The grill gets all the attention at a cookout, but the cooler is doing the real work. Folks fill up the lawn chairs fast, corn chars on the grill, and somebody always has an opinion about what’s cold enough to drink. Get the beer right, and the whole day feels better.
Any other weekend, beer is an afterthought; whatever’s cheap and cold gets tossed in with the sodas. This year, Labor Day, always the first Monday of September, lines up with National Beer Lover’s Day, an informal observance held every Sept. 7. That gives beer an actual reason to get some thought this time, even though the guest list and menu look the same as always.
Craft Beer Is Losing the Backyard
A 2026 survey found craft beer trailing at outdoor activities, pulling just 34% compared to 38% for domestic non-craft beer and 36% apiece for imports, flavored malt beverages and seltzers. A backyard cookout falls right into that category, so the beer someone hands you might say as much about the day as the food does. Here’s what to grab, depending on what’s on the grill.
- Mexican-style lager: Perfect when smoke and heat off a Labor Day grill are the whole point. It’s light, crisp and refreshes fast between bites of ribs or corn, and it holds up well once it’s hot out. It’s an easy call for a menu built around smoke.
- Kölsch or cream ale: A solid match for richer food like brisket or pulled pork. Both are light-bodied, and their low bitterness won’t fight a sweet or smoky sauce. They pour clean and drink easy, which suits a plate already loaded with flavor.
- Session ale: A nice middle ground for grilled chicken or veggies. It’s got enough hop flavor to hold its own without taking over, and the lower alcohol content, usually 5% ABV or less, keeps you going all afternoon.
- Wheat beer or shandy: Best for lighter fare like salads, grilled shrimp or corn on the cob. A shandy, beer mixed with lemonade, is an easy pick for guests who show up early.
At a friend’s house, though, craft still wins, edging out domestic non-craft beer 52% to 51%. So if you’re grilling for people you already know, craft has a real shot this year.
A stadium parking lot or a trailhead reads as anonymous. A backyard full of neighbors does not. Maybe just skip the fancy burger and put a little more thought into what’s in the cooler.