A shandy is a type of beer cocktail typically made by mixing beer with a non-alcoholic beverage, such as lemonade, ginger beer, or ginger ale. The origin of the name “shandy” is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in England in the 18th century. It’s common in many European countries and in some countries in Latin America.
The most common type of shandy is called a “lemon shandy” and is made by mixing equal parts lager beer and lemonade. The ginger beer shandy is made by mixing beer with ginger beer, this type of shandy is popular in the UK, and other countries of the Commonwealth. Some variations of shandy include adding fruit juice or syrups to the mixture to add a different flavor.
Shandy is usually served in a pint glass, and is a popular drink during the summer months because of its refreshing taste.
Here is a simple recipe for making a traditional lemon shandy:
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle or can of lager beer
- 1 cup of lemonade (store-bought or homemade)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
- Start by pouring the lager beer into a pint glass.
- Slowly pour in the lemonade, being careful not to overflow the glass.
- Stir gently to combine the two liquids.
- Add a lemon wedge to the rim of the glass for garnish, if desired.
- Enjoy your refreshing lemon shandy!
Note: You can adjust the ratio of beer to lemonade to suit your taste preferences. Some people prefer a stronger beer flavor, while others prefer a sweeter, more lemonade-heavy drink.
You can also make a ginger beer shandy by following the same recipe and replacing lemonade with ginger beer.
Shandy Variations
There are many variations of the traditional shandy that you can try. Here are a few popular variations:
- Beer-Lime Shandy: Made by mixing lager beer and lime soda or lime juice. This variation is popular in Latin America, where is known as “Chelada”
- Peach Shandy: Made by mixing lager beer with peach soda or peach nectar. Some variations include adding a splash of peach schnapps or peach liqueur.
- Orange Shandy: Made by mixing lager beer and orange soda or orange juice. Some variations include adding a splash of orange liqueur or triple sec.
- Grapefruit Shandy: Made by mixing lager beer with grapefruit soda or grapefruit juice. Some variations include adding a splash of grapefruit liqueur or Campari.
- Cider Shandy: Made by mixing lager beer with hard cider. Some variations include adding a splash of apple schnapps or Calvados.
- Spiced Beer Shandy: Made by mixing lager beer with ginger beer or ginger ale and adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice.
- Chocolate Beer Shandy: Made by mixing lager beer with chocolate liqueur or chocolate syrup.
These are just a few examples of the many variations you can try, you can get creative and experiment with different ingredients to make your own unique shandy.
Enjoy your shandy!
