Pumpkin Ale Shandy Cocktail Recipe

I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy fall flavors, and honestly, the Pumpkin Ale Shandy has become a go-to drink for me this season.

It’s a super simple mix of pumpkin ale and lemonade that somehow just works—refreshing, a little unexpected, and not too sweet or heavy.

Whenever I make this for friends, it tends to disappear fast, especially on those crisp evenings when everyone wants something cozy but not too fussy.

Sure, beer and lemonade together sounds odd at first, but the spices from the pumpkin ale really do play nicely with the tartness of lemon.

It’s also ridiculously easy—no fancy tools or complicated steps. Just a handful of ingredients, and you’re good to go.

Pumpkin Ale Shandy Cocktail Recipe

This shandy brings together pumpkin beer, ginger beer, citrus, and a touch of spice for a drink that’s definitely autumn in a glass. I really like how the sweet, spiced pumpkin balances out with all the fresh, zesty notes.

Equipment

• Pint glass
• Bar spoon or long-handled spoon
• Cocktail jigger or measuring cup
• Shallow dish (for the spiced sugar rim)
• Microplane or fine grater (for fresh nutmeg, if you’re into that)
• Sharp knife and small cutting board (for slicing citrus)

I stick with a pint glass—just feels right for this drink, plus there’s enough space for everything. A bar spoon is nice for mixing without killing the bubbles.

For the rim, a shallow dish does the trick. The jigger is handy for measuring bourbon or anything else you want to toss in.

If you like a fresh nutmeg kick, you’ll want a microplane. And honestly, any small kitchen knife works for slicing up your citrus.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pumpkin ale or pumpkin beer (chilled)
• 3 oz ginger beer or ginger ale (chilled)
• 1 oz apple cider
• 1 oz bourbon (optional)
• 2 tsp spiced sugar (equal parts sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg)
• Lemon or orange wedge (for rimming and garnish)
• Ice cubes (a handful)
• Pinch of ground cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg
• (Optional) 1/2 oz orange liqueur

I just mix up some sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the rim. The pumpkin ale is obviously the main event here. Ginger beer gives it a nice fizz and a bit of a bite.

Apple cider adds that autumn sweetness. Bourbon and orange liqueur? Totally optional, but they do make things a bit more interesting.

Citrus slices and a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top bring it all together.

Instructions

• Run a lemon or orange wedge around the rim of your pint glass.
• Dip the rim in the spiced sugar mix to coat it.
• Fill the glass halfway with ice cubes.
• Pour in the apple cider and bourbon (plus orange liqueur if you want).
• Add the ginger beer or ginger ale.
• Top it off with chilled pumpkin ale or pumpkin beer.
• Stir gently with your bar spoon.
• Garnish with a citrus slice and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

I try to pour the ale slowly so it doesn’t get too foamy. Stirring gently helps everything come together, but I don’t overdo it—nobody wants flat beer.

The sugar rim really makes each sip pop. I usually add the garnish right before serving; it just looks and tastes fresher that way.

Notes

Pumpkin ale isn’t always sweet—some are spicier, some have a roasted vibe. I lean toward the sweeter ones for this, but honestly, I’ll use whatever’s in the fridge.

For ginger beer, I avoid the super spicy ones. Fresh apple cider is best if you can get it.

Bourbon adds depth, but if I’m not in the mood, I skip it. Orange liqueur will make it more citrusy—sometimes that’s exactly what I want.

I play around with the cinnamon and nutmeg, depending on how spiced I’m feeling that day. If I want more fizz, I just use less ice.

Making a batch for a crowd? I’ll line up the glasses and rim them all first, then pour everything in right before serving.

Tasting Notes

So, when I take that first sip of Pumpkin Ale Shandy, there’s this gentle fizz from the beer. It’s kind of refreshing—almost gives the drink a lighter vibe than you’d expect.

The taste? It’s a bit of sweet and spicy all at once. Honestly, I pick up cinnamon and nutmeg right away, like someone just handed me a slice of pumpkin pie in a glass.

Those spices blend with the pumpkin ale in a way that feels pretty cozy. It’s familiar, but not over-the-top.

Then there’s this little burst of citrus from the lemonade. That bit of brightness really keeps things from getting too sweet, or, you know, syrupy.

The flavors sort of play together nicely. Nothing really shouts above the rest, which I appreciate.

The smell? It’s like fall desserts mixed with a whiff of fresh lemonade. If I let it sit for a second, there’s a light, malty finish and just a little bit of spice that sticks around.

If you’re into pumpkin pie flavors in your drinks, this shandy’s pretty mild, easy to sip, and honestly, never too rich.

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