3 beers we love for summer

When you're picking out beers for a summer cookout, variety is key. Not everyone likes hoppy IPAs, and some get squinty-eyed just thinking about a sour ale.

More important, not every craft beer is created equal. These are a few of our favorites to keep on hand this season.

BEER GARDENS: 8 great ones in Westchester and Rockland

BBQ, BURGERS & BEER: Listen to the latest lohudfood podcast

THINGS TO DO: Lohud Summer Bucket List 2016

Hop Commander IPA, Captain Lawrence

This is one of my favorite IPAs out there, and not just because it’s local. It’s not a summer seasonal (Captain Lawrence makes that, too), but definitely a warm weather staple. As more and more craft breweries infiltrate the beer shelves and great IPAs become harder and harder to suss out, the Hop Commander stands out. It’s smooth balanced, but with a satisfyingly bitter bite for those who want it. This is a good one to have on hand all summer for any hop-heads.

Confliction, Sloop Brewing

In the lohudfood podcast I referenced the Obolus gose that Sloop Brewing made in the past (if you see it, buy it), but the real winner from this Hudson Valley microbrewery this year is Confliction. The sour pale ale recently took home a gold medal at the World Beer Cup, where nearly 2,000 breweries from 55 countries competed for the prestigious award. Sloop is a small brewing company in Elizaville that craft beer fans love for their impeccable sour ales. The gold medal is proof that they were right all along.

Blonde Ale, Thomas Hooker Brewing

This Connecticut brewery has nailed the summer staple beer. It’s light and refreshing, golden colored, mild and a little citrusy. This is a beer that pairs well with everything from burgers and potato salad to grilled salmon and peach cobbler. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser.