Fine German-style beer – a worthy inspiration
I discovered sour beer while on vacation in Sonoma. We were dining at Woodfour, a brewery and restaurant in the charming town of Sebastopol. Not only do they serve some of the finest food in town, but they also make fantastic beers, right on the premises. Needless to say, I couldn’t resist ordering a tasting flight! The first beer on the lineup was their Berliner Weisse (Berlin White), a German-style beer made with sour mash. Bone-dry, complex and utterly refreshing, this beer reminded me of wine. I was smitten… and sour beers have been a favorite ever since.
A summery rum punch recipe, tailored for relaxed sipping… but bold enough for a crowd!
Here, sour beer finds its way into a thirst-quenching and summery rum punch. Tart cherry juice, cherry liqueur and light rum mix perfectly with the light beer… and the blend is brightened with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Light and super-refreshing, it’s the kind of punch you’ll love to drink on a hot, lazy day. It also makes a fantastic party punch!
On a side note, this punch is also delicious (if slightly sweeter) with any Belgian-style white or pale beer.
Raising a glass of this punch to you… cheers!
Sour beer and cherry punch
serves 4
active time: 10 min
- 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) tart cherry juice
- 3/4 cup (175 ml) light rum
- 1/3 cup (75 ml) cherry liqueur (Maraschino, Cherry Heering or any other cherry liqueur)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lime juice
- 32 oz (95 cl) Berliner Weisse (Berlin White), gueuze, lambic or any other unflavored sour beer – chilled (alternatively, use a Belgian-style white beer)
- Place the cherry juice, rum, cherry liqueur and lime juice in a glass container and refrigerate until very well chilled, 2 hours to overnight. Place the chilled cherry juice mixture in a large pitcher. Add the beer and serve immediately.
Viviane’s tip
- You’ll want to add the beer just before you serve this punch so that you can enjoy the beer’s delicious, creamy foam in every sip.
I love sour beers, especially in the summer. What a great idea to use it in a punch! The cherry flavors sound so good.
Thank you, Lisa!
A couple of weeks ago a friend turned me on to wheat beer and orange juice. Wow was that good! So I’m definitely interested in this combination of sour beer and cherry. I’ve never had a sour beer but you have definitely piqued my curiosity. Need to gather the ingredients for this one for the up and coming long weekend. Great looking beverage Viviane!
Mj, Sour beers are starting to gain some traction in the US… and I’m so glad for that. They’re very refreshing and light, but packed with flavor. I have no doubt you will love them. Thank you for your note and cheers!
Sour beer and tart cherries, sounds like a great drink to me!
Thank you, Evelyne… It is! Absolutely refreshing. Cheers!