How Can Women Navigate a Beer Menu With Confidence?
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Ever looked at a beer menu and thought, "Is this a beverage list or a chemistry final?"
I totally get it. Before starting Hurray’s Girl Beer, I used to panic whenever someone handed me a beer menu. "Double dry-hopped session IPA"? Sounds suspiciously like a gym workout or a skincare routine. But guess what? Beer menus are actually easier than they look—promise.
Beer menus aren't that scary
Beer might seem complicated, but let me break it down for you. Two main types—ales and lagers. Everything else is pretty much a fancy variation of these two.
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Ales: fruity, bold, a little dramatic (like me after two margaritas). Think IPAs, porters, stouts.
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Lagers: smooth, easygoing, and reliable (like your best friend who always brings snacks). Think pilsners, Bud Light, Corona.
Here's a handy beginner-friendly guide if you want to dig a little deeper without getting a headache.
Don’t pretend to like IPAs (seriously)
I don’t care what trendy beer bros say—it's okay to like fruity beer. Loving fruit-forward beers doesn't make you basic—it makes you someone with functioning taste buds. Personally, that's why I created flavors like our pineapple yuzu. Fruity, fresh, and zero apologies needed.
Explore all the fruity goodness in our beer collection:
[collection-carousel="beer"]
Quick decoding of beer labels
Beer labels love sounding complicated, but it's all smoke and mirrors. Let's simplify:
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IPA: Bitter, hoppy, strong personality.
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Stout: Rich, creamy, chocolate or coffee vibes.
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Sour: Tangy, tart, fun like sour candy.
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Pilsner: Crisp, clean, mellow.
Confused? No worries. Here's a helpful article on how to understand beer labels. It's short and clear—exactly how I like my beer explanations.
Beer flights are your friend
Feeling indecisive? Order a beer flight. It's basically beer Tinder: lots of quick sips, minimal commitment. Perfect for those of us who have a tough time deciding what shoes to wear in the morning (hi again, me).
If tasting IRL sounds good to you, stop by one of our events—you can find out more on our sip IRL page.
Just ask the bartender (really!)
Bartenders actually want to help. Seriously, their job isn't just opening bottles and looking cool. They’d rather chat beer than wipe down the bar for the tenth time.
If you’re feeling shy, here are tips on decoding beer menus. After reading that, you’ll practically be the bartender.
Build your own beer vocabulary
If you're stuck, here are easy phrases to use when ordering:
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"I want something fruity and refreshing."
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"I'm not a fan of bitter—any suggestions?"
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"Can you recommend something smooth and easy?"
No one ever judges someone who knows exactly what they want.
Don't worry about what's trending
If there's one thing you take away, let it be this: you do not need to like IPAs. You do not need to like stouts. You can absolutely adore fruit beers, sours, or something sweet without apologizing to the craft beer snob at your table.
I literally founded an entire brand around this belief—our blueberry lavender beer is proof. Beer can taste great without bitterness or trendy hype.
Merch makes everything easier (trust me)
Still nervous? Rocking some cute beer merch is an easy confidence booster. Check out our comfy, casual stuff in the merch collection. At least you'll look like a pro—even if you're still learning.
Still stuck? Talk to me!
If you need a little more advice, seriously, hit me up through our contact page. I'm more than happy to answer your beer questions, laugh at your beer stories, or give you some personalized recommendations. I promise I’m nicer than an IPA.
Confidence tastes amazing
Ultimately, navigating beer menus confidently is all about owning your taste. Choose beers that make you happy. Drink the fruity one. Order the sour one. Ask questions proudly. Life’s too short to pretend you love drinks you don't.
Next time you're out, remember—you're not confused, you're just exploring. And exploring tastes pretty damn delicious.
Cheers To That ❤️,
Ray
