Our beer basics guide

Beer Basics Guide – Serve It Right with Susan’s Kitchen

Beer may seem simple on the surface, but there's a lot more to it than cracking open a cold bottle. Whether you're planning a large-scale event or a backyard gathering, understanding beer basics helps you offer something for everyone — and serve it the right way. At Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events, we help NYC hosts choose and present beer with just as much care as wine or spirits.

Know Your Beer Styles

Start with the categories. Most beers fall into two families: lagers and ales. Within those, you’ll find recognizable styles like:

• Lagers: Light, crisp, clean. Think pilsners and American lagers.
• IPAs: Hoppy and bold, ranging from citrusy to bitter.
• Wheat Beers: Smooth and hazy, often with fruit notes.
• Stouts and Porters: Dark, rich, and roasted — perfect for cooler months.
• Sours: Tart and fruity — a conversation starter for adventurous guests.

If you’re not sure where to start, our complete beer basics guide breaks down each style, how to serve it, and what food it pairs best with.

Serving Beer Like a Pro

Temperature matters. Lighter beers like lagers and pilsners should be chilled to around 38°F, while richer brews like stouts are better slightly warmer — around 45–50°F. Proper glassware enhances aroma and taste, too. Our glassware guide explains what to use for everything from wheat beers to IPAs.

Want to take your beer station to the next level? Check out our equipment checklist to make sure your kegs, coolers, taps, and openers are in place before guests arrive.

Mixing Beer Into the Bigger Picture

Beer works best when it's part of a larger bar setup that reflects your crowd. Curious how much to order? Use our alcohol calculator to match your guest count and bar duration to the right quantity of bottles or kegs.

Beer as Part of a Full Bar Experience

Beer rarely stands alone at events — it’s part of a balanced offering alongside wine and spirits. If you’re putting together a comprehensive bar, our bar package pricing guide walks through what’s typically included, from tiered beer selections to combo deals with cocktails and soft drinks.

Thinking of including craft or local beers? They’re a great way to personalize your event and often cost less than top-shelf liquor. Just make sure your staff knows how to serve and pair them properly — that’s where our basic drink-making skills guide can help.

Staying Compliant with Event Policies

Even beer service comes with rules. Our trained bartenders follow established alcohol service policies, including proper ID checks, serving limits, and cutoff times. This protects both you and your guests.

If your venue requires event insurance, be sure to review our bar liability coverage resource. It covers everything from third-party claims to licensing compliance for larger events with full bars or self-serve stations.

Balancing Beer with Wine and Spirits

Not everyone at your event will drink beer, so offering a basic selection of wine and cocktails is smart. Use our wine varietals guide to pick two to three styles that match your menu and season.

For your spirits list, our liquor breakdown helps you understand the essentials — from vodka to whiskey. If you’re not sure which drinks to include, check out our list of popular cocktails that pair well with most beer selections.

Smart Bar Planning with Susan’s Kitchen

At Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events, we believe every detail counts — including your beer. Our NYC bar catering services include beer curation, delivery, setup, and full bar support. Whether you're serving six-packs or setting up a draft line, we help you do it with confidence.

Want to round out your bar plan? Don’t forget to review your well-stocked bar checklist and brush up on key bar terms so you’re fully prepared for anything behind — or in front of — the bar.