By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
🇬🇧Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world
4 matchesDishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Traditional Shandy. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.
Radler (German Beer Shandy)In Germany · same ingredients· Same technique100%
Altbier (Düsseldorf's Traditional Dark Ale)In Germany · same ingredients67%
Kölsch (Cologne's Pale Ale)In Germany · same ingredients67%
A 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.
According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Traditional Shandy from another cuisine is Radler (Germany): the two share 100% of their ingredients.
Ingredients
tick what you already have - the rest goes on your shopping listHow 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 is a Shandy?
A Shandy is a popular British beverage consisting of a mixture of beer and lemon-flavored soda. It is typically consumed as a refreshing, low-alcohol drink during warmer months or in casual social settings.
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.
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