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Just a drink to wind a day down, or to lift the spirits of a party or a gathering? Think again.

As it turns out, beer—the beverage that’s been around for over 13,000 years—is not just an ordinary beverage! It’s a jack of all trades, and the best company in order to have a good time.

Every year, the first Friday in August marks International Beer Day , a global celebration of brewers, communities, and culture, observed in over 200 cities across 80 countries since its founding in 2007 in Santa Cruz. Whether you’re gathering at your local pub, hosting a backyard barbecue, or tuning into a global beer festival, International Beer Day is all about sipping the brew and savoring innovation and flavor.

In 2025, sustainability and creativity take the center stage, from rice lagers to barrel‑aged sours, while classic crowd‑pleasers get fresh culinary spins. So, whether you're hosting friends or sampling around town, pour a glass and raise a toast to your taste buds; for we have curated this guide for you to have a jolly good time!


Rice Lagers

Hailed as the “Year of the Rice Lager,” 2025 sees beers brewed with rice gaining traction – crisp, clean, and eminently drinkable. Look for labels like pFriem Japanese Lager or Sacred Waters Snow Dust Rice Lager, riding a 63 % surge in Untappd interest.


Food pairing: Think delicate seafood, such as shrimp ceviche, nigiri, or steamed mussels. The bright lager cuts through salinity while keeping things light and refreshing.


Juicy / Hazy IPAs

These are the tropical juice bombs to awaken your senses and appease them well! At the World Beer Cup 2025, no style had more entries than hazy or juicy IPAs, proof that hop‑forward, soft, fruit‑driven beers are king of craft conversation. These tropical‑hopped sippers dominate menus coast to coast.


Food pairing: Think of spicy fish tacos, Szechuan chicken skewers, or aged cheddar to keep you company while you sip away. Hoppy bitterness and juicy notes tame spice while reinforcing citrus and tropical layers.


Fruited Sours and Goses

Looking for something fruity and fun? Well, your search ends here. Fruited sour beers (think raspberry, mango, or passion‑fruit gose) are riding a massive wave, with sales up 250–300 % in parts of Europe and the US. Millennials and Gen‑Z love them for their light ABV and bold fruit character. Tart, tangy, and trending? You’ll have it all, right here!


Food pairing: The sour‑sweet profile sits perfectly alongside seafood and tangy textures. So, for snacks or finger food, order some itrus‑lime ceviche, guava‑glazed chicken skewers, or citrus‑slaw fish sandwiches – and you’re all set for a great time!


Barrel‑Aged Wild Ales

Thinking of a funky dinner‑party show‑stopper? Nothing can beat barrel-aged wild ales when it comes to standing out and shining! Artisan wild ales, like Belgian lambics and Brett‑aged ales aged in oak barrels, are enjoying a renaissance. Firestone Walker’s Barrelworks program exemplifies the trend, blending Belgian techniques with local fruit that delivers complexity, funk, and oak character.


Food pairing: Keep it simple and sophisticated. A charcuterie board with aged goat cheese, duck confit, or olive tapenade. The beer’s acid and funk cut richness, while fruit notes echo the food.


Classic Pilsners and Revival Styles

This International Beer Day, it’s time to return to regional roots and revisit the classics. Czech Pilsners, Trappist ales, Weissbiers, and other regional styles are experiencing a renaissance. Brewers and drinkers are revisiting heritage classics with modern flair and local ingredients.


Food pairing: Go back to old times. Think herb‑marinated grilled veggies, soft pretzels with mustard, or beer‑battered fish. A well‑made Pilsner or Trappist ale cleans the palate and pairs universally.


Shandies and Beer Spritzes

In the mood for something sunny, breezy, and easygoing to drink? The shandy revival is in full swing, particularly lemon‑infused lagers and beer‑Aperol spritz hybrids like the “Spaghett,” which has surged 1,000 % in popularity since 2022 amid economic downsizing.


Food pairing: Whip up some tempura vegetables, charred corn with spices, or smoky sausages. The sweet‑tart, citrus buzz cuts through smoke and spice, and there... You have your perfect duo to dance around with!


Non‑Alcoholic / Low‑ABV Beers

Want to have a good time and not indulge in alcohol? Non-alcoholic beers are your best mate! The no‑ and low‑alcohol segment is booming in 2025, with brands like Athletic Brewing Lite and Lagunitas Daytime IPA topping expert lists for taste and accessibility. Planning for a flavorful, mindful sipping? These brews deliver full flavor with fewer calories and zero hangover.


Food pairing: Think sushi rolls, grilled shrimp, or coconut‑lemon rice. The light carbonation refreshes the palate and enhances subtle flavors without overwhelming.


Final toast

International Beer Day isn’t just a day to indulge in sipping and celebrating; this year, it’s a global stage for sustainability, collaboration, and culinary creativity. Microbreweries around the world are launching limited-edition releases, cross-border collaborations, and storytelling campaigns that reflect local identity and environmental values. Meanwhile, legacy brands are embracing community outreach and pub-based activations timed to the day.


So, this International Beer Day, celebrate diversity and appreciate the culinary wonders that come together from all around the world to satiate your taste buds! Sample, sip, savor, and enjoy! But while you’re off to have a good time, do so responsibly. Here’s to flavor, fun, and global connection – cheers!