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Top Beer Cocktails to Make Now

June 7, 2021

A lineup of several different beer cocktails against a dark background.

Beer is all the rage at the moment. However, that means that your run-of-the-mill craft beer is just enough to make you pretentious without actually standing out in a positive way. If you’re looking to enjoy your favorite brew while making a statement, then look no further than these classic beer cocktails.

Top Beer Cocktails to Make Now

Many of these drinks are nearing two hundred years old, but they taste as fresh today as they did back then. This contrast brings them into perfect play with many of the popular aesthetics we see today.

The Black Velvet

This delicate drink is a personal favorite, and it surely deserves to top the list. The black velvet was supposedly invented by a bartender in London in the year 1861. As legend has it, the drink was created in tribute to Prince Albert, who had recently passed.

Today, the black velvet is still made by creating a layered beer cocktail composed of stout and champagne. Guinness is the typical stout of choice, but there is a variation of the black velvet that has gained popularity. Commonly known as the “poor man’s black velvet,” this variation replaces champagne with a cider. Either way, the black velvet is a classic that will always be welcome.

The Snake Bite

For those who prefer a lighter option to stout, there’s the snake bite. This drink became popular in 1980s Britain, and it’s made from layering a lager with a cider. As with a black velvet the two liquids are layered creating an appealing visual effect. In fact, if you see a rather flat spoon hanging from beer equipment in the Inland Empire, then they’re likely used to creating some of these exact layered drinks.

The Michelada

The classic Mexican Michelada dates back to the 1940s. The cocktail resembles a Bloody Mary with some clear differences. A light lager replaces the vodka, and the drink usually includes stronger spices. Hot sauce, teriyaki sauce, and tajin all frequently find themselves mixed into the Michelada. As a result, you’ll generally find that Micheladas vary across regions, but you will always find that perfect balance between heat and refreshment.

The Shandy

A shandy could refer to a wide variety of different beer cocktails, but the general term originates in 1850s Britain. Essentially, a shandy is a mix of beer and ginger ale. However, modern renditions of the classic shandy may feature lemonade, orange juice, or any other number of fruit-based liquids. The important thing for a shandy is that it’s well-balanced, a bit tart, and completely delicious.

Corrido Prohibido

If you’re looking for something with a stronger alcohol content, then it’s back to Mexico. The corrido prohibido is a twist on the classic margarita, except in this case the drink is a simple blend of a light Mexican lager and tequila. With all of the flavors and variations available among Mexican tequilas, the options for flavor combinations are endless.

A Reflection on Beer Cocktails

Thanks to beer-loving cultures like the British and the peoples of Mexico, there are literally hundreds of well-known beer cocktails that you could promote at your establishment. These are just five of the most common and most loved, but once you get the hang of mixing beer flavors with other juices and liquors, you are sure to add your own.

To help you get started, have your own draft beer service in Los Angeles installed to better serve your customers. Between your creativity and their wiliness to explore, you will help to push beer cocktails to new heights.

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How Long Does a Keg Last?

March 5, 2021

If you’re looking to incorporate a draft beer system into your bar or restaurant, then there’s a lot to learn. Like how long does a keg last?

Whereas previous generations may have treated beer as a low-brow drink unworthy of major investment, younger American adults have revitalized the role of beer in American culture. As a result, beer has become increasingly complicated, reflecting the investment of beer manufacturers in the flavors and variety expected by the millennials and now gen Z. That means that businesses selling draft beer have to be prepared to provide the quality those demographics expect if they want to stay competitive.

At SC Bev, we supply Inland Empire beer systems of the highest quality. For the best Los Angeles draft beer service, look no further.

Why Go for Draft?

The advantage of installing a draft beer system over simply refrigerating a bunch of bottles comes down to freshness, flavor, and overall quality. Here are just a few reasons you might consider swapping that bulky fridge out for a sleeker line of glittering taps.

Bottles are exposed to light

When beer is exposed to light, weird things can happen. After prolonged exposure, a chemical reaction occurs within the beer that results in a foul-smelling and tasting beer. When this happens, it is usually said that the beer has been “skunked” due to the similarity in aroma. In the case of bottles, you have no control over the shipping process and no guarantee that one of your customers won’t encounter a skunked beer.

Bottles don’t provide a complete seal

The bottling process is designed to be sanitary, but it isn’t air-tight. Even a slow exchange of gases between the outside world and the bottled beer can result in the beer being flat and losing some of its flavor.

Draft beer systems allow you to control the temperature

Different beers have special requirements in regard to temperature, pressure, and head if you’re aiming for the best experience. Customizable draft beer systems and a knowledgeable bartender allow you to consistently provide that experience to your customers.

People love the extra carbonation

CO2 is commonly used to create the pressure that transports your favorite beer from the keg to your glass. As a result, draft beer has a little extra carbonation. And it gives you an almost imperceptibly different sensation as you drink. Many experts credit this extra zing of carbonation with the average person’s preference for draft over canned or bottled beer.

