What are some things I can do with leftover beer?

And whilst it’s hard to beat a chilled pint on a hot summer’s day, we’ve found ourselves asking the question – what are some other uses for beer?

And from culinary to cleaning, we’ve found some corkers...

Here are some things you can do with beer:

• Make beer batter
• Create flavour cubes
• Bake a steak & ale pie
• Cook beer-infused lentils
• Boil bratwurst and other sausages
• Use as a hair rinse
• Polish metal

Now let’s find out how...

Is beer batter the best kind of batter?

If you like your fried fish extra light and crispy beer batter is best! This is because the bubbles in beer escape as the batter is fried, creating pockets that make the coating especially airy.

Plus, the acidity of the beer helps to break up the gluten of the flour in the batter and stop it from being tough and chewy. Beer batter also cooks quicker than other types of batter (like water or milk) due to the alcohol content, which prevents over-cooking.

Allergen alert!

The majority of beers and lagers (and sometimes even ciders) have Cereals containing Gluten as a main ingredient, because they are made from grain like barley. Cereals containing Gluten are one of the 14 major food allergens, and are also not suitable for those with Coeliac Disease.

Can I freeze beer?

Beer ice lollies probably aren’t the best idea, but you can certainly freeze beer and turn it into individual flavour pods to use in cooking. Why? Beer can add depth to sauces and gravies, going particularly well the ingredients in barbecue sauce or onion gravy. You can pour beer into an ice cube tray, pop into the freezer, and after several hours you’ll be left with individual portions that you can use as needed to add a burst of flavour – without the need for keeping open cans of beer in the fridge.

Can I put beer in a steak and ale pie?

As the name suggests, when it comes to beer you should really only be using stouts and ales in steak & ale pie.

This is because lighter choices like lager and IPAs don’t possess the depth of taste to be simmered and reduced without turning bitter. Ale pulls double duty in a steak & ale pie – one of the all-time British pub classics - firstly by breaking down the tendons in the tougher cuts of meat usually used for this dish, and secondly by infusing its flavours into the gravy – making it richer and more complex.

Top tip!

For a steak & ale pie cook your meat the day before you need it – you can easier get rid of any excess fat that’s risen to the top and will help your pastry stay firm.

What’s a good vegan dish I can make with beer?

For a tasty, plant-based side dish that includes beer, heat oil and chopped onions in a pan. When softened, tip in puy lentils, pour over with beer and simmer away until the liquid has mostly evaporated.

Then add stock, herbs and simmer for a further 20 minutes until the lentils are cooked.

What’s a good meat dish I can make with beer?

An unusual but delicious way of cooking with beer is to place several Bratwurst sausages (or the similar Thüringer or Bockwurst) in a pan and add some thinly sliced onions.

Cover with your leftover beer and bring to the boil, before simmering for several minutes.

The sausages will become infused with an earthy sweetness from the beer that complements the smooth pork. Afterwards, brown the sausages on a hot grill to seal in the flavour.

Will rinsing my hair in beer make it shiny?

Will rinsing my hair in beer make it shiny?

Yes, rinsing your hair with beer after using shampoo and conditioner will give it an added shine. This is because beer is made with hops that contain proteins that stick to the hair cuticle, making it (temporarily) smoother and more reflective. Make sure the beer is poured over the hair at the end of the washing routine, and do not rinse it out with water.

Can I use beer to polish metal?

Yes, beer can be effective polishing tarnished metals such as gold or iron, as it contains acids that can remove dirt, grime and oil from their surface without being too abrasive. For items that are small enough you should submerge in beer for 15 minutes and then use a cloth to remove excess stains, and for larger items soak the cloth itself in beer and then use to clean and remove grime.