50 Best Light Beers to Drink in 2026
Light beer no longer means one narrow aisle of nearly identical cans. The field now stretches from American tailgate staples and low-carb lagers to citrus wheat beers, hop-driven session ales, and genuinely flavorful craft options.
This Top 50 weighs refreshment, flavor, availability, category influence, and how successfully each beer delivers on its lighter promise. Calories matter, but a beer still has to earn the next sip.
The 50 Best Light Beers

Miller Lite
Brewed by Miller Brewing Company
96 calories: light-bodied, crisp, and gently grainy, with a clean hop snap.
BAR NOTES
Miller Lite earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is light-bodied, crisp, and gently grainy, with a clean hop snap. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with grilled brats, smash burgers, or salty pretzels. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Michelob Ultra
Brewed by Anheuser-Busch
95 calories: very lean and highly carbonated, with mild grain and a quick dry finish.
BAR NOTES
Michelob Ultra earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is very lean and highly carbonated, with mild grain and a quick dry finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or a post-round clubhouse sandwich. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Clubhaus Lager
Brewed by Von Ebert Brewing
4.0% ABV: crisp and clean with soft cereal malt and restrained bitterness.
BAR NOTES
Clubhaus Lager earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is crisp and clean with soft cereal malt and restrained bitterness. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with hot dogs, nachos, or a turkey club. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Coors Light
Brewed by Coors Brewing Company
102 calories: cold-conditioned, brisk, and lightly sweet before a fast dry finish.
BAR NOTES
Coors Light earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is cold-conditioned, brisk, and lightly sweet before a fast dry finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with burgers, wings, or ballpark peanuts. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Modelo Oro
Brewed by Grupo Modelo
90 calories: dry and delicate with light corn sweetness and a bright lager finish.
BAR NOTES
Modelo Oro earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is dry and delicate with light corn sweetness and a bright lager finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with ceviche, grilled shrimp, or lime-dressed tacos. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Yuengling Flight
Brewed by D. G. Yuengling & Son
95 calories: clean and softly malty with lively carbonation and little lingering sweetness.
BAR NOTES
Yuengling Flight earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is clean and softly malty with lively carbonation and little lingering sweetness. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with roast chicken, soft pretzels, or mild cheddar. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Samuel Adams American Light
Brewed by Boston Beer Company
115 calories: more malt-forward than most macro lights, balanced by herbal hops and a crisp finish.
BAR NOTES
Samuel Adams American Light earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is more malt-forward than most macro lights, balanced by herbal hops and a crisp finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with pizza, grilled sausage, or a deli sandwich. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Corona Premier
Brewed by Grupo Modelo
90 calories: extra dry, softly grainy, and highly refreshing with a delicate finish.
BAR NOTES
Corona Premier earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is extra dry, softly grainy, and highly refreshing with a delicate finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with shrimp tacos, chips and salsa, or grilled white fish. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Heineken Light
Brewed by Heineken
90 calories: lean and grassy with familiar European hop character and a dry finish.
BAR NOTES
Heineken Light earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is lean and grassy with familiar European hop character and a dry finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with mussels, fries, or a simple ham sandwich. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Shiner Light Blonde
Brewed by Spoetzl Brewery
99 calories: softly bready and easygoing with a faint floral lift.
BAR NOTES
Shiner Light Blonde earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is softly bready and easygoing with a faint floral lift. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with barbecue chicken, queso, or grilled corn. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Amstel Light
Brewed by Amstel Brewery
95 calories: lightly malty, gently bitter, and drier than many American light lagers.
BAR NOTES
Amstel Light earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is lightly malty, gently bitter, and drier than many American light lagers. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with fried fish, Gouda, or salty pub snacks. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Bud Light
Brewed by Anheuser-Busch
110 calories: very clean and neutral with high carbonation and a faint rice-like crispness.
BAR NOTES
Bud Light earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is very clean and neutral with high carbonation and a faint rice-like crispness. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with wings, pizza, or anything coming off a backyard grill. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Corona Light
Brewed by Grupo Modelo
99 calories: pale, dry, and softly sweet with an easy lime-friendly finish.
