🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Drinks
Traditional Shandy
By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
🇬🇧 UKA classic British pub favourite, the traditional shandy is a wonderfully simple and incredibly refreshing mix of beer and fizzy lemonade. Perfect for a warm day when you fancy a lighter, less alcoholic drink, it offers a delightful balance of malty notes and zesty sweetness, a truly thirst-quenching choice.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Choose your beer: Select a chilled lager or a pale ale, typically 330ml or 500ml, which forms the base of your shandy. A lighter, crisp beer works best to complement the sweetness of the lemonade.
- 2
Select your mixer: Ensure you have a good quality, chilled fizzy lemonade. The fizz is key to the refreshing nature of a shandy, so avoid still lemonade.
- 3
Prepare your glass: Take a clean pint glass or a tall, straight-sided glass. Ensure it's dry to avoid any loss of fizz.
- 4
Pour the beer first: Gently pour about half to two-thirds of your chosen beer into the glass, tilting the glass slightly to control the head. The exact ratio is a matter of personal preference, but generally, beer forms the larger part.
- 5
Top with lemonade: Slowly top up the glass with the chilled lemonade, aiming for a ratio of about 2:1 or 3:1 beer to lemonade. Pouring it gently down the side of the glass helps to maintain the effervescence.
- 6
Serve immediately: There's no need to stir; the liquids will naturally mix. Serve your perfectly crafted shandy straight away to enjoy its crisp, refreshing qualities at its best.
- 7
Adjust to taste: If you prefer a sweeter or less alcoholic drink, adjust the ratio of lemonade to beer. Some people enjoy a 50/50 mix, while others prefer just a splash of lemonade for a subtle lift.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of beer is best for a shandy?+
Lager is the most traditional choice, offering a crisp and refreshing base. A light pale ale or bitter can also work well, depending on your preference for flavour intensity.
What is the ideal ratio for a shandy?+
While personal preference varies, a common ratio is 2 parts beer to 1 part lemonade. Some prefer a 50/50 mix, known as a 'lager top' in some regions, or a stronger 3:1 ratio.
Can I use ginger beer instead of lemonade?+
Yes, a shandy made with ginger beer instead of lemonade is known as a 'ginger shandy' or 'ginger beer top' and offers a spicier, less sweet alternative.
Is a shandy always alcoholic?+
Traditionally, a shandy contains alcohol from the beer. However, you can make a non-alcoholic version using non-alcoholic beer or a mixture of lemonade and sparkling apple juice.
🇬🇧 UKMundo Match
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