Grasshopper Wheat Ale

When Ed McNally founded Alberta’s Big Rock Brewery in 1985, he said his plan was “to make the beer that I want to drink, not what will be popular.” With Grasshopper, Ed brewed the beer he wants to drink in summer — a golden yellow wheat ale with fruity and citrusy aftertaste. Try it with a slice of lemon.

Granite Brewery Summer Ale

For 19 years the Granite Brewery has  operated at the corner of Mount Pleasant and Eglinton in Toronto, brewing traditional English ales in small batches. Every summer they feature their cask conditioned Summer Ale, which is only available until September. Although it is a light beer by definition, with four per cent alcohol content, Summer Ale is surprisingly full bodied. Try a pint on one of the Granite’s two patios or take it home from the brewery’s own beer store.

Black Oak Pale Ale

A cross between traditional British ales and modern American ales, Black Oak’s Pale Ale is the perfect beer for those who are looking for more flavor than Blue or Budweiser, but not ready to make the step up to heavily hopped, traditional brews. The golden amber ale features a notable bitterness from its generous amount of hops which is, in turn, balanced by a citrusy sweetness.  Look for it in bottles at the LCBO.

Früli

For those looking for a sweet punch to their summer patio beverage, look no further than Früli — a blend of 70 per cent Belgian white beer and 30 per cent strawberry juice. The zestiness of the white beer is nicely complimented by the sweetness of the strawberry juice and a note of bitterness which makes for one of the most unique beers you will ever taste. This beer is easy drinking for those who don’t want to feel weighed down on a hot summer day.

Magners Original Irish Cider

Touching Canadian shores all the way from Ireland, Magners offers a drier, more refined cider for summer imbibers who have tired of the palate-abusing sweetness of Strongbow. Served on its own or over ice, Magners has a subtle, apple sweetness and a dry, smooth finish — the result of months of fermentation in traditional Irish oak vats. Look for Magners in 500 mL cans at the LCBO and on tap at select pubs around Ontario.

Cameron’s Cream Ale

Summertime is a great season for ale drinkers who enjoy the refreshing, full-bodied taste of the traditional English style of brewing. However, for those who prefer lagers such as Molson’s Canadian or Moosehead Lager, Cameron’s Cream Ale provides a quality ale that drinks like a lager. The body of the golden yellow brew is light and malty, while the smooth aftertaste leaves your palate with fruity and citrusy notes. The ale is available in nine packs at the LCBO.