“What is the best beer to take as a first time drinker?” This is the primary question that people who want to get into the world of drinking ask. With thousands of breweries and brands in the US today, it can be a challenge trying to pick the best beer as a first time drinker. However, we are here to help and ensure your experience is fascinating. Keep reading to learn about the best beers to consider as a beginner. We will also tell you the most important things to keep in mind as a first time drinker.
Things to Keep In Mind as a First Time Drinker
Having the first drink is like a milestone – an experience that you are likely to carry in your mind for the rest of your life. But before getting into the world of the triple, here are some important things to keep in mind and make your first bar experience a winner.
- Select Wisely
You might already have some friends who are already used to taking beer, but you should not be pressured to simply jump in. Think of starting with something that has a low alcohol-by-volume. So, a cocktail might be a perfect point to start. A slightly sweet cocktail that is masked using syrup is particularly recommended for beginners. However, you need to appreciate that the sweetener might reduce the taste of the alcohol.
- Eat and Then Drink
When it comes to taking beer for the first time, the bottom line is trying to think about what is in the stomach. Because alcohol gets into the bloodstream via the stomach and small intestines, drinking on an empty tummy means it will be absorbed pretty fast. If you can eat proteins before taking beer, it will be a good idea because they take time before getting digested. This means that beer will be absorbed slowly. Nuts are also awesome.
- Avoid Drinking So Fast
Just because people around you are pounding their drinks fast should not give you pressure also to follow suit. By taking the drink slowly, you can avoid getting intoxicated and spending a lot of money on the drinks. In most cases, the body can take up to one hour to process a single unit, and it is a great idea to take your time.
- Learn to Say No
When drinking with peers, it can be pretty hard to resist, and a few drinks might get you drunk fast. So, this is what you need to do. Regardless of what others are doing or saying, you need to be in control. Because beer is a recreational drink, be focused on moderation.
- Make Sure to Stay Hydrated
No matter what beer you are taking, it is prudent to stay hydrated all the time. Therefore, make sure to have a glass of water next to the bottle a sip it along to compensate even if you are not thirsty. Again, try to avoid shots because they can be too much to take for a new drinker.
- Eat Before Sleeping
For most people, a party always ends by jumping into the couch or bed and sleeping, but this is wrong. Instead of sleeping on an empty stomach, make sure to take heavy, fatty foods because they slow the absorption of alcohol. In addition to taking fatty foods, you should also take some moments to relax and keep drinking a lot of water. If you can have a glass of chilled milk, it will be a great idea. Even when you wake up the next morning, continue taking more water.
- Do Not Drink and Drive
It is against the law to drive while under the influence of alcohol because of the high risk of causing accidents. The more beers you take, the higher the chances of getting involved in an accident, which might involve other people. Therefore, if you are going out to take beer, here is what to do to avoid driving:
- Plan about getting home before starting to drink.
- If drinking with friends, decide who will take you home.
- Have money to use a taxi.
- Use public transport.
Top Eight Best Beers for First Time Drinkers
Now that you know what to do when drinking for the first time, we will now tell you the best selections to consider:
- Coors Light
Two words can be used to describe this beer, easy and versatile. Coors Light grabs out the first position on the best beers for first-time drinkers, no matter the occasion. Whether you have an outdoor BBQ, a crushing beer party, a sporting event, or anything in between, Coors Light will come in handy as an easy and refreshing beer.
Coors Light is kept at low temperatures, below the freezing point, which makes it crispy-smooth. Because of the average alcohol content, which stands at only 4.2% ABV, you will not get intoxicated easily, especially by taking it slowly. So, start with Coors Light and only shift to beers with higher ABV gradually. The beer has 102 calories and 5grams of carbs.
- Blue Moon
If you are a beginner and want to get a great tasking beer, Blue Moon might be the way to go. Most beginners who try this beer end up sticking with it even after getting used to drinking because of its incredibly smooth and flavored taste. It provides the perfect balance of citrus orange sweetness with a sort of spicy flavor. Although the sweetness is a bit heavy, it provides an excellent sense of style and complexity.
While the alcohol content of 5.4 ABV is higher than that of Coors Light, it is still okay, but you should take it slowly while sipping water. As we have mentioned, it is a great option to make you look stylish. To get a better flavor from Blue Moon, consider using it in a pint glass and add a few slices of orange for a faster citrus kick!
- Bud Light Lime
A bottle or can of Bud Light Lime is the perfect pick for a person looking forward to getting the taste of a beer for the first time. It comes with an incredible classic bud light flavor of malt and hops, which is complemented by a limy tang. Although the lime taste dulls the beer taste, it provides endless refreshment and superior drinkability.
