Refreshing Strawberry Lemonade Sour Beers Take Off

The Rise of Strawberry Lemonade Sours

Sour beers have exploded in popularity over the last decade. Once a niche style relegated to a handful of traditional Belgian lambics, American craft brewers have embraced the tantalizing tartness and fruit-forward flavors of sour beers. The possibilities are endless when it comes to soured ales, ranging from classics like Berliner Weisse and Gose to more experimental offerings barrel-aged with microflora or steeped with purees and spices.

One particularly refreshing take on the style gaining traction is the strawberry lemonade sour. These crushable crowdpleasers combine lip-puckering lemon notes with juicy strawberry flavor for the perfect summer beer. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this combination so special.

The Base Beer

Most strawberry lemonade sours start off life as a kettle sour. This is made by encouraging lactic acid production through the introduction of bacteria like Lactobacillus before fermentation kicks off with brewer’s yeast. This gives it a clean, bright sourness reminiscent of yogurt or lemonade. Other methods can be used as well, but kettle souring allows efficient large-scale production.

The base is usually a light wheat beer or pale ale around 4-5% ABV. This keeps the focus on the fruit rather than having an overly boozy flavor. Some hazy or New England-style IPAs also work well when soured as they have a soft mouthfeel and juicy backdrop capable of supporting berries and citrus.

Fruit Additions

Post fermentation is when the lemonade and strawberry elements come into play. Purees, concentrates, or whole fruit additions lend vibrant flavors and pinkish hues. Strawberries are a natural choice thanks to their sweetness and shortcake-like aromas. Brewers often supplement this with lemon, orange, or grapefruit to round things out.

Getting the right balance is essential. Too little fruit and you’re left with a one-note sour. Go overboard and it drinks more like a shandy or smoothie. When done well, each sip sings with an interplay of fruit flavores that pops on the palate and finishes dry enough to keep you going back for more.

Serving and Pairing Tips

Given their crushable flavors and summer appeal, strawberry lemonade sours lend themselves well to backyard gatherings, pool parties, or beach bonfires. They can be enjoyed straight from the can or poured over ice to maximize refreshment. Fruity cocktails also make delicious mixers for those looking to catch a daytime buzz.

In terms of pairings, opt for dishes that echo or contrast the prevailing flavors. For example, strawberry lemonade beer chicken puts a flavorful spin on game day wings and tenders. For lighter fare, salads topped with fresh strawberries, candied nuts, citrus vinaigrettes, or tangy goat cheese make fine accompaniments.

Notable Examples

While newcomers in the grand scheme, several breweries lead the charge on the strawberry lemonade sour substyle. Here are some of the most popular widely available options to look out for.

Rev Brewing Freedom Strawberry Lemonade

One of the breakout examples is this offering from Chicago’s Revolution Brewing. They nail the balance between strawberry sweetness and lemon sourness. At only 4.5% ABV, feel free to go back for seconds and thirds of this crushable and authentic-tasting refresher.

Sierra Nevada Strawberry Lemonade Hazy IPA

Iconic California craft pioneer Sierra Nevada puts their stamp on the style with this hazy rendition. They let the oats and wheat shine before hitting it with lemon and strawberry during fermentation and double dry hop. Juicy and gentle on the palate.

Crosby Hops Strawberry Lemonade Berliner Weisse

With berries and citrus at the forefront, Crosby Hops nails the flavors evoked by the name. This Ohio brewery starts with a classic German wheat beer base before amplifying it with fruit. Bright and quaffable at just 4.2% ABV.

The Future Looks Fruity

As craft beer continues branching out from familiar styles into ever more creative territory, expect brewers to keep dreaming up twists on sour beers. We’ll see more summer crushes become mainstays and taproom exclusives provide inspiration. But for tried and true refreshment, strawberry lemonade sour beers capture thirsty imaginations today and promise to quench well into tomorrow.

FAQs

What is a strawberry lemonade sour beer?

A strawberry lemonade sour beer is a style of sour ale that combines the flavors of strawberries and lemonade. It is often made by kettle souring a light wheat beer or pale ale base, then adding strawberry and citrus fruit purees during fermentation. The result is a tart, fruity, and refreshing beer perfect for summertime.

How are strawberry lemonade sour beers made?

Most brewers start with a wheat beer or pale ale base, which undergoes kettle souring with lactobacillus bacteria prior to fermentation. Then they add strawberry and lemon purees or concentrates, sometimes also using orange or grapefruit. The fruit additions lend a pink hue, sweet and tart fruit flavors, and a finishing dryness that keeps the beers from becoming too sweet.

What flavors can I expect in a strawberry lemonade sour?

You can expect a vibrant blend of flavors including a bright lemonade-like tartness, a sweet and juicy berry fruit taste from the strawberries, and a balanced, dry finish. The lemon/citrus elements add zing while the strawberries lend aromas of shortcake and jam. When done right, these flavors dance on the palate.

What is a good food pairing for strawberry lemonade sour beers?

Good food pairings include light, summer-friendly dishes that match the flavors well. Some examples are salads with strawberries, candied nuts or citrus vinaigrettes; blonde beers pretzels; fish tacos with lemon-lime slaw; or strawberry lemonade wings or chicken tenders. The beers' tart and sweet profile pairs nicely with both savory and sweet foods.