Pilsner Shandy
A crisp, refreshing beer cocktail that mixes chilled pilsner with sparkling lemonade for a light, thirst-quenching drink. Incredibly easy to make and perfect for warm afternoons, barbecues, or whenever you want something bubbly and bright with lower alcohol.
For 1 serving
- prep
Chill the glass.
Place a tall beer glass or pint glass in the freezer for a few minutes, or fill with ice water to chill while you gather the ingredients.
TIPA frosty glass keeps the shandy colder longer on a hot day. - mix
Pour the pilsner.
Empty the ice water if used. Tilt the chilled glass and slowly pour half a cup of cold pilsner down the side to minimize foam.
- mix
Add the sparkling lemonade.
Slowly top off the glass with half a cup of chilled sparkling lemonade. The drink will settle into a pale golden color with a light frothy head.
TIPPour gently to preserve the carbonation and avoid overflowing. - garnish
Garnish with a lemon slice and serve immediately.
Slide a thin lemon slice onto the rim of the glass. Serve right away while the bubbles are lively.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Place your glass in the freezer 10 minutes before serving for a frosty, long-lasting chill.
- 2Pour the pilsner down the side of the tilted glass to minimize foam and retain carbonation.
- 3Use a 50/50 ratio for a balanced shandy; adjust to 60/40 beer for a stronger beer flavor.
- 4Substitute sparkling lemonade with lemon-lime soda if you want a slightly sweeter, less tart drink.
- 5Add a sprig of fresh mint or a few raspberries for an aromatic, fruity twist.
- 6Make a batch by mixing in a pitcher; stir gently and serve immediately so bubbles don't flatten.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-alcohol
Swap the pilsner for a non-alcoholic pilsner or a light beer (2-3% ABV) to reduce alcohol while keeping the crisp flavor profile.
citrus twistCitrus twist
Replace half the lemonade with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and a splash of soda water for a more complex, bitter-citrus shandy.
herbal shandyHerbal shandy
Muddle 3-4 fresh mint or basil leaves in the glass before adding beer and lemonade for an herby, garden-fresh upgrade.
spicy shandySpicy shandy
Add a thin slice of fresh ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glass before pouring for a gently warming, zesty kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lower Alcohol Content
At a 50/50 ratio, this shandy has roughly half the alcohol of a standard beer, making it a lighter option for those watching intake.
Hydrating Components
Sparkling lemonade provides hydration and a small dose of vitamin C from the lemon, while the pilsner offers B vitamins from malt.
Low Calorie Alternative
Using a light pilsner and diet sparkling lemonade can reduce the sugar and calorie load, offering a refreshing option for casual sipping.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but a crisp pilsner or light lager works best. Dark or heavy beers can overpower the lemonade and lose the bright, refreshing character.