How Long Does a Keg Last? Ensuring Freshness

Of course, none of these benefits will matter if your draft beer isn’t fresh. That is why it is so important to create a reliable system for ordering and replacing kegs in an orderly fashion. Luckily, there are a few rules you can use to guide you. Especially if you’re still learning about making the switch to a draft beer system.

Always check for a “Born On” date or an expiration date. The born on date will be the day the keg was filled at the brewery. It is that date that will indicate how long your keg is good for.
Know whether your beer is pasteurized or non-pasteurized. This may not seem like a big difference at first. But a pasteurized beer can be kept for three to four months, while a non-pasteurized beer can only be kept for six to eight weeks.
Always use a professional draft beer system. Ensure the keg is directly tapped into the system and stored at the appropriate temperature. If so, using a professional draft beer system will not decrease the shelf life of your beer even after it has been tapped. By contrast, another method will introduce oxygen into your keg, and it will only be good for twelve to twenty-four hours.
Maintain a consistent temperature where you store your kegs. Ideally, you should store them at 38 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature goes over 45, then you risk bacteria forming inside the keg. If the temperature dips below 30, then you risk your beer freezing.

As long as you follow these basic rules and do a little research on the beers you plan to include in your line-up you should be good to go. If you have any questions about your draft beer system, then you can always contact SC Beverage.

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Why You Should Always Pour Your Beer

October 7, 2020

When you want to enjoy a cold one at the end of a long day, it’s often tempting to just grab a bottle from the fridge. It’s already chilled, and grabbing a glass seems like extra work. What you might not know is that choosing to drink straight from the bottle or can is actually doing your beer a massive disservice. Let’s take a look at why you should always pour your beer!

Your beer is literally designed to be poured. The physical action of pouring activates the carbonation, giving the beer its signature foam head. Initially, that may seem like all the more reason to not pour your beer. The head doesn’t taste particularly good, and it just seems to get in the way as you try to sip around it to get to the liquid beneath.

However, writing off the head as an annoyance entirely misses the point of its function. It is meant to sit right under your nose, fizzing away as you take your first sips. In fact, this process is crucial to your overall experience because taste isn’t just connected to your tongue.

Why You Should Always Pour Your Beer: Taste is Multi-Sensory

Your taste buds are crucially important to our perception of flavors and textures, but they don’t work alone. What you see, smell, and hear also contribute to that perception. As a point of reference, think about the last time you were at a Mexican restaurant and a large plate of fajitas passed your table. Even though you never consume any part of that meal, you can practically taste those fajitas. The carbonation in beer works in a very similar way.

When the carbonation is activated, bubbles race to the top of the beer, forming the head. The bubbles that reach the surface express the contained carbon dioxide, creating the pleasant fizz we’re all familiar with. As the CO2 is expressed so are many of the aromas creating by the fermenting process. This actually allows you to smell the unique flavors that make up your beer, gifting you with an elevated drinking experience.

Achieving the Perfect Head

Keep in mind that you can’t just dump your beer in a glass and have at it. The ideal temperature and pouring technique will vary depending on the type of beer you are about to enjoy. For example, lagers and pilsners are meant to be served ice cold. A temperature in the mid to high 30s Fahrenheit will usually do the trick. On the other hand, beers like stouts and porters actually taste better if served at around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just about room temperature in your average Irish pub.

When it comes to getting the perfect head on your brew, aim for 1-1 ½ inches, or about two fingers. Techniques for achieving the right ratio can vary and are usually based on the density of the beer. For many beers, the standard incline pour will do the trick. Simply start pouring down the side of the glass with the glass at a 45-60 degree angle. Then gradually straighten the glass out as you pour depending on how much foam has formed. If there’s too much foam, allow some to spill over into the sink or catch tray. A heavier beer will take some time to get right. In fact, a good bartender will typically pour half the beer, then give the head time to settle before finishing the pour.

If you work in a bar, you will need quality beer fountain machines to produce a solid head. For the best beer equipment Los Angeles has around, check out SC Beverage.

Improving the Experience

Whether you are just trying to impress your friends or looking to improve the customer experience at your restaurant, a perfect pour makes a huge difference. For even better quality, consider using a professional beer system from SC Beverage to deliver the freshest brews from ice-cold kegs.

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Why Does Draft Beer Taste Better?

June 5, 2020

It’s an old adage, but it’s true. Draft beer taste is just better. Assuming the bar staff is competent, and the draft lines are appropriately cleaned, draft beer provides the best overall experience. The question is why. What makes a keg so much better than a bottle or a can? Why does draft beer taste better?

The truth is that several factors contribute to the higher level of flavor integrity we can expect from a draft beer. According to the experts, process, time, temperature, light, and carbonation all contribute to the difference we notice when comparing draft beers to canned or bottled options.

For all your beer systems needs, SC Beverage has you covered.

