Shandy

The Shandy is a straightforward, no-fuss mix of beer and ginger ale. It is a light, refreshing option that appeals to those seeking a lower alcohol alternative to a full beer, or a sessionable drink on a hot day. It is often ordered by folks who want something easygoing and thirst-quenching, without the complexity of a spirit-based cocktail. It is a humble classic, often overlooked but always welcome.

Shandy

4.70 from 23 votes

Calories: 12kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 0.5 Glass(s) Bitter Beer
▢ 0.5 Gallon(s) Ginger Ale

Instructions

▢
Fill a glass half full of beer (lighter beer works better). Fill the rest with Ginger Ale or 7-Up (preference).

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 12kcal (1%)Carbohydrates: 2g (1%)Sugar: 2g (2%)

Where it came from

The Shandy, or Shandygaff as it was originally known, has roots in British pubs stretching back centuries, with mentions appearing in the mid-19th century. It developed as a popular way to lighten a beer and make it more palatable for longer sessions, particularly in warmer weather. It is a working-class drink, unpretentious and widely enjoyed across the UK and other Commonwealth nations.

This drink belongs to a broad family of beer cocktails, sharing DNA with the German Radler and the French Panaché. While a Radler typically uses lemon-lime soda or lemonade and a Panaché often opts for clear soda, the Shandy distinctly uses ginger ale. This gives it a specific spicy sweetness that sets it apart from its carbonated beer cousins.

You would typically find a Shandy served in a casual pub setting, at a backyard barbecue, or as a refreshing option at a sporting event. It is a simple pour, meant for easy drinking and laid-back occasions. It is not a cocktail bar showpiece, but a reliable quencher for when you are not looking for anything fancy.

What it tastes like

The Shandy hits with the crisp bitterness of beer upfront, quickly softened and sweetened by the ginger ale. The mid-palate introduces a pleasant warmth and spice from the ginger, balancing the beer’s malt notes. The finish is light, clean, and effervescent, leaving a refreshing sensation that encourages another sip. It is a remarkably easy-drinking profile.

Using a standard 5% ABV beer in a half-and-half ratio, a Shandy will clock in at around 2.5% ABV. This makes it significantly less alcoholic than a typical beer, which often ranges from 4-6%, and vastly lighter than a standard cocktail, which can easily hit 20% ABV or more. It is a true session drink, designed for extended enjoyment without heavy intoxication.

The technique

Building a Shandy is as simple as it gets. Start with a chilled glass, preferably a pint or tall glass. Pour your chosen beer in first, filling the glass about halfway. Let the head settle slightly. Then, slowly top off the glass with chilled ginger ale, aiming for an even mix as you pour. The carbonation will do most of the mixing for you, so no vigorous stirring is needed.

The single most important technique tip for a Shandy is to pour the beer with care to avoid an excessive head. A massive head of foam means less room for the ginger ale and an imbalanced drink. Tilt the glass and pour down the side, then straighten as it fills, allowing for a modest, manageable head before you add the soda.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Bitter Beer

Use: A standard lager, pilsner, or a session ale works perfectly. Think about a crisp, relatively neutral beer that allows the ginger ale to shine without fighting it. Brands like Stella Artois, Budweiser, or a local craft lager are good calls.
Skip: Heavy, intensely hoppy IPAs or rich stouts are generally not the best choice for a classic Shandy. Their strong flavors tend to overpower the ginger ale, creating a muddled taste rather than a refreshing balance.
Why: The beer provides the body, the alcoholic base, and the characteristic bitter counterpoint to the ginger ale’s sweetness. It is the foundation upon which the Shandy’s refreshing profile is built.

Ginger Ale

Use: A good quality ginger ale is crucial. Brands like Canada Dry, Schweppes, or Fever-Tree provide the right balance of sweetness and ginger spice. Ensure it is well-chilled for maximum refreshment.
Skip: Avoid using ginger beer, which is much spicier and can overwhelm the beer’s delicate notes. Also, do not use flat soda; the Shandy relies on effervescence for its light, crisp character.
Why: Ginger ale is the key flavor component, bringing sweetness, a gentle spice, and essential carbonation. It transforms the beer from a simple brew into a light, bubbly, and invigorating concoction.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Radler

The German beer and lemonade.: Substitute ginger ale with lemon-lime soda or actual lemonade for a tart, citrus-forward version popular in Germany and Austria.

Panaché

The French beer and clear soda.: Swap the ginger ale for a clear, unflavored lemon-lime soda like 7-Up or Sprite, creating a lighter, less spicy, and more straightforwardly sweet drink.

Dark Shandy

A deeper, maltier take.: Use a dark lager, a mild porter, or a brown ale instead of a bitter beer. This offers a richer, more malty backbone that still pairs surprisingly well with the ginger ale’s spice.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Ginger Ale?

Use lemon-lime soda (like 7-Up or Sprite) or a good quality lemonade. The flavor profile will shift from spicy-sweet to citrus-sweet, but it will still be refreshing.

No Bitter Beer?

Any light lager or pilsner will work. Even a light ale can be used. The key is to avoid anything too heavy or intensely flavored that would clash with the ginger ale.

No Pint Glass?

Any tall glass will do the job. A highball glass or even a large tumbler is perfectly acceptable for serving a Shandy.

No Beer?

While not a Shandy, a similar non-alcoholic experience can be had with non-alcoholic beer and ginger ale. It keeps the essential flavor profile and refreshment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Shandy?

A Shandy is typically made with equal parts beer and ginger ale, though the ratio can be adjusted to personal preference.

How strong is a Shandy?

A Shandy’s alcohol content is roughly half that of the beer used, making it a low-ABV drink, often around 2.5% ABV.

What kind of beer works best for a Shandy?

Lighter, crisp beers like lagers, pilsners, or session ales are generally preferred as they blend well with ginger ale without overpowering it.

Is a Shandy an alcoholic drink?

Yes, a Shandy contains alcohol from the beer, although its ABV is significantly lower than a full beer or most cocktails.

What is the difference between a Shandy and a Radler?

A Shandy traditionally uses ginger ale, while a Radler typically uses lemon-lime soda or lemonade.

Do you stir a Shandy?

No vigorous stirring is usually needed. The carbonation from the ginger ale helps to mix the ingredients as you pour it into the glass.

Is a Shandy served cold?

Absolutely. A Shandy is meant to be a refreshing, cold drink. Use chilled beer and ginger ale for the best experience.

Can you make a Shandy with dark beer?

Yes, you can. Using a dark lager or a mild porter creates a ‘Dark Shandy,’ offering a richer, maltier flavor profile.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read

Beer, Cocktail, Bitter Beer, Ginger Ale, Photo, Recipe, S

Shandy

Shandy

Shandy

Ingredients

Instructions

Estimated Nutrition:

Where it came from

What it tastes like

The technique

Tell us what's in your cabinet.

One drink, one tip, one Tuesday a month.

Ingredient Spotlight

Bitter Beer

Ginger Ale

Three Variations

Radler

Panaché

Dark Shandy

What if I don't have…

Frequently Asked Questions

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