Leftover beer happens.

But before you dump it down the drain, know this: flat or forgotten beer still has plenty of life left in it. From the kitchen to the backyard, here are ten surprisingly useful ways to put that leftover brew to work.

Cook With It

Any of you who read our regular “Cooking with Beer” series understand that beer is basically a shortcut to flavor. Use it to deglaze a pan, enrich chili, deepen stews, or replace stock in a pinch. Dark beers add richness, lighter lagers keep things crisp. Even flat beer works just fine.

Bake Better Bread

Beer bread doesn’t need yeast, and leftover beer is perfect for it. The carbonation may be gone, but the malt and sugar remain, giving your loaf a subtle, savory depth.

Upgrade Marinades

Beer helps tenderize meat and adds layers of flavor. Combine it with garlic, citrus, herbs, and spices for a simple marinade that works especially well on chicken, pork, and steak.

Revive Your Garden

Yep, beer can do that. Beer contains nutrients that can benefit compost piles, helping speed up decomposition. Just don’t pour it straight onto plants—it’s better mixed into compost where the sugars can do their thing.

Trap Garden Pests

Turns out, slugs and snails love beer even more than you do. Pour some into a shallow container and place it near problem areas. They’ll crawl in, and that’s the end of the line.

 Polish Metal

The mild acidity in beer can help clean and shine copper, brass, and even stainless steel. Apply with a soft cloth, wipe clean, and rinse thoroughly.

Make Fluffier Batter

Another clever “Cooking with Beer” hack. Leftover beer is great in batters for fish, onions, or veggies. Even flat beer adds flavor and helps create a lighter texture when fried.

 Condition Your Hair

Seriously this one’s an old-school trick, but it works. Rinsing hair with beer can add shine thanks to proteins from malt and hops. Let it go flat first unless you enjoy a foamy shower.

Enrich Sauces and Gravies

Beer can do all kinds of things in the kitchen. A splash of beer can elevate barbecue sauce, cheese sauce, or gravy. It adds complexity without overpowering the dish—just simmer it down to mellow the bitterness.

Clean Wood Furniture

Yep, it can do that too. Beer can help remove dirt and add shine to wood surfaces. Apply a small amount with a soft cloth, wipe gently, then buff dry. Test on a hidden spot first, just to be safe.

Bottom Line…

Leftover beer should never mean wasted beer. With a little creativity, that leftover beer can still earn its keep—no bottle opener required.

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