The Craft Beers We’re Drinking This Summer

Summer beers tend to fall into two predictable camps: overly fruity gimmicks or safe, forgettable lagers. This summer’s current craft lineup across Indian taprooms, thankfully, is doing a bit better than that. Breweries are leaning into seasonal ingredients, regional flavours, and collaborations that actually push profiles beyond the usual citrus-and-hops formula. From mango-led ales to kokum-inflected pales and even a smoked doppelbock that refuses to play nice with the weather, these are the beers worth seeking out right now.

Geist Ale-phonso at Geist Brewing Co., Bengaluru

Summer in India usually means mango overload, and this one goes all the way in. Geist Ale-phonso pours a glowing yellow and opens with a full-on Alphonso hit on the nose. The flavour follows through with ripe, juicy mango, but it doesn’t tip into cloying territory thanks to a mild bitterness that keeps things balanced. At under 5% ABV, it drinks easily and smoothly, making it the kind of beer you reach for on a long, hot afternoon when you want something refreshing without thinking too hard.

Holy Smokes at Mannheim Craft Brewery, Bengaluru and Fort City Brewing, New Delhi

Holy Smokes is a smoked doppelbock that leans into deep, dark malt with a pronounced smoky edge that lingers. The collaboration between Mannheim and Fort City Brewing shows up in the layering; there’s richness, a touch of sweetness, and then that slow, almost campfire-like finish. You don’t knock this back in a hurry. You sit with it, preferably when you’re in the mood for something heavier than your usual summer pours.

Kokum at Fort City Brewing, New Delhi

Kokum in a pale ale could’ve gone sideways, but we're loving this one. The beer is tangy right off the bat, with a bright fruitiness that feels lifted rather than sugary. What makes it work is the dry finish; it cuts through the fruit and leaves you with a clean, almost saline edge that echoes coastal flavours. There’s a distinct Goan callback here, like a fleeting memory of solkadhi, which makes it one of the more interesting summer releases right now.

Lychee Basil Blonde at The Biere Club, Bengaluru

This sounds experimental, but it plays it safer than you’d expect. The lychee comes through soft and slightly floral, while the basil adds a faint herbal lift rather than dominating the profile. With a 4.7% ABV and a mid-level body and bitterness, it sits comfortably in easy-drinking territory. If you’re expecting a punchy, flavour-forward beer, you might find it a bit restrained; if you want something light with a subtle twist, it does the job.

New World IPA at Toit, Mahadevapura, Bengaluru

This is your familiar IPA lane, done cleanly. Inspired by the American IPA evolution, it leans into citrus and tropical fruit notes layered over a steady malt base. The aroma is a mix of fruit and light sweetness, while the palate balances hops without going aggressively bitter. Medium to full-bodied with a crisp finish, it’s approachable for an IPA, though seasoned drinkers might wish it pushed the hops a bit harder. Still, at 5.5% ABV, it’s a dependable pick when you want something structured but not overwhelming.