4 Beer Games to Play at Your Summer Cookout

2018-06-20

Summer is back again, and you know what that means — hot, steamy days, long, lazy evenings, picnics, cookouts and neighborhood fun. Are you hosting a cookout this season for the Fourth of July or simply some old-fashioned eating enjoyment, outdoor-style? Celebrate summer with your friends and neighbors by making your get-together a little extra fun. For adults, here are four summer beer games to play at a cookout.

1.GIANT BEER PONG

Since you're already outside, you might as well take advantage of the space — and the opportunity for some old-fashioned beer pong, supersized for extra excitement. Collect some giant trashcans and set them up beer-pong-style in your yard in lieu of small solo cups, then use an appropriately sized soccer ball or volleyball to make your shots. Your guests will enjoy the energy — just make sure you still use solo cups for drinking, because filling those trash cans with beer would take a hefty dollar.

2.HIGH NOON

Want to try something silly? Inspired by the Wild West film, this wacky game is the six-pack version of a shootout. Players will pair up and stand with their backs to each other, then take 10 paces. Facing away from each other, chug your beers, crush your cans, turn around and chuck the cans at each other. The first person to hit his or her opponent is the winner.

3.WATER PONG

Does your backyard include a pool for cooling off? Use it to your advantage when planning your cookout games this summer. If your guests want to have some fun in the sun while staying pleasingly refreshed, treat them to a game of pool pong. Using a level floating table or blowup bed, set up your solo cups and usher your guests into the pool. Some floaties are even made to hold cups! A bonus of this beer game is that when you miss a shot, your ball will just float in the pool, and you'll get some exercise when you swim to retrieve it. Make a splash!

4.DIZZY BAT

Are your guests fans of baseball or big-shots when it comes to hand-eye coordination games? Shake up their sense of balance with this dynamic drinking game perfect for outdoor picnics and cookouts. Just make sure your players can hold their liquor and there aren't any obstacles present.

Start with a Wiffle ball and bat. Carefully cut off the end of the plastic bat, make sure the inside is clean and get ready for a wild time. Fill up the hollow bat with beer and pass it around your group of guests. Each player must chug as much as they can, spin around in a circle for 10 seconds and use the bat to try to hit the ball another player pitches. Your guests will be spinning, running and stumbling around in good fun — but look out for weak stomachs.

This summer, nothing says relaxation like letting go of that workplace tension and kicking back with friends and neighbors at an evening cookout. Enjoy these summer beer games and stay safe!

3 Summer Recipes That Include Beer

2018-06-06

When the hot, hazy days and long, balmy nights of summer roll around again, there's nothing more refreshing than a cold splash of craft beer to tantalize your taste buds and cool you down. All those delicious drinks call for some accompanying dishes, but that doesn't mean you have to put the bottle down and say goodbye to that irresistible beer flavor. Here's how to take it a step further and incorporate your love for a good brew into some sweet summer recipes with beer.

BEER MAC AND CHEESE

Nothing beats the gooey, chewy delight of some comforting cheesy macaroni — unless, of course, there's beer involved. Try this delicious, creamy mac and cheese with a hint of beer to spice up all your summer picnics.

Ingredients: One package elbow macaroni, 1/4 cup flour, 3/4 cups amber ale, five crumbled strips of cooked bacon, 2 cups shredded fontina, 2 tablespoons grated parmesan, 3 cups shredded cheddar, 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, 2 1/2 cups milk, 2 tablespoons minced chives, 1 tablespoon ground mustard, 3/4 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup butter
How to Make: Begin by cooking the macaroni according to package instructions. When pasta is al dente, strain and set aside. Meanwhile, heat butter and garlic on medium-high heat in a Dutch oven and stir. After one minute, add the salt, pepper, mustard and flour and continue to stir until mixture is smooth, then whisk in milk, cream and beer. Bring to a boil and cook for two minutes, stirring until thickened. Reduce heat, then add in cheddar, fontina and 1 tablespoon parmesan. Stir until melted, toss in chives and stir the macaroni into the cheese sauce. Transfer into a greased baking dish, sprinkle with remaining parmesan and bake at 400 degrees F for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Top with crumbled bacon and enjoy.

CHEESY RANCH BEER DIP

Need a delicious quick fix for a summer party? Try this hoppy, flavorful dip perfect for pairing with pretzels.

Ingredients: 1/3 cup beer, two packages softened cream cheese, 2 cups shredded cheddar, one package ranch dressing mix, pretzels
How to Make: In a mixing bowl, beat together beer, dressing mix and cream cheese until smooth, then stir in cheddar cheese. It's that simple! Serve in your favorite dip bowl and dig in with pretzels.

BEER BRAT CHILI

Need a spicy meal to mix up for your friends, family or evening entertainment this summer? Chili is a changeable classic, and this beer-infused version will have everyone coming back for seconds. Best of all, it's so easy to prepare when you have a slow cooker.

Ingredients: One can pinto beans, one can cannellini beans, one can black beans, one can diced tomatoes with juice, one can green chilies and diced tomatoes with juice, one package sliced and cooked beer bratwurst, 1 cup beer, one medium chopped red pepper, One medium chopped onion, 1 1/2 cups frozen corn, one minced garlic clove, 1/4 cup chili seasoning
How to Make: Make sure each can of beans is fully drained and rinsed, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and simmer on low, covered, for five to six hours. Dinner for everyone has never been so easy or tasty.

Stay cool this summer with the tastiest brews and beer recipes!

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