Pilsner Shandy
A wonderfully refreshing and simple beer cocktail made by mixing a crisp pilsner with sparkling lemonade. It's the perfect light and bubbly drink for a sunny afternoon or a backyard barbecue, offering a less alcoholic and sweeter alternative to a full-strength beer.
For 4 servings
3 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Chill Ingredients and Glassware
- b.Ensure both the pilsner and sparkling lemonade are thoroughly chilled in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours before mixing.
- c.For an extra crisp and refreshing drink, place four tall glasses (like a pilsner glass or pint glass) in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Mix the Shandy
- b.Take a chilled glass and tilt it at a 45-degree angle.
- c.Slowly pour 6 fl oz (3/4 cup) of pilsner down the side of the glass. This technique minimizes the foam, preserving the beer's carbonation.
- d.Straighten the glass and gently top with 6 fl oz (3/4 cup) of sparkling lemonade.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Garnish and Serve Immediately
- b.Cut the lemon into thin wheels or wedges.
- c.Garnish the rim of each glass with a lemon slice.
- d.Serve immediately while the drink is cold and effervescent.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The classic ratio is 1:1 beer to lemonade, but feel free to adjust. For a less sweet, more beer-forward drink, use a 2:1 ratio of beer to lemonade.
- 2For a tangier, less sweet shandy, substitute sparkling lemonade with a mix of freshly squeezed lemon juice and club soda.
- 3Always pour the beer first, then the lemonade. Adding beer to lemonade can cause excessive foaming and a messy overflow.
- 4Use high-quality ingredients. A crisp, clean German or Czech-style pilsner and a lemonade made with real sugar will yield the best flavor.
- 5This drink is best made to order. Do not mix a large batch in advance, as it will lose its carbonation and freshness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Radler
The German original. Use a 50/50 mix of pilsner and a carbonated lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7-Up.
Grapefruit ShandyGrapefruit Shandy
Swap the sparkling lemonade for a sparkling grapefruit soda for a more tart and complex citrus flavor.
Ginger ShandyGinger Shandy
Use a spicy ginger ale or ginger beer instead of lemonade for a zesty kick.
Herbal ShandyHerbal Shandy
Gently muddle a few fresh mint leaves or a sprig of rosemary in the bottom of the glass before adding the beer and lemonade for an aromatic twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lower Alcohol Content
By mixing beer with lemonade, you effectively cut the alcohol content by half compared to drinking a full-strength beer. This makes it a lighter, more sessionable option for social gatherings.
Source of Vitamin C
The lemonade and fresh lemon garnish contribute a small amount of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system.
Potential for Hydration
While alcohol is a diuretic, the significant volume of non-alcoholic lemonade in a shandy helps to offset this effect, contributing more fluids than a standard beer.
Frequently asked questions
They are very similar, and the terms are often used interchangeably. Traditionally, a British Shandy is beer mixed with a carbonated lemonade, while a German Radler ('cyclist') is beer mixed with a lemon-lime soda. Both are refreshing, low-alcohol beer cocktails.