too much foam from forming.Stirring the Cocktail
Stir the cocktail gently. Over-stirring might flatten the beer and under-stirring might not blend the flavors well.Serving Immediately
Serve the cocktail immediately after making it. This will ensure that it is enjoyed at its best temperature and taste. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you make the cocktail, the better you’ll get at balancing the flavors to your preference. Enjoy!Want more beer picks for the summer? Check our best IPAs for summer, best wheat beers for summer guides.
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Gear That Helps
Making a batch for a crowd? A beverage dispenser from our shop keeps a pre-mixed pitcher cold and ready to pour.
FAQ
Does this water the beer down?
A little, the same way any drink over ice does, but the vermouth and zest add enough flavor that it reads as a cocktail rather than a diluted beer.
Vermouth or Dubonnet?
Either works. Dubonnet is sweeter and more wine-forward; dry vermouth is more herbal and bitter. Try both and see which you prefer against your IPA.
What beer works best?
A hoppy West Coast style IPA or a Belgian-style ale with some spice character. Avoid anything too delicate, since the vermouth will overpower a light lager.
More beer cocktails: see the full Beer Cocktails guide for every recipe in this collection.
