Get Paid to Drink? Grab a Pint, Earn Extra Income
According to a July 2023 Gallup survey, about 62% of U.S. adults enjoy an alcoholic drink now and then, while 38% steer clear of it entirely. If you’re part of that 62%, there’s a way to turn your love of beer into a fun and rewarding side hustle. Yes, it might sound too good to be true — but hear me out.
Before we dive in, let’s set some ground rules: drink responsibly. The side hustles we’re about to explore may involve having a cold one or two, but it’s all about moderation, safety, and, of course, enjoying the process while earning some extra cash.
Beer Money That’s More Than Just “Beer Money”
When we talk about making money while enjoying your favorite drink, we’re not talking about a one-off reimbursement or some token change. These side hustles can actually add up over time — and the best part? There’s no need to stick to just one gig. You can mix and match different opportunities to maximize your income while enjoying a good brew.
Let’s start with one of the most fun and accessible options: Secret Hopper.
Become a Secret Shopper at Breweries
Secret Hopper lets you get paid to visit local breweries, enjoy their craft beers, and give feedback on your experience. It’s as simple as it sounds: sign up as a mystery shopper, visit breweries, sip their beers, and offer feedback on things like the quality of service, atmosphere, and, of course, the drinks themselves.
Here’s how it works: Suppose you spend $16 during your visit to a brewery. Secret Hopper will reimburse you $20 via PayPal a few days later. No, it won’t make you rich overnight, but if you’re a beer enthusiast, free beer and a little extra cash is a win-win. Plus, you’re supporting local businesses!
How to Get Started with Secret Hopper
Signing up with Secret Hopper is a breeze. Once registered, they’ll send you gig opportunities whenever there’s a brewery near you needing feedback. You get to combine your hobby with a side hustle that allows you to explore new places, enjoy local brews, and earn a bit of money in the process.
But let’s say you’re thinking bigger. Maybe you’re wondering, “Is there a real career in beer drinking?” The answer is surprisingly yes!
Turning Beer into a Career: The Many Opportunities in the Craft Beer Industry
The craft beer industry is enormous. In 2014 alone, it contributed over $55 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 424,000 jobs. From tasting to brewing to marketing, there are several ways to make a living while indulging your love for beer.
Professional Beer Taster
Ever heard of a professional beer taster? It’s not just a novelty title; it’s a legitimate job. Much like a wine sommelier, a beer taster needs a trained palate, a solid understanding of brewing, and the ability to describe the flavors and nuances of different beers. Professional beer tasters can make anywhere from $11,000 to $33,000 annually, depending on their experience and where they work. It’s not a path to instant wealth, but for beer aficionados, it’s a pretty sweet deal.
Brewery Tour Guide
If you’re passionate about the brewing process and love interacting with people, becoming a brewery tour guide could be right up your alley. You’ll give tours, explain the brewing process to visitors, and offer tastings. While the job requires a bit of expertise, it’s a fun way to engage with fellow beer lovers and be part of the industry.
Brewmaster
For those who love the creative and scientific side of things, becoming a brewmaster might be your dream job. Brewmasters are responsible for coming up with new beer recipes and overseeing the entire brewing process. This role requires a deep understanding of brewing techniques and a passion for innovation. It’s both an art and a science, making it a unique and rewarding career for those who want to dive deep into the craft.
Marketing, Cicerones, and Beer Blogging: More Ways to Work with Beer
If you’re more inclined towards marketing, breweries are always looking for creative marketers to help promote their new brews, manage social media, and engage with customers online. It’s a great way to combine your skills with your passion for craft beer.
For those interested in becoming experts in beer pairing and serving, cicerones (the beer version of sommeliers) are in high demand in restaurants, breweries, and bars. Cicerones are knowledgeable about different beer styles and flavors, helping customers find the perfect pairing for their meal.
If writing is more your style, you could also consider becoming a beer blogger or journalist. There’s a large audience eager to read about beer reviews, trends, and upcoming events. By writing about beer, you could attend festivals, interview brewers, and gain insider access to the industry.
Working Behind the Scenes: Beer Festivals, Brewery Management, and Sales
Beer festivals are another exciting avenue to explore. These events need staff to help with ticketing, organizing, and serving beer. Working at festivals puts you in a fast-paced, social environment where you can meet other beer enthusiasts and learn more about the industry.
If you’re more into business, consider roles in brewery management, sales, or distribution. These jobs ensure that the beer makes it from production to customer and play a vital role in keeping the industry running smoothly.
Educate Future Brewers
For those with teaching aspirations, breweries and educational institutions sometimes offer courses on brewing, beer tasting, and the business side of beer. If you’re an expert, teaching others could be a rewarding way to pass on your knowledge and passion.
Wrapping it Up: Start Small, Think Big
Whether you’re looking for a fun side hustle or dreaming of a full-blown career in the craft beer industry, there’s a lot of potential out there. Start small with gigs like Secret Hopper, and if you find yourself loving the world of beer, you can explore more opportunities to turn it into something bigger.
Just remember — please, drink responsibly! Cheers to your next adventure!
Sources:
https://bonbeer.com/beer-and-beer-travel-articles/get-paid-to-drink-beer/