On a scale of zero to screaming bald eagle, how free are you on the 4th of July?

You don’t have to answer that – but it felt like the right way to get this piece flowin’ since we are talking about the four best beers to have for the 4th.

The title is a bit misleading though – while we are going to recommend four specific beers it’s more about the style of beer we think you should have in hand while cautiously drawing your name with sparklers. Don’t lie – it doesn’t matter how old you get – you try to make it happen.

1. Cream Ales

Underappreciated and crushable. Crack into the Tangerine Cream from Station 26 and you will make sure to actually be awake for the fireworks.

2. Gosé

If you are like me – your 4th of July might have a spicy, Mexican food flare – which is why you will find me sippin’ on El Gose from Avery Brewing Company. The salt and lime dance it out and the low ABV keeps me from dancing too early.

3. Slush

Is this officially a style? Not sure but we are going with it – no better way to escape the heat than with a slush beer. For this holiday we are going with Pool Party from Wiley Roots for the mojito and lime vibe – it will also make us feel better about not having a pool.

4. Haze

You didn’t really think we were going to give you a list of better beers and leave our haze, did you? Well, you’re wrong – all parties should have haze flowing. This year we aren’t just enjoyin’ OG haze but going a bit crazy with the Double Dry Hopped Juicy Bits from WeldWerks Brewing Company because we love Citra, Mosaic and El Dorado Hops.

Cheers to the 4th!