The Brew Times
Bring Your Brew to the Table: Explore Recipes & Pairings on the Brew Times Blog
At Mr.Beer, brewing isn't just a hobby, it's a lifestyle. And on the Brew Times blog, we've taken things a step further with our Recipe & Pairings section. From beer-infused meals and desserts to hoppy cocktails and seasonal guides, these recipes are crafted by our very own team—and the best part? They're all made using Mr. Beer products. Whether you're cooking, mixing, or planning your next backyard bash, here's a breakdown of what you'll find: Braising & Marinating with Beer Beer is the ultimate secret weapon for infusing meats with depth, flavor, and tenderness. Beer Braised Carnitas If you're not from the Southwest, you might be missing out on carnitas, a slow-cooked, roasted, and shredded pork dish. We elevate it by braising the pork in beer, while any lager works, we love it with our Aztec Mexican Cerveza for a mellow, authentic touch. → Get the recipe Beer Marinated Steak Tacos This skirt steak gets an overnight soak in our Aztec Mexican Cerveza, transforming a tougher cut into juicy, flavorful taco perfection. This one is a summer cookout gold and must try for any taco lover looking to step things up. → Get the recipe Beer Battered Goodness There's just something magical about frying with beer. These golden, crunchy creations are perfect for spring cookouts, backyard snacks, or just impressing guests with your fry game. Beer Battered Asparagus Think you don't like veggies? Think again. This recipe turns fresh asparagus into an irresistible spring treat. Soaked in buttermilk and battered with our Northwest Pale Ale, kids and adults alike won't be able to stop eating these. → Get the recipe Beer Battered Fish Tacos Whether you're coastal or landlocked, fried fish is a warm-weather classic, and this one delivers the crunch. Made with white fish fillets and a cold, bottle-conditioned Pale Ale, the batter fries up beautifully light and crisp. Pair with a glass of the same brew you used in the batter for a true "beer circle of life" moment. → Get the recipe Pickling with a Hoppy Twist Use beer as a flavorful base for preserving your favorite veggies. Mr. B's IPA Pickles When it's hot enough to fry an egg on your sidewalk, only a few things sound good—cold beer and something tangy and crunchy. Enter these IPA-infused pickles made with Mr. Beer's Long Play IPA. They're crisp, a little spicy, and incredibly easy to make. After a week in the fridge, they're ready to snack straight from the jar or slap onto burgers or sandwiches for extra zing. → Get the recipe If You've Got a Sweet Tooth Yes, beer belongs in desserts, too. These treats bring beer into the world of sweets that's dangerously delicious Bewitched Beer Caramels A soft, salty-sweet bite of heaven made with Mr. Beer's Bewtiched Amber Ale. These little guys are perfect for gifting or hoarding (no judgment) and make a treat that feels gourmet without the fuss. A great way to enjoy your homebrew, no bottle opener required. → Get the recipe Strawberry Malt Cheesecake Bites Malt extract takes center stage in these nostalgic mini cheesecakes inspired by classic strawberry malt shakes. Use pale or smooth liquid malt extract for a flavor that's all grown up. → Get the recipe Box-Mix Beer Cakes Not a baker? Doesn't matter. With a box of cake mix and a bottle of homebrew, you're halfway to greatness. Vanilla + Ale: Light, fluffy, and perfect with a citrusy beer glaze. Chocolate + Dark Beer: Rich, decadent, and even better with a handful of berries on top. → Get the recipe Drink Recipes with Mr. Beer Beer isn't just for sipping straight; try these crowd-friendly drink recipes and cocktails. Mr. B's Easy Party-Time Beer Punch We get it, not every beer lover wants to fire up the oven or break out a candy thermometer. If you can make a Mr. Beer refill, you've got this on lock. This crowd pleaser takes five minutes and actually tastes good. → Get the recipe Top 5 Beer Cocktails to Make Homebrewing isn't just about making great beer, it's about experimenting with it, too. These top 5 beer cocktails are here to prove that a splash of creativity (and maybe some gin, tequila, or espresso) can take your brews to the next level. → Read the Article Seasonal & Event Pairings Pair the right beer with the right moment. These guides help you plan for holidays, parties, and everything in between. Why settle for random six-packs when you can match your brew to your menu? Best Beers for Memorial Day Grilling Light Pilsners and Saisons keep grillmasters cool, while rich Porters take burgers up a notch. Doubles rock with hot dogs, and Amber Lagers love chicken. Find the perfect brews to complement smoky, grilled favorites. → Read the Article Food & Beer Pairings for the Super Bowl Mexican Lagers for nachos, stout for chili, and IPAs to stand up to saucy ribs. From wings to sliders, match your snacks with the right brew. → Read the Article 13 Beers to Start Brewing Now for the Holidays Start early! Big, bold winter beers like Stouts and Spiced Ales need months to mellow into perfection. → Read the Article Every recipe and pairing guide on the blog uses ingredients you can brew or buy from Mr.Beer, so you can confidently cook, sip, and serve with your own handcrafted creations. Explore the full Recipe & Pairings section on the Brew Times blog and take your homebrewing experience from bottle to the plate.
