I wanted Borracho Beans as a side dish but didn't want to make the beans from a dried state. This recipe uses canned beans but it is so good you wouldn't know it! You can't really substitute the beer in this recipe because Borracho Beans means "drunken" and without the beer... well they just wouldn't be Borracho Beans! Also, these beans are intended to be "soupy" so if you like your beans with a thicker sauce (like me!), either use 1/2 the beer or simmer the beans longer (this is what I do).