Photo: bernardbodo (Getty Images)
There’s nothing wrong with light beers. You shouldn’t feel ashamed for enjoying a Coors Light or Miller Lite after mowing your lawn or in between innings at your kickball game. Once the weather warms up, who needs a heavy dark beer like a porter or stout anyway? You can only drink so many 12 percent ABV barrel-aged imperial stouts before you need to turn to something lighter. Light beers are perfectly crushable on a hot (or even seasonably warm) day. Plus, they’re lower in alcohol and calories so we can feel fine drinking a few.
Since bartenders are just like us, they also enjoy a light beer every now and then. That’s why we asked them to explain which light beers they make room for in their fridge. Check out all of their choices below.
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Spring Light Beers
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Miller High Life
“Favorite light beer: Miller High Life. I don’t know if the ‘Champagne of beers’ is classified as a ‘light beer,’ but it certainly drinks that way. It’s my go-to whenever pushing into a shot and beer territory of the evening, and I love ordering the little 4-ounce bottles to complement a shot of mezcal while hopping from bar to bar.” – Adam Weisblatt, CEO of Last Word Hospitality in Los Angeles
Photo: Miller
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Narragansett Lager
“Narragansett, the Rhode Island brand, is so good. It’s light and pairs perfectly with something a little dark or light on the side. A clean lager that’s without pretense or cost.” – Jack Keane, general manager of Sundry and Vice in Cincinnati
Photo: Narragansett
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Bud Light
“What's my favorite light beer? You can’t go wrong with an easy drinking ice cold Bud Light.” – August O'Mahoney, bar director at Baltaire in Los Angeles
Photo: Bud Light
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Corona Light
“My favorite light beer is going to be Corona Light. Well-known and great flavors when you pop in a freshly cut lime.” – Marcus Cosio, bartender at Andiron Steak & Sea in Las Vegas
Photo: Corona
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Medalla Light
“What's my go-to light beer? Medalla Light. Puerto Rico is my favorite place and those slim gold Medalla Light cans bring back some incredible memories.” – Will Benedetto, director of bars at In Good Company Hospitality in New York City
Photo: Compañía Cervecera de Puerto Rico
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Oskar Blues Mama's Little Yella Pils
“Light beer doesn’t need to be cheap. I love Mama’s Little Yella Pils made by Oskar Blues Brewery in Colorado. It's light and crisp, but still has nice flavor and body.” – Sarah Mengoni, bartender at Double Take in Los Angeles
Photo: Oskar Blues
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Stella Artois Light
“What is my go-to light beer? That’s easy. It’s Stella Light, mostly because it’s by Stella Artois. It’s crisp and flavorful, has nice packaging, and is available worldwide (but otherwise, do try local microbrews).” – Rus Yessenov, lead bartender at Honey Salt at Parq Vancouver
Photo: Stella Artois