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Cinco de Mayo Uncapped: History, Homebrew, and Flavorful Pairings
Let's be honest—when you hear "Cinco de Mayo," your brain probably jumps straight to tacos, tequila, and really cold beer. And hey, we're not here to stop you. But if you're going to celebrate with a pint in hand, why not also know what you're raising that glass to? Many people don't realize it's not Mexico's Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16. Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates something very different—and it just so happens to pair perfectly with a crisp, homebrewed Mexican lager. Let's break it down. So...What is Cinco De Mayo? In Spanish, "Cinco de Mayo" translates to the Fifth of May, and it marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, fought on May 5, 1862. During this battle, a scrappy and outnumbered Mexican army defeated French forces in the city of Heróica Puebla de Zaragoza. It was a symbolic victory; even though France would later return and take Mexico City, but the Battle of Puebla became a point of national pride, especially in the state of Puebla. Wait, Why Is This a Beer Holiday? Starting in the 1980s, American beer companies recognized an opportunity to tie Cinco de Mayo to beer sales. Through clever and persistent marketing campaigns, they successfully associated the holiday with Mexican beers like Corona and Modelo. Today, for many Americans, Cinco de Mayo is as much about enjoying tacos and cervezas as it is about honoring Mexican history. What Is a Mexican Lager? Ask 10 brewers to define "Mexican lager" and you might get 10 different answers, but most agree it refers to crisp, easy-drinking lagers often brewed with adjuncts like corn or rice. These ingredients lighten the body and smooth out the finish, making Mexican lagers especially refreshing in warm weather. Historically, the style was shaped by 19th-century European immigrants, particularly Germans and Austrians, who brought lager-brewing traditions to Mexico. Brewers adapted these styles using local ingredients and climate conditions. Over time, Mexican lagers evolved into the pale, clear, and highly drinkable beer we know today. Whether you prefer a light-bodied cerveza clara like Corona or a darker, richer Vienna-style lager like Negra Modelo, Mexican lagers have become a staple of Cinco de Mayo parties across the U.S. How to Brew a Mexican Lager at Home Ready to get brewing? Cinco de Mayo is the perfect reason to try your hand at creating a Mexican-style lager. Whether you want to replicate a popular style or experiment with your own spin, you'll need to focus on key ingredients like pilsner malt, flaked corn, and a clean lager yeast. Don't forget temperature control, lager fermentation requires cooler temps for that signature crisp profile. Looking for inspiration? Here are three different variations of Mexican lagers you can brew at home using Mr. Beer kits: 1.) Aztec Mexican Cerveza Standard Refill: A light, clean, and crisp lager base with a subtle malt sweetness and a smooth finish. Perfect on its own or as a starting point for custom recipes. 2.) El Gordito Mexican Lager: A fuller-bodied Mexican lager with added malt richness and a touch more strength, while still keeping that crisp, refreshing character. 3.) Rio Negro Black Lager: A richer take with malty flavors, while still maintaining that crisp and refreshing body. Perfect for fans of Modelo Negro. Want to kick things up a notch? Try turning your lager into a Michelada—a bold, spicy beer cocktail, made with lime juice, hot sauce, and other zesty add-ins. →Get the full Michelada recipe on our blog Tips for Pairing Your Lager on Cinco de Mayo Once your beer is brewed and chilled, it's time to enjoy it with some traditional Mexican fare. Here are a few pairing ideas that bring out the best in your homebrew: Tacos al pastor with a light Mexican lager: the beer's crispness balances the spicy-sweet pork. Carne Asada with an amber or Vienna lager: the maltiness complements grilled meat perfectly. Ceviche or shrimp tacos with a corn-forward lager: bright and citrusy flavors match the clean finish. Cinco Deals You Don't Want to Miss We're not just here to talk beer, we're here to help you brew it, too. For Cinco de Mayo, enjoy 15% off site-wide, including brewing kits, ingredients, and accessories. Even better? The celebration doesn't end on May 5th. Our cinco sale rolls right into National Homebrew Day on Wednesday, May 7th, aka a second holiday for homebrewers. But wait, there's more—we couldn't celebrate National Homebrew Day without something big, literally. Introducing our brand new recipe: Big Blimpin Barleywine. This beast is bold, boozy, and loaded with rich, malty character. Ready to Brew, Pair, and Celebrate? Cinco de Mayo is about more than just beer, it's a celebration of resistance, culture, and community. But if you're raising a glass this May 5th, why not make a glass of your own homemade Mexican lager? Brewing your own beer lets you join in the festivities with a personal touch, and maybe even start a new tradition of your own. Feliz Cinco de Mayo! ¡Salud!
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The History of National Beer Day & How You Can Celebrate with a Homebrew
Every great holiday deserves a proper celebration, and National Beer Day is no exception. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, a homebrewing hobbyist, or just someone who enjoys a cold one, April 7th is a day to raise a glass to the beverage that has stood the test of time. But what exactly is National Beer Day, beyond just another excuse to crack open a cold one? And why do we celebrate it? Let's take a look at the history behind this beer-lovers holiday and how you can make the most of it with Mr. Beer. From Dry Spells to Cold Brews: The Birth of National Beer Day On December 18th, 1917, the U.S. Congress proposed the Eighteenth Amendment, better known as Prohibition, which banned the sale, transportation, and production of alcohol in the United States. While the intent was to curb alcohol consumption the reality was quite different. Prohibition led to a decline in the amusement and entertainment industries, which struggled to stay afloat without legally selling alcohol. Thousands of jobs were lost as breweries, distilleries, and saloons shut down, and even more workers in related trades—like barrel makers, truck drivers, and waiters found themselves unemployed. Fast forward to March 21st, 1933, when Congress passed the Cullen-Harrison Act. President Franklin Roosevelt signed it into law the following day, setting the stage for its enactment on April 7th, 1933. This act allowed the production and sale of beer with an alcohol content of up to 3.2% ABV, effectively signaling the beginning of the end of Prohibition. Finally, on December 5th, 1933, the Twenty-first Amendment repealed Prohibition altogether, making it the only constitutional amendment ever overturned. In honor of this historic moment, Justin Smith, a Richmond, Virginia Craft Beer Examiner, and his friend Mike Connolly from Liverpool, England, established National Beer Day. Celebrated every April 7th, this day marks the end of America's 12-year dry spell. Since then, it has been unofficially embraced by beer lovers across the country, with Virginia even recognizing it as an official state holiday. Beer has been around for thousands of years, with evidence of brewing dating back to 7,000 BC. Ancient Mesopotamians wrote poems about it, Ancient Egyptians used it in religious ceremonies, and medieval European monks perfected brewing into an art form. Today, beer is the third most popular beverage in the world—and more than 35 billion gallons are produced annually worldwide. How to Celebrate With Mr. Beer Alright, let's be real—what's the best way to celebrate National Beer Day? By enjoying a cold one, of course! And what's better than cracking open a beer? Cracking open one that you brewed yourself. Here's how you can make this National Beer Day extra special with Mr. Beer: Brew Your Own Batch: Whether you're new to brewing or a seasoned pro, there's something satisfying about crafting your own beer. Grab one of our complete kits, follow a few simple steps, and in a few weeks, you'll be sipping on your very own homebrew. Host a Beer Tasting Party: Invite your friends over, showcase your brewing skills, and taste different styles of beer. Compare notes, swap brewing tips, and toast to the repeal of Prohibition. Try a New Recipe: Been wanting to experiment with a new beer style? National Beer Day is the perfect excuse to miss things up. Try a new Mr.Beer recipe or get creative by adding fruit, spices, or hops to your next batch. And to make your National Beer Day even better, Mr. Beer is offering a 15% sitewide sale! Whether you need a new kit, refills, or some extra brewing gear, now's the perfect time to stock up. So, grab a beer (or better yet, brew your own), kick back, and celebrate National Beer Day the way it was meant to be—cheers!
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Hop To It: Your Guide to Hops and Their Flavors
Hops are the heart and soul of beer, giving it that distinctive aroma, flavor, and bitterness we all love. Whether you're a seasoned homebrewer or just a craft beer enthusiast, understanding hops can deepen your appreciation for every sip. In this article, we'll explore what hops are, popular varieties, and the science (and magic) behind hop additions. And guess what? You can get all your hops right from the Mr. Beer website! Plus, we have recipes crafted by our expert brewmasters featuring all your favorite hops—so you can brew the perfect pint at home. What are hops? Hops are the flowers (or cones) of the Humulus Lupulus plant, and they're basically the life of the beer party. These little green powerhouses contain essential oils and acids that contribute to a beer's bitterness, aroma, and flavor. Without hops, your beer would be flat, sweet, and way less exciting—so let's give them the respect they deserve! Hops help: Keep beer fresher for longer (yep, they're natural preservatives!). Maintain a beer's head retention, enhancing aroma and mouthfeel. Balance the sweetness of malt with bitterness. Infuse beer with a wide range of flavors, from citrusy and tropical to earthy and piney. Popular Hop Varieties and Their Characteristics Let's take a hop-forward journey through some of the most famous varieties—all of which you can find on the Mr. Beer website! Cascade Origin: Developed in the USA and released in 1971, Cascade is a cornerstone of American craft brewing. Characteristics: Known for its versatility, Cascade is used for both bittering and aroma. Flavor Profile: Dominant notes of floral, citrus, and pine, with a signature grapefruit aroma. Common Usage: Widely used in American Pale Ales and IPAs, Cascade imparts a distinctive American hop character. →You might like these brews: Howling Irish Red Ale, Horse's Ass American Pale Ale, Dangerously Hoppy IPA Centennial Origin: Released in 1990, Centennial was named in honor of Washington State's centennial celebration. Characteristics: Often referred to as "Super Cascade," Centennial boasts higher alpha acids (bitterness). It's prized for its dual-purpose capabilities for both bittering and aroma. Flavor Profile: Offers a balanced blend of floral and citrus notes, with less emphasis on grapefruit compared to Cascade. Common Usage: Ideal for Pale Ales and IPAs, Centennial provides a robust hop character with balanced bitterness →Consider these recipes: Slipper Socks Double IPA, Thunder Bay IPA, Phil-Hop-Sophy IPA Citra Origin: A relatively new variety, Citra has quickly become a favorite among brewers for its intense aromatic properties. Characteristics: With high alpha acids, Citra is primarily used for its intense aromatic properties rather than bittering. Flavor Profile: Renowned for its strong citrus aroma, including lime and grapefruit, complemented by topical fruit notes like mango and passionfruit. Common usage: Perdominetely featured in IPAs and Pale Ales, Citra imparts a vibrant, fruity aroma that defines many modern hop-forward beers. →Try these brews: Summertime Shanty, Sun Kissed Blonde Ale, Space Warrior Double IPA Northern Brewer Origin: Developed in England in 1934 for Scottish & Newcastle Breweries. Characteristics: This dual-purpose hop has moderate to high bitterness, contributing to its versatility in brewing. Flavor Profile: Features a unique combination of woody, earthy tones and subtle minty and piney notes. Common Usage: Commonly used in English-style ales, as well as California Common (steam) beers, Northern Brewer provides a distinct, robust hop character. →Explore these recipes: On The Mountain Pop Cream Ale, Shillelagh Stout, Rusky Business Amarillo Origin: Discovered in Washington's Yakima Valley, Amarillo has become a staple in craft brewing. Characteristics: With a mild alpha acid content, Amarilla is valued for both bittering and aromatic purposes. Flavor Profile: Offers a floral, tropical, and citrus-like aroma, often described as sweet orange or tangerine, with some topical fruit nuances. Common Usage: Widely used in American Ales, IPAs, and Pale Ales, Amarillo contributes a bright, citrusy character that enhances hop complexity. →Take a look at these brews: Running With The Dev-Ale, Royal Juice NEIPA, Queensland NEIPA 5 Gallon Time the Hop Additions: When to Toss Those Bad Boys In The magic of hops isn't just in what they bring to the table—it's also when they crash the party. Here's how timing affects your brew: Bittering Hops (Added early in the boil, 45-60min) - These hops give beer its signature bite. They're like the responsible friend who keeps things balanced. Flavoring Hops (Added in the last 15-20 min) - Want a specific hope taste? These are your go-to. Aroma Hops (Final minutes or after the boil) - These give that hoppy, fragrant goodness. Dry Hopping for Aroma If you want to supercharge your beer's aroma without adding bitterness, dry hopping is where it's at. Toss those hops straight into the fermenter after the primary fermentation and let them work their magic. This technique is a must for hop-forward styles like IPAs. The Secret Superpower of Hops: They're Natural Preservatives! Fun Fact: Hops were originally used in beer to prevent spoilage before refrigeration existed. But even after the fridge came along, brewers kept adding them because—let's be honest—beer just tastes better with them! Stock Up on Hops from Mr. Beer! Whether you're after Cascade's citrus burst or Simcoe's piney punch, Mr. Beer has you covered. Check out our selection of high-quality hops and start crafting your perfect brew today! Want to experiment with different hops and find your favorite? We’ve got brewmaster-crafted recipes to help you explore unique flavors and brewing styles—try them out and discover the perfect hop for your next batch! In Celebration of Our Upcoming Brew-Along! In anticipation of our upcoming brew-along and the release of our new Sun-Kissed Blonde Ale - Hoppy Summer Edition, now's the perfect time to experiment with hops! This crisp golden ale is balanced with a touch of Cascade bitterness and a bold citrus punch from dry-hopped Citra—a refreshing companion for those sunny days by the grill. Get ready to brew along with us and experience the magic of hops firsthand!
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