The sun is out and sizzling and it is time to start sipping on some summer brews. From ales brewed with seasonal fruit straight from the Michigan’s farms to lagers light and fresh there's a summer beer out there for all of us. 

Samuel Adams Summer Ale

Lemon peel, Noble hops and American wheat combine in Summer ale to create a flavor profile with a lively, tangy taste.

Magic Hat #9

A pale ale with a bit of bright hops that accent apricot fruitiness all packaged up in a slightly dry, crisp and refreshing brew.

New Belgium Skinny Dip

A summertime lager that is full-bodied with a sweet flavor and a juicy mouthfeel that finishes crisp.

Deschutes Twilight

A golden-hued ale with a bright aroma full of citrus and pine hoppiness balanced out by a distinctive malt body.

Rochester Mills Tongue Tied Cherry Saison

A Belgian ale brewed with tart and sweet Michigan cherries. Tongue Tied pours a rose hue with a bright white head with a creamy wheat mouthfeel that is highlighted by a hint of herbal spiciness and lemon and orange peel.

Shock Top Banana Wheat

A bright white head with plenty of lacing is followed by a creamy mouthfeel that highlights the citrus, honey, spice and banana combination. 

Perrin Grapefruit IPA 

A thirst-quenching IPA build for refreshment in warmer weather. A hazy, golden-hued ale with a citrus-laden aroma bursting with bitter grapefruit flavor.

Oh my gourd! It’s gourd season!

The pumpkin is back and in a big way, possibly the best way. It’s back in the beer way. Pumpkin infused, flavored and named beers are surrounding us currently. Pumpkin beers are the “it” beers of the season, which is perfect timing with World Bread Day tomorrow. Slate Magazine knows the power of this trifecta of vegetable, booze and carbs, which all are combined in this recipe reblogged from the site. So pop open a bottle of Shock Top Pumpkin Wheat, take a swig and then get to baking.

Pumpkin-Beer Bread
Yield: One 9-inch loaf (About 12 servings)
Time: 1¼ hours

Oil or butter for greasing the pan
1¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch ground nutmeg
Pinch ground allspice
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup pumpkin purée
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup Shock Top Pumpkin Wheat

1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch loaf pan. Combine the flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice in a large bowl.

2. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat (or in a medium bowl in the microwave). Remove from the heat. Stir in the pumpkin and brown sugar, then stir in the eggs. Finally, stir in the Shock Top Pumpkin Wheat. Add the pumpkin mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined, then transfer the batter to the greased pan.

3. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, about 1 hour. Cool thoroughly, then slice and serve. (Leftover pumpkin bread can be wrapped in foil or plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to a few days.)

It’s officially one week until Christmas. The mall is now a scary place to visit. It’s time to find some sanctuary in the beer aisle and, while you’re at it, finish holiday shopping. Here’s the ultimate list of booze to get for that hard-to-buy-for (over 21 years old) person on your list.

The Mixologist: Shock Top Choctop

Essentially a beer cocktail kit in a 6 pack, Choctop is a black and tan featuring the winter seasonal Chocolate Wheat and Shock Top Belgian.

The Gluten Free: Angry Orchard Cider

Gluten-free drinking is no longer a problem with the rise of ciders, especially with the range provided by Angry Orchard. Choose between Crisp Apple, Traditional Dry, Apple Ginger or the winter seasonal Cinnful Apple. Or, have all of the above.

The Sweet Tooth: Right Brain Naughty Girl Stout

No longer is sweet treats regulated to the kitchen, beers provide rich, chocolate flavors with a bit more than a sugar kick. Naughty Girl Stout is aptly named since the flavor profile is reminiscent of the popular mint chocolate cookie.

The Snow Bunny: New Belgium Accumulation

Whether its snow or hops accumulating, this winter white IPA is full of bright hop aroma that will warm up anyone after a day on the slopes.

The Hop Head: Arcadia Ales Hop Rocket Imperial IPA

Simcoe hops bring out an assertive aroma that will bring you to the moon and back.