People’s Drinking Habits in Summer and Why Fruit Beers are Becoming More Popular
As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, our drinking habits naturally shift with the seasons. Gone are the dark stouts and heavy ales of winter, replaced by lighter, more refreshing beer options that suit the sun-drenched afternoons and balmy evenings of summer. Among these, fruit beers — especially Belgian fruit beers — are gaining notable popularity across the UK and beyond.
So, why the surge in demand for fruity brews when the sun comes out? Let’s explore the changing summer drinking habits and the role that fruit beers are playing in this trend.
Summer Drinking Habits: Light, Crisp, and Sessionable
During the warmer months, drinkers gravitate toward beers that are lighter in alcohol, more effervescent, and bursting with flavour. Sessionable beers — those with lower ABV (alcohol by volume) — allow people to enjoy more than one bottle without feeling overly full or fatigued. Refreshing beers with a crisp finish and a zesty kick are especially desirable, often replacing heavier styles that are better suited for cooler months.
This shift isn’t just anecdotal. Brewers and alcohol retailers across Europe and the UK report higher sales of pilsners, wheat beers, and fruit-infused ales from May through to September. These beers complement the summer lifestyle — think picnics in the park, barbecues, festivals, and spontaneous trips to the beach.
The Rise of Fruit Beers
Among the various summer beer styles, fruit beers have carved out a prominent place on the seasonal drinks menu. Once seen as a niche or novelty, they’re now increasingly appreciated for their craftsmanship, heritage, and vibrant taste profiles.
Belgian breweries, in particular, are leading the charge. Belgium has a long-standing tradition of brewing with fruit, dating back centuries. Renowned styles like Kriek (cherry beer) and Framboise (raspberry beer) are created by blending aged Lambic beer with fresh fruit, resulting in a naturally tart, effervescent, and complex beverage.
Modern takes on the style have diversified considerably. Brewers are now experimenting with everything from strawberries and peaches to lychee and tropical fruits, appealing to a wider audience. The result? A colourful array of Belgian fruit beers that are both flavourful and incredibly drinkable in the heat.
Why Fruit Flavoured Beers Appeal in Summer
There are several reasons why fruit beers are fast becoming the drink of choice in summer:
- Refreshing flavour: The combination of natural fruit sweetness with beer’s carbonation makes for a thirst-quenching treat, ideal for warm weather.
- Visual appeal: From rich ruby reds to delicate blush pinks, fruit beers are visually striking — perfect for social media posts and summer garden parties.
- Accessible taste: For those new to beer or not typically beer lovers, fruit beers provide a softer introduction with familiar fruity notes.
- Versatility: These beers pair well with a variety of summer dishes, from grilled meats to summer salads and fruity desserts.
A Perfect Pairing for the Season
At The Belgian Beer Company, we’ve seen a surge in customer interest in Belgian fruit beers, especially during the warmer months. Beers like Lindemans Kriek, Mongozo Coconut, and Floris Passion are perennial summer favourites, with their lively aromas and delicate balance of sweet and tart.
Whether you’re hosting a garden party or just looking for something light and lively to enjoy on a sunny afternoon, fruit beers offer a delightful alternative to more traditional styles.
Timmermans Mixed Fruit Case – Special Offer
We have put together a brand-new Timmermans Mixed Fruit Case that showcases four different fruit beers and it comes with a free beer glass. Did you know that the Timmermans Brewery was founded in 1702, and is one of Belgium’s oldest Lambic breweries, nestled in the heart of Itterbeek? With over 300 years of brewing heritage, Timmermans expertly blends tradition with vibrant fruit flavours.
The bold cherry intensity of Timmermans Kriek Black Pepper meets its match with freshly cracked black pepper. The beer’s natural tartness is lifted by sweet, almondy notes, while the pepper adds a warming, spicy counterpoint that sharpens the cherry’s brightness and enhances the Lambic’s dry finish. An adventurous yet well-balanced pairing.
Juicy, sun-ripened peach flavours in Timmermans Lambicus Peach Cardamom are beautifully complemented by the aromatic warmth of cardamom. This pairing creates a perfumed, almost exotic profile — the sweetness of the beer softened by the spice’s subtle citrusy lift and herbal complexity. A gently spiced, summery delight.
With its fresh berry aroma and soft sweetness, Timmermans Strawberry Thyme finds a delicate herbal balance in thyme. The thyme’s earthy, floral quality cuts through the sugar and adds a savoury depth, transforming the beer into a garden-fresh, layered experience. Ideal for an al fresco aperitif.
The bright, tangy raspberry of Timmermans Framboise Hibiscus pairs seamlessly with the floral tartness of this herb. The result is a vibrant medley of red fruit and rose-like depth, with enhanced acidity and a refreshing, almost wine-like finish. Elegant and bold — a pairing that sings of summer.
In Conclusion
Summer drinking habits are evolving, and with them, the appreciation for more adventurous and refreshing beer options. Belgian fruit beers, steeped in tradition but loved by modern palates, are leading this summer renaissance.
Next time the sun peeks out, why not reach for a glass of fruit beer? It’s more than just a drink — it’s a celebration of summer itself.
