What’s in a Beer?
This July 4th, we’re raising a glass, not just to fireworks and freedom, but to one of the world’s most iconic beer styles with a story as layered as your playlist.
Meet the India Pale Ale.
Golden. Hoppy. A little bitter. A little bold.
The IPA isn’t just a summer drink, it’s a symbol of how history can evolve into heritage, and how South Asian creativity continues to reshape American rituals.
From Empire to Epic: The IPA Origin Story
The year was 1780-something. British officers stationed in India craved beer, but tropical heat spoiled the stuff faster than a bad joke at a wedding.
So brewers in England added extra hops, those tiny green buds that preserve flavor and add a bold, zesty bitterness.
The result? A beer that could survive the voyage and kicked off a new era of brewing.
They called it the India Pale Ale.
Centuries later, the IPA has outlived empires and reinvented itself as a cultural chameleon, now remixed by South Asian brewers into something bold, joyful, and fully global.
Reclaiming the Brew: South Asian Brewers Leading the Way
Bira 91: From Brooklyn to Delhi
Ankur Jain fell in love with craft beer in New York, then brought that obsession home. Today, Bira 91’s IPAs are crisp, grapefruit-laced, and paired with a cheeky monkey mascot. They’re showing up at food trucks in India and summer picnics in the U.S.Rupee Beer: Heritage in a Can
Brothers Vanit and Sumit Sharma brewed the Rupee IPA for the South Asian-American experience, designed to pair just as well with tandoori chicken as it does with burgers on the grill. Mango and citrus notes make every sip a cross-cultural conversation.U.S. Collabs: East Meets West, on Tap
Dogfish Head’s Namaste White adds Indian coriander for a citrusy sparkle.
Modern Times has toyed with curry leaves for complex depth.
Stone Brewing’s Tangerine Express tastes like a spicy summer popsicle, perfect for any backyard jam.
The Backyard Fusion Bash
Your July 4th hang? Here’s how to make it unforgettable.
The Menu
Tandoori chicken next to classic hot dogs
Paneer tikka skewers for your veggie fam
Corn on the cob with chaat masala
Coleslaw with a dash of cumin
And yes, gooey s’mores because... tradition.
And in your hand? A perfectly chilled IPA (or hop-flavored lemonade for the non-drinkers).
The Vibe
Picture marigold garlands next to mini flags.
Sparklers and diya lamps lighting up the yard.
Kishore Kumar fading into Kenny Chesney.
Uncles dancing like no one’s watching.
Why This Story Matters
This isn’t just about beer.
It’s about evolution. Adaptation. Celebration.
The IPA started as a survival tactic.
It became a symbol of rebellion.
And now, it’s a canvas for culture, where South Asian brewers, American tastes, and diasporic pride come together.
So this weekend, whether you’re sipping a cold one, flipping kebabs, or chasing kids through sprinklers...
Raise a glass to interdependence. To innovation. To flavor.
To stories that connect continents, and people who carry them forward.
From all of us at The Weekly Chai, Happy July 4th.
Drink well. Laugh louder. And pass the chutney.
Loved this? There’s more brewing every week. ☕