Beer, glorious beer. With London Beer Week just around the corner we're starting to crave that hoppy goodness already, but perhaps this calls for something a little different from the punter pleasing pint. People might be popping out microbreweries like babies these days but we're here to tell you there's more to beer than brewing. Oh yes, and for those who sneer at craft beer or confess to prefer a tailored tipple from a master of mixology, we're here to shame you with the ultimate breed of drink. Prepare yourselves ... Hop-heads and cocktail connoisseurs unite - we present to you Beer Cocktails.

The Ella Fitzgerald @ UnderDog, Shoreditch

Hidden beneath the BrewDog in Shoreditch is a basement boozer churning out quirky inventions on the traditional cocktail standard. If you're looking for some creative beer infusions then the Scottish brew lords have got it covered with their seasonal range of hop-heavy thirst quenchers. Try their Ella Fitzgerald concoction - sweet on the eye, this pink lady is a blend of Miller’s Westbourne Strength Gin, Lemon Juice, Lime Juice, Hibiscus & Raspberry Syrup, Sugar Syrup and Egg White, topped with a cheeky dose of Dead Pony Pale Ale to whet that whistle. What a stunna.

Dead Pony Pale Ale & Gin? You cheeky mare.

Tales of the Unexpected @ The Refinery

Perfected in the craft of whimsical cocktails and luscious libations, it's no surprise that The Refinery have created one cheeky taste-bud tingler of a beer spiced drink. Tales of the Unexpected is a mix of Craft beer, Tanqueray gin, a splash of sauvignon with a dash of elderflower for a some summery warmth. If you're not ready to take on the hardcore brews of the BrewDog champs then this delicate little number should do you nicely. 

A sneaky addition of craft beer makes this liquor one mouth-watering mixer.

The Barsmith @ Barsmith

The botanical beaus at Barsmith know their way around knockin' up some killer cocktails. Their Farringdon bar is an emporium of potent liquors and punchy spirit blends where your drink is served to you in a period inspired vessel of sorts. Their statement libation, so named after themselves, is a recipe of Rum infused with ginger & honey, an addition of lychee & lime juice and a peppering of mint leaves leaving the final addition to be a tangy taste of ginger beer. Less a crafty sensation and more of a refreshing sucker. 

This Hessian wrapped offering is a fresh flavouring of ginger beer with a hint of mint.

The Guinness Punch @ The Portobello Star 

This historic boozer has been pushing beer to lads and ladies since 1740. A vintage institution with period design features and a hand crafted menu of bespoke cocktails, The Portobello Star has created a beer laced drink inspired by a Caribbean recipe. Their Guinness Punch is a strong fusion of Wray & Nephew overproof Rum, Madagascar Vanilla Liqueur, condensed milk and brown spices with that all important sloshing of Guinness. Brought to you in a beaten old pewter tankard this pint is definitely a lip smacking treat. 

Antique, steel casks and beer heavy boozin'. 

Beer Grylls @ Oskar's Bar at Dabbous  

Venture down the stairs of Dabbous and find yourself in a minimalistic Modern land of custom cocktails, home-grown ingredients and classical tastes with a contemporary twist. Beer Grylls is the reason we're here. Take a seat at the bar and order this gritty gem. Expect a combination of Diplomatico Blanco Rum, Boudier Banane, Domaine de Canton, lime juice & manuka honey, topped up with the Icelandic craft ale Einstök White. Rugged, robust and a crackin' beer blend. 

This is the sort if guzzler that's rough around the edges, just like our Bear.