It feels like every time I plan a beach day with my family, I forget something important. And of course, I only realize it once we’re finally there and settled. So, to spare you from this headache, I’ve put together this list of five essential beach items:

1: A Tasty Summer Crusher — This is the MOST essential part of your beach kit. That’s why I’m sharing A Flood of Light with you! It tastes like the grown-up’s version of my kids’ fruit punch juice pouches, but with a lovely Brett funk and a twist of pink-lemonade tartness.

2: A Cooler Filled with Fresh Fruit — The brewmasters at Resident Culture packed today’s mixed-culture Berliner with real pineapples, drippy mangoes, fuzzy peaches, and tangy blood oranges, so you’re already set!

3: Entertainment — Google Resident Culture, and you'll have plenty of reading material. They're a Craft Beer & Brewing Breakout Brewer, and they have a huge following in Charlotte! That gives you loads to talk about while playing a friendly game of cornhole.

4: Sunblock — While today’s zippy summer sipper will cool you down with juicy refreshment, it won’t protect you from the sun. And living with 3rd degree sunburns for a week is not worth the risk.

5: A Beach Blanket — When you’re sipping down A Flood of Light, the only thing that might ruin your day at the beach would be getting sand in your nether regions — or worse: getting sand in your bottle!

*If you forget to pack your bottle of A Flood of Light, don’t worry: this Berliner ages well!