1. Shandy

    Half beer + half lemonade

    Lager works best. Pour the beer first, then top up with lemonade. Adults 21+.

  2. Beer bread

    3 cups self-rising flour + 12 oz beer

    Stir in 2 tbsp sugar, pour into a loaf pan and bake at 375°F for about 50 minutes.

  3. Fast chill

    Ice + water + salt

    Cans in salted ice water get cold in about 15 minutes.

Beer-battered fish

Recipe · Made with beer

Beer-battered fish

Serves 430 minutesMedium

Method

  1. 1Heat about 2 inches of oil to 375°F in a deep, heavy pot. Never fill the pot more than halfway.
  2. 2Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt, then whisk in the cold beer until just smooth. A few lumps are fine.
  3. 3Pat the fish dry, dust it in flour, dip it in the batter and lower it gently into the oil, away from you.
  4. 4Fry for 4 to 5 minutes, turning once, until deep golden. Drain on a rack and serve with lemon and tartar sauce. Adults 21+.

  • Lager or ale

    Lagers, like pilsner, are crisp and light. Ales, like IPA, pale ale and stout, are fuller and more flavorful.

  • The date

    Most beer is best fresh, hoppy IPAs most of all. Look for a canned or bottled date and buy the newest.

  • Out of the light

    Light turns beer skunky, especially in clear or green glass. Keep it cold, dark and standing up.