FIRST THINGS FIRST: There is absolutely nothing wrong with bringing a case of Coors Light to a crawfish boil. Or Miller Lite. Or Bud. Or whatever inexpensive lager floats your boat. Because above all, the best beer at a crawfish boil is the beer that is the coldest and most conveniently grabbed from the Igloo cooler on the patio. Bonus: The less you spend on beer, the more you’ll be able to bring for a crowd. How does it feel to be a hero?

That said, the Bayou City—being the swamp it is—is home to an array of craft beers well-suited to both the humidity and the spice levels generally present at most backyard crawfish boils. When purchasing, you’ll want to look for “session” beers, i.e., brews with a lower percentage of alcohol by volume, because no one wants to pound 10 percent ABV Scotch ales in the Houston heat. You’ll also want to stick with beers that pair naturally with peppery foods, like classic IPAs and other pale ales, while steering clear of anything too hoppy.

7-Iron

Blonde session ale, 4.5% ABV
11 Below Brewing

Sam’s Daily

Cream ale, 5.8% ABV
Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co. 

Art Car IPA

American IPA, 7.1% ABV
Saint Arnold Brewing Co.

Buckle Bunny

Cream Ale, 4.2% ABV
Eureka Heights Brew Co.

Brewston

Texas Pale Ale, 5.8% ABV
8th Wonder Brewery