Classic Shandy cocktail recipe

Righto, mates, we reckon it’s time to chat about that legendary Aussie cocktail, the how-yer-goin, bit-of-alright Classic Shandy. Formerly making its only appearances in dodgy Aussie pubs and your aunt’s claws at Christmas, the Classic Shandy is back in a big way and we’re here for it. What’s not to like? Beer: good. Lemonade: good. Mixed together? Iconic.

We may have claimed it as our own here in Australia, but it’s actually of German and English descent, taking its name from the popular British Shandy. The drink first appeared as the ‘Shandygaff’ in Edward Bradley’s 1853 comic novel The Adventures of Mr Verdant Green. It was so popular it was published in Harry Johnson’s Bartenders’ Manual as half “Bass ale” and half “Belfast ginger ale.”

Back then, and even now, the Shandy is sometimes served with ginger ale or ginger beer, but here in Australia, we mostly have it with lemonade. Because of that, it pushes our Classic Shandy closer towards the German Radler (lemonade and beer) than the British Shandy. But, look, this is not a super serious drink. Do with it what you like and go ahead and call it a Shandy – we’re not here to judge.

So, next time you’re at the pub or your aunt’s for a cold one, or you’ve just got some beer and lemonade in the fridge, have a go at the Shandy. We promise it's much, much better than its reputation.

Shandies are as easy as they come. It’s literally two ingredients poured into a glass. There’s not even a need for ice, though we do recommend having a chilled glass. So, make sure you pop those glasses in the freezer at least half an hour beforehand. 

In terms of taking the drink in new flavour directions, it’s really up to you and your tastebuds. If you don’t gel with the ’80s bogan notoriety of a Classic Shandy (we’d ask, why the hell not?), feel free to use this recipe as a base, just like many trendy bartenders do. You can make it as complex or simple as you like. For example, some fancy bartenders like to add in some fun flavours like Campari or Chartreuse to give the drink interesting bitter notes. Just keep in mind this crucial bit of bartender wisdom: aim to make your lemonade dry, not your beer sweet. 

And there you have it. Throw on some AC/DC, maybe chuck some snags on the barbie, and enjoy your nice cold Shandy. 

Cheers, big ears!