A shandy (or panaché as they’re known in France) is a wonderful summertime drink because it’s beer, which is one of the best things ever, lightened up with the tart sweetness of lemonade. You can use any beer you have to make one (or two), but I love the idea of using a fruity brew garnished with the corresponding fruit to make Strawberry Lemonade Shandy.
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That’s not gonna work
Sometimes you just know that things are going to work together. Like bananas and chocolate or root beer and ice cream or even bourbon and ginger beer. But beer and lemonade? That seems like a bit of a s t r e t c h.
I remember the first time David told me about the combination. He had sampled it in France many years ago and said it was nice and summery and French, so of course I wanted to give it a try. Even more so when I found out that it’s also big in England where it’s known as a shandy. Two of my favorite places sharing a common drink? I had to try it!
A shandy (or panaché as they’re known in France) is a wonderful summertime drink because it’s beer, which is one of the best things ever, lightened up with the tart sweetness of lemonade. You can use any beer you have to make one (or two), but I love the idea of using a fruity brew garnished with the corresponding fruit.
It was when we had our café that I first started making strawberry lemonade shandies. One day I looked at the frozen lemonade machine and at the beer in the cooler and… strawberry lemonade BEER was born! The perfect summer drink.
Strawberry Lemonade Shandy ingredients
Abita Strawberry Lager. We live quite close to the Abita Brewery and are big fans of all their products. If Abita isn’t available in your area, though, just substitute a different strawberry lager OR use whatever beer you have in the fridge — it just won’t be a Strawberry Shandy!
Simply Lemonade. I like this brand because it contains only cane sugar and there are no added colors. Plus it tastes fresh with no off flavors. If you’d rather you can absolutely make your own lemonade by squeezing lemons and mixing with water and simple syrup.
To make simple syrup:
- In a saucepan, bring to a boil 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Let cool before using in lemonade.
Strawberry and/or Lemon Slice. This garnish is purely optional but highly recommended as it looks so pretty and makes you even more excited about Drinks at 5!
how to make Strawberry Lemonade Shandy
- At least 30 minutes ahead, place 2 beer glasses in the freezer.
- Ready fruit for garnish.
- To serve, half fill the frozen glasses with lemonade then top off with beer.
- Add garnish to the rim of the glasses and serve!
Strawberry Lemonade Shandy
Ingredients
- 1-12 oz bottle Abita Strawberry Lager substitute other strawberry beer
- 12 ounces Simply Lemonade substitute homemade or other lemonade
- strawberries and lemon slices for garnish optional
Instructions
- At least 30 minutes ahead, place 2 beer glasses in the freezer.
- Ready fruit for garnish.
- To serve, half fill the frozen glasses with lemonade then top off with beer.
- Add garnish to the rim of the glasses and serve!