Furthermore, Bud Light Lime is a premium beer that is brewed with natural ingredients only. As a first-time drinker, this might be a great way to connect to nature. The four simple ingredients that are combined to make Bud Light Lime are rice, hops, barley malts, and lime peels.
The alcohol content of Bud Light Lime is 4.2 ABV, while calories and carbohydrates are 116 and 8 grams, respectively. The beer is an awesome find to enjoy great moments with your friends at a party or BBQ.
- Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy
Summer is around the corner, and you might be wondering what the best beverage for extra refreshment is. Look no further than this Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, which offers all the refreshment that you can ask for.
The beer is a Weiss type that comes with a unique natural lemonade flavor. Many people find Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy a great pick, especially when getting started with the first alcoholic drink. With an alcohol content of 4.2% and 12 grams of carbs, this beer will be an excellent pick for most outdoor activities, especially on a hot day. To enjoy it, even more, serve it cold. If someone asks you what you are taking, “just say, “It’s spiked lemonade!”
- Killian’s Irish Red
If you are out searching for a beer to wet the whistle with a unique bliss, one option that does not disappoint is Killian’s Irish Red. The beer will be an awesome welcome to amber lagers, but you will love the flavor that is neither bitter nor overpowering.
The first sip and the lovely feel of hop and caramel will make you appreciate why every drinker keeps coming for more. It also has a tinge of copper, which you might find an interesting addition to caramel, but the overall taste is awesome.
Well, it has a high alcohol content of 5.4% ABV, but you will enjoy every moment, especially if you take it slowly. It will also be a good idea to have a glass of water when using the beer. So, if you on a party, sports outing, or want to enjoy cool moment in a bar with a beer, the Killian’s Irish Red will be a great find.
- Goose Island Sofie
Sure, we indicate that you should go it slow when getting started in the world of beers. However, there are those who argue that “rules are there to be broken” and if you are one of them, Sierra Nevada’s Pale Ale would be a great pick. It is the perfect beer option when seeking to optimize hoppy flavor to a beer while avoiding the bitterness that comes with IPA’s.
The beer starts with a crispy citrus-dominated flavor that is perfectly balanced with malt. You will also love the high alcohol content of 5.6% and mild sweetness.
- Boat Beer
Even if you are taking your first beer, it is still possible to combine refreshment with style, which the Boat Beer is all about. The beer is prepared and packaged to give a sense of complexity but without getting you crippled by alcohol. It is prepared with Kolsch yeast and German malts to deliver a crispy and refreshing taste.
The hops help to keep the taste remarkable, and you can expect to get a rich taste of open grapefruit with moss or pine fruits. With an alcohol content of 4.2% ABV, this beer will be a great find to drink when hanging out with friends at a party, going on an outing, or playing softball as you explain why your team is the best.
- Hell or High Watermelon
This list cannot be complete without including the Hell or High Watermelon beer from the 21st Amendment Brewery. In line with the brewer’s goal of pursuing innovative beers, this beer demonstrates that there is indeed no obstacle that is too great to overcome. The beer is made using wheat and brewed with watermelon to give it an unmatched crispy and refreshing flavor for a hot summer.
To enjoy Hell or High Watermelon, consider serving it cold and alongside fruit salad or seafood. It also pairs well with a backyard barbecue when relaxing with friends on a weekend or afternoons. One thing that is for sure when it comes to Hell or High Watermelon is that you can never go wrong with it.
How much Beer Should You Take as a Beginner?
Now that you know the top beers to consider when getting started in the world of beers, the next question is how much should one take? This is a tough query because people’s bodies are different and require varying levels of alcohol to get drunk.
Beer can be pretty tricky because, unlike shots, it takes some moments to reach the system. The best way to take beer is to appreciate that it is not a marathon. In most cases, you should be able to get that unique feeling that alcohol brings by the time you get to the 3-4 beer mark. If the feeling comes earlier because your system is not used to alcohol, stop.
Conclusion
The eight best beers for first time drinkers we have listed on this post are only a few of what the market has to offer. The list can be longer. As a beer enthusiast, you should not shy from trying something new. Beer is an awesome experience, and you will love exploring the market because there is always a hidden gem. As we mentioned earlier, it is prudent to be careful with the first drinks by taking them slowly and staying dehydrated all the time. Then, you can work your way up progressively until it is such a time to grab a six-pack and knock it down!