Shandy Cocktail Recipe

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Shandy Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol:3%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Shandy cocktail, a refreshing blend of beer and lemonade, has its origins in 17th century England. It was initially created as a lower-alcohol alternative to traditional beer or ale, making it a popular choice for daytime drinking and social gatherings. Over the years, the Shandy has evolved into a versatile and customizable drink, with many variations incorporating different types of beer, lemonade, and other ingredients.

  • Origin: 17th century England
  • Purpose: Lower-alcohol alternative to traditional beer or ale
  • Evolution: Many variations and customizations

How Shandy Tastes?

The Shandy cocktail is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors. The lemonade adds a bright citrusy note, while the beer provides a malty, slightly bitter backbone. The overall taste is light, crisp, and effervescent.

Interesting facts about Shandy

  • Shandy is often called 'Shandygaff' in the United Kingdom
  • In Germany, a similar drink called 'Radler' is made with beer and sparkling lemonade
  • Shandy is a popular choice for daytime drinking and social gatherings

Ingredients

  • Beer: 12 oz(360ml)
  • Lemonade: 12 oz(360ml)
  • Ice: 1cup
  • Garnish: Lemon wheel

Beer

Beer is the backbone of a Shandy, providing a malty flavor and carbonation that adds a refreshing quality to the drink. Typically, a lighter beer like a lager or pilsner is used because it won't overpower the lemonade. If you pour too much, you'll drown out the delicate balance; too little, and you'll miss that refreshing beer essence. Now, if you choose a hoppy IPA instead, you might find your Shandy tipping into bitter territory.

Mary Mitkina

Lemonade

Lemonade adds a tart sweetness, optimizing the Shandy for summertime sipping. Using 12oz keeps the beer and lemonade in a harmonious 1:1 ratio, ensuring neither overpowers the other. Leave it out, and you've just got a cold beer (no tragedy, but not a Shandy). Dial up the lemonade and your Shandy becomes a sweet lemon fizz.

Alex Green

Ice

Ice, ice, baby! It keeps the Shandy cool, making it the perfect antidote to sweltering days. Without it, your cocktail might fall flat in the heat. But don't let the ice overstay its welcome or it'll water down the soul of your vibrant concoction.

Emma Rose

Garnish: Lemon Wheel

A lemon wheel isn't just a pretty face; it's an invitation to the senses, suggesting the zesty flavors to come. Plus, give it a little squeeze to add an extra citrus kick. No lemon wheel? The world won't end, but your Shandy might feel a tad underdressed.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Shandy Drink

  1. Fill a large glass with ice
  2. Pour 12oz of your favorite beer into the glass
  3. Top with 12oz of lemonade
  4. Gently stir to combine
  5. Garnish with a lemon wheel

Pro Tips

  • Use a light beer: A lager or a pilsner works best for a Shandy. Avoid using dark or heavy beers.
  • Chill your ingredients: Both the beer and the lemonade should be cold before mixing.
  • Don't over stir: Stir gently to combine the beer and lemonade. Over stirring can cause the beer to lose its carbonation.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Grilled meats: The carbonation and slight bitterness of the beer cut through the richness of the meat.
  • Seafood: A Shandy's citrus notes complement the light flavors of seafood, especially shellfish.
  • Salads: Particularly with citrus dressings, the lemonade component of the Shandy enhances the fresh flavors of a salad.
  • Fruit desserts: The sweetness of the lemonade pairs nicely with fruit-based desserts, countering any tartness.

Drink Pairings

  • Water: Always a good idea to keep hydrated when drinking alcohol.
  • Iced tea: For those looking for a non-alcoholic beverage, iced tea can complement the flavors of a Shandy without overwhelming it.

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What you could change in Shandy

  • Beer: Any light beer can be used in place of a lager or pilsner.
  • Lemonade: You can substitute lemonade with any citrus-based soda or juice.
  • Garnish: Instead of a lemon wheel, you can use a slice of orange or a cherry.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Ginger Shandy

  • Swap out half the lemonade for ginger beer, adding a spicy kick.
  • Recipe: Fill glass with ice, pour 6oz beer, 6oz lemonade, top with 6oz ginger beer, stir gently.
  • This twist adds a zesty, spicy dimension that pairs beautifully with the beer and lemonade, refreshing with a little extra heat.

Berry Shandy

  • Add a splash of berry liqueur to the mix for a fruity twist.
  • Recipe: Fill glass with ice, add 1oz berry liqueur, pour 12oz beer and 11oz lemonade, stir gently.
  • The berry liqueur will add a sweet, berry blast that's great for those who like their drinks a bit more on the fruity side.

Herbal Shandy

  • Infuse your lemonade with fresh herbs like basil or rosemary before adding it to the beer.
  • Recipe: In a jug, muddle lemonade with a handful of fresh herbs, then strain. Fill glass with ice, pour 12oz beer, and top with 12oz infused lemonade, stir gently.
  • The herbs will bring an aromatic, earthy note turning the Shandy into a garden party in a glass.

In case you forgot basics how to make Shandy

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Shandy

Can I use fruit juice other than lemonade in a Shandy?

Yes, while classic Shandy cocktails are made with lemonade, it's also popular to use grapefruit, blood orange, or even peach juice for different flavor profiles.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of a Shandy?

Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic Shandy, you can use non-alcoholic beer or swap beer for ginger ale or soda water.

How should the beer to lemonade ratio be adjusted according to personal taste?

The classic Shandy usually maintains an equal ratio of beer to lemonade. However, feel free to adjust it according to your taste. More beer will give a heavier, more malty flavor, while more lemonade will make the drink sweeter and more citrusy.

What foods pair well with a Shandy?

Shandy is a versatile drink that pairs well with a variety of foods. It's great with grilled meats, fish, or vegetables at a barbecue. It's also great with spicy foods, as the citrus and malt flavors can help balance the heat.

What are some other popular beer cocktails?

Other popular beer cocktails include the Michelada (a mix of beer, lime juice, and assorted sauces, spices, and peppers), the Black Velvet (equal parts stout and champagne), and the Boilermaker (a beer served with a shot of whiskey or rum).

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