Raspberry Shandy

This refreshing beer cocktail is dangerously delicious. Not to mention the drink is pinkish and pretty as a picture but more importantly perfect for the summer heat. The zest from the limes, tang from the raspberries work alongside the fizzy brew.

It is International Beer Day and there is only one cocktail that comes to mind when I say that. Shandy.

Shandy is definitely the first ever cocktail that I tried and was intrigued about. I was 7-8 years old, at my grandparents house. It was a celebration of some sort and all my uncles, aunties and cousins were there. The older cousins would have a couple of sips while we younger ones would stand and watch. I do remember this one time tasting Shandy however that one was Kingfisher beer mixed with 7up or Limca (not sure at this point). My immediate reaction was confused cause it was sweet from the fizzy pop drink but it was bitter from the beer which I was not used to.

Today I haven’t used a soda or fizzy drink but raspberries and a little orange liqueur instead to add a fresh fruity note to the drink. You could use a can of juice or any juice you like instead of adding fresh fruit but it definitely adds a beautiful color and flavor. According to Eater, “Shandy” comes from the word old British word “Shandy gaff” dating back to 1850s, which was basically beer mixed with ginger ale. However, it is popularly understood to have come into existence in 1922 under the name of radler when Bavarian tavern owner Franz Xaver Kugler was running low on beer supply and mixed it with other dilutes to serve around. As the debate continues, my best goes out to the one who thought about making this cheerful cocktail.

There are a few substitutes here, you could use strawberries, blackberries and redcurrant if you like. I LOVE it with raspberries. Ive used Stella Artois beer here but you could use a spritzer as well if you like and any brand you prefer. Make note, the amount of beer needed will depend on the glass but I used 1/2 of a pint for a tall glass. The lime is a great addition to the cocktail but yo can use lemons as well. If you don’t have the orange liqueur such as Triple Sec, Cointreau, etc you can leave it out and/or add a squeeze of orange juice to keep the citrus flavor in the back of your palate. Now if you don’t like your cocktails sweetish don’t add the honey, but the raspberries and limes are tart so a little sweetness does balance it all out.

If you don’t have a shaker you can mix it all up in a glass and strain it out into your cocktail glass. Ideally you want a tall glass to serve this in but it really doesn’t make a difference for the taste. I like to garnish the cocktail with whole raspberries and a lime wedge. This drink must be served immediately as the beer will loose it oompah. You can muddle the fruit mixture and set it aside. Keep it ready for when it time to serve and get pouring.

Food Pairing:

Ideally you want serve this with an assorted cheese platter covering soft and firm cheeses. You could also serve with a charcuterie board including cured meats, sausages, olives, sun dried tomatoes, crackers and dips. This is also works well with some Sarnies aka sandwiches (hot or cold) filled with tuna, steak, chicken or fried fish. Not to mention some potato chips to go with that.

I think we have talked a lot and it is time to get muddling. If you want to see how I made it, you can watch it here. Happy International Beer Day Ninjas!