A few light drink recommendations from Craig Purser, President and CEO of the National Beer Wholesalers Association.
With the passing of Labor Day, so too departs our dearly beloved summer, which means goodbye barbecues, so long pool parties, and hello tailgating!—kind of. Much like the upcoming college and professional football seasons, tailgating will look different this fall, with smaller groups, social-distancing, and masks, masks, masks. But howsoever you choose to gather, don’t let sanitizer be the only alcohol on tap. Here are five drinks, recommended by the President and CEO of the National Beer Wholesalers Association, Craig Purser, perfect for kicking off the new “tailgate season.”
Craig Purser
Vizzy Hard Seltzer
“This year, it’s all about lighter drinks with a twist,” Purser says. Weighing in at 100 calories, one gram of sugar, and 5% ABV, this seltzer by Molson Coors boasts a per-cup Vitamin C concentration 30 times greater than an orange—ideal for a sun-starved, quarantined body. Available flavors: Pineapple Mango, Black Cherry Lime, Blueberry Pomegranate and Strawberry Kiwi.
Truly Lemonade Seltzer
Lemonade may feel summery, but as long as September swelters, it belongs in the rotation. Dial the drink down to 100 calories and one gram of sugar, crank up the ABV to 5%, and you have Truly by Boston Beer Company, available in four bubbly flavors: Original Lemonade, Black Cherry, Strawberry and Mango.
Corona Premier
Painfully topical yet pleasantly tropical, Corona is a tailgate staple. Go with Premier, a lighter version of the Especial, clocking in at 90 calories and 2.6 grams of carbs. Thumb in a lime for extra piquancy, just don’t share it with anyone!
So-Lo IPA
With the flavor profile of a bold IPA and the nutrition profile of something much lighter, this beer is a unicorn. A product of Goose Island, So-Lo is less than 100 calories and contains only 3% ABV per 12-ounce can. It’s easy to drink, and in these times, that might be all you need to know.
Trite IPA
No matter how distanced your tailgate, there’s always room for a craft beer. Try Aslin Beer Company’s Trite IPA, a crisp, well-balanced brew with citrusy notes and a 5.5% ABV. Neither heavy nor overpowering, Trite can also be enjoyed virtually, square in the comfort of your own home.
