Not sure what to do with leftover beer? Whether you struggle to finish a pint or your guests leave half-empty bottles behind, don’t pour it down the drain! There are many clever and eco-friendly ways to recycle leftover beer—from the kitchen to home care and even beauty routines.

How to use leftover beer in the kitchen

You don’t always need a full 25cl or 33cl bottle to create delicious recipes. In fact, a splash of beer can bring depth, flavour and creativity to your dishes. Many food blogs and recipe websites offer great beer cooking ideas using just the bottom of a bottle or can.

Try making beer caramel using just 8cl of amber beer for a rich, malty glaze. Leftover lager or brown ale adds amazing depth to dishes like Flemish carbonnade, chicken stir fry, or pork. Even flat beer works well for making pancake or waffle batter, giving it lightness and a subtle yeasty aroma.

Still have more beer to use up? Don’t worry—there are plenty of non-culinary ways to reuse beer that are both fun and sustainable!

Creative ways to recycle leftover beer at home

Beer isn’t just for drinking or cooking—it’s surprisingly effective around the house!

• Polish metal: Beer’s slight acidity makes it great for cleaning metal items like jewellery or wrought iron. Soak a cloth in leftover beer and rub your items to restore their shine.
• Revive wood furniture: Use beer to add new life to wood. Rub it gently onto shelves, tabletops, or cabinets using a soft cloth to clean and brighten dull surfaces.
• Clean cast iron: Stuck-on food in your cast iron pan? Pour in a bit of beer—the carbonation helps loosen residue with ease.
• Insect trap: Attract flies or wasps with the sweet aroma of beer. Pour some into a glass, cover with plastic wrap, and poke small holes. Insects will be lured in and unable to escape.

Can beer be used for beauty?

Absolutely! Thanks to its natural ingredients like hops and B vitamins, leftover beer can even be used in beauty care. Hops are known for their antioxidant properties, helping to fight acne and signs of ageing. Beer is also said to boost hair strength and shine due to its high vitamin B content.

Order, drink, and reuse – with no waste!

Now that you know how to reuse leftover beer, you can browse our wide selection of bottles and kegs at PerfectDraft without worrying about waste. Whether for an aperitif, dinner, or a beer-infused recipe, every drop can be put to good use.

ALCOHOL ABUSE IS DANGEROUS FOR YOUR HEALTH. DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

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