Stephen Farrelly

April showers bring May flowers, but let’s be real—rainy spring evenings are a great excuse to crack open a shower beer. Whether you’re getting ready to hit the town, winding down after work, or just trying to escape the grim reality of what the future holds, there’s nothing quite like the magic of sipping a crisp, cold beer while standing under a stream of boiling hot water.

Not all beers are made for the shower. You want something crisp, light, and affordable. Save that bougie stout for your next campfire, who are you trying to impress with a fancy shower beer? This is your time to relax and decompress. No judgment, no pretense—just a can in your hand, steam on the walls and intrusive thoughts in your brain.

Pilsners and lagers are tailor-made for this kind of moment. Their clean flavor profiles and light-to-medium body make them highly “crushable,” which is exactly what you want when you’re taking a quick rinse before heading out. Jack’s Abby Post Shift Pilsner has a crisp, grassy finish that’s endlessly drinkable, while a classic Bud heavy remains a reliable go-to with its balanced, slightly sweet flavor. These beers are easygoing and easy on the wallet, a perfect combo when you’re standing in your towel debating if you should go out or spend $30 having Five Guys delivered to your door like a rat king.

Session IPAs strike a happy medium between flavor and drinkability. They offer enough hop character, citrusy, piney, or herbal, to keep things interesting without being overwhelming. Wormtown’s Be Hoppy Session is a toned-down version of their flagship IPA, full of bright flavor but still light on the ABV. Night Shift’s Nite Lite Lager also fits the vibe, with a lighter body and a touch of bitterness that feels just right for pre-game mode without going overboard.

And yes, I know I said don’t go fancy but hear me out. Sours and goses offer a tangy, invigorating twist that can totally work in the shower. Their tartness, often balanced with fruity or saline notes, wakes up the palate in a way that feels playful and refreshing. Allagash’s River Trip is a great example: lightly tart, citrusy, brewed with coriander—it’s complex, but still crushable. These beers are perfect if it’s payday, or if you’re just feeling a little fancy-for-no-reason. You’ve earned it.

Because let’s be honest, the shower beer isn’t just about relaxation. It’s a power move. If you’re in the mood for a bender, it sets the tone for a great night/sloppy weekend ahead. You’re getting cleaned up, putting on your best fit, and easing into the evening with the ideal pre-game beverage. It’s like hitting the reset button in the best way possible.

Maybe you’ve had a long day and in that case the shower beer is your best friend. That first sip washes away the stresses of work, society collapsing around us and all of the embarrassing things you’ve done over the past decade that still haunt you. It’s a moment of pure self-care, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need to turn your brain off before sinking into the couch and binging Ghost Adventures.

Pro Tips for Maximum Enjoyment:

• Stick to cans. Glass and showers don’t mix.

• Keep it cold. A lukewarm shower beer just doesn’t hit the same.

• Time it right. Crack it open after you’ve shampooed—no one likes soapy beer.

• Know your limit. One is refreshing. Two? Draw yourself a damn bath.

So, as April showers roll in, grab a cold one, step into the steam, and let the magic of the shower beer work its wonders.