* Blog Post Update on July 3, 2023
The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and for many, it's a time to celebrate all things America. From parades to fireworks to backyard barbecues, there are many ways to mark this special day. But why not elevate your celebration with a patriotic beer?
With so many craft breweries across the country, you can find a beer that not only supports local businesses but also showcases the spirit of the Fourth of July. In this blog post, we'll be taking a look at some of the most patriotic beers to drink on the Fourth of July, but first a little origins story on my love for The Fourth.
Fourth of July Parties Where Legends Where Made
The Fourth of July has always been my favorite holiday. When I was a kid I could remember watching the Ocean Gate parade in the morning down by my grandparents house. We would then hang at the beach all day before coming home to do a quick BBQ and heading back to the beach to watch the fireworks.
In my 20's, that all changed. I started hosting a pretty massive party of my own. In fact, it was this very party as well as my rib recipe that got me a spot on Live with Regis and Kelly.
YES...I was on Live with Regis and Kelly (Diners, Drive ins and Dives, too)
Nonetheless, there was always at least five kegs at the party and meat for days. Not joking, I'd start prepping all sorts of animal (from brisket to ribs) roughly five days in advance. The party was dubbed "Bone Jam" by my friends and our tagline was "Noon:15 until pass out."
I can remember some legendary nights where the vodka filled watermelon would come out around midnight. This usually sent everyone into quite a tailspin that ultimately led to them passing out in a chair on my back patio.
Not a Rager but a Fourth of July Party Nonetheless
Nowadays, our day is a combination of my youth and my 20's. The party isn't quite the rager it used to be, but it's a party nonetheless. We start at the beach and finish in my backyard for a BBQ. There is plenty of smoked meat, fireworks inevitably get set off and, of course, there is plenty of beer (just not five kegs of it).
Beach, BBQ and beer...how can you go wrong? You can't, as long as you choose the right beers for the occasion like these 5 patriotic beers to drink on The Fourth of July.
A Guide to the 7 Patriotic Beers To Drink on The Fourth of July
Yuengling Traditional Lager - Yuengling & Son
Photo Credit: Yuengling Instagram @yuenglingbeer
No list of patriotic beers would be complete without Yuengling Lager. After all, it is America's oldest brewery. It isn't quite as old as our constitution, but Yuengling was founded in 1829. That means it has survived the Civil War, Prohibition, two world wars and so much more. Basically, if America had a blood type, it would be Type Yuengling.
Boston Lager - Samuel Adams
Photo Credit: Samuel Adams Instagram @samueladamsbeer
Brewed in honor of founding father, Samuel Adams, Boston Lager is a must drink patriotic beer when it comes to the Fourth of July. It's accessibility is key! You can get Sam's pretty much everywhere in the country. Plus when you combine its drink-ability with it's great flavor, the multiple time award winning Boston Lager will appeal to everyone's taste buds.
Brew Free or Die IPA - 21st Amendment Brewery
Photo Credit: 21st Amendment Brewery Instagram @21stamendment
In case you were wondering, the 21st Amendment is the clause that ended prohibition and gave American's the ability to drink legally again. Thank God for beer drinking freedom. Brew Free or Die is a traditional West Coast IPA you cannot go wrong with. Not to mention, 21st Amendment Brewery has also recently added two new variations, Tropical IPA and Blood Orange IPA, giving you even more freedom to choose.
Liberty Ale - Anchor Brewing Company
Photo Credit: Anchor Brewing Co. Instagram @anchorbrewing
A beer with a bald eagle on the label named Liberty -- you'll be hard pressed to find a more quintessentially patriotic beer to drink on the Fourth of July. Liberty Ale was first brewed in 1975 to celebrate the bicentennial of Paul Revere's historic ride that started the revolution. That said, you can make the case that Liberty Ale started a revolution of its own, the craft beer revolution. Widely considered the first modern IPA, its beauty is in its simplicity and taste. No wonder it has withstood the test of time, much like the country it represents.
Ales of Revolution - Yards Brewing Co.
Photo Credit: Yards Brewing Instagram @yardsbrew
If you have ever been to Philadelphia, America's first capital city, you know that there is plenty of patriotic history to take in when there. There is also a damn good brewery named Yards Brewing. Yards has drawn on the city's patriotism to brew their Ales of Revolution series. Our founding fathers like George Washington, Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were big beer fans and even had recipes of their own. Yards now uses their recipes to brew Jefferson's Golden Ale, Washington's Porter and Poor Richard's Spruce Ale, all of which come in the Ales of Revolution mix pack for you to bring to your next BBQ.
16 oz To Freedom - Twin Lights Brewing
Photo Credit: Twin Lights Brewing Instagram @twinlightsbrewing
Twin Lights Brewing does not have the national recognition (yet) that these other breweries do. However, having named their brewery after the historic Twin Lights lighthouse, they have drawn on the history of the Jersey Shore to supplement their array of tasty craft beers. Arguably my favorite is their 16 oz To Freedom pale ale. Brewed each year to honor the Fourth of July and drawing on local history, it oozes the type of patriotism that Jersey Shore locals like me want when we're celebrating Independence Day.
Pabst Blue Ribbon - Pabst Brewing
Photo Credit: Pabst Blue Ribbon Instagram @pabstblueribbon
The can is red, white and blue and the beer is legendary. Nuff Said!
You Can't Go Wrong With Any of These Patriotic Beers
Do you have a favorite patriotic beer that you drink on The Fourth of July? If so, let us know in the comments section below. If not, choose one of these patriotic beers or all to bring to the party. Your friends and family will love you. Not only do they pair well with Independence Day but they taste great too. Show up to any BBQ with a few of these beers in hand and your friends are sure to appreciate your patriotism.
These tasty brews aren't the only way you can show your American pride on the Fourth of July. I recommend starting your day off drinking coffee from our Distressed American Coffee Mug then wearing our Distressed American Flag T-Shirt to the party. Hell, you can even drink your patriotic beers in the coffee mug while watching the waves roll in from the beach in the morning. Everyone will think it's coffee and we won't judge.
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