Finding the beer styles perfect for casual drinkers can be overwhelming with so many options out there.
Maybe you’ve tried a few beers before but didn’t love the strong flavors of an IPA or the heaviness of a stout. Or perhaps you’re just starting your beer journey and want something smooth and refreshing. The good news? There are plenty of easy-drinking beers that are crisp, light, and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a cold one without feeling like they need to be a beer expert.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top beer styles for beginners and casual drinkers, so you can confidently order a beer at a bar or pick up the right one at the store. Whether you prefer something fruity, malty, crisp, or creamy, there’s a perfect beer out there for you!
What Makes a Beer Easy to Drink?
Before diving into specific beer styles, let’s talk about what makes a beer “easy-drinking” in the first place.
For most casual drinkers, the best beers are:
- Light-bodied – Not too thick or heavy, making them refreshing and smooth.
- Low to moderate bitterness – Beers with intense hop bitterness (like IPAs) can be overwhelming for beginners.
- Balanced flavor – No single ingredient (like hops, malt, or yeast) should dominate the taste.
- Low to moderate alcohol content – Beers under 5% ABV (alcohol by volume) tend to be more sessionable and easy to enjoy.
Top 10 Beer Styles Perfect for Casual Drinkers
Discover the best beer styles for casual drinkers! Explore our top 10 picks of easy-drinking beers that are perfect for beginners and those new to the beer scene.
1. Pilsner – Crisp and Refreshing
If you want a classic, refreshing beer that’s light, crisp, and easy to drink, pilsner is your best bet.
This lager-style beer originated in the Czech Republic and has since become one of the most popular light beers worldwide. It’s smooth, golden, and slightly hoppy, with a refreshing, clean finish.
What makes it great for casual drinkers?
- Light and crisp with a mild malt sweetness
- Low bitterness but still flavorful
- Perfect for warm weather or casual sipping
Popular Pilsners to Try:
- Pilsner Urquell – The original Czech Pilsner with a slightly bready, floral taste.
- Stella Artois – A smooth and crisp Belgian Pilsner.
- Budweiser Budvar (Czechvar) – A high-quality, authentic Czech Pilsner.
Pilsners are widely available and a safe choice when you don’t know what to order!
2. Wheat Beer – Smooth and Slightly Fruity
For a beer that’s light, creamy, and slightly fruity, go for a wheat beer. These beers are brewed with a high percentage of wheat, giving them a smooth, soft texture.
One of the most well-known wheat beers is Hefeweizen, a German-style beer that has natural banana and clove flavors due to its unique yeast. Meanwhile, Belgian-style Witbier (white beer), like Blue Moon, often has orange peel and coriander, giving it a citrusy kick.
What makes it great for casual drinkers?
- Low bitterness and a naturally smooth mouthfeel
- Fruity and slightly sweet flavors make it easy to enjoy
- Pairs well with summer vibes and light foods
Popular Wheat Beers to Try:
- Paulaner Hefe-Weißbier – A German classic with banana and spice notes.
- Blue Moon Belgian White – A creamy, citrusy Witbier that’s popular in the U.S.
- Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier – One of the best wheat beers in the world.
If you like smooth, fruity flavors in your drinks, wheat beers are a fantastic choice!
See more: Discover Top Affordable Wines for Your Special Occasions!
3. Blonde Ale – Light and Balanced
Blonde ales are mild, balanced, and incredibly easy to drink. They sit somewhere between a lager and an ale, offering the best of both worlds – crisp and refreshing like a lager, but with a bit more malt character.
These beers typically have a slight sweetness, low bitterness, and a clean, dry finish. They’re approachable, smooth, and perfect for someone who wants a simple, no-fuss beer.
What makes it great for casual drinkers?
- Light-bodied with just a touch of malt sweetness
- Balanced flavors – nothing too bitter or overpowering
- A good stepping stone for those looking to explore craft beer
Popular Blonde Ales to Try:
- Kona Big Wave Golden Ale – A smooth, tropical, slightly sweet blonde ale.
- Firestone Walker 805 – Light, refreshing, and slightly honey-like.
- Victory Summer Love – A crisp and bright summer ale.
If you enjoy a simple, easygoing beer that doesn’t have too many bold flavors, blonde ale is a great pick!
4. Kölsch – The Best of Both Worlds
Kölsch is a hybrid beer style that’s technically an ale but drinks like a lager. This German beer is light, crisp, and slightly fruity, making it a great choice for someone who doesn’t want anything too hoppy or too malty.
It has a subtle sweetness, soft carbonation, and a clean, dry finish, making it one of the most refreshing beer styles out there.
What makes it great for casual drinkers?
- Light, crisp, and easy to drink
- Slightly fruity, but not overwhelming
- Great for sipping on a sunny day
Popular Kölsch Beers to Try:
- Reissdorf Kölsch – A traditional, slightly sweet, and smooth Kölsch.
- Gaffel Kölsch – A well-balanced, refreshing beer from Cologne, Germany.
- Sunner Kölsch – A crisp, dry, and highly drinkable option.
5. Helles Lager – Smooth and Mellow
If you enjoy a clean, crisp beer without too much bitterness, you’ll love Helles Lager.
This German-style beer is a bit maltier than a Pilsner but still light, golden, and highly refreshing. It has a touch of sweetness from the malt, balanced by very mild hop bitterness.
Why is it great for casual drinkers?
- Extremely smooth and easy to drink
- Low bitterness, making it gentle on the palate
- Pairs well with almost any food, from pretzels to burgers
Popular Helles Lagers to Try:
- Weihenstephaner Original Helles – Classic, soft, and slightly sweet.
