The beermosa, sometimes also known as a bromosa or brass monkey, is a twist on the classic mimosa. Instead of bubbly champagne, this beermosa recipe uses beer as the base, mixed with orange juice. The result is an easy cocktail that’s perfect for game day and brunch alike!
What is a Beermosa?
A beermosa is a refreshing cocktail that combines beer, typically a light or wheat beer, with orange juice. It’s a twist on the classic mimosa, substituting beer for champagne.
The result is a light, bubbly, and slightly tangy drink that’s a perfect brunch cocktail, but also great for tailgating, game day, the Super Bowl, a cookout, or general summer sipping!
It’s sometimes known by other names, like the bromosa, which specifically uses craft beer or IPA as the base (for a more hop-forward flavor profile), or the brass monkey, which uses malt liquor (like Colt 45).
So, there are definitely a lot of different ways you can customize it, from different beers to varieties of orange juice, or you can even sneak in a dash or rum or orange liqueur to make a stronger version!
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Beermosa Ingredients
- 12 ounce can or bottle light beer (I use Blue Moon)
- 6 ounces orange juice
- Fresh orange slice (optional garnish)
Ingredient Tips and Variations
- Any type of light beer works, such as a lager, pilsner, saison, hefeweizen, Belgian witbier, hazy IPA, white IPA, gose, or a wheat ale. I particularly like something with a citrus base here, which is why I typically pick Blue Moon or Shock Top (but you can use other fruity beers like peach or pineapple too)
- The orange juice is your choice – store bought orange juice is fine, or you can use freshly squeezed, or even blood orange juice for a twist! Try a mixed juice to change up flavors, like pineapple orange, or adjust the ratio to suit your tastes (as low as 4 ounces or as high as 8 hours of OJ to beer is normal)
- Feel free to add 1 ounce of orange liqueur (like triple sec or Cointreau), or vodka or rum to the drink to make it stronger!
How to Make a Beermosa
- Pour beer into your glass. Tip: pour at an angle to reduce the amount of foam or “head” on the beer
- Top with orange juice
- Garnish with a slice of orange and a sprig of fresh mint if desired (optional). Enjoy!
Food Pairings For Beermosas
Beermosas pair well with a variety of foods, like game day snacks, or brunch and lighter fare options that complement their refreshing and citrusy profile. Here are some of my favorites:
- Brunch Classics: Beermosas are an ideal match for dishes like eggs Benedict, omelets with fresh vegetables, or a simple avocado toast. The drink’s acidity and light carbonation cuts through rich and creamy flavors!
- Fruits and Pastries: Pair your beermosa with fresh fruit platters, scones (my raspberry orange scones are the perfect flavor compliment, croissants (frozen croissants in the air fryer are a great shortcut), or sweet pastries. The citrus notes enhance the natural sweetness of fruits and balance the richness of baked goods
- Savory Breakfast Meats: Serve them alongside crispy bacon, sausage links, or smoked salmon. The carbonation and citrus can cleanse the palate after these salty, flavorful bites!
- Light Salads or Sandwiches: For lunchtime pairings, a fresh salad with citrus vinaigrette or a turkey and avocado sandwich on whole grain bread works beautifully, or you can serve a heartier option with burgers!
- Spicy or Tangy Dishes: The beermosa’s effervescence and citrus tones make it a refreshing contrast to spicy chorizo, huevos rancheros, or dishes with a tangy salsa. For game day, try buffalo chicken biscuit bombs or bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers too!
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Craft Beer For This Recipe?
Yes, craft beer can be an excellent choice for a beermosa, as it allows you to experiment with unique flavors and styles. Wheat beers, pale ales, or even fruity craft brews work particularly well because their light and refreshing profiles complement the citrus notes of orange juice.
Avoid using overly bitter or heavy beers, as they can overpower the drink’s balance.
Can I Use Other Types Of Juice?
Absolutely! While orange juice is traditional, you can substitute it with other juices like grapefruit juice, pineapple, cranberry, or even a mix of citrus juices.
The choice of juice can add a new flavor dimension to your beermosa, making it more personalized and versatile.
How Can I Make My Beermosa Stronger?
To make your beermosa stronger, consider adding a splash of liquor like vodka, gin, or a fruit-flavored liqueur such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
You can also choose a beer with a higher alcohol content, like a strong ale or a double IPA, to naturally increase the drink’s potency.
How Can I Make A Virgin Beermosa?
To make a non-alcoholic mocktail, or “virgin” beermosa, replace the beer with a non-alcoholic beer, sparkling water, or sparkling apple juice or cider.
Pair it with your favorite juice, such as orange or grapefruit, to maintain the refreshing and citrusy character. For extra fizz, mix in some sparkling lemonade or soda!
Tips For the Best Beermosa
- Chill your glass and other ingredients in advance for a drink that’s crisp and refreshing!
- Try a beermosa for brunch, tailgates, game day (including the Super Bowl), barbecues, summer picnics, poolside, or at other casual get togethers – it’s a versatile drink!
Serving Tips
- Glassware. A beermosa is typically served in a highball, juice glass, pilsner glass, goblet, pint glass, or mug. I like these iced tea glasses, but you can use something similar. Just remember, your glass needs to hold 18-20 ounces, as it will have to fit both the beer and the juice in it!
- I do not recommend making beermosas in advance, or you’ll lose the fresh carbonation from your beer. Since it’s only two ingredients, it’s not difficult to make fresh. If you are using freshly squeezed orange juice, though, you can squeeze your citrus up to 24 hours in advance to save time (store in a pitcher in the refrigerator until ready to serve)
Final Thoughts
This easy beermosa is the perfect cocktail recipe to try for your next brunch, game day, Super Bowl party, and more! It’s a refreshing drink that’s equally great for summer, and since it’s just 2 ingredients, you can make it in a snap for easy entertaining.
A beer cocktail is a nice change from the traditional wine or liquor based options, making it a versatile choice that even the beer drinkers can get behind!
So, if you’re looking to start happy hour with something a little different, give this tasty beermosa a try!
Easy Beermosa Recipe
Equipment
- Goblet glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 12 ounce can or bottle light beer (see notes for suggestions)
- 6 ounces orange juice
- 1 Fresh orange slice for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pour beer into your glass. Tip: pour at an angle to reduce the amount of foam12 ounce can or bottle light beer
- Top with orange juice6 ounces orange juice
- Garnish if desired (optional), and enjoy!1 Fresh orange slice for garnish
Notes
- Beer options: lager, pilsner, saison, hefeweizen, Belgian witbier, hazy IPA, white IPA, gose, or a wheat ale. A citrus base like Blue Moon or Shock Top is good, but you can use other fruity beers like peach or pineapple too to customize flavor
- Any kind of orange juice you like is fine, or try a mix like pineapple orange. Adjust the ratio to suit your tastes (4-8 ounces OJ is the normal range with 12 ounces beer)
- Add 1 ounce of orange liqueur (like triple sec or Cointreau), vodka, or rum to the drink to make it stronger!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, ratio used, any garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
