Mediterranean Beers: Your Ticket to an Italian Summer
The UK is basking in a rare 31 degree heatwave and suddenly it feels less like Tuesday in the Midlands and more like Tuesday in the Med. Whether you are dreaming of Amalfi cliffside lunches or tapas by the beach in Barcelona, you can recreate that sun soaked feeling at home with the right beer in hand.
And when it comes to summer beer, nothing beats the Mediterranean style.
☀️ What Makes Mediterranean Beer Different?
Mediterranean beers are brewed with the climate in mind. They need to be refreshing enough for a hot afternoon, but flavourful enough to stand up to the rich dishes of the region. Here is how they compare:
Compared to European ales: Med beers are lighter in body and colour with a cleaner finish. They do not have the heavy maltiness of a British bitter or a Belgian dubbel. They are made for drinking in the sun without weighing you down.
Compared to American beers: Where many American IPAs go big on hops with strong citrus, pine, and bitterness, Mediterranean beers are softer and more balanced, letting gentle malt sweetness shine.
Compared to Asian lagers: Asian lagers are ultra light and crisp, perfect with spicy food, but Mediterranean beers tend to have a fuller mouthfeel and more character thanks to the malt forward brewing style.
In short, they are refreshing but still interesting and the perfect in between.
🇮🇹 Peroni Nastro Azzurro
If Mediterranean beer had a poster child, it would be Peroni Nastro Azzurro. Born in 1963 and brewed with Italian maize for a light, crisp taste, Peroni is all about elegance in a glass. Bright, golden, with subtle citrus and floral notes, it is as stylish as sipping an espresso in Rome.
Best served with
Fried calamari and lemon aioli, thin slices of prosciutto with melon, or rosemary focaccia with olive oil.
Bonus: Right now, buying Peroni also gives you the chance to win 1 of 5 luxury Secret Escapes holidays, plus £50 off hotel bookings and hundreds of Antler travel prizes.
🇪🇸 San Miguel
Originating in the Philippines but perfected in Spain, San Miguel has a bright, slightly fruity profile that is perfect for sunny days. It is smooth, easy drinking, and a little richer than some other Med lagers. It is a great all rounder for both sipping and pairing with food.
Best served with
Patatas bravas with smoky paprika aioli, gambas al ajillo garlic prawns, or manchego cheese with quince paste.
🍺 Birra Moretti
Birra Moretti is a bit more rustic and malty than Peroni, with a richer golden colour and a toasty, bready aroma. It is an Italian classic that feels like it belongs alongside a family style dinner table in Florence.
Best served with
Charcuterie with mortadella, salami, and pecorino, fresh tomato bruschetta with basil, or BBQ grilled sardines with lemon and parsley.
🍽️ How We Are Drinking Mediterranean Beer This Summer
Mediterranean beer deserves Mediterranean snacks. Forget a full sit down dinner. This is the season of picky bits and TikTok agrees. Think small plates with big flavour: a board piled with olives, marinated artichokes, roasted peppers, and creamy burrata; crisp whitebait with aioli; thin cut pizza squares topped with anchovies and capers; or a pile of shell on prawns with a squeeze of lemon.
🏖️ The Final Word
Whether you are a loyal Peroni drinker, a Moretti traditionalist, or a San Miguel sun chaser, Mediterranean beers are the shortcut to feeling like you are on holiday. They are brewed for long, lazy afternoons, for shared plates and good company, for days when the weather calls for cold beer and nothing else.
And with Peroni’s summer competition, your beer might even be your ticket to a real Mediterranean escape.
