50 Best Light Beers to Drink in 2026

THE LIGHT BEER BOARD · UPDATED 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
#1 in this roundup
Beer profile

Miller Lite

Brewed by Miller Brewing Company

StyleLight Lager
ABV4.2%
Light credential96 calories
Brewed inMilwaukee, Wisconsin

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
#2 in this roundup
Beer profile

Michelob Ultra

Brewed by Anheuser-Busch

StyleLight Lager
ABV4.2%
Light credential95 calories
Brewed inSt. Louis, Missouri

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
#3 in this roundup
Beer profile

Clubhaus Lager

Brewed by Von Ebert Brewing

StyleAmerican Light Lager
ABV4.0%
Light credential4.0% ABV
Brewed inPortland, Oregon

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
#4 in this roundup
Beer profile

Coors Light

Brewed by Coors Brewing Company

StyleLight Lager
ABV4.2%
Light credential102 calories
Brewed inGolden, Colorado

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
#5 in this roundup
Beer profile

Modelo Oro

Brewed by Grupo Modelo

StyleLight Mexican Lager
ABV4.0%
Light credential90 calories
Brewed inMexico City, Mexico

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
#6 in this roundup
Beer profile

Yuengling Flight

Brewed by D. G. Yuengling & Son

StyleLight Lager
ABV4.2%
Light credential95 calories
Brewed inPottsville, Pennsylvania

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
#7 in this roundup
Beer profile

Samuel Adams American Light

Brewed by Boston Beer Company

StyleLight Lager
ABV4.2%
Light credential115 calories
Brewed inBoston, Massachusetts

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
#8 in this roundup
Beer profile

Corona Premier

Brewed by Grupo Modelo

StyleLight Mexican Lager
ABV4.0%
Light credential90 calories
Brewed inMexico City, Mexico

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
#9 in this roundup
Beer profile

Heineken Light

Brewed by Heineken

StyleLight Lager
ABV3.3%
Light credential90 calories
Brewed inAmsterdam, Netherlands

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
#10 in this roundup
Beer profile

Shiner Light Blonde

Brewed by Spoetzl Brewery

StyleLight Blonde Lager
ABV4.2%
Light credential99 calories
Brewed inShiner, Texas

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
#11 in this roundup
Beer profile

Amstel Light

Brewed by Amstel Brewery

StyleLight Lager
ABV3.5%
Light credential95 calories
Brewed inAmsterdam, Netherlands

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
#12 in this roundup
Beer profile

Bud Light

Brewed by Anheuser-Busch

StyleLight Lager
ABV4.2%
Light credential110 calories
Brewed inSt. Louis, Missouri

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
#13 in this roundup
Beer profile

Corona Light

Brewed by Grupo Modelo

StyleLight Mexican Lager
ABV4.1%
Light credential99 calories
Brewed inMexico City, Mexico

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
#14 in this roundup
Beer profile

Busch Light

Brewed by Anheuser-Busch

StyleLight Lager
ABV4.1%
Light credential95 calories
Brewed inSt. Louis, Missouri

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
#15 in this roundup
Beer profile

Yuengling Light Lager

Brewed by D. G. Yuengling & Son

StyleAmber Light Lager
ABV3.8%
Light credential99 calories
Brewed inPottsville, Pennsylvania

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
#16 in this roundup
Beer profile

Heineken Silver

Brewed by Heineken

StyleLight Lager
ABV4.0%
Light credential95 calories
Brewed inAmsterdam, Netherlands

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
#17 in this roundup
Beer profile

Miller 64 Extra Light

Brewed by Miller Brewing Company

StyleExtra-Light Lager
ABV2.8%
Light credential64 calories
Brewed inMilwaukee, Wisconsin

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
#18 in this roundup
Beer profile

Budweiser Select 55

Brewed by Anheuser-Busch

StyleExtra-Light Lager
ABV2.4%
Light credential55 calories
Brewed inSt. Louis, Missouri

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
#19 in this roundup
Beer profile

Keystone Light

Brewed by Coors Brewing Company

StyleLight Lager
ABV4.1%
Light credential101 calories
Brewed inGolden, Colorado

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
#20 in this roundup
Beer profile

Labatt Blue Light

Brewed by Labatt Brewing Company

StyleLight Lager
ABV4.0%
Light credential108 calories
Brewed inToronto, Ontario

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
#21 in this roundup
Beer profile

Genesee Light

Brewed by Genesee Brewing Company

StyleLight Lager
ABV3.6%
Light credential100 calories
Brewed inRochester, New York

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
#22 in this roundup
Beer profile

Old Milwaukee Light

Brewed by Pabst Brewing Company

StyleLight Lager
ABV3.8%
Light credential113 calories
Brewed inMilwaukee, Wisconsin

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
#23 in this roundup
Beer profile

Milwaukee's Best Light

Brewed by Miller Brewing Company

StyleLight Lager
ABV4.2%
Light credential96 calories
Brewed inMilwaukee, Wisconsin

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
#24 in this roundup
Beer profile

Narragansett Atlantic Light

Brewed by Narragansett Brewing Company

StyleLight Lager
ABV3.5%
Light credential90 calories
Brewed inProvidence, Rhode Island

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
#25 in this roundup
Beer profile

Bud Light Lime

Brewed by Anheuser-Busch

StyleLime-Flavored Light Lager
ABV4.2%
Light credential116 calories
Brewed inSt. Louis, Missouri

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
#26 in this roundup
Beer profile

Light Hearted Ale

Brewed by Bell's Brewery

StyleLo-Cal IPA
ABV3.7%
Light credential110 calories
Brewed inComstock, Michigan

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
#27 in this roundup
Beer profile

Slightly Mighty

Brewed by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

StyleLo-Cal IPA
ABV4.0%
Light credential95 calories
Brewed inMilton, Delaware

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
#28 in this roundup
Beer profile

Cape May Light

Brewed by Cape May Brewing Company

StyleLight Lager
ABV4.2%
Light credential110 calories
Brewed inCape May, New Jersey

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
#29 in this roundup
Beer profile

Cold Rush

Brewed by Goose Island Beer Co.

StyleLight Lager
ABV4.1%
Light credential95 calories
Brewed inChicago, Illinois

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
#30 in this roundup
Beer profile

Really Decent

Brewed by Werk Force Brewing Co.

StyleAmerican Light Lager
ABV4.0%
Light credential100 calories
Brewed inPlainfield, Illinois

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
#31 in this roundup
Beer profile

Sleeman Light

Brewed by Sleeman Breweries

StyleLight Lager
ABV4.0%
Light credential90 calories
Brewed inGuelph, Ontario

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
#32 in this roundup
Beer profile

Game Day

Brewed by Bright Spark Brewing

StyleAmerican Lager
ABV4.2%
Light credential4.2% ABV
Brewed inVicksburg, Michigan

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
#33 in this roundup
Beer profile

Dale’s American Light Lager

Brewed by Oskar Blues Brewery

StyleAmerican Light Lager
ABV4.2%
Light credential95 calories
Brewed inLongmont, Colorado

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
#34 in this roundup
Beer profile

Sleeman Clear 2.0

Brewed by Sleeman Breweries

StyleLow-Carb Lager
ABV4.0%
Light credential80 calories
Brewed inGuelph, Ontario

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
#35 in this roundup
Beer profile

Peaceful Side Mexican Lager

Brewed by Peaceful Side Brewery

StyleMexican-Style Lager
ABV4.5%
Light credential110 calories
Brewed inMaryville, Tennessee

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
#36 in this roundup
Beer profile

Kona Light Blonde Ale

Brewed by Kona Brewing Hawaii

StyleLight Blonde Ale
ABV4.2%
Light credential99 calories
Brewed inKailua-Kona, 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
#37 in this roundup
Beer profile

Molson Ultra

Brewed by Molson Coors Canada

StyleLight Lager
ABV3.0%
Light credential70 calories
Brewed inMontreal, Quebec

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
#38 in this roundup
Beer profile

Merican Light Beer

Brewed by Merican Beer Company

StyleAmerican Light Lager
ABV4.1%
Light credential100 calories
Brewed inUnited States

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
#39 in this roundup
Beer profile

Club Light

Brewed by Peaceful Side Brewery

StyleLight Lager
ABV4.2%
Light credential95 calories
Brewed inMaryville, Tennessee

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
#40 in this roundup
Beer profile

Kirin Light

Brewed by Kirin Brewery Company

StyleLight Lager
ABV3.3%
Light credential95 calories
Brewed inTokyo, Japan

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
#41 in this roundup
Beer profile

Natural Light

Brewed by Anheuser-Busch

StyleLight Lager
ABV4.2%
Light credential95 calories
Brewed inSt. Louis, Missouri

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
#42 in this roundup
Beer profile

Lone Star Light

Brewed by Pabst Brewing Company

StyleLight Lager
ABV3.9%
Light credential110 calories
Brewed inSan Antonio, Texas

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
#43 in this roundup
Beer profile

Sunday Beer

Brewed by Sunday Beer Co.

StyleLight Lager
ABV3.9%
Light credential116 calories
Brewed inBrooklyn, New York

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
#44 in this roundup
Beer profile

DayTime IPA

Brewed by Lagunitas Brewing Company

StyleLo-Cal IPA
ABV4.0%
Light credential98 calories
Brewed inPetaluma, California

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
#45 in this roundup
Beer profile

Rec League

Brewed by Harpoon Brewery

StyleLo-Cal Pale Ale
ABV3.8%
Light credential120 calories
Brewed inBoston, Massachusetts

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
#46 in this roundup
Beer profile

Blue Moon LightSky

Brewed by Blue Moon Brewing Company

StyleCitrus Wheat Beer
ABV4.0%
Light credential95 calories
Brewed inDenver, Colorado

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
#47 in this roundup
Beer profile

Budweiser Select

Brewed by Anheuser-Busch

StyleLight Lager
ABV4.3%
Light credential99 calories
Brewed inSt. Louis, Missouri

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
#48 in this roundup
Beer profile

Cracked Canoe

Brewed by Moosehead Breweries

StyleLight Lager
ABV3.5%
Light credential90 calories
Brewed inSaint John, New Brunswick

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
#49 in this roundup
Beer profile

3 Speed Lager

Brewed by Amsterdam Brewery

StyleLight Lager
ABV4.2%
Light credential120 calories
Brewed inToronto, Ontario

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
#50 in this roundup
Beer profile

Nite Lite

Brewed by Night Shift Brewing

StyleLight Lager
ABV4.3%
Light credential120 calories
Brewed inEverett, Massachusetts

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.

KEEP THE FLIGHT GOING

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.

Karl S
BEHIND THE BAR

Written by Karl S

Lead marketer, brewer, dad, and husband. Pretty much an all-round awesome guy. Self proclaimed coffee addict who's been home brewing beer (among other things) for 25+ yrs. Also an aspiring pro-brewer and micro-brewery owner!

Meet Karl →