I’ve discovered my perfect summer companion, and it’s the Frosty Ginger Beer Shandy. There’s something magical about the zingy ginger meeting crisp lager that just screams “refreshment” on a sweltering day. The candied ginger adds this sweet heat that dances on your tongue, while the lemon brightens everything up. Ever wondered what bartenders mean by “perfectly balanced”? This is it. And trust me, your friends will be begging for the recipe at your next backyard gathering. What makes it truly special, though…
What Ingredients are in Frosty Ginger Beer Shandy?
This invigorating Ginger Beer Shandy is the perfect summer drink when you need something cool and zesty. The combination of chilled beer and spicy ginger creates a balanced flavor that’s not too sweet and not too bitter. And the best part? It’s super simple to throw together for your next backyard gathering or just a relaxing evening on the porch.
Ingredients:
- 5 cans (12 oz) lager or pilsner beer, chilled
- 4 cups ginger ale, chilled
- 3 tablespoons candied ginger
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Finely chopped candied ginger for glass rims
- Frozen beer glasses
When selecting your ingredients, quality really does matter here. Try to find a good craft lager or pilsner that isn’t too hoppy, as that might compete with the ginger flavor. And speaking of ginger, the candied ginger adds such a wonderful depth that you might be tempted to skip it—don’t! It transforms this from a regular shandy into something special. Oh, and those frozen glasses? Not just for show. They keep everything frosty cold, which is exactly what you want on a warm day when you’re serving up this delightful concoction.
How to Make this Frosty Ginger Beer Shandy
Preparing this invigorating shandy is all about the details, starting with those gloriously frosted glasses. About two hours before serving, pop your beer glasses in the freezer—this might seem like overkill, but trust me, the difference between a cold drink and an ice-cold drink is everything when we’re talking summer refreshment.
While those are getting frosty, gather your 5 cans (12 oz) of lager or pilsner beer and 4 cups of ginger ale, making sure they’re well chilled in the refrigerator.
Now for the fun part—creating those fancy rimmed glasses. Take them out of the freezer, run a lemon slice around each rim to moisten it, then dip the edges into finely chopped candied ginger. Isn’t it amazing how such a simple step can make a drink feel so special?
In a large pitcher, muddle 3 tablespoons of candied ginger with 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, really pressing to release all that spicy ginger flavor. This is where the magic happens, where that warm ginger heat meets the bright citrus notes.
Pour your chilled beer into the pitcher, followed by the ginger ale, and give it all a gentle stir. Why gentle? Because nobody wants a flat shandy, and vigorous stirring will knock out all those lovely bubbles.
If you’re looking to take your beverage crafting to the next level, consider investing in a home brewing equipment kit to create your own custom beer varieties for future shandy experiments.
Pour the mixture into your prepared glasses, add a slice of lemon to each for garnish, and serve immediately. The contrast between the spicy ginger rim, the cold glass, and the invigorating beer mixture creates a sensory experience that’s perfect for sipping slowly on hot afternoons.
And remember, the colder everything stays, the better this shandy tastes, so don’t let it linger too long before enjoying!
Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe creates a perfectly balanced shandy, let’s explore how to make this drink your own with some clever swaps and twists.
Can’t find candied ginger? Fresh ginger slices work beautifully, adding a more intense heat that I adore.
Non-alcoholic? Simply replace the lager with non-alcoholic beer or sparkling water for a virgin version that’s just as invigorating.
For a fruitier twist, try adding muddled strawberries or peach slices.
Ginger beer instead of ginger ale gives a spicier kick, perfect for those who, like me, crave that extra zing.
Craft beer enthusiasts might prefer a wheat beer base for its softer, complementary notes.
What to Serve with Frosty Ginger Beer Shandy
A perfectly chilled ginger beer shandy practically begs for complementary food pairings that enhance its spicy-sweet profile and invigorating nature.
I’m partial to serving it with spicy Asian dishes—think Thai curry or sriracha-glazed wings—where the shandy’s ginger notes create a beautiful harmony while cooling the heat.
For lighter fare, try citrus-marinated seafood, like lemon-garlic shrimp skewers or fish tacos with lime slaw. The zingy drink cuts through rich foods brilliantly, too.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with classic pub grub: soft pretzels with mustard, anyone? The malty-sweet combination is, in a word, irresistible.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of this frosty ginger beer shandy lies in its perfect balance between invigorating simplicity and surprising depth of flavor.
I love how the spicy notes of candied ginger play against the crisp lager, creating a drink that’s both familiar and excitingly different.
What I appreciate most? It’s endlessly customizable. Want it stronger? Add more beer. Prefer it sweeter? A touch more ginger ale does the trick.
I’m convinced this shandy deserves a spot in your summer rotation.
After all, isn’t the best refreshment one that adapts to your exact preferences? Trust me, once you’ve tried this ginger-kissed delight, plain beer might seem just a bit too… ordinary.