Brats 'n' Beer

1 (12 ounce) can or bottle beer (not dark)
4 bratwurst (about 1 pound)
1 sweet or Spanish onion, thinly sliced
    and separated into rings
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 hot dog buns

Prepare coals for direct grilling. Pour beer into heavy medium saucepan with ovenproof handle. (If not ovenproof, wrap heavy-duty foil around handle.) Place saucepan on grill. Pierce bratwurst with knife; add to beer. Simmer, uncovered, over medium coals, 15 minutes, turning once.

Place onion rings on heavy-duty foil. Drizzle with oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Fold sides of foil over rings to enclose. Place onion slices on grill. Grill, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes or until onion slices are tender.

Transfer bratwurst to grill. Remove saucepan from grill; discard beer. Grill bratwurst, 10 minutes or until browned and cooked through, turning once. Place bratwurst in rolls. Top each with onions. Garnish as desired.