- Paulaner Münchner Hell – A well-balanced, full-bodied Helles.
- Hacker-Pschorr Munich Gold – A bright and mellow option.
If you’re a fan of light lagers like Budweiser but want something more flavorful, Helles Lager is a perfect upgrade.
6. Amber Ale – A Touch of Caramel Sweetness
Amber ales are a great choice for casual drinkers who want something a bit richer but still easy to drink.
They have a mild caramel sweetness from the malt, with a touch of toasted or nutty flavors. While they do have some hop bitterness, it’s very balanced and smooth.
Why is it great for casual drinkers?
- Smoother than dark beers but still has depth of flavor
- Low to moderate bitterness, making it very approachable
- A great transition beer for those who want to explore more complex flavors
Popular Amber Ales to Try:
- Fat Tire (New Belgium) – Malty, smooth, and lightly toasted.
- Alaskan Amber – A great balance of caramel sweetness and crisp finish.
- Samuel Adams Boston Ale – A classic, slightly richer option.
If you find lagers too light but stouts too heavy, amber ales hit that perfect middle ground.
7. Cream Ale – Light and Effortlessly Drinkable
Despite its name, Cream Ale doesn’t actually contain dairy—it just refers to its smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
This American beer style is light-bodied, crisp, and mildly sweet, similar to a lager but brewed with ale yeast. It’s an easy-drinking beer that doesn’t overwhelm the taste buds.
Why is it great for casual drinkers?
- Very mild and refreshing, making it perfect for warm weather
- No overpowering bitterness or strong flavors
- Great for people who normally don’t drink beer but want to start
Popular Cream Ales to Try:
- Genesee Cream Ale – The most famous example, smooth and lightly sweet.
- Spotted Cow (New Glarus Brewing) – A Midwest favorite, slightly fruity and creamy.
- Sleeman Cream Ale – A balanced and clean Canadian cream ale.
If you like light lagers but want something smoother, Cream Ale is a must-try.
8. Session IPA – Hoppy, But Not Overwhelming
If you’ve tried an IPA (India Pale Ale) before and found it too bitter, you’re not alone.
That’s where Session IPAs come in! These beers retain the fruity, citrusy hop flavors of an IPA but with much lower bitterness and less alcohol, making them way more drinkable.
Why is it great for casual drinkers?
- Lighter and smoother than regular IPAs
- Bursting with fruity flavors (citrus, tropical, piney)
- Great if you want to ease into hoppy beers without being overwhelmed
Popular Session IPAs to Try:
- Founders All Day IPA – A go-to light, crisp, and citrusy IPA.
- Lagunitas DayTime IPA – Bold hop aroma but incredibly smooth.
- Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing – A slightly hazy, juicy, low-bitterness IPA.
If you want to dip your toes into IPAs without the intense bitterness, a Session IPA is a great first step.
9. Fruit Beer – A Fun and Flavorful Twist
If you like fruity cocktails, ciders, or flavored seltzers, then fruit beers might be your new favorite.
Fruit beers are brewed with real fruit or natural flavors, giving them a sweet, tart, or juicy taste while still maintaining a beer-like character. Some taste like a refreshing summer drink, while others are lightly sour or crisp.
Why is it great for casual drinkers?
- Often low in bitterness, making them smooth and enjoyable
- Natural fruit flavors make them taste refreshing and unique
- A great alternative to ciders if you want to explore beer
Popular Fruit Beers to Try:
- Lindemans Framboise – A raspberry Belgian beer that’s tart and slightly sweet.
- Abita Purple Haze – A light wheat beer with raspberry flavors.
- Schöfferhofer Grapefruit – A citrusy, refreshing wheat beer blend.
If you don’t normally like the taste of traditional beer, fruit beers are a fun and easy way to get started.
10. Light Lager – The Classic Choice
Sometimes, you just want a simple, light, and refreshing beer—no extra flavors, no bitterness, just something cold and easy to sip.
That’s where Light Lagers shine. These beers are clean, crisp, and incredibly smooth, making them one of the most popular choices in the world.
Why is it great for casual drinkers?
- Very mild flavor – nothing too strong or overpowering
- Low alcohol and light body, making it easy to drink anytime
- Perfect for social gatherings, BBQs, and casual sipping
Popular Light Lagers to Try:
- Coors Light – A smooth and refreshing classic.
- Bud Light – One of the most popular American beers.
- Miller Lite – Crisp, clean, and easy-drinking.
If you just want a simple, no-fuss beer, Light Lager is always a safe choice.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Perfect Beer for You
The best beer style for casual drinkers depends on what kind of flavors you enjoy.
- Want something crisp and refreshing? Try a Pilsner, Kölsch, or Helles Lager.
- Like a little sweetness? Go for an Amber Ale or Cream Ale.
- Looking for fruitiness? Wheat Beers and Fruit Beers are great options.
- Want to explore hoppy beers without too much bitterness? Try a Session IPA.
- Prefer something ultra-light and easy? Light Lagers are the way to go.
I’m Kara Chavez, and I love coffee. I like to create some of the best coffees around – espressos, lattes, macchiatos . I strive for perfection in my coffee-making skills, and I take great pride in providing a delicious cup of joe to my customers.
I’ve been working in the coffee industry for years now, and I know everything there is to know about making a perfect cup of coffee. My passion for coffee shines through in every cup that I make, and I hope that you’ll stop by soon so that I can share my love of coffee with you!