Allrecipes.com says a shandy is a beer cocktail made of equal parts beer and citrusy lemon-lime soda. A popular British pub drink, a shandy can be easily customized with the beer and soda of your choice, but if you want a traditional British shandy, stick to the 50/50 beer and soda mix.
Germany’s version is called a Radler, meaning “cyclist.” Its origin story involves a hot day, a pack of thirsty Bavarian cyclists, and the owner of a beer garden who didn’t have enough to go around so he got inventive with beer and lemon soda.
Here’s the classic recipe and four variations - a refreshing way to cool down in the hot weather we love in August and September, but the perfect accompaniment for football and tailgating.
The Classic Shandy Ingredients:
1 part beer
1 part lemon-lime soda
Lemon or lime slice (optional, for garnish)
Ice (optional)
Method: Add ¾ cup of cold beer to a glass, and top with ¾ cup lemon-lime soda such as 7-Up or Sprite
Now Mix It Up
Based on your ability to get great local or regional craft beer, here are some other delectable suggestions. Although 50/50 is the traditional ratio, play around with the proportions, add ice (or not) and find what works for you!
It’s Peary Good
A nutty/malty/smooth brown ale (such as Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan) + sparkling pear juice + a lemon twist + a pear slice
Cherry Radler
A botanical porter (such as Abita Vanilla Bean Porter) + black cherry soda or cherry juice + a lime wedge
Spanish Main
A Belgian tripel (such as 1817 Brewery Belgian Tripel) + pomegranate juice + a lime wedge
All Hallow’s Eve Shandy
A pumpkin ale or stout (such as Fertile Ground Brewery Pumpkin Stout) + ginger beer + a squeeze of orange juice + an orange slice