Cocktail & Other Recipes By Spirit Gin Cocktails

Sour Shandy

By
Kate Dingwall
Kate Dingwall
Kate Dingwall
Kate Dingwall is a freelance writer whose work focuses on food, drinks and travel. She is based in Toronto.
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Published 03/16/21
Sour Shandy

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

In the small canon of beer cocktails, the Shandy takes the top spot. The two-ingredient drink, a combination of beer and citrus juice (often lemonade) is a refreshing and low-effort sipper and arguably one of the best session drinks out there. 

Speed Rack cofounder and Llama Group beverage director Lynnette Marrero adds complexity to the simple drink by reaching for beer syrup and an extra splash of the clear spirit of your choice, but her drink is still a breeze to make. 

The sour beer syrup can be made ahead of time. When it’s drink o’clock, simply pour the ingredients over ice and sip away. 

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce clear spirit of choice (such as aquavit, gin, tequila, vodka or white rum)

  • 3/4 ounce lemon, lime or grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed

  • 3/4 ounce sour beer syrup*

  • Lager beer, chilled, to top

  • Garnish: citrus slice

Steps

  1. Add the spirit, citrus juice and sour beer syrup into a pint glass with a few ice cubes and stir to combine.

  2. Top with the lager, pouring at a 45-degree angle, and stir briefly and gently to combine.

  3. Garnish with a citrus slice.

    *Sour beer syrup: Add 1/2 cup sour beer and 1/2 cup raw sugar to a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Will keep, refrigerated, for up to one week.