Backyard Bartender: Best Patriotic Beer for a 4th of July Celebration

One of the biggest celebrations is coming up — Independence Day! We know you’re making plans to grill burgers, shuck corn on the cob, relax around the lake or the bonfire pit, and enjoy time with family and friends. But before you set your plans in stone, don’t forget to pick up the undeniably best beverage for the occasion: patriotic beer.

What beers are patriotic, you ask? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s a rundown of some beers that pay homage to the American way, stories of expansion and perseverance, and refreshing brews for regular people kicking their feet up after putting in good, hard work.

Anchor California Lager

Golden beer from the Golden State — it’s a little predictable, isn’t it? But the story behind this brew makes it perfect for celebrating a historic occasion like Independence Day. Born in the tail end of the 1800s, then-Anchor Steam Beer gained a foothold in its hometown of San Francisco. It nearly closed in the 1960s, but it revived and recently relaunched this staple Anchor California Lager. An American story of longevity and reinvention worth a toast.

Brooklyn Brewery Amber Lager

Brooklyn Brewery’s Amber Lager isn’t just a New York staple and a national favorite. It’s been one of the most successful American craft beer exporters, and the world loves their balanced brews. The USA’s international reputation is safe in their hands.

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale or 5. Torpedo Extra IPA

With the India Pale Ale’s surging popularity in America’s craft beer scene, we must pay honor where honor is due: the mighty hops. Hops are the magical ingredients in beer (along with water, malt, and yeast) that originally helped preserve beer between the time it was brewed and when it was consumed. It’s responsible for a lot of the bitterness you taste in a beer. Hops are grown in several places around the world, but some of the most prominent types grew right here in the U.S. (thanks, Oregon and Washington, for Cascade, Citra, and Centennial hops). Be sure to honor this fine, piney, citrusy tradition by picking up a classic American option like Sierra Nevada Brewing Company’s Pale Ale or Torpedo Extra IPA if you want a dank and lively beer.

Samuel Adams Boston Lager or Rebel IPA

This list would be incomplete, of course, without Samuel Adams, the patriotically-named golden child of Boston Beer Company. Hailed as pioneers in the modern craft beer movement, they’ve had to learn to share the stage with a lot of other brands since the 1980s. But their regular lineup, with a mixture of styles developed along the way, has kept them a sturdy presence in American beer. Go with classic Boston Lager, or a vivacious West Coast-style Rebel IPA.

Which will you drink? Didn’t see a beer style you like? Stop by any Haskell’s store and our knowledgeable staff will help you find the best options for your patriotic beer thirst.