We were born in Chicago, we manufacture in Michigan, but we operate out of Nebraska. And Being in Nebraska, you are forced to be a Husker fan. If you’re not originally, you learn to be or they toss you out of the state. And with being a Husker fan comes a tradition I was unfamiliar with prior to living there.

Red beer. (also known as  a Red Eye)

No, not a red ale…a red beer. Beer that’s red from tomato juice. I got used to having them at tailgates and they are a great way to shake off a rough morning from the previous night.I hated red beer when I first tried it.

But being a fan of crafting cocktails and drinks and playing with a few recipes I now LOVE them. So as I got used to like this drink, I decided to make it my own by creating a delicious foolproof Red Beer Recipe. If you like savory drinks, this is a very refreshing and delicious choice.

I hated red beer when I first tried it.

But being a fan of crafting cocktails and drinks and playing with a few recipes I now LOVE them.

So as I got used to like this drink, I decided to make it my own by creating a delicious foolproof Red Beer Recipe. If you like savory drinks, this is a very refreshing and delicious choice.

How to Make the Best Red Beer.

Ingredients:

  • Beer
  • Tomato Juice
  • Stu’s Bloody Mary Mix
  • Salt

The Right Beer for a Red Eye.

Any beer can be used in a Reb Beer or Red Eye. But you will find that a light lager will work best. The tomato and seasoning flavors mostly cover the flavor of bolder beers, so I’d recommend not using an expensive beer in this recipe. Save your IPAs, stouts, and ales for drinking on their own and just go with your favorite lager.

If you are from Chicago, like Stu’s, then Old Style works great. But any lager like Bud Light or Miller Light works fine.

Tomato Juice

If you opt for just plain tomato juice, don’t skip the salt. The salt helps marry the two flavors together. It’s the same reason bartenders give you a salt shaker when you order a Red Beer. Just a pinch will do and be sure not to overdo it because it can quickly become too salty.

Spices and Red Beer Mix

A Red Beer needs to be spiced up. A goof one anyway. You can dress up this drink’s flavor in the same way you would a Bloody Mary.

Stu’s Bloody Mary Mix works great. Everything you need is right there in that 16oz bottle. If you like, add a dash of hot sauce, a grind of pepper, or a pinch of celery salt to the mix.

Be sure to go slow, stir the drink, and give it a taste before adding anything else. After a Red Beer or two, you’ll find the perfect combination for your personal taste. I prefer about 5 ounces of tomato juice to one 12 oz can of lager.

Red Beer Recipe and Directions:

  • Start with a frozen mug.
  • add tomato juice until about 1/3 to 1/2 full.
  • Add juice from a half lime,
  • some coarse salt,
  • Add 2 oz of Stu’s Bloody Mary Mix
  • Add beer, fill up the rest of the glass. (I use light beer which is good).
  • Subbed the seasoned salt with celery salt

Red Beer Variations:

Spicy Red Beer Recipe

  • Add 4-6 green olives with lots of juice to make it dirty and fill with your favorite lite lager.
  • Swap classic Stu’s Bloody Mary Mix for the Smoked Jalapeno Mix.
  • Make it spicy like I do and add plenty of cayenne after the olives and swirl in glass before adding beer.

Other Options

So that’s how to make a red beer. Got your own favorite red beer? Leave a comment below and we’ll be sure to try it out! Cheer.