BAR NOTES
Corona Light earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is pale, dry, and softly sweet with an easy lime-friendly finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with fish tacos, guacamole, or grilled shrimp. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Busch Light
Brewed by Anheuser-Busch
95 calories: clean, lightly corny, and briskly carbonated with almost no aftertaste.
BAR NOTES
Busch Light earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is clean, lightly corny, and briskly carbonated with almost no aftertaste. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with brats, potato chips, or a campfire hot dog. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Yuengling Light Lager
Brewed by D. G. Yuengling & Son
99 calories: toastier and more amber-colored than the category norm, with caramel malt and a dry close.
BAR NOTES
Yuengling Light Lager earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is toastier and more amber-colored than the category norm, with caramel malt and a dry close. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with roast pork, burgers, or sharp cheddar. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Heineken Silver
Brewed by Heineken
95 calories: smooth and lightly fruity with subdued bitterness and a clean lager finish.
BAR NOTES
Heineken Silver earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is smooth and lightly fruity with subdued bitterness and a clean lager finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with sushi, chicken skewers, or salty fries. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Miller 64 Extra Light
Brewed by Miller Brewing Company
64 calories: extremely lean and fizzy with delicate grain and virtually no residual sweetness.
BAR NOTES
Miller 64 Extra Light earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is extremely lean and fizzy with delicate grain and virtually no residual sweetness. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with light salads, grilled vegetables, or simple crackers and cheese. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Budweiser Select 55
Brewed by Anheuser-Busch
55 calories: feather-light and very dry with mild grain and assertive carbonation.
BAR NOTES
Budweiser Select 55 earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is feather-light and very dry with mild grain and assertive carbonation. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with raw vegetables, grilled shrimp, or a light snack plate. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Keystone Light
Brewed by Coors Brewing Company
101 calories: mild and clean with soft cereal flavor and a short finish.
BAR NOTES
Keystone Light earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is mild and clean with soft cereal flavor and a short finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with frozen pizza, nachos, or grilled hot dogs. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Labatt Blue Light
Brewed by Labatt Brewing Company
108 calories: crisp and lightly sweet with a familiar Canadian lager snap.
BAR NOTES
Labatt Blue Light earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is crisp and lightly sweet with a familiar Canadian lager snap. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with poutine, wings, or a grilled sausage. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Genesee Light
Brewed by Genesee Brewing Company
100 calories: straightforward and grainy with lively bubbles and a clean finish.
BAR NOTES
Genesee Light earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is straightforward and grainy with lively bubbles and a clean finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with white hots, pretzels, or a diner burger. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Old Milwaukee Light
Brewed by Pabst Brewing Company
113 calories: softly sweet and uncomplicated with a dry, quick finish.
BAR NOTES
Old Milwaukee Light earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is softly sweet and uncomplicated with a dry, quick finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with fried cheese curds, burgers, or potato chips. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Milwaukee's Best Light
Brewed by Miller Brewing Company
96 calories: thin-bodied, brisk, and mildly grainy with firm carbonation.
BAR NOTES
Milwaukee's Best Light earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is thin-bodied, brisk, and mildly grainy with firm carbonation. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with pepperoni pizza, chili dogs, or salted popcorn. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Narragansett Atlantic Light
Brewed by Narragansett Brewing Company
90 calories: crisp and coastal-friendly with light grain, gentle hops, and a dry finish.
BAR NOTES
Narragansett Atlantic Light earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is crisp and coastal-friendly with light grain, gentle hops, and a dry finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with clam cakes, lobster rolls, or fried fish. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Bud Light Lime
Brewed by Anheuser-Busch
116 calories: brightly lime-forward over a lean lager base with a sweet-tart finish.
BAR NOTES
Bud Light Lime earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is brightly lime-forward over a lean lager base with a sweet-tart finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with tacos, tortilla chips, or spicy grilled chicken. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Light Hearted Ale
Brewed by Bell's Brewery
110 calories: citrusy and piney with real hop aroma, a light malt base, and a clean bitter finish.
BAR NOTES
Light Hearted Ale earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is citrusy and piney with real hop aroma, a light malt base, and a clean bitter finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with grilled chicken, tacos, or Michigan whitefish. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Slightly Mighty
Brewed by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
95 calories: tropical and citrusy with noticeable hop flavor and a surprisingly full palate.
BAR NOTES
Slightly Mighty earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is tropical and citrusy with noticeable hop flavor and a surprisingly full palate. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with spicy shrimp, curry, or a sharp cheddar sandwich. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Cape May Light
Brewed by Cape May Brewing Company
110 calories: clean and beach-ready with soft malt, restrained hops, and a brisk finish.
BAR NOTES
Cape May Light earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is clean and beach-ready with soft malt, restrained hops, and a brisk finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with crab cakes, boardwalk fries, or grilled chicken. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Cold Rush
Brewed by Goose Island Beer Co.
95 calories: crisp and lightly malty with a clean, cold finish built for repeat pours.
BAR NOTES
Cold Rush earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is crisp and lightly malty with a clean, cold finish built for repeat pours. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with Italian beef, tavern pizza, or salted peanuts. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Really Decent
Brewed by Werk Force Brewing Co.
100 calories: fresh and snappy with soft grain, low bitterness, and craft-lager cleanliness.
BAR NOTES
Really Decent earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is fresh and snappy with soft grain, low bitterness, and craft-lager cleanliness. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with smash burgers, fried cheese curds, or hot dogs. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Sleeman Light
Brewed by Sleeman Breweries
90 calories: clean and mildly sweet with soft hop bitterness and a quick finish.
BAR NOTES
Sleeman Light earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is clean and mildly sweet with soft hop bitterness and a quick finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with grilled sausages, fries, or mild cheese. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Game Day
Brewed by Bright Spark Brewing
4.2% ABV: subtle and crisp with restrained malt and bright carbonation.
BAR NOTES
Game Day earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is subtle and crisp with restrained malt and bright carbonation. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with picnic sandwiches, chips, or grilled chicken. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Dale’s American Light Lager
Brewed by Oskar Blues Brewery
95 calories: crisp and grain-forward with a touch more hop definition than a mass-market light.
BAR NOTES
Dale’s American Light Lager earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is crisp and grain-forward with a touch more hop definition than a mass-market light. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with green chile burgers, tacos, or kettle chips. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Sleeman Clear 2.0
Brewed by Sleeman Breweries
80 calories: ultra-clean and dry with gentle malt and almost no lingering sweetness.
BAR NOTES
Sleeman Clear 2.0 earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is ultra-clean and dry with gentle malt and almost no lingering sweetness. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with grilled fish, chicken salad, or sushi. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Peaceful Side Mexican Lager
Brewed by Peaceful Side Brewery
110 calories: crisp and softly corny with a bright finish made for a squeeze of lime.
BAR NOTES
Peaceful Side Mexican Lager earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is crisp and softly corny with a bright finish made for a squeeze of lime. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with street tacos, queso, or grilled shrimp. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Kona Light Blonde Ale
Brewed by Kona Brewing Hawaii
99 calories: clean and lightly tropical with mango aroma, soft malt, and a crisp finish.
BAR NOTES
Kona Light Blonde Ale earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is clean and lightly tropical with mango aroma, soft malt, and a crisp finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with poke, grilled mahi-mahi, or coconut shrimp. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Molson Ultra
Brewed by Molson Coors Canada
70 calories: very lean and clean with mild grain and high carbonation.
BAR NOTES
Molson Ultra earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is very lean and clean with mild grain and high carbonation. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with hockey-night nachos, grilled chicken, or fries. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Merican Light Beer
Brewed by Merican Beer Company
100 calories: crisp and straightforward with soft grain and a dry, uncomplicated finish.
BAR NOTES
Merican Light Beer earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is crisp and straightforward with soft grain and a dry, uncomplicated finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with burgers, barbecue, or a bag of salty chips. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Club Light
Brewed by Peaceful Side Brewery
95 calories: clean, bright, and gently bready with a refreshing dry close.