Pasteurization

In almost all cases, draft beer is not pasteurized. Pasteurization is a process that heats liquids to kill bacteria that would otherwise thrive in that environment. Because bottles and cans are typically stored for long periods in a variety of temperature ranges, pasteurization is necessary to ensure that your beer is safe to drink when you crack open that lager or IPA. Draft beer, on the other hand, is transported and stored below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature that prevents bacterial growth. Unfortunately, pasteurization does change the flavor of your beer by bringing the liquid up to about 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Time

Fresher is always better, especially if you prefer hoppy beers like IPAs. Responsible bar owners will typically only order enough kegs to get them through the week, ensuring that their customers receive the best product. By contrast, bottles and cans could be months old by the time you pick up that six-pack at your local corner store. Most beers do not age well due to oxidization, so draft gains a major advantage. Bar owners and brewers suggest that you can elevate your experience further by asking your local bartender what kegs came in most recently.

Temperature

Regardless of the proper serving temperature of your beer, consistency is key. When bottles and cans are distributed, there’s no telling how many times they are warmed, chilled, or left in blazing heat. The variation and heat both contribute to the rapid aging of your beer. Kegs, on the other hand, are constantly kept in a cold environment, preventing the deterioration of the product during distribution.

Light

If you’ve ever picked a lovely, imported wheat beer from the bottom shelf of a Bevmo and opened it to find the beer was bitter or rancid, you’ve experienced a “skunked” beer. This is far more common in light-colored bottles and is the result of UV light passing through the glass. By going with a draft option or merely opting for a can, you can avoid this entirely. However, keep in mind that some beers, like Corona or Heineken, actually rely on a little UV light exposure to give their beers the right finish. If you love the touch of bitterness in these beers, opt for the bottle.

Carbonation

Americans love their fizzy drinks, and beer is no exception. In fact, it’s one of the reasons you enjoy that draft beer taste at your favorite bar so much. You see, the draft lines rely on pressure to deliver beer from the keg to the tap. To create this pressure, CO2 and/or Nitrogen are used, giving your beer its slight fizz and more noticeable foam head.

Drinking Draft

Simply put, draft is usually better in a well-managed bar or restaurant. Industry experts suggest looking for bars that are sufficiently staffed and at least moderately busy. You can also ask how often they clean their draft lines. If your bartender seems taken aback, ask for a can or a bottle. However, you can easily remove all doubt by just having your own system. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your restaurant or simply want to be the most popular house on the block, contact SC Beverage to discuss your draft system needs.

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Best Irish Beers for St. Patrick’s Day

March 12, 2019

Are you ready for a pot o’ gold, and all the joy your heart can hold? St. Patrick’s Day is almost here! Your expert draft beer service in Los Angeles has a full lineup of Irish brews for you to try on this special day, courtesy of SC Beverage. From traditional Irish style to an homage to the microbrews, here are some great beers to try for this Irish day of celebration.

The Irish Lager Feel

Nothing is more refreshing than a refreshing Irish lager. Not too dark, but not super light either – it’s a great beer for everyone to enjoy. Lagers come in a variety of colors, including gold, pale, or even reddish brown. If you’re into something sweet and crisp, then this is the Irish brew for you. It’s one of the newer Irish brews, dating back to the 1960s, but that doesn’t make it any less traditional.

Try A Cream Ale

Speaking of sweet stuff, have you ever tried an Irish cream ale? This super sweet brew dates back to the 1700s, with older recipes dating back all the way to the 1300s. Talk about old fashioned! These are easy to drink due to their creamy feel and sweet taste. Though, don’t mistake it for a cream soda – it doesn’t have that much sugar!

Dry Stout

Irish stout is one of the most commonly talked about beers, especially for mainstream beer enthusiasts. They are quite iconic, with brands like Guinness sporting the original Irish dry stout recipe. Surprisingly, they are actually one of the newer beers. Dating back only to the 1800s. They might be newcomers to the game, but they’re no newbies to those who really enjoy beer. Dry stout has a rich, black color, and a bitter taste. This deep brew is enjoyed by beer and coffee lovers alike.

The Red Ale

Irish red ale was invented in the 1700s but notes of it have also been traced back to the ancient Celtics. Since it’s one of the oldest beers in the world, it’s worthy of celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day. It has a little bit of something that everyone enjoys, from notes of hoppy bitterness to a touch of sweetness and malt. It’s quite easy to drink Irish red ales, which is perhaps why they are one of the more popular brews around. Its crisp taste and notes of both light and deep flavors combined make it truly addicting.

Porter

Porter might be available in several cultures and nations, but Irish porter is one of the most famous. In fact, it is known as the father of the modern dry stout. It’s extremely dark, as bitter as coffee, but still creamy and easy to drink. Some porters are made with chocolate malt, giving it a sweet and robust flavor that you just won’t be able to get enough of. This is one of the most popular beers in Ireland, and you’ll likely be able to find some through your draft beer service in Los Angeles.

Celebrate with Flavors This Year!

Happy St. Patty’s Day to you and your loved ones! This year get excited about all of the different Irish beers for you to try. From ports to ales, you can find a beer that you really like. Some enjoy crisp, light, sweet notes, while others enjoy the bitterness and flavor of dark stouts. Whatever your drink is, be sure to enjoy it.

Your friends at SC Beverage are happy to be your provider of draft beer service in Los Angeles. If you’re looking for more information about draft beers or beverage services for your next event, please contact us online or give us a call at (562) 463-8918.

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