Change up your routine this summer

Summer is here, and if you're like most beer-drinkers, you're reaching for a thirst-quenching lawnmower beer — one of those mainstream light lagers that are great for cooling off but lack much character.

But don't get stuck in a rut. Summertime is for changing your routine. Go barefoot, take a vacation and try something new.

Here's five good ways to shake things up this summer.

1. Say saison

For years, beer freaks have been griping about the quality of American-made wheat beer because many of the domestics come off like dumbed-down versions of classic European styles.

Gradually, though, U.S. craft brewers have been putting their own signatures on wheat, especially in the new raft of saisons or farmhouse-style ales. These brews offer a bit more body than the standard American wheat, with thirst-quenching, spicy flavors. Saison goes well with food; try a bottle with grilled fish or burgers.

If you don't like the first saison you grab, try another brand. The style is open to interpretation, so no two are the same. Start with this sixpack of American-made saisons:

• St. Somewhere Saison Athene (Florida). Fragrant and foamy, it's spiced with rosemary for a refreshingly piney flavor.

• Victory Helios (Pennsylvania). Spiced with German hops for a peppery bite.

• Clipper City Red Sky at Night (Maryland). Belgian candi sugar makes it strong and slightly sweet.

• Jolly Pumpkin Bam Biere (Michigan). Tart and a bit funky, its low alcohol content makes it an all-day refresher.

• Ommegang Hennepin (New York). Tastes like a bit of honey with a splash of O.J.

• North Coast La Merle (California). Just a touch of pineapple from its distinctive Simcoe hops.

2. Crack open a can

Stuck on a boat or sunning by the swimming pool where glass bottles are banned? You don't have to settle for the bland taste of canned light beer; more and more craft brewers are putting their beer in aluminum.

Try Sly Fox Phoenix Pale Ale, Dale's Pale Ale or 21st Amendment Brew Free or Die IPA. The Brits send us Ruddles Pub Ale, Badger Brewery Dorset Best and Young's Double Chocolate Stout; the Belgies ship Brasserie des Rocs Blonde and Bavik's Wittekerke.

3. Look for more variety

Dozens of breweries mix it up during the summer with variety cases that are packed with bottles you won't find throughout the rest of the year.

• Saranac's 12 Beers of Summer contains a refreshing Rye Pilsener.

• Magic Hat's Summer Variety Show includes the seasonal Odd Notion, a ginger golden ale.

• Boxes of Samuel Adams Summer Styles are packed with a spicy Summer Ale, a tart Blackberry Wit and a nicely hopped Latitude 48 IPA.

4. Eat your beer

Chefs, summertime is your moment to shine at the grill, and I don't just mean sweating over your Weber.

Give that beer-can chicken recipe a try. All you need is a decent-flavored can of beer and your favorite mix of barbecue spices. Shove the (open) can into the bird's cavity, and the beer'll baste those great flavors right into the moistened meat.

For dessert, try a stout float. Just plunk a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream into a pint of Rogue Shakespeare Stout. The ale's smooth body is a perfect match of all that ice creamy goodness.

5. Go to a beer festival

It more fun to discover new varieties with your friends in the great outdoors. Look for a full calendar of destinations at BeerFestivals.org. Among the best:

• Vermont Brewers Festival, Burlington, Vt. - July 16-17

• Oregon Brewers Fest, Portland, Ore. — July 22-25.

• Great Taste of the Midwest, Madison, Wis. — Aug. 14.

• California Beer Festival, Ventura — Sept. 18.

Joe Sixpack appears Wednesdays in the Appeal-Democrat. For more beer news, visit www.joesixpack.net . E-mail: joe@joesixpack.net .