Shandygaff Recipe: The Original Pale Ale and Ginger Beer Shandy

A Shandygaff is the original English shandy, pale ale topped with ginger beer, and it came well before the lemonade version most people think of when they hear the word shandy today.

Ginger beer’s sharper, spicier bite is the whole point here, it stands up to the ale instead of just sweetening it the way lemonade does, which makes for a drier, snappier drink overall.

It’s built the same way as any shandy, ale in the glass first, ginger beer poured slowly on top to keep the fizz, with a light stir to combine.

How to Make It

Print Recipe

Shandygaff

The original English shandy: pale ale topped with ginger beer instead of lemonade, giving it a sharper, spicier snap than the citrus version.

Prep Time2 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Calories: 160kcal

Author: Dan Smullen

Ingredients

• 6 oz pale ale or a light lager, cold
• 6 oz ginger beer well chilled, spicy rather than mild
• 1 wedge lemon optional, for garnish

Instructions

• Fill a pint glass with the pale ale.
• Top slowly with the ginger beer, pouring down the side of the glass to keep the fizz.
• Give it one gentle stir to combine.
• Garnish with a lemon wedge if using and serve immediately, ice cold.

Want more beer picks for the summer? Check our best beers for a shandy, best summer beers for hot weather guides.

Gear That Helps

Making a batch for a crowd? A beverage dispenser from our shop keeps a pre-mixed pitcher cold and ready to pour.

Beers Worth Trying in This One

Beer reviewBud Light Review★★★★☆ 3.5/5Read the review →Beer reviewMiller Lite Review★★★★☆ 3.5/5Read the review →Beer reviewCoors Light Review★★★★☆ 3.5/5Read the review →Beer reviewMichelob Ultra Review★★★★☆ 3.5/5Read the review →

FAQ

Is a Shandygaff different from a regular shandy?

Yes. A modern shandy usually means beer and lemonade, while a Shandygaff specifically uses ginger beer, which gives it a spicier, less sweet flavor.

Can I use ginger ale instead of ginger beer?

You can, but ginger ale is milder and sweeter. Ginger beer has a sharper bite that’s closer to the traditional Shandygaff.

What ale works best?

A classic English pale ale is traditional, but a light lager works fine too if that’s what you have on hand.

More beer cocktails: see the full Beer Cocktails guide for every recipe in this collection.

Curious how much alcohol this actually cuts from your beer? See Does a Radler or Shandy Actually Dilute Your Alcohol Intake?.