Picture this: you’re lounging on a private villa’s infinity pool deck in the Gulf of Thailand, the sun casting golden rays over turquoise waters, or maybe you’re sipping a cold one at a rooftop bar in Los Angeles, the city skyline glittering below. A luxury summer vacation is all about indulgence, relaxation, and the perfect drink to match the vibe. For the discerning gentleman, that drink is a craft beer—crisp, refreshing, and bursting with flavor to elevate those warm-weather escapes. Of course, a cold beer can also be amazing as you battle the summer heat in Europe as well.
Whether you’re jet-setting to a beachfront resort or unwinding at a mountain retreat, here’s your guide to the best summer beers to pack in your cooler, curated for style, taste, and the high life. These brews, drawn from recent tastings and trends, are your ticket to savoring the season in sophisticated style.
Why Beer for a Luxury Vacation?
Beer isn’t just for backyard BBQs—it’s gone upscale, rivaling wine tours with its craft sophistication. Today’s summer beers are light, flavorful, and tailored for sipping in the sun, with low ABVs (alcohol by volume) to keep you refreshed without slowing you down. From tropical IPAs to citrusy lagers, these brews complement the opulence of a Four Seasons villa or a yacht charter, offering bold tastes that pair with gourmet meals or sunset views. With nearly 10,000 U.S. breweries in 2025, the options are endless, but we’ve handpicked five standout styles and specific beers that scream summer luxury, perfect for your next getaway.
1. Wheat Beers: The Elegant Classic
Wheat beers, with their hazy glow and smooth, creamy mouthfeel, are the epitome of summer elegance. Think of them as the champagne of beers—light, effervescent, and perfect for poolside sipping at a Cabo resort. Their subtle fruit and spice notes pair beautifully with seafood or salads at a beachfront dinner. We’re big fans of the Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale. We also like the Allagash White, the Belgian-style witbier from Maine that is a summer staple.
2. Pilsners: Crisp and Timeless
Pilsners are the go-to for a clean, crisp finish that cuts through summer heat like a tailored suit cuts through a room. Their golden clarity and floral hop aroma make them versatile for upscale settings, from a mountain lodge in Wyoming to a historic city penthouse near the River Thames. A simple Peroni is always a great choice, or you can go with the classic Pilsner Urquell from the Czech Republic which is considered one of the best.
3. Session IPAs: Hoppy Yet Crushable
For the guy who loves bold flavors but wants to keep the buzz light, session IPAs deliver hoppy punch without the heavy ABV. These are perfect for active luxury vacations—think kayaking in Oregon or a rooftop party in LA—where you want flavor without slowing down. Some ideas are the Founders All Day IPA and the Goose Island Beer Hug Citrus Ale.
4. Fruit Beers: A Burst of Summer
Fruit beers, with their vibrant flavors, are made for tropical escapes and sunny terraces. Whether it’s watermelon or mango, these brews add a playful, luxurious touch to your vacation, perfect for sipping by a palm-covered hillside in Thailand. Hoenstly, this isn’t our favorite category, but some people love this stuff, and in the right setting these can be great. Try the Montauk Watermelon Session Ale . . . it’s better than it sounds!
5. Golden Ales: Bright and Approachable
Golden ales are the versatile crowd-pleasers of summer, offering light body and fruity hop profiles that fit any upscale setting, from a craft beer hotel like BrewDog’s DogHouse to a historic chateau in the Loire Valley. There are so many options here that you can’t go wrong. It’s the perfect drink for summer!
Where to Sip: Pairing Beers with Luxury Destinations
To truly elevate your summer beer experience, match these brews with the right setting. At the Bonaventure Hotel in LA, sip a Sierra Nevada PILS on The Patio with city views, feeling like Hollywood royalty. For a beachfront escape, the Blockade Runner in Wrightsville Beach offers a Craft Beer Beach Vacation package—pair it with Montauk Watermelon Session Ale for a perfect sunset. Or, book a Four Seasons villa in Thailand and crack open a Bissell Brothers Baby Genius by your private infinity pool, as Travel + Leisure suggests for ultimate serenity. For a beer-centric getaway, try Bon Beer Voyage’s Belgium cruise, where Allagash White complements chocolate pairings and canal views.
Final Sip: Elevate Your Summer
These beers aren’t just drinks—they’re your passport to a luxurious summer vibe. With their crisp profiles and vibrant flavors, they’re crafted to enhance every moment, from a private chef’s dinner to a lazy day by the pool. So, pack your cooler with these picks, book that dream vacation, and raise a glass to the good life. Your summer just got a whole lot tastier.
