Summer in Russia can bring long, warm days that call for refreshing drinks, and there’s nothing better than a cold beer to help you beat the heat. Whether you’re relaxing on a sunny patio in Moscow, enjoying a picnic by the Volga River, or unwinding in a beer garden, the right beer can make all the difference. Russian brewers have created a wide variety of light, crisp, and refreshing beers that are perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best Russian beers to sip on when the temperatures rise, from classic lagers to light wheat beers and refreshing pale ales. These beers are designed to be easy-drinking and perfect for those lazy summer afternoons or lively outdoor gatherings.
1. Baltika 3 (Classic Lager) – A Reliable Summer Favorite
Baltika 3 is one of Russia’s most popular and well-loved beers. This classic lager has an ABV of 4.8% and features a crisp, clean taste with a light malt sweetness and mild bitterness. It’s smooth, easy-drinking, and refreshing – the perfect choice for a hot summer day.
Why It’s Great for Summer:
The light maltiness and gentle bitterness of Baltika 3 make it a go-to beer for a hot day. It’s not overly heavy, so you can enjoy it throughout the day without feeling weighed down. Whether you’re having a BBQ or just sitting in the park, this beer pairs well with a wide variety of summer foods.
Pair It With:
- Grilled meats (shashlik, sausages)
- Fresh salads (olivier, tomato-cucumber salad)
- Cheese plates (mild cheeses like Brie or Gouda)
2. Zhigulevskoye Classic – The Iconic Russian Lager
Zhigulevskoye Classic is one of Russia’s oldest and most iconic beers, dating back to the Soviet era. With an ABV of 4.5%, it’s a traditional pale lager that features a light, crisp flavor with a balanced malt profile and subtle hop bitterness. This beer has become a staple in Russia and is perfect for enjoying during the summer months.
Why It’s Great for Summer:
As a refreshing and easily drinkable lager, Zhigulevskoye Classic offers a smooth, no-fuss beer experience. It’s slightly maltier than some of the other light lagers, which makes it stand out while still being light enough for summer enjoyment. This beer is often enjoyed in casual settings, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings.
Pair It With:
- Shashlik (grilled meat skewers)
- Pickled vegetables
- Pirozhki (stuffed pastries)
3. Ochakovo Wheat Beer – Light and Refreshing with a Fruity Twist
Ochakovo Wheat Beer (also known as Ochakovo Unfiltered Wheat Beer) is a light and refreshing brew that boasts an ABV of 4.2%. It’s known for its slightly fruity and spicy flavors, with a smooth, cloudy appearance typical of wheat beers. The subtle sweetness and refreshing quality make it perfect for a hot summer day.
Why It’s Great for Summer:
Wheat beers are naturally more refreshing than traditional lagers, and Ochakovo Wheat Beer is no exception. The beer’s fruity, light body makes it incredibly easy to drink on a warm day. It’s also an excellent beer for pairing with light, summery dishes.
Pair It With:
- Seafood (grilled fish, shrimp cocktails)
- Light salads (Greek salad, cucumber and dill salad)
- Pita bread with hummus or baba ganoush
4. Tinkoff Pale Ale – Crisp and Balanced with a Refreshing Hop Kick
Tinkoff Pale Ale is a refreshing, hop-forward beer with an ABV of 5.6%. This pale ale offers a well-balanced bitterness with a slightly floral, citrusy aroma. The beer is light and crisp, making it perfect for summer drinking, and its hop flavor provides just the right amount of bitterness to balance the malt sweetness.
Why It’s Great for Summer:
The moderate hop bitterness in Tinkoff Pale Ale makes it perfect for those who enjoy a beer with more flavor without being overly heavy. Its crisp, clean finish and smooth body make it refreshing enough to enjoy during a summer afternoon, especially when paired with flavorful summer foods.
Pair It With:
- Grilled vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, peppers)
- Spicy dishes (spicy grilled chicken wings or chili)
- Cheese (sharp cheddar or blue cheese)
5. The Three Bears Siberian Pale Ale – Bold with a Refreshing Twist
From The Three Bears Brewery in Siberia, this Siberian Pale Ale brings bold hop flavors with a refreshing twist. With an ABV of 5.5%, this pale ale has a hop-forward profile with floral and citrus notes. It’s a more complex beer compared to traditional lagers, but its light body and crisp finish make it an excellent choice for a summer beer.
Why It’s Great for Summer:
The Three Bears Siberian Pale Ale combines the best of both worlds: bold, hoppy flavors with a refreshing lightness. This pale ale’s balanced bitterness and fruity notes make it perfect for sipping on a warm day. It’s ideal for those who want to try something a little different while still enjoying a beer that’s easy to drink.
Pair It With:
- BBQ (grilled chicken, burgers)
- Salmon or other oily fish
- Fresh summer fruits (grilled peaches, berries)
6. Kama Golden Lager – A Crisp and Light Lager for Summer Days
Kama Golden Lager, with an ABV of 4.7%, is a light, crisp lager that is ideal for hot summer days. It has a slightly sweet malt character with a subtle hop bitterness that provides a refreshing finish. It’s perfect for those who want a no-nonsense, easy-drinking beer to enjoy in the sun.
Why It’s Great for Summer:
Kama Golden Lager is a classic lager that’s perfect for hot weather. Its clean, crisp finish and light body make it an excellent choice for a summer beer that pairs well with food. The beer is refreshing and smooth, making it ideal for a relaxing day outdoors.
Pair It With:
- Grilled sausages
- Light fish dishes (grilled trout, cod)
- Pickled cucumbers (a common snack in Russia)
7. Bierkrug Summer Ale – A Light and Crisp Seasonal Brew
Bierkrug Brewery in St. Petersburg is known for producing high-quality craft beers, and their Summer Ale is no exception. This beer is brewed specifically for warm weather, offering a crisp, light body with subtle fruity and floral notes. Its low ABV (around 4.5%) makes it the perfect refreshing beer for a hot day.
Why It’s Great for Summer:
Bierkrug Summer Ale is designed for those hot Russian summer days, where you need a beer that’s light but still packed with flavor. The floral and citrusy notes from the hops pair wonderfully with summer foods, making it the perfect companion for a sunny afternoon.
Pair It With:
- Summer salads (tomato and mozzarella, quinoa salad)
- Cold meats (smoked ham, turkey)
- Fruit-based desserts (lemon sorbet, fruit tarts)
Conclusion
When the temperatures rise and the sun is shining, there’s nothing better than a refreshing Russian beer to keep you cool. Whether you prefer a classic lager like Baltika 3, a bold pale ale like Tinkoff Pale Ale, or the smooth sweetness of Ochakovo Wheat Beer, Russian breweries offer plenty of options to suit every taste. These beers are perfect for pairing with summer meals, from grilled meats to light seafood dishes, making them a great companion for any warm-weather occasion.
So, this summer, raise a glass of your favorite Russian beer, and enjoy the sunshine with these crisp, refreshing brews that perfectly capture the essence of the season. Cheers!