The world beer market just got a little smaller. Yesterday, the two largest brewers in the world – SABMiller and AB InBev – agreed on a merger worth $104.2 billion. The beers that this deal will bring under the same roof make an impressive list: Bud, Bud Light, Corona, Michelob, Stella Artois, Becks, Hoegaarden, Leffe, Coors, Coors Light, Grolsch, Icehouse, Keystone, Milwaukee’s Best, Blue Moon, Foster’s, Pilsner Urquell, Peroni, Miller Lite and Miller High Life. And that’s not even all of them.
Reactions are still pouring in: Some predict that this deal will hurt craft brewers, while others see steady opportunities for the craft community despite this epic shift in power. It’s unarguably the biggest news the beer industry’s seen in a long time.
In honor of the historic deal, here are five beer cocktails to sip on featuring signature brands of the merging giants:
1. Sparkling Pumpkin Cider Beer-Tail
Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale and sparkling apple cider make this a great beer cocktail for fall gatherings. Place a cinnamon stick in a mason jar; then pour beer until the glass is three quarters full. Top off with cider and a quick squeeze of a lemon.
2. The Cure
It doesn’t get much easier than this: Miller High Life, Canton Ginger Liquor and a splash of lemon juice make this an easy sipping cocktail. Think of this cocktail as a light, palate cleansing drink after a big Thanksgiving feast. Substitute Miller for Leffe if you like.
3. Bellagroni
For this delicious twist on a classic Negroni, just combine Campari, gin and a generous pour of chilled Budweiser or Coors (Light) over ice.
4. Dirty Blonde
Coming out of a Stella Artois Draught Masters Competition, this cocktail is a fancy version of a Black & Tan. Pour Stella Artois at a 45 degree angle into a beer glass; then slowly add Guinness over an inverted spoon.
Using Blue Moon’s Harvest Pumpkin Ale, this adult float is a great after-dinner drink. Set out two pint glasses. In each, place one scoop vanilla and one scoop chocolate ice cream. Pour the pumpkin beer (6 oz per glass) over ice cream and enjoy!