Summer bonfires are the best bonfires. The birds are singing, the trees are green, the flowers are blooming and the sun lingers late enough to enjoy them. And there is none of the shivering limbs and chattering teeth as you huddle around the fire’s heat. It’s a perfectly relaxing moment, one well-suited to pleasant socializing.
It’s a moment well-suited to beer, too. A summer bonfire lends itself to a wider range of brews. Those big, boozy warming beers are still nice, but not necessary. Light, crisp lagers can find a place. Bitter, hoppy pale ales and malty ambers fit right in. And how about a smoky, German Rauchbier to complement the smell of burning wood?
Here is an assortment of beers to suit any mood during your next backyard burn.
Crisp or cozy
One of my favorite bonfire bevvies is sangria. Beer drinkers can create a similar experience with fruity sour beers. Boysenberry Slap from Duluth’s Bent Paddle Brewing Co. is a dry, tart refresher. The sweet/tart character of boysenberry initially comes in the finish but becomes more pronounced as the beer warms. It reminds me of the boysenberry ice cream I loved as a kid. Pour into a big glass and load it up with sliced fruit. It will be delicious.
On a hot summer evening a light, crisp lager might be the way to go. Super Mega Lager from Drekker Brewing Co. in Fargo is just that. This straightforward American lager has low bitterness and alcohol, so it won’t tax your palate or leave you feeling woozy. Light malt sweetness with hints of corn supports an easy dose of lemon and spice hops.
Doña Fría Mexican Lager from La Doña Cerveceria in Minneapolis takes the light-and-crisp approach in a richer, maltier direction. A Vienna lager with maize in the grist, it leads with smooth, toast and caramel flavors. Bitterness is moderate, letting the malt shine. It’s capped with subtle grassy/herbal hops. The dry, lager finish keeps it refreshing. This is a great one for fans of malt.
Malty beers can feel just as warm and cozy as the campfire. Hokan’s Brown Ale from HammerHeart Brewing Co. — formerly of Lino Lakes and now in Ely, Minn. — is just such a beer. This robust English brown ale has a velvety mouthfeel. It envelops the tongue with smooth chocolate, caramel and biscuit. A touch of black coffee/bitter roast cuts through to clear the palate in the finish.

Taking it slow
Let’s not forget about hops. With hoppy beers and bonfires you can go in two directions — imperial IPA for a slower, relaxed vibe or session IPA for the long haul.