Like most college students, to those at the University of Miami, beer is often the drink of choice. Because of its affordability, availability and social role, it’s become an essential part of campus life. Beer appears at every event, from local bars to fraternity parties to “Grove Thursdays.”
The history of beer goes back thousands of years. The earliest known alcoholic beverage was brewed around 7000 BCE in China. The first barley beer originated in the Middle East 5000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia.
Nowadays, the recipe for beer has come a long way. It begins with grain, which ventures through boiling kettles before enduring the fermentation process. Should the grains maintain a very particular pH level, a beer will be born. There is a world of science behind every sip. More importantly, an endless amount of options and pairings. From India Pale Ale to cream beer, taste testing to find your favorite beer should be an adventure.
Let’s break down anything and everything beer — from its scientific creation to the best spots around UM to score a delicious pint.
Sandbar, Monty’s Coconut Grove, Regatta Grove, Barracuda and Yardhouse in Coral Gables are all popular picks for students looking for a fun night.
Gabby Alvarez, a bartender at Sandbar in Coconut Grove, advises college students to indulge in lighter beers to save on cost and calories.
“Lighter for longer,” said Alvarez, who claimed light beer has the least amount of alcohol, calories and is less expensive. She said it’s perfect for students who want multiple drinks in a night or for those looking to avoid weight gain from drinking. Her recommendations: Coors Light, Corona Light or Michelob Ultra.
UM beer drinkers searching for a more adventurous brew have a wide selection to choose from. Hazy IPAs are now becoming a “Grove Thursday” pick. With their fruity aroma, minimal bitterness and smooth texture, it’s easy to see why.
Looking to avoid alcohol altogether? Alcohol-free beers are taking bars and campuses by storm. Although most popular in “Dry-January,” they are becoming common for students to enjoy year-round. One option served at Sandbar: Heineken 0.0% non-alcoholic beer. NA beers are a great alternative to normal beers, giving drinkers a way to still participate in drinking culture without the alcohol.
The latest federal survey data on alcohol consumption shows drinking spirits is more popular than ever, and binge drinking is waning. A 2023 report found that among full-time college students ages 18 to 22, about 46% drank alcohol, and about 28% engaged in binge drinking in the past month.
At UM, amongst the students attending frat parties, “Grove Thursdays” or just kick-backs with their friends, beer has a heavy hold.. It has commonly been used as a tool to relax and celebrate. Alcohol, for many students, is a rite of passage into college life.
Jacob Walsh, a UM first-year and fraternity member shared opinions on the topic.
“It’s so expensive, and especially living in Miami, you want to save as much money as possible, and a case of beer is way cheaper than a case of seltzer, like High Noon,” said Walsh.
Annabelle Aron, another UM student who identified as sober-curious, offered a different perspective.
“I don’t even drink beer,” said Aron, claiming to prefer a spirit-based cocktail like an Aperol Spritz.
Aron said social expectations and peer pressure often shape the drinking culture at UM, in college and in Greek life in general.
“A lot of times I don’t want to go out, my friends will be like, ‘come on, let’s get drunk, blah, blah, blah,’ and I’m just like, ‘no.’ I don’t really deal with peer pressure,” said Aron.
Whether it is indulged because of social pressure or to strive for the college experience portrayed in movies, beer is a staple on campuses. Celebrated for its simplicity, availability and convenience, many students drink it because of how versatile it is and its well-established role within collegiate drinking culture.
What’s better than a good beer? A beer with a less-boozy acquaintance. Sandbar’s Alvarez, whose restaurant offers a wide assortment of food items to accompany the beer lovers, said that UM students want to eat when they drink.
“The saltier the better,” said Alvarez, noting that beer goes perfectly with fish, dips and anything salty. He said Corona, one of the most beloved college beer brands, is popularly accompanied by chips and guacamole.
Looking for a meal? Buffalo wings and fish tacos are also highly recommended snacks to pair with beer. Or, for a night-in at your dorm, peanuts, popcorn, goldfish, pizza, your favorite chips or even salami with cheese all pair very nicely with your beer of choice.
The best advice when it comes to beer is to explore. Try new things and find new favorites. From nation-wide names to local cans, the options are practically endless. You can personalize it by switching up your selections until you find your perfect brew.
Where to Crack Open a Cold One
If you feel the call of a nic, ice cold beer, there are a bunch of places you can go. From campus classics to a few under-ground hits, here are a few places you hit to crack open a cold one.
Coconut Grove
- The Taurus
- Barracuda
- Level 6 Rooftop
- Bayshore Club
- Regatta Grove
Brickell
- American Social
- Batch Gastropub
- Kush
- CRAFT Brickell
South Miami
- Pub 52
- Sunset Tavern
- Bay 13
- Bougainvillea
- Thorn
Wynwood
- Temple Craft
- Casa La Rubia
- Tap42
- Gramps
words_kelly pifer & collin rieck. photo_wes lucas. design_sal puma.
This article was published in Distraction’s Spring 2025 print issue.
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