Best Summer Shandy Beer (10 Popular Brands)

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a refreshing Summer Shandy Beer for a hot summer day. This delightful beverage combines the crispness of beer with the zestiness of citrus, making it a popular choice for those seeking a light and invigorating drink during the warmer months.

In this post, we’ll delve into the world of Summer Shandy beer, exploring its flavor profile, key ingredients, popular brands, serving suggestions, food pairings, and also share with you some fantastic Summer Shandy beer recipes to try at home.

What Is Summer Shandy Beer?

Summer Shandy beer is a type of beer cocktail that blends beer with lemonade or other citrus flavors. 

This fusion results in a harmonious balance between the maltiness of beer and the tangy, refreshing taste of citrus. 

It’s known for its ability to quench thirst and provide a crisp, light drinking experience that is perfect for sipping under the sun.

What Does Summer Shandy Beer Taste Like?

Summer Shandy beer boasts a unique and appealing flavor profile. The beer’s natural bitterness is complemented by the bright and zesty notes of citrus, creating a harmonious combination of flavors. 

The result is a beer that is both refreshing and satisfying, making it an excellent choice for a laid-back summer day.

Key Ingredients 

The key ingredients that define Summer Shandy beer are beer itself and citrus flavors. 

While lemonade is the most common citrus addition, other variations may include lime, orange, grapefruit, or a combination of these. 

The type of beer used can vary as well, with wheat beers and light lagers being popular choices due to their crispness and mild flavors.

Popular Brands Of Summer Shandy 

1. Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy

A pioneer in the Summer Shandy game, this Wisconsin-based brewery offers a classic and widely-loved option.

2. Samuel Adams Porch Rocker

With a touch of bitterness and a pronounced lemon character, this offering from Samuel Adams is a popular choice.

3. Shock Top Lemon Shandy

This Belgian-style wheat beer infused with lemonade presents a delightful and balanced flavor.

4. Traveler Beer Co. Curious Traveler Shandy

Known for their various shandy offerings, Curious Traveler brings a unique blend of spices to their lemon shandy.

5. Stiegl Radler

Originating from Austria, this iconic radler showcases the perfect balance between grapefruit soda and beer.

6. Saranac Lemon Ginger Shandy

Incorporating ginger into the mix, this Shandy from Saranac adds a spicy twist to the traditional lemony notes.

7. Uinta Sum’r Organic Summer Ale

A lighter option, this organic ale boasts subtle citrus flavors ideal for easy drinking.

8. Lagunitas Citrusinensis Pale Ale

Lagunitas puts their spin on the Shandy with this citrus-packed pale ale.

9. Dogfish Head Seaquench Ale

Blending three styles of beer with lime juice and sea salt, this sour ale offers a unique take on the Shandy concept.

10. Harpoon Brewery Ufo Big Squeeze Shandy

With a strong orange flavor, this shandy leans towards a sweeter, citrusy profile.

Serving And Glassware Recommendations

To truly enjoy the experience of Summer Shandy beer, we recommend serving it ice-cold in a tall, narrow glass. This type of glass helps retain the beer’s carbonation and showcases its enticing color. 

Add a slice of lemon or other citrus fruit as garnish to enhance both the visual appeal and the aroma.

Pairing Summer Shandy With Food

The crisp and citrusy nature of Summer Shandy beer makes it an ideal companion to a variety of foods like:

• seafood dishes
• salads
• grilled chicken
• light pastas

The beer’s subtle sweetness and acidity can cut through richer flavors, offering a delightful contrast.

Best Summer Shandy Beer Recipes

Classic Lemon Summer Shandy

This simple yet revitalizing concoction calls for a harmonious pairing of 1 part lager or wheat beer with 1 part lemonade. 

Gently blend the two in a glass, allowing their flavors to intertwine. Garnish with a lemon slice and enjoy.

Tropical Citrus Shandy

For an exotic twist, try the Tropical Citrus Shandy. Crafted by combining 1 part wheat beer with 1 part each of orange juice and pineapple juice, this tropical drink captures the essence of sunny shores. 

Serve it over ice and elevate it with a twist of orange peel as garnish.

Ginger Shandy

Infuse your shandy with a touch of spice by crafting a ginger version. Combine the zing of ginger beer or ginger ale with the tang of lime juice in a glass. 

Slowly pour in the light beer while gently stirring, allowing the flavors to meld. Add ice if desired and garnish with a lemon slice.

FAQs

How is Summer Shandy different from regular beer?

Summer Shandy incorporates citrus flavors like lemonade, giving it a refreshing and tangy taste distinct from traditional beers.

What kind of beer is Summer Shandy?

Summer Shandy can be made with various beer styles, but wheat beers and light lagers are commonly used.

Is Summer Shandy an ale or lager?

It can be either, depending on the beer style used in its preparation.

Is Summer Shandy only available in the summer months?

While it’s most popular during summer, some brands offer it year-round due to its widespread appeal.

How do you serve and garnish Summer Shandy?

Serve in a tall glass with ice and garnish with a lemon or citrus slice.

What’s the alcohol content of Summer Shandy?

Alcohol content varies by brand and recipe, but it’s usually around 4-5% ABV.

Are there any non-alcoholic versions of Summer Shandy?

Yes, some breweries offer non-alcoholic shandies for those seeking a refreshing option without alcohol.