Mixing gin and beer the Beefeater way

Beer and gin are two drinks with centuries of history, often enjoyed in completely different ways — one poured by the pint, the other served crisp in a glass. But look a little closer and they share more in common than you might think. Both start with grains at their core, and both rely on careful craft to bring out distinctive flavours: hops and malts in beer, juniper and botanicals in gin.

Put them together and you get a combination that’s more than just a novelty. The fizz of beer lifts the botanicals of gin, while gin adds sharpness and complexity to the malty backbone of beer. It’s a pairing that’s definitely worth exploring.

Here’s how to mix beer with your favourite Beefeater Gin.

So, can you mix beer with gin?

Yes! bartenders have been experimenting with beer and gin for years. But mixing the two isn’t about tipping a lager into your gin and tonic. It’s about creating cocktails that celebrate the strengths of both. Beer brings body, bubbles and refreshingness. Whilst gin layers in bright citrus and bright juniper spice.

The trick is choosing the right styles: lighter lagers, wheat beers, and pale ales tend to pair well with the classic juniper-and-citrus character of Beefeater London Dry Gin. Stronger beers can overwhelm the botanicals, while balanced ones let the gin shine. As with any mixed drink, just remember that moderation matters.

How to mix gin and beer together

Here are a few ideas to try when experimenting with gin and beer:

Michelada

Inspired by the Mexican classic, this version swaps tequila for Beefeater London Dry Gin. Mix lager with a squeeze of lime, ginger syrup and gin, and you’ve got a drink that’s spicy, citrus-led and full of character. The botanicals from the gin give the beer extra depth, adding a little extra sharpness to this fun, fiery cocktail.

Beermosa

The Beermosa is a playful riff on the classic Mimosa, built for easy daytime sipping. Combine wheat beer, orange juice and dry gin and you’ll get a bright, juicy cocktail packed with botanical flavour. It’s a fun twist on the brunch classic and a clever way to bring gin’s crisp notes into a casual serve.

Shandy with gin

Everyone knows a shandy, but have you tried it with gin? Adding Beefeater to the classic mix of beer and lemonade gives it an edge — the botanicals cut through the sweetness and make the whole drink taste sharper and fresher. It’s the sort of thing you can knock together in seconds, and it feels like you’ve upgraded a pub favourite without even trying.

Beer spritz

Topping up pale ale with Beefeater London Dry Gin, soda water and a slice of grapefruit creates a spritz that’s airy and modern. It feels closer to a cocktail than a pint — bubbly, zesty and made for experimenting with different garnishes. It’s a drink you can customise as much as you like, depending on the beer you choose.

Gin Radler

Traditionally a Radler is beer mixed with citrus soda, but add gin and you’re in new territory. Beefeater gives it a juniper kick that makes the whole drink taste brighter. It’s cool, crisp and zesty. Think of it as an effortless bridge between a shandy and a highball.

Mixing Beefeater and beer

The easiest way to start is with Beefeater London Dry. Its crisp juniper and citrus profile pairs perfectly with light lagers or wheat beers. Pour a shot over ice, top with your chosen beer and add a squeeze of fresh lime for balance.

If you prefer something fruitier, swap in Beefeater Pink Strawberry. Try it with a citrusy pale ale — the strawberry notes lift the hops and create a vibrant, refreshing drink.

For more punch, try a flavoured gin such as Beefeater Blood Orange, a natural match for IPA-style beers. The zesty orange plays off the beer’s bitterness, giving you a bold, refreshing serve that works especially well for summer gatherings.

Whichever bottle you choose, the key is balance: let the botanicals from the gin shine while the beer adds fizz and refreshment.

Gin and beer together might not be the first pairing that comes to mind, but it’s one worth exploring. From brunch-friendly Beermosas to citrusy Gin Micheladas, the combination is refreshing, unexpected, and perfect for sharing.

So next time you’re deciding between a pint and a gin cocktail, why not try both in one glass? With Beefeater, you’ve got all the botanicals you need to make the mix work.

For more gin-spiration, explore our full collection of gin cocktails or find more ways to mix things up with our favourite gin and prosecco drinks.