Best Styles of Beer for Grilling Brats

There’s something magical about grilling brats in the summer—the sizzle of sausages, the smoky aroma filling the air, and, of course, the ice-cold craft beer in hand. But what if we told you that beer isn’t just for sipping while manning the grill? When it comes to making mouthwatering grilled bratwursts, the beer you cook them in is just as important as the beer you drink with them. With so many choices available, we’ve compiled some tips about the best styles of beer for grilling brats, how each affects the flavor, and why your grill deserves nothing but the best this summer.

6 Styles of Beer for Grilling Brats Your Friends and Family Will Love

Beer and bratwursts go together like sunshine and cookouts. Beer adds depth, moisture, and flavor to the sausages as they cook. Traditionally, brats are simmered in beer before being seared on the grill. This two-step method helps the brats cook evenly and infuses them with nuanced flavors, whether you’re going for something malty, hoppy, or spicy. The key is choosing the right beer to match the flavor profile you want in your finished brat.

1. Amber Ale: The All-Around Crowd Pleaser

Amber ales are among the most versatile beers for cooking brats. They offer a balanced profile of malt sweetness and light hop bitterness, making them ideal for enhancing the savory elements of bratwurst without overpowering them.

The caramel and toffee notes in an amber ale complement the fat in the bratwurst beautifully. When simmered in an amber ale, your brats develop a slightly sweet, nutty flavor with a warm, rounded finish. This style is perfect for anyone looking for a classic grilled brat flavor with a little extra depth.

Try This: Look for an American Amber or Red Ale on tap at your local Growler Guys to get that perfect balance.

2. Hefeweizen: Light, Bright, and Summery

Want a brat that tastes like summer in a bun? Simmer those sausages in a hefeweizen. This German wheat beer brings a light body and citrusy, banana-clove aroma that adds a unique, slightly fruity character to the brats.

Because hefeweizens are typically lower in bitterness, they won’t overshadow the meat, and their natural effervescence helps tenderize the brats. Add some sliced onions to the simmering pot for even more flavor.

Great For: Backyard cookouts where you want a lighter, slightly tangy brat that pairs well with grilled veggies and grainy mustard.

Pro Tip: The Growler Guys often have regional and imported hefeweizens on tap—just ask for a sample before filling your growler.

3. Pilsner: Clean, Crisp, and Classic

If you’re a purist at heart, you can’t go wrong with a pilsner. This lager style is known for its light body, clean finish, and delicate hop bitterness–making it a great beer for grilling brats. Pilsners won’t add heavy flavors to your brat, but that’s the beauty of it—they let the sausage shine while keeping it juicy.

A good craft pilsner will bring just enough malt character and bitterness to balance out the richness of the bratwurst, especially if you’re serving it with classic toppings like sauerkraut and mustard.

Use It When: You’re grilling for a crowd and want a universally loved brat flavor.

4. IPA: Bold Flavor for Adventurous Eaters

For those who love bold, hoppy beers, an IPA can make a brat that’s anything but ordinary. While you need to be cautious—IPAs can become bitter when reduced during cooking—if you simmer low and slow, the tropical, citrus, and pine notes of a good IPA can create a brat with serious personality.

Hops cut through the fat and can give your brat a vibrant edge. To play off the hops, pair your IPA-simmered brats with spicy mustard or jalapeño sauerkraut.

Best For: IPA lovers who want their grilling game to stand out.

Ask Your Local Growler Guys Team: What’s a fruit-forward or hazy IPA they’d recommend that won’t overwhelm your brat?

5. Porter or Stout: Rich, Smoky Indulgence

Feeling a little more decadent? A surprising choice of beer for grilling brats is a dark beer like a porter or stout. These beers bring notes of roasted coffee, chocolate, and smoke that lend incredible richness to your bratwurst. This combo works particularly well for brats made with beef, cheese, or additional spice.

If you’re grilling at night or want a heartier meal, a stout-simmered brat with grilled onions and spicy brown mustard will be a total showstopper.

Try This Flavor Combo: Stout-simmered brat + grilled mushrooms + smoked gouda = mouthwatering bliss.

6. Sour Ales and Fruited Goses: Unexpectedly Delicious

It might surprise you, but sour and fruited ales can be a unique way to bring a fresh twist to your grilling. A cherry sour, for instance, can give your brat a tart-sweet kick that pairs amazingly with grilled onions and a soft pretzel bun.

Fruited goses (a German style of beer that’s slightly salty and tart) can infuse your brats with bright, lip-smacking flavor and a summery zing. Just don’t boil them too aggressively—keep it low to preserve the fruity aromatics.

Perfect For: The foodie who loves to experiment with flavor and presentation.

Tips for Simmering Brats in Beer

• Don’t boil too hard. A gentle simmer keeps the brats juicy and helps the beer flavor absorb more evenly.

• Add extras. Toss in sliced onions, garlic, or peppers for extra flavor while simmering.

• Finish on the grill. After simmering for 15-20 minutes, transfer the brats to a hot grill to get that perfect char.

• Pair the same beer. Serve the same beer you cooked with for a complete flavor experience.

Ready to Grill Like a Pro?

Whether you’re looking to host the ultimate backyard barbecue or just want a casual summer dinner that feels gourmet, grilling brats with craft beer is the way to go. The style of beer you choose can completely change the flavor of your bratwurst, from malty and mellow to zesty and bold.

And with rotating taps featuring local and regional favorites, The Growler Guys has the perfect beer for grilling brats waiting for you. Stop by your nearest location to sample a few styles, fill a growler (or two), and take home the secret ingredient for your next grilled masterpiece.

Don’t just sip your craft beer this summer—cook with it! Visit your local Growler Guys today and make your next grilled meal unforgettable.