A Crisp and Refreshing American Blonde Ale
By Homebrewers Mercantile Brew Team | Published September 16, 2025
Clean, crisp, and endlessly refreshing – this American Blonde Ale is the ultimate lawnmower beer. Designed for balance and simplicity, it is a recipe you will brew again and again.
About the Style
American Blonde Ale emerged in the late 20th century as an approachable, easy-drinking style that bridged the gap between light lagers and hoppier pale ales. Often referred to as a “gateway beer,” it broadened the appeal of craft brewing by offering soft malt sweetness, restrained hop character, and a clean finish. The style is especially popular in warmer months as a refreshing “lawnmower beer,” perfect for casual gatherings, backyard barbecues, and summer sipping.
Recipe Overview
| Style | Blonde Ale – BJCP 18A |
|---|---|
| Type | All Grain |
| Batch Size | 5.0 gallons |
| Boil Size | 6.5 gallons |
| Boil Time | 60 minutes |
| End of Boil Vol | 6 gallons |
| Final Bottling Vol | 5 gallons |
| Fermentation | Ale, Two Stage |
| Original Gravity | 1.039 |
| Final Gravity | 1.007 |
| Estimated ABV | 4.1 percent |
| Measured ABV | Up to about 4.9 percent if FG reaches about 1.002 |
| IBU | 24 |
| Color | 4 SRM light golden |
This approachable recipe delivers a sessionable 5-gallon batch that is light in color, balanced in bitterness, and perfectly suited for summer drinking.
Ingredients
| Amount | Ingredient | Type or Use | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 lb 3 oz | Pale Malt 2-Row US | Grain – Mash | – |
| 9 oz | Cara-Pils or Dextrine | Grain – Mash | – |
| 7 oz | Vienna Malt Briess | Grain – Mash | – |
| 5 oz | Caramel Malt 20L Briess | Grain – Mash | – |
| 0.25 oz | Magnum | Hop – Boil | 60 min |
| 0.25 oz | Centennial | Hop – Boil | 35 min |
| 0.25 oz | Cascade | Hop – Boil | 20 min |
| 0.25 oz | Cascade | Hop – Boil | 5 min |
| 0.25 oz | Centennial | Hop – Boil | 5 min |
| 1 pkg | White Labs WLP001 California Ale Yeast | Yeast | – |
| Optional | Campden, Whirlfloc, Servomyces, Yeast Nutrient | As noted | – |
The malt bill is simple but balanced, combining a clean 2-Row base with body from Vienna and Cara-Pils, plus a touch of caramel sweetness. Centennial and Cascade provide citrus-floral hop character without overpowering the palate.
Mash Profile
| Total Grain Weight | 7 lb 8 oz |
|---|---|
| Strike Water | 9.5 qt at 161.5 °F |
| Mash Step | Single infusion at 150 °F for 60 min |
| Sparge | Fly sparge with 21 qt water |
| Target pH | About 5.2 |
A single-infusion mash at 150 °F produces a clean, crisp body with excellent fermentability. Fly sparging ensures efficiency, while a steady mash pH keeps flavors balanced.
Brewing Notes
Boil: Magnum provides smooth bittering, Centennial builds mid-boil flavor, and Cascade layers in gentle citrus. Late additions deliver a delicate aroma without sharp bitterness.
Fermentation: Chill to 66-68 °F and pitch WLP001 California Ale Yeast. A two-stage fermentation yields clarity and a clean finish. Condition cold for about 14 days before packaging.
Carbonation and Serving: Keg at about 15 psi and store at about 45 °F for 2.3-2.5 vols CO2. Expect bright clarity and an easy-drinking pint.
Why We Love It
This American Blonde Ale is a house favorite because it bridges worlds. Approachable enough for macro drinkers, flavorful enough for craft fans, and affordable to brew. Refreshing in any season and endlessly repeatable, it is the kind of beer you will want on tap year-round.
BJCP 18A
Here are the style guidelines from the BJCP for Blonde Ale (18A):
| Original Gravity (OG) | 1.040 – 1.050 |
|---|---|
| Final Gravity (FG) | 1.004 – 1.010 |
| ABV | 4.2 – 5.3 % |
| IBU (Bitterness) | 15 – 28 |
| SRM (Color) | 3 – 6 (light golden) |
| Mouthfeel | Medium-light to medium body, medium-high carbonation, smooth finish |
| Aroma & Flavor | Soft malt sweetness, light bread or grain character, restrained hop flavor, clean finish, optional mild esters |
This recipe targets OG 1.039, FG 1.007, ABV 4.1–4.9%, IBU about 24, and color around 4 SRM. The OG lands just below the BJCP 18A range, though typical variations in brewing efficiency can nudge the starting gravity up or down a few points, often bringing it right into the guideline range. All other parameters fall squarely within style.
