Entertaining

14 beer accessories every cottager needs

beer caddy

So you’ve grabbed a cold beer, headed out to the deck and sat down to enjoy it. Not so fast! You’ve got some decisions to make. How will you open it, carry it, dress it up and play with it? Yes, the list of beer accessories for cottagers is extensive and almost as tantalizing as the drink itself. Here are some of the most useful, most fun and most interesting options. Choose wisely.

The Beer Holster

The Beer Holster

With this bad boy you can mosey on over to the BBQ with your trusty beer by your side. Your hands will be free for grilling and flipping, with a cold drink never more than a quick draw away. Pick one up at Holster Up, where it comes in simple black leather or camouflage or fuchsia for those who prefer a little flare.

The Chillsner

The Chillsner

This handy in-beer chiller is designed to save your drink from the perils of warm weather. Pop it in the freezer for 45 minutes, pull it out, and plop it into your beer bottle. You can drink every refreshing sip right through the top. Grab one from Corkcicle.

Bottle Opener Ring

Bottle Opener Ring

Now where did that bottle opener get to? Oh never mind, it’s right on your hand! With Ring Thing’s nifty little gadget, you’ll never again search in frustration for a misplaced opener to crack open a new brew. And with the power to pop the top right in the palm of your hand, you’ll be the centre of attention at any cottage party. Find one at Amazon.

Beer Caddy

Beer Caddy

Stop toting around flimsy cardboard and carry your 6-pack down to the beach in style with this wooden beer holder. It’s well crafted and sturdy, with a handy bottle opener right on the side. Pick one up at West Elm, or check out Etsy.com and choose from dozens of handcrafted designs.

Beer Bites Snack Bowl

Beer Bites Snack Bowl

This beer-shaped porcelain snack dish is a practical place to stuff all the munchies you crave with your beverage. It’s also a cute little conversation piece when guests stop by for a cold one. It’s available on Amazon.

Beer Tasting Set

Beer Tasting Set

Throw a classy cottage dinner party with a couple of these sets and have your guests sample fancy brews instead of chug them back. It comes with a wooden paddle stand and four flight-size glasses. The sets are available at truebeer.com.

Bottle Mustaches

Bottle Mustaches

These plastic bottle markers are an easy way to inject some silly spirit into your gatherings. They come in six different colours and are sure to stop accidental beer swipers in their tracks—unless they’ve been coveting your mustache. They also make great party favours so no one will ever forget your cottage bash. Find them at Beardo Wear or Amazon.

Beer Mitt

Beer Mitt

Because sometimes it gets chilly at the cottage and you can’t bear to put down the beer. These knitted mittens give you a great grip on your bottle, while keeping your fingers nice and toasty. With these babies, you can extend your beer-swilling deck days well into the crisp fall nights. Pick one up at Suzy Kuzy.

Self Chilling Pint Glasses

Self Chilling Pint Glass

Beer drinkers hate diluted drinks almost as much as they hate warm brew. With this custom designed glassware you can keep your beer frosty without resorting to ice cubes. Simply charge the magnetic “dimple” and attach it to the bottom of the pint glasses. Your drink will be icy cold for at least 30 minutes, which is more than enough time to polish it off. The set, from Soiree Home, is available at Amazon.

Bottle Opener Coasters

Bottle Opener Coasters

If you’re the kind of host who’s constantly on coaster lookout, worried your guests will slip up and damage the furniture, these two-for-one’s are made for you. They act as coasters and bottle openers which means beer drinkers have added incentive make good use of them. Check them out at Brooklyn Brew Shop.

Beer Savers

Beer Savers

Once you pop the cap off your beer bottle, drinking mishaps can easily occur. Flies and mosquitos could nose-drive into your bottle. Dust and dirt could flitter their way in. You could knock your precious beverage right over with one poorly timed movement. But with these silicone caps that fit snugly onto standard size beer bottles you can keep your beer clean and full until you’ve savoured every last drop. You can even store a half-full bottle in the fridge for later if you can’t quite finish it … just don’t admit that to your buddies. Get some at beersavers.com.

Mug Muscles

Mug Muscles

Yes, you’ve chosen to drink beer instead of exercise, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up completely. Justify your decision by working out your arm muscles while you sip your frosty beverage. It’s definitely more comical than practical, but this novelty item will bring more than a few laughs. Grab one at mugmuscles.com.

Bread Baker with Beer Bread Mix

Beer Bread Maker with Mix

Any true beer lover knows that beer is delicious in more than just a glass. It’s a multi-faceted cooking ingredient that adds wonderful flavour dimensions to your food. To make quick and easy beer bread, pick up this bread maker and mix from Uncommon Goods. Just add beer and bake.

Ultrasonic Beer Foamer

Ultrasonic Beer Foamer

Looking for that “fresh from the beer tap” feeling? Now there’s an affordable at-home device that will create the perfect amount of head. Place your beer on the Sonic Foamer and press the button. Using ultrasonic waves it opens up the beer to create bubbles, which transform into foam when they reach the surface. Sound a little strange? Satisfy your curiosity and give it a try.