Summer Shandy is a beer produced by the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company that is known for its refreshing citrus flavor. It is an American wheat ale that combines crisp wheat beer with natural lemonade flavor to create a shandy-style beer perfect for summer drinking.
What is a shandy?
A shandy is a beer mixed with a non-alcoholic beverage, usually lemonade, ginger ale, or lemon-lime soda. The term “shandy” originated in Britain and is short for “shandygaff” which was beer mixed with ginger beer in the 1800s. Shandies are designed to be light and refreshing. The addition of lemonade or soda cuts the alcohol content while complementing the base beer’s flavor.
Main ingredients in Summer Shandy
- Wheat malt – Gives the beer its hazy, golden color and light mouthfeel. Wheat beers tend to be crisp and refreshing.
- 2-row barley malt – Provides sugar for fermentation and adds body and flavor.
- Cascade hops – Imparts citrus and floral notes.
- Natural lemonade flavoring – Gives Summer Shandy its signature lemonade taste.
- Yeast – Converts sugars into alcohol and carbonation during fermentation.
Alcohol content
Summer Shandy has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.2%. This is a bit lower than regular American wheat beers which are usually around 5% ABV. The addition of lemonade reduces the overall alcohol content while retaining the beer’s flavor.
Calories and nutrition
One 12 oz. bottle of Summer Shandy contains:
- Calories: 132
- Carbs: 14 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Fat: 0 g
Summer Shandy is considered a light, reduced-calorie beer option. The lemonade cuts down on the calories while adding a touch of sweetness.
Flavor profile
Summer Shandy has a bright, citrus forward flavor with undertones of wheat and hops. Here are some key flavor notes:
- Crisp and effervescent with a medium body
- Tangy lemonade provides refreshing tartness
- Hints of honey and orange from the wheat malt
- Touch of grassy, floral hop bitterness to balance the sweetness
- Dry, clean finish with lingering lemon zest
When was it first brewed?
Leinenkugel’s first brewed Summer Shandy as a seasonal offering in 2007. It proved so popular that it became a year-round beer for the brewery in 2012 and has been a top-selling seasonal ever since.
Where is it brewed?
Summer Shandy is brewed at the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. The family-owned brewery was founded in 1867 and produces several popular wheat beers and shandies.
What types of food does it pair well with?
Summer Shandy’s citrusy flavor profile makes it a refreshing pairing for many warm weather foods including:
- Seafood like shrimp, crab cakes, mahi mahi
- Chicken dishes featuring lemon or vinegar
- Salads with vinaigrette dressing
- Light appetizers like spring rolls or fried pickles
- Spicy foods that need cooling down
- Herb-grilled vegetables
- Fruit desserts like peach cobbler or lemon bars
The lemonade flavor also makes it a nice complement to citrusy cocktails if used as a beer mixer.
Where can it be purchased?
As a popular national brand, Summer Shandy can be found at most major grocery chains, liquor stores, gas stations, and beer distributors during its seasonal release from May through September. Some locations sell it year-round either on draft or in bottles/cans. It is distributed throughout the United States.
How should it be served?
Summer Shandy is best enjoyed ice cold right from the fridge. Serving suggestions include:
- Pouring into a chilled pilsner glass to appreciate the color and carbonation
- Adding a lemon wedge for extra citrus aroma
- Serving in a frosted mug to keep it cold
- Pairing with food mentioned above
- Drinking right from the bottle or can
This beer can be enjoyed on its own but also stands up well in beer cocktails like shandy-inspired micheladas or lemon radlers.
Why is it so popular in summer?
There are several reasons why Summer Shandy is beloved as a hot weather brew:
- It is extremely refreshing and crisp
- The lemonade flavor is evocative of summer
- It is lower in alcohol than many beers making it sessionable
- The wheat beer base is lighter bodied than ales or lagers
- It has bright, poppy carbonation
- Tastes like an adult version of old-fashioned lemonade
- Pairs perfectly with outdoor activities and cookouts
Ultimately, Summer Shandy offers the perfect balance between the drinkability of lighter beers and the flavor punch of lemonade. Its balance of sweet and tart in an easy-drinking package makes it a go-to summer brew.
Conclusion
Summer Shandy is a refreshing wheat ale combined with lemonade that offers notes of citrus, wheat, and hops. First brewed in 2007, its popularity as a summer seasonal beer comes from its crisp drinkability, lower 4.2% ABV, and evocative lemonade flavor. This American shandy-style brew uses wheat malt, lemonade flavoring, and Cascade hops to deliver a sweet, tangy, and effervescent profile perfect for summer sipping. It has become a staple seasonal beer associated with summer’s flavors and experiences.