Coopers nailed it — if you brew, BBQs hit better. But are you pouring the right pint?

October 1, 2025

Chill-Worthy Brews That Deserve a Spot Next to Your Snags and Tongs

There’s something magic about the crunch of gravel under thongs, the sting of hot tongs flipping snags, and the first sip of a cold beer as smoke curls off the BBQ. But not all beers belong in that summer scene. Some are too heavy, others too bitter—and few actually bring people together like a great homebrew does.

So, what should you brew to keep the esky stocked and your mates grinning at your next backyard cook-up? Let’s crack into it.

The Beer You Bring Says a Lot

When you show up with a rack of your own beer, you're not just saving a trip to the bottlo — you’re showing pride, offering something personal, and turning another Sunday arvo into one folks remember. But the style you brew needs to hit the right vibe: drinkable, refreshing, and easy-going without being boring.

The Summer Six-Pack: Tried, Tested, and Backyard Approved

Mexican Cerveza – Crisp, Light, No Fuss
This one's a crowd-pleaser. Clean and dry with a subtle sweetness, it’s the kind of beer that doesn’t need an explanation—just a lime wedge and a hot day. A classic for good reason.
Bring the authentic taste of Mexico to your home with Coopers International Mexica Cerveza. Perfect for grilling sessions, beach days, or sitting back in a camp chair as the sun dips low.
Pale Ale – Friendly Hop, Easy Sip
Has enough edge to interest craft brew fans, but still mellow enough for your uncle who only drinks 'lager'. Pale ale’s your safest middle ground. Good head, clean body, and goes with everything from grilled prawns to chicken skewers. Try it with Galaxy hops for an Aussie spin.
Golden Ale – Sunny Pour, Session Strength
Think summer in a glass. A golden ale brings soft malt and fruity hop flavours that never overstay their welcome. Pair it with grilled corn, chicken wings, or a garden salad if you want to feel fancy.
Kolsch – Lager’s Cooler Cousin
This German-style beer drinks like a crisp lager but finishes with a touch of ale complexity. Cold-crashing this style makes it ultra-clear and wildly refreshing. One of those brews that disappears faster than you expect.
Summer Ale – Light, Hoppy, and Straightforward
Brew this with lighter malt and citrusy hops (Amarillo or Citra come to mind) and you’ve got a breezy, slightly fruity ale that’s fantastic with seafood or grilled lamb. It's approachable, zippy, and great when chilled right down.
Wheat Beer – Cloudy and Crushable
A true summer brew. Cloudy, smooth, and sometimes citrus-spiked, wheat beer is perfect after mowing the lawn or while waiting on the smoker. If you want to get adventurous, toss some coriander seed or orange peel into the boil.

Quick Tip: Brew Early, Chill Later

Brew your summer stock in spring. Most beers take at least 3–4 weeks from start to sip, and colder fermenting temperatures will help keep flavours clean and crisp. Store in a cool spot, and if you've kicked up to kegging, even better — you're BBQ-ready in less time.

Backyard Hero Builds: Gear that Levels Up Your Batch

Being proud of your pour starts with the right gear. For clean, reliable brews that hold up under a corrugated-iron Aussie summer, here’s what we keep in-shop for local legends:

Fermenters with built-in temperature thermometers for consistency
Carbonation drops for dead-simple bottling
Hydrometers to avoid undercarbonated or over-sweet beer
Bottle cappers that won’t cramp your hands after 20 stubbies

Ask in-store if you’re not sure what works in our climate — we’re blunt, but we’ve done the sweaty testing for you.

BBQ Pairing Cheat Sheet: What Goes with What?

"Beer should bring out flavour, not fight with it. The right match makes a good BBQ taste great." – Candeece, Homebrew Section Lead

Wheat Beer → Grilled prawn skewers or spicy chicken
Pale Ale → Lamb chops, burgers, or beer-boiled bratwurst
Mexican Cerveza → Crispy fish tacos or salt-rubbed chicken wings
Golden Ale → Spuds on the BBQ, halloumi, or grilled peach salad

The Shift: From Buying Beer to Brewing Your Own BBQ Legacy

Used to be, grabbing a slab was the pre-BBQ routine. Now? It’s proudly loading the esky with stubbies you crafted yourself. You picked the yeast. You fine-tuned the flavour. And when your mate asks what it is, all you have to say is, “I made this.” That moment? Worth more than a full chilly bin of store-bought.

So next time you're dusting off the barbie, think beyond marinades and meat cuts. Think about what's going in the glass — and how your next batch could be the sip that takes the arvo from good… to dead set legendary.

Cheers to beers worth bragging about,

Candeece