BAR NOTES
Club Light earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is clean, bright, and gently bready with a refreshing dry close. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with club sandwiches, fried pickles, or grilled chicken. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Kirin Light
Brewed by Kirin Brewery Company
95 calories: delicate and dry with a faint rice character and restrained bitterness.
BAR NOTES
Kirin Light earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is delicate and dry with a faint rice character and restrained bitterness. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with sushi, tempura, or yakitori. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Natural Light
Brewed by Anheuser-Busch
95 calories: mild, lightly sweet, and highly carbonated with a quick finish.
BAR NOTES
Natural Light earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is mild, lightly sweet, and highly carbonated with a quick finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with cheap pizza, grilled hot dogs, or tailgate nachos. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Lone Star Light
Brewed by Pabst Brewing Company
110 calories: clean and softly grainy with restrained bitterness and an easy finish.
BAR NOTES
Lone Star Light earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is clean and softly grainy with restrained bitterness and an easy finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with brisket, breakfast tacos, or smoked sausage. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Sunday Beer
Brewed by Sunday Beer Co.
116 calories: softly citrusy and clean with a craft-minded malt balance.
BAR NOTES
Sunday Beer earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is softly citrusy and clean with a craft-minded malt balance. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with bagels and smoked salmon, pizza, or a picnic sandwich. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

DayTime IPA
Brewed by Lagunitas Brewing Company
98 calories: brightly hopped with citrus, pine, and a dry body that keeps the bitterness lively.
BAR NOTES
DayTime IPA earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is brightly hopped with citrus, pine, and a dry body that keeps the bitterness lively. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with fish tacos, spicy wings, or a grilled vegetable sandwich. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Rec League
Brewed by Harpoon Brewery
120 calories: citrusy and lightly hazy with buckwheat, chia, and a soft refreshing body.
BAR NOTES
Rec League earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is citrusy and lightly hazy with buckwheat, chia, and a soft refreshing body. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with lobster rolls, roast chicken, or a grain bowl. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Blue Moon LightSky
Brewed by Blue Moon Brewing Company
95 calories: tangerine-forward and lightly wheaty with a bright, gently sweet finish.
BAR NOTES
Blue Moon LightSky earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is tangerine-forward and lightly wheaty with a bright, gently sweet finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with salads, grilled shrimp, or orange-glazed chicken. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Budweiser Select
Brewed by Anheuser-Busch
99 calories: fuller and maltier than Select 55 while staying dry and firmly carbonated.
BAR NOTES
Budweiser Select earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is fuller and maltier than Select 55 while staying dry and firmly carbonated. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with burgers, barbecue chicken, or soft pretzels. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Cracked Canoe
Brewed by Moosehead Breweries
90 calories: clean and lightly malty with subtle hops and a crisp Canadian lager finish.
BAR NOTES
Cracked Canoe earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is clean and lightly malty with subtle hops and a crisp Canadian lager finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with fish and chips, grilled sausage, or cheddar. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

3 Speed Lager
Brewed by Amsterdam Brewery
120 calories: smooth and lightly bready with balanced bitterness and a clean finish.
BAR NOTES
3 Speed Lager earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is smooth and lightly bready with balanced bitterness and a clean finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with peameal bacon sandwiches, pizza, or fries. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.

Nite Lite
Brewed by Night Shift Brewing
120 calories: crisp and flavorful with bready malt, subtle citrus, and a snappy finish.
BAR NOTES
Nite Lite earns its place because it approaches lighter drinking as a real brewing target, not merely a subtraction exercise. In the glass it is crisp and flavorful with bready malt, subtle citrus, and a snappy finish. That profile makes it useful when refreshment matters but plain sparkling water wearing a beer costume will not do.
Serve it properly cold rather than numbingly frozen, then give the first pour a moment to release its aroma. It works especially well with roast beef sandwiches, pizza, or fried clams. The food supplies salt, fat, or spice while the beer’s lean body and carbonation clear the palate for another bite.
Light beer is only the first round.
Follow the crisp end of the beer board into lagers, warm-weather favorites, and lower-alcohol pours that still bring actual flavor.