Grapefruit Shandy

A shandy is a classic British beer cocktail that has been served up as a refreshing tonic on a hot day for well over 150 years. It was originally made with beer and ginger ale, but the ginger ale has been replaced with lemon soda or lemonade over time as palates changed. 

This recipe is a newer variation using grapefruit juice or soda. Even with just two ingredients, it’s a super quick and simple cocktail that doesn’t hold back on flavor. 

Grapefruit and Beer Recommendations

Grapefruit juice or soda instead of the lemon soda or lemonade will lend your shandy a sweet and sour flavor with just a touch of floral aroma. Whether you use fresh grapefruit juice, store-bought grapefruit juice, or sparkling grapefruit soda, all pair well with a light, lager-style beer.

• If you are juicing fresh grapefruits, use a sweet variety, like an Oro Blanco, Rio Red, or any light pink variety. White grapefruit is more bitter, which clashes with the already bitter beer. 
• For this cocktail, I recommend a hefeweizen—it has a light citrus flavor with lots of bubbles. But if that’s not available near you, a pilsner is also a great option. I’d go with Carlsberg for its crisp, citrusy flavor.

Grapefruit Shandy Sounds a Lot Like…

Now, if a grapefruit shandy sounds a lot like the German radler or a French panaché, you are correct! The radler consists of half beer and half lemon or grapefruit soda. Similarly, a panaché has lemon soda. With the shandy, the proportions of beer to juice or soda are more flexible, plus you don’t have to use a carbonated soda, it can be a juice. 

How to Serve a Grapefruit Shandy 

A tall, roomy glass, like a standard pint glass will hold this drink nicely. A Collins glass, which holds 12 ounces, is also a great option. 

Ice or no ice? Traditionally, a shandy is served without ice. Make sure everything is chilled well: glasses, beer, and grapefruit juice or soda. If you’d like to quickly chill the drink, fill the glass about halfway with ice and then slowly pour in your ingredients and give it a stir. But know that adding ice will water it down a bit, depending on how slowly you drink it. 

A slice of grapefruit and a sprig of mint make for fragrant garnishes. 

For When it’s Hot Outside

• Peach Margarita
• Caipirinha
• Frozen Banana Daiquiri
• Mai Tai Cocktail
• Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri