Ginger Beer Shandy Cocktail Recipe

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ByJohn

A Ginger Beer Shandy is a simple, refreshing cocktail that mixes beer with ginger beer for a light and zesty drink. I love how the combination creates a taste that’s crisp, a little spicy, and honestly just hits the spot on warm days or relaxed evenings.

This recipe comes together fast and uses just a handful of ingredients. Even folks who don’t usually go for beer tend to like this shandy—something about the ginger beer softens everything. If you’re looking to try something different or want a cool drink for guests, this is a solid pick.

Ginger Beer Shandy Cocktail Recipe

Ginger Beer Shandy Cocktail Recipe

Ginger Beer Shandy Cocktail Recipe
Making a Ginger Beer Shandy is pretty much as easy as it gets. I just mix beer with ginger beer for a fizzy, refreshing drink that’s not too strong.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

Ingredients

Here’s a quick table for reference:

  • Lager beer 6 oz about 180 ml
  • Ginger beer 6 oz about 180 ml
  • Ice cubes As needed optional
  • Lime/lemon 1 slice optional
  • I stick to equal parts lager and ginger beer so the flavors don’t overpower each other.

Instructions

  • I always chill both the beer and ginger beer before starting. Cold is key.
  • If I’m using ice, I fill my glass about halfway with big cubes.
  • I pour in 6 ounces of cold lager beer.
  • Then, I slowly add 6 ounces of ginger beer—pouring gently keeps the bubbles around.
  • I’ll give it a quick, careful stir with a bar spoon if it needs it.
  • For garnish, I’ll pop a lime or lemon slice on the rim or just float it on top.
  • I serve it right away, while it’s still cold and fizzy. Warm ingredients just make it go flat faster, and who wants that?

Notes

Honestly, the drink’s only as good as your ginger beer. I go for ones with a real spicy kick, not the super sweet or bland stuff.
Some lagers come off a bit bitter or strong, so I check before mixing. Sometimes I’ll swap in lemon for lime, or skip the citrus if I’m not in the mood.
If I want it less sweet, I use a really dry lager. For more sweetness, I’ll just pour in a bit more ginger beer. I wouldn’t recommend dark beers, stouts, or sweet ales—they just don’t play nice with ginger beer’s sharp bite.

Tasting Notes

First sip? The bubbles hit you right away, and then the ginger’s sharp bite comes through. The ginger flavor is clear, but not overwhelming—there’s a nice warming effect that stands out.

The beer sits in the background, mild and a little toasty. If I use a pale lager or wheat beer, it keeps things light and smooth. There’s a touch of sweetness, but it never drowns out the ginger.

Common tasting notes:

  • Spicy ginger pop
  • Light malt
  • Citrus tang (if lemon is added)
  • Refreshing finish

Over ice, it’s extra cold and crisp. The shandy isn’t heavy, so it’s easy to drink—perfect for warm days. Each sip leaves a gentle ginger zing lingering on my tongue. Not bad at all.

Must Have Ingredients

Substitute

Sometimes I just don’t have ginger beer around. When that happens, I usually grab ginger ale as a quick swap.

Ginger ale’s definitely sweeter and not as spicy, but hey, it’s still got that ginger kick.

If I’m after a non-alcoholic shandy, I’ll reach for non-alcoholic beer. It’s handy for guests who aren’t drinking.

I like to experiment with different beers, too. Wheat beer or pale ale? Both are pretty solid choices.

Sometimes I want more flavor, so I splash in a bit of lemonade or lime juice. Perks it right up.

If I’m cutting back on sugar, I’ll use diet ginger ale or just mix in some sparkling water. I kind of play with it until it tastes right to